Yen Sid remained standing at Lucian's right side as the holographic map of the kingdom hovered above the table. The soft blue light illuminated the faces of everyone present.
"Before we discuss solutions," Yen Sid began, "I will report what we currently know. I ordered a census taken as soon as the curse began to lift, but much was lost, and much remains scattered."
He tapped the orb near him lightly. Numbers and symbols appeared above the small crystals in front of each seat.
"The preliminary census is still incomplete, but from the districts we have already surveyed, the population of Elyria and the immediate surrounding lands is estimated at roughly forty-three thousand. That number will rise as more citizens are fully restored and as scouts reach the other areas."
Several nobles exchanged glances.
"As for military strength," Yen Sid continued, "we currently have six hundred and twelve active knights who have recovered enough to bear arms. Of those, only about four hundred are in proper condition for patrol or combat. One hundred of that four hundred belong to the Griffin Knights, but they cannot fully use their skills, as the griffins were gone when they awoke. The rest still require time to regain their full strength after decades frozen in stone."
He paused, then added, "The number of trained mages is lower. We have confirmed eighty-seven mages of Adept rank or higher, including a small number of druids and nature specialists. Most of them are still recovering their mana after the curse."
Lord Reginald Duloc frowned. "Only four hundred combat-ready knights for a capital of this size is dangerously low."
"It is," Yen Sid agreed. "Which brings us to the most urgent matter."
The map shifted, highlighting the farmlands and storehouses around the city. Most of them glowed a dull red.
"Food," Yen Sid said simply. "The curse preserved the people, but it did not preserve the crops or livestock. Nearly all animals are gone. The fields are barren, and there is no food left in the warehouses. At current estimates, the capital has no food at all."
A heavy silence settled over the table.
Duke Victor De Ville was the first to speak. "Then the solution is obvious. We use magic. The kingdom once had skilled druids. Force the land to produce."
Lord Alaric Montague shook his head. "Forcing growth with magic drains the soil. We did that during the last drought before the curse, and it took years for the land to recover. If we do it now on a large scale, we may solve the hunger for a month and create a worse problem afterward."
"Trade is the only real answer," said Lord Cassian Capulet. "We open contact with the outside, offer what valuables we still have, and bring food in."
Marquis Dimitri Valmont leaned forward slightly. "And announce to the world that Lumièrea has returned? While we have only four hundred knights and a starving population? That is an invitation for every ambitious power to test our borders."
"To starve is to be weak," Victor countered. "And weakness invites invasion."
The discussion quickly divided the table.
Some supported immediate magical farming. Others insisted on careful trade. A few suggested sealing the borders completely until the kingdom was stronger.
Lucian listened in silence for several minutes before speaking.
"Both options have risks," he said. "Magic alone will not feed us for long. Open trade too early may bring more danger than help. We need a middle path."
Then a hand was raised.
"If I may?"
All eyes turned toward the end of the table. Hiccup sat straight, hand still raised, looking calmly toward Lucian.
Lucian gave a small nod. "Go on."
Hiccup cleared his throat. "My father is Chief of Berk, one of the tribes in the Barbaric Archipelago. We have ships and experience moving large amounts of food and supplies. I can send a message to him. Berk can provide emergency food within days if the winds are favorable, and we can discuss longer-term trade afterward. It would not require announcing yourselves to the entire continent at once."
Fishlegs nodded quickly. "Berk has preserved fish, dried meats, and grain stores. The other tribes in the archipelago often trade with us as well. We know how to move supplies quietly."
Astrid added with a slight smirk toward Lucian, "And we already have two princesses traveling with us. That may help when the time comes for formal talks."
The nobles murmured among themselves. Several looked toward Lucian with clear questions in their eyes.
Lord Tristan Ashford was the first to ask. "These companions of yours, Your Majesty… who exactly are they?"
Lucian looked down the table at his friends, then back at the nobles.
"They are people I trust," he said. "Hiccup Haddock is the son of Chief Stoick the Vast of Berk. Astrid Hofferson is one of Berk's strongest warriors. Fishlegs Ingerman is one of their scholars. The others who are not here include Merida of DunBroch, a princess of the Highland clans, and Ariel… a princess from a kingdom of the sea. Their exact origins are their own to share when they choose, but they have already proven themselves."
He did not elaborate further on Ariel.
The nobles processed the information in silence for a moment.
Yen Sid spoke again. "Regardless of where the food comes from, we must also address security and public order. Hungry people become desperate quickly. If we do not show clear control of the streets and borders, unrest will grow."
Lord Reginald Duloc nodded. "I recommend placing the recovered knights on rotating patrols immediately. Inside the city first, then the outer roads."
"And the borders?" asked Baroness Isolde Harcourt. "Since the kingdom can now be seen from the outside, the Dark Forest will no longer hide us as completely as before."
Yen Sid looked at the map. "That is correct. Within weeks, perhaps sooner, outsiders will be able to find the roads into Elyria more easily."
The discussion on security continued for several more minutes.
Lord Tristan Ashford spoke. "If we place too many knights inside the city, the borders will remain weak. If we send them to the borders too early, the streets may become restless. We need a balance."
Yen Sid nodded. "I suggest dividing the recovered knights into three groups. One third remains in the capital to maintain order and protect the storehouses. One third begins light patrols along the main roads leading out of Elyria. The final third rests and continues recovery so we do not exhaust them."
Lucian tapped a finger on the table. "And the mages? Can they assist with surveillance?"
"Some of them can," Yen Sid replied. "A number of the restored mages specialize in detection and barrier work. They can place warning wards at key points around the city and along the nearest forest paths. It will not stop a determined force, but it will give us early notice."
Lucian listened carefully before speaking.
"Do it," he said. "Begin the patrols this afternoon if possible. Keep them visible inside the city so the people can see that order is returning. For the borders, keep the presence light. We do not want to look like we are preparing for war when we are still struggling to feed ourselves."
Marquis Dimitri gave a small nod of agreement, though his expression remained difficult to read.
Baroness Isolde leaned forward slightly. "There is another matter connected to public order. The people are relieved that the curse has lifted, but relief will not last long without food and clear leadership. If we remain silent for too many days, rumors will grow. Some may begin to question the new reign."
"Then we continue using the projection orbs," Lucian said. "A short message each evening to keep the citizens informed of what is being done. Nothing detailed about our weaknesses only that solutions are being pursued. Keep the messages calm and honest. Do not promise what we cannot yet deliver."
He studied the glowing borders on the holographic map.
"We prioritize three things," he said. "First, secure the city and calm the people. Second, bring in food through the safest channel available… for now." He looked at Yen Sid. "Can you also look for places where the druids can use their magic? Even if we can trade with the outside, it will take days for the food to arrive. It is better to use what we have so the people do not starve. We cannot afford to be picky."
Yen Sid nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Third," Lucian continued, "begin careful watch on the borders without revealing more than we must." He looked around the table. "Does anyone disagree with that order of priority?"
No one spoke against it.