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“Then the scout cannot follow everyone alone.”
“Place a second watcher on the southern road, outside the market. No contact between them during daylight.”
“Two human scouts?”
“The road watcher may be Miou. Travelers expect Miou guards near the ridge posts. He can record arrivals without appearing connected to the market.”
Sarveth returns to the map. “If the merchant sends a runner north instead?”
“The market scout follows until the runner reaches open road. The Miou watcher takes him from there.”
“And if the trail leads toward the stronghold?”
“No interception. I want to know whether someone inside my household is part of the route.”
Her expression cools. “You suspect a servant?”
“I suspect every path until evidence closes it.”
The threat could depend upon access rather than violence. Varrus may need a name from the household rolls, the timing of a supply wagon, or knowledge of when Fiona travels to Lowtown. None of those possibilities explains the unspecified service, but each can be tested through observation.
“Review the gate records for the past month,” I continue. “Mark every trader connected to the merchant’s backers.”
“That will include half the southern caravans.”
“Then half the southern caravans will be examined.”
Sarveth makes a note beside the map. “The household office will begin tonight.”
After she leaves, I examine the threat again.
No target is named. No precise service appears. There is no mention of herbs, medicine, salves, or a market purchase. Nessa may be ordered to provide information, admit someone into Fiona’s former clinic, misdirect a Lowtown resident, or perform an unrelated service against the settlement.
I know only that Varrus has moved.
Joran arrives before the next bell. He carries a plain wool cloak, forged travel papers, and the record of the human scout selected for the watch.
The man has served three years on Morwen’thir’s lower routes. He speaks like a laborer, knows the market lanes, and has never entered the stronghold through the ceremonial gate.
“He can reach Lowtown before midday,” Joran says.
“His first report comes tomorrow night.”
“If the exchange occurs sooner?”
“He sends the karasu immediately.”
“And if Nessa tries to flee?”
“Follow her unless she leaves the ridge. If she approaches the stronghold, admit her and bring her to Sarveth.”
“No arrest?”
“Not yet.”
“The merchant may disappear.”
“If we seize him now, we capture a threat and lose the plan. Varrus will replace one merchant with another.”
