Morning light filled the Silver River Hub.
A convoy rolled through the eastern gate. Twenty wagons. Each loaded with grain. The crates were perfect. The spacing was clean. The timing was exact.
Arthur stood near the warehouse rows and watched them unload.
The grain master came out to meet the wagons. He looked at the crates. Then he looked at his warehouse. Then he looked back at the crates.
His face did not show joy.
Arthur approached.
"Problem?"
The grain master gestured at his storage building. "Three grain convoys this week. My warehouse is full. Prices dropped this morning."
He pointed across the yard.
"Meanwhile, the blacksmith has been waiting for iron for ten days. No iron convoys. No iron at all."
Arthur looked at the blacksmith's forge. The fire was low. The smith sat on a stool, idle.
---
Arthur walked across the yard.
The blacksmith looked up as he approached.
"No work today?"
