A letter, a book, and a bundle of papers

For a moment, the lid of the chest doesn't budge, and you fear it's locked. You exert yourself a little harder and the lid flies open, dust rising from within and making you sneeze.

Inside the chest is a folded piece of paper with your name written on it, and a large, leather bound tome with brass decorations and a lock. Underneath is a bundle of papers, some old and yellowing, others white and pristine all tied together with a length of string.