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It was not long after that several more explorers tried to enter the center of the island, but not for the missing men. They heard rumors of gold and riches, a place of true mystery that was sleeping at the center of Elpida. More and more people ventured out, and none had returned. the population of Elpida began to decline because of it, as well as some of the goods that were meant to be exported to Patraeia. Farms became untended, and houses were left empty along the coast. These reports brought worry into Pertentus. He feared that the entire colony would go into the center and disappear forever. Taking little time to act, the Senator banned any citizen of Patraeia or Elpida to venture into that area of the island, speaking of it as treason to the senate and punishable by death. That is, if you were to be found ever again. This was a minor fix to the large problem, for people still attempted to venture out into the unknown. Only time and the needy hands of the children kept the citizens of Elpida from leaving their homes.

-Aetos Golias