Taking a bite of the corn bread and savoring its taste, Calista chewed as she gathered her thoughts and the various bits of rumors she had heard, swallowing as she decided to start with the most well known rumors.

"Most people when asked don't really recall or wish to speak of magic - they always defer to the Alchemists that are so abundant here or don't believe in it at all. The saga's I've heard mention the heart of the people is what allows the heroes to use their power but nothing specific is mentioned. All that is said is that this magic controls the people of Demalikos - which is why it is now sought after by the nobles in this town.

Demalikos itself is usually a peaceful city, so I'm not sure why they needed to let go of the magic in the first place. I've heard no records of major wars or insurrections breaking out here in the last one hundred years. The last known saga mentioning magic is incomplete - a story of love betrayed that affects everyone here. How it ended I don't know, but that would probably be our clue to finding out what has happened.

I believe it had the very unimaginative name of "Tale of the Last Hero"," Calista finished dryly, her nose wrinkling in distaste at the title. "Frankly, I wonder at the talent of some of these bards if that was the best they could come up with."