The Wrath of the Unchained

The first step in building a kingdom was knowing exactly what—and who—they had to work with.

Khisa stood before a large wooden table in the center of the council hut, a sheet of stretched leather spread before him. It had taken him weeks of careful surveying, questioning, and recording to reach this moment. But now, he finally had the first census in the history of Nuri Kingdom.

"Eight thousand."

That was the total population.

The room was silent as Lusweti, Nanjala, and the elders processed the number. What had once been two warring clans, with scattered captives and refugees, had now become a single people.

Khisa took a deep breath and continued, dividing the numbers into relevant groups:

Warriors: 1,500 – These were men and women trained in combat, some still recovering from injuries. They would serve as the backbone of Nuri's defense.

Hunters: 700 – Skilled in tracking and taking down wild game, they would ensure a steady supply of meat.

Farmers: 2,500 – The largest group, responsible for growing crops, herding livestock, and gathering edible plants.

Blacksmiths and Artisans: 300 – They worked with metal, wood, and clay, creating weapons, tools, pottery, and other necessities.

Miners and Stoneworkers: 600 – With resources like iron and copper in the hills, these individuals would soon be vital for trade and weapon-making.