Chapter Text
Caleb… heard wasn’t the right word. There was a ‘thunk’ but not a physical noise so much as a sudden displacement of the weave of reality. He felt excitement bubble despite himself. The shift meant Essek had added to his collection in the chest that rest in their bedroom. Their’s, not just Caleb’s, no matter how many times Essek deflected.
He passed his mug to the coaster in the center of the table -- away from any tempting edges the cats might decide to play with -- and rose. Essek used the chest for a wide variety of things, ranging from personal storage to gifts to Caleb. In return, Caleb kept it stocked with a few days' rations and a collection of healing potions. The shift hadn't felt heavy, so likely not another rare book -- that had been a treat. Caleb ascended the stairs.
He lit the candles in the room with a flick of his wrist. The chest sat next to their dresser, looking as ordinary as it always did. Caleb traced the sigils that would allow the pocket space to open and the latch clicked.
Inside, the normal contents of the chest had been buried under sheets of parchment. They didn’t look old, nor were they the quality of paper that was required of arcane scrolls. He picked one sheet up and scanned the contents. Frowned. Read again.
The writing was familiar, and for a moment he wondered when Essek had learned his and Beauregard’s code. But then, more than the pattern was familiar. As he read the page, he realized he recognized the exact contents. He was reading his own notations. A hurried glance, and he realized all the pages were in his or Beau’s handwriting.
He surged to his feet, and bolted for his rolltop desk down in the library.
He nearly fumbled the sigil for the arcane lock in his haste. He tore a drawer open, one that should’ve been nearly full with its stack of papers.
It was empty.
He wove his fingers together and prepared to Send.