In the book "Eragon" chapters "Daret" through "On Reading and Plots," Martin tells Brom and Eragon that the result in the city from the loss of ships at sea is (c) high prices. This is because the city relies heavily on imported goods, and with the loss of the ships, the supply of goods has decreased, leading to an increase in prices. Martin explains that the situation has become so dire that even basic necessities like food have become too expensive for many people to afford.