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I close the connection before my anger crosses it.
Fiona trusts Nessa.
That knowledge comes from conversation rather than magic. Fiona speaks of her friend’s poor bargains and anxious habits without cruelty. She defends Nessa even while admitting that fear makes her vulnerable. Their history began years before the marriage brought Fiona into my house.
I could summon Fiona now.
She would demand to go to Lowtown. She would confront Nessa, the merchant, or both. Her intervention might prevent the immediate threat, but it would also warn Varrus that his movement has been detected.
I need the larger design.
Concealing the message may damage Fiona’s trust when she learns of it. That risk is preferable to sending her into a trap without knowing its shape.
Sarveth enters carrying the completed copy.
“The bird came through the lower route,” she says. “A human runner delivered it to the keeper at the shrine post. He left before anyone recorded his name.”
“Someone wanted the warning to reach us without revealing the source.”
“Or wanted us to react.”
“Either is possible.”
She compares her copy with the original transcription. “This is the K’sheng merchant named in the reports about Nessa’s debt.”
“Yes.”
“His business receives backing through two houses aligned with Varrus.”
“And both houses deny direct obligation to him.”
“Removing the merchant would be simple.”
“Too simple.”
Sarveth places the copy on my desk. “You want surveillance.”
“I want every person who approaches him identified.”
“He may recognize a Morwen’thir guard.”
“Use someone unfamiliar to the market.”
“A Miou scout?”
“A human will attract less attention.”
“A human scout cannot openly challenge a K’sheng merchant.”
“He will observe, not challenge.”
Sarveth considers the order. “Joran has two human scouts attached to the lower patrol. Both know Vesper’s Peak.”
“Choose the one without family in Lowtown. Varrus may examine his connections if the merchant detects him.”
“And the merchant’s contact?”
“Someone carries instructions between the trade houses and Varrus’s agent. Follow visitors arriving from the southern road. Record anyone granted a private meeting.”
