[Lyall is a professor. Sort of. He can handle questions, or so he's certain!]

There are not terribly many people here, no. The population is currently at a little over two thousand-- less than it was several months ago, and much less than it was a century ago. War and plague both have taken their toll, I'm afraid. Obviously this city was originally meant for many more people, but I'm sure you saw some of the disrepair the place is in, on your way here.