Evan arrived in the intelligence room before dawn. The air was cold and quiet except for the faint rustle of parchment as the apprentices sorted last night’s notes. Lenar entered moments later still rubbing sleep from his eyes. Evan stood at the center table staring at the map like a general studying a battlefield.

Today Evan said we set the trap.

The apprentices straightened. Lenar swallowed hard.

Evan tapped the region south of the city. Iron Crest wants herbs. That is clear. So we give them what they want. A false opportunity. A bait they cannot ignore.

One apprentice tilted her head. A fake herbal source

Not fake Evan said. Suggested. That is more believable.

He drew a circle around a hillside near a river bend. This region is known for low quality herbs. No one expects high grade supplies there. If rumors claim that rare herbs were found there Iron Crest will rush to secure it before we do.

But they will find nothing Lenar said.

Exactly Evan replied. And while they waste time we secure the real market position.

He began outlining the plan. They would arrange for a small caravan to leave the Silver Quill headquarters carrying crates marked with herbal symbols. The crates would not contain herbs but stones wrapped in dried leaves. Just enough scent to fool casual observers. The caravan would travel toward the southern hills in clear view of the market. At the same time a trusted merchant would casually discuss the discovery of a new growth patch.

A whisper here. A mention there. Enough to build momentum.

Iron Crest will react quickly Evan said. They always react to threat. It is their flaw.

The apprentices nodded writing down every detail.

Evan then pointed to the herbal district on the map. While they pursue the bait you will secure supplier contracts. You will talk to vendors. You will buy long term agreements. You will lock down supply before they realize the south is empty.

Lenar hesitated. But what if Iron Crest sends scouts and discovers the truth too soon

Evan smiled. That is why our caravan will move slowly. Slow movement makes them believe it is legitimate. They will assume we are protecting something valuable.

He stepped toward the window. Outside the city was beginning to wake. Caravans rolled out of stables. Merchants prepared stalls. The distant bells of the temple chimed softly.

Timing is everything Evan said. If we create the right window they will act before they think.

By mid morning the caravan was ready. Two sturdy horses pulled a wagon covered with cloth. Three guild members rode beside it carrying neutral expressions but nervous posture. Evan inspected the crates. Wrapped leaves. Stones underneath. Heavy enough to feel important. He approved.

Remember Evan told the merchant leading the caravan act calm. Do not look like you carry treasure. Suspicion ruins a trap.

The merchant nodded though his hands shook slightly.

The caravan rolled out through the main gate. Apprentices watched from behind corners. Evan stood on the guild balcony observing. People noticed the herbal symbols immediately. They whispered. Some pointed. A tea stall woman leaned forward squinting at the markings.

Perfect Evan thought.

Minutes later he spotted two Iron Crest lookouts near the intersection. They stiffened. One tapped the other. They whispered aggressively. Then they began tailing the caravan at a distance.

Evan exhaled. They took the bait.

He turned to his apprentices. Now we move.

They rushed into the herbal district. Vendors looked surprised when Silver Quill suddenly showed interest in large contracts. Evan coached them on negotiation calm tone steady posture no urgency. They were to appear as if they were simply refreshing seasonal deals not securing long term dominance.

Meanwhile Evan monitored movement from high vantage points. Iron Crest operatives followed the caravan farther south. Evan saw two of them sprint toward their headquarters likely to deliver urgent news.

The trap tightened.

By midday word spread across the city. Silver Quill discovered a new herb source. Iron Crest scouts rushed to confirm it risking time and manpower. Several caravans diverted leaving the herbal district less guarded.

Evan returned to the intelligence room reviewing the latest notes. Lenar held a stack of newly signed agreements. His face lit with disbelief. We secured eight suppliers. Eight. They never sign this fast.

Fear makes competitors slow Evan said. And urgency makes them blind.

One apprentice burst into the room breathless. Sir Iron Crest moved half its herbal scouts to the southern hills. Their safehouse is empty.

Evan marked the movement on the map. That confirms it. Their strike plans will stall. They cannot attack without scouts. They cannot attack without verifying supply. They are chasing shadows.

Lenar sat down like his legs had given out. You saved us. Completely.

Evan shook his head. Not saved. Protected for now. Strategy is not one victory. Strategy is continuity.

He paced slowly in front of the map. Iron Crest is confused. But confusion turns into anger. And anger leads to reckless decisions. Their next move will be dangerous. Too dangerous for simple counters.

He turned toward the apprentices.

Tonight we prepare the next phase. We fortify our information. We defend our networks. We stay ahead.

The apprentices nodded though their faces showed nerves.

Evan looked at the darkening sky through the window.

The trap was set.
The trap had worked.
But Iron Crest would not take humiliation quietly.
And that meant the real battle was about to begin.