Lunch was a simple but hearty stew, a welcome warmth after the morning's chill. As we ate, the conversation quickly turned to business.
"According to our assessment," Vice Captain Elria began, her tone all efficiency, "the western perimeter will require significant timber, nails, and at least thirty able-bodied individuals working for several days to make it secure. The current militia is too few, occupied, and too exhausted."
"Twenty..." The town elder wrung his hands. "We barely have ten free men who can lift an axe without collapsing from cold and hunger."
"That brings us to our findings," Princess Aurelia said, her voice calm but concerned. She laid out their analysis of the town's stores. "The food shortage is even more critical than we feared. The granary is nearly empty. What little remains must be rationed strictly, or people will start starving within the week."
A heavy silence fell over the table. It became heavier since we were eating such good meals.
