"You know, I tried asking that. Never did get a straight answer," Edgar mused. "But, if we can succeed with this... I think we could make it a lot more valuable, and useful to more people."

He looked intently at the rock on the table.
"I know that the magic-dampening powers are cumulative. The more granite you have, the more effective it is. But it can't drown out everything. Powerful being like the monarchs might be inconvenienced by it, but not harmed. It was also suggested once to me that small amounts added to restraints could keep magic users in check. But I haven't tried this, really."