Darkness settled over the city like a heavy blanket as lanterns flickered to life across the streets. Evan stood at the window of the intelligence room watching the herbal district glow with warm yellow light. Vendors finished their work. Caravans prepared for night storage. But beneath that calm surface something dangerous brewed.

Iron Crest had decided to strike tonight. Not with steel or spells. With fear. Their tactic depended on unsettling suppliers and breaking trust. If a supplier believed Silver Quill could not protect them they would pull out of agreements. That would collapse the entire foundation Evan had built.

Not tonight Evan whispered.

The apprentices gathered behind him holding scrolls filled with updated observations from the listening grid. Lenar wore a cloak that barely hid his nerves.

We are ready Lenar said though his voice trembled.

Evan turned. Tonight you learn something vital. Defense is not hiding behind walls. Defense is showing presence. Threats grow in silence. But when you step into the light and stand firm fear retreats.

The apprentices nodded though they clearly felt the tension.

Evan led them out into the night. The herbal district looked peaceful but he could see the pressure. Merchants packed their goods nervously. Families hurried home. Even the air felt tight as if the wind sensed danger approaching.

Evan split the apprentices into pairs.
One pair stayed near the main suppliers.
One watched the caravan stables.
One monitored side alleys.
Lenar stood beside Evan ready to intervene.

Evan walked slowly through the district making sure vendors saw him. He greeted every stall keeper casually.

How was business today
Are shipments coming on time
Any concerns with contracts

He did not force confidence. He projected it. His steady posture and calm tone told suppliers they were not alone. And in markets perception was as powerful as truth.

A supplier approached nervously. Sir does Silver Quill truly have enough guards If Iron Crest comes tonight we might lose everything

Evan placed a hand on the supplier’s shoulder. You will not lose anything. We are here. And Iron Crest depends on secrecy. If we see them they fail.

The supplier nodded slowly comforted.

Across the street an apprentice gestured urgently. Evan followed the motion and saw a suspicious figure near the corner of a spice stall. Plain robe. Hidden face. He stood too still and watched too carefully.

Rogue operative Evan whispered.

He moved closer without drawing attention. The operative whispered to a vendor who stiffened instantly. Evan read the body language clearly. The operative was planting fear. Perhaps claiming Iron Crest had arranged new partnerships. Or that Silver Quill was stretched thin.

Evan stepped closer as if simply admiring herbs. The operative turned slightly adjusting his posture. He realized someone important was observing.

The operative backed away into a narrow street.

Lenar whispered Should we follow him

No Evan said. Let him think he escaped. Fear works two ways. If he believes we see him then he will rush his report. Rushed reports breed mistakes.

Evan continued patrolling. Every few minutes he checked the apprentices’ signals. They raised hands showing all clear. But the night grew heavier. Something was coming.

Near the stables Evan noticed three shadows circling a caravan. They wore cloaks that hid their faces. Their movements were coordinated.

Here they are Evan whispered. Sabotage team.

The men crouched near the wheels preparing to cut ropes or loosen bolts. Sabotage of transport meant delayed shipments and fueling rumors of incompetence.

Evan approached calmly no fear no rush. Excuse me he said to the nearest cloaked man.
The man froze. Evan lifted a lantern the soft light revealing Silver Quill colors on his sleeve.

The men exchanged glances then stepped back melting into the darkness.

Lenar hurried to Evan. Why did you not stop them

Because Evan said they wanted to sabotage quietly. If they flee then they cannot claim innocence. Their retreat tells suppliers we are aware and vigilant.

A supplier who saw the retreat approached quickly. Were those Iron Crest men

Most likely Evan said. But they left. That means they fear being seen.

The supplier nodded relieved.

Evan walked through the district again. More vendors watched him now. Their shoulders relaxed. Their hands steadied. Trust rebuilt itself with each step.

Near the tea stall the rogue operative returned. He watched Evan openly now realizing the district was well defended. He turned and vanished into the main road leaving the attack half complete.

Evan gathered the apprentices at midnight. They looked tired but energized.

We held the district Evan said. They could not shake the suppliers. Their strike failed.

Lenar breathed out in disbelief. We won

Not won Evan corrected. We endured. But endurance builds strength. And Iron Crest will realize they cannot break us with fear alone.

An apprentice whispered Then what will they do next

Evan looked toward the distant darkness where the Iron Crest headquarters stood.

They will escalate.
And that means we must escalate first.