Chapter 51: Poisons in the Market
In a bustling trading post near the Ember Circle's frontier, merchants hawked spices, fabrics, and tools under bright awnings. The smell of roasting nuts mingled with fresh herbs. Villagers greeted Ember patrols with nods of respect, thankful for the peace and order brought by Lyrus' people.
But this day, unease simmered beneath the cheerful surface. Alyra, stationed atop a watchtower, spotted unfamiliar faces drifting through the crowd—silent men and veiled women, their eyes scanning stalls and guards. She tightened her grip on her bow, suspecting Golden Serpent agents.
Kael, who oversaw trade logistics, noticed subtle changes in the goods. A crate of grain, normally clean, contained odd-smelling husks. A spice dealer coughed nervously as Kael inspected jars of saffron that looked slightly off-color. Whispers spread: someone was tainting supplies, mixing slow-acting toxins that could sap strength or dull wits over time.
Ember Flames were dispatched to discreetly question merchants. Sparks checked warehouses for hidden vials or powders. When an Ember Blaze confronted a suspicious peddler, the man bolted, only to be tackled into a muddy alley. Under interrogation, he yielded a slip of parchment detailing small doses and codes—clear evidence of a deliberate sabotage attempt.
Before evening, the Ember Circle quarantined suspicious goods and ordered all food tested. Apothecaries and healers worked through the night, identifying subtle poisons. Lyrus arrived to oversee the process, quietly impressed by his people's diligence. The contamination had been caught early, harm minimized.
From a distant rooftop, a Serpent spy observed the commotion and vanished into shadows. The Golden Serpents had tested their foe's vigilance. Though they failed to cripple the Circle's strength, they learned how swiftly and methodically the Embers responded. The silent duel of cunning had begun.
At sunrise, the trading post awoke to strict new safeguards. Merchants understood these measures were for their safety, and gratitude outweighed inconvenience. By thwarting this subtle attack, the Ember Circle proved their readiness. Any attempt to weaken them from within would be met with careful scrutiny. The Golden Serpents had revealed one of their tools—poison and deceit—only to find their opponents alert, disciplined, and far from easily undone.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone