at a loss:

1- Below cost, as in The store was doing so badly that it was selling merchandise at a loss.

2- Puzzled, perplexed, in a state of uncertainty, as in
When his letters were returned unopened, John was at a loss as to what to do next.

3- At a loss for words. Unable or uncertain as to what to say. For example, Father's tirade left us all at a loss for words. [Late 1600s]



Creo que la seguna definición es la que corresponde. Pero dado el contexto (hablando de torres altas y moradas), creo que la idea se transmite mejor diciendo "desamparados" en lugar de inciertos, perplejos, confundidos, etc.