Try to open the locked chest

Duncan wonders what could possibly be so valuable or dangerous that it has to be locked while inside the library itself. He approaches the chest with the heavy padlock and examines it.

The chest has some kind of writing engraved on the top. It is in a language he has not seen before, and a thick layer of dust makes it quite difficult to discern. The prince reaches toward the chest to brush off the dust, and as his fingers make contact with its hard surface, he feels a tingling move through his hand and up through his arm.

Startled, he pulls his hand back and emits a sharp cry. What could have caused such a feeling? It was different than static electricity. Intrigued, the prince looks more closely at the lock, wondering if there is a way to open it. As he does so, he hears a shuffling sound from within the chest.

“Is there something in there?” he asks himself, and cautiously extends his hand again to make contact with the surface. Again, he feels the strange sensation moving through his arm. It is not painful, but it conveys a power and mystery that causes him to think there must be a very good reason that the contents are so carefully secured.

“You must let me out!”

Duncan jumps at the words and looks around to see who has entered the library without his notice. Seeing no one, he begins to think he imagined the plea, until he hears it again.

“You must let me out!”

Duncan’s eyes fall to the chest, where his hand rests. “The voice is coming from inside!” he realizes. “Who are you?” he asks, his voice sounding strangely loud and out of place.

“Open the chest, and you will see,” comes the response. It is then that Duncan realizes he “hears” the voice in his head, not with his ears. It seems the contact with the chest is allowing him to mentally connect with whomever — or whatever — is inside.

“Please.... I beg of you to release me from my prison!” The voice sounds so plaintive and ****.

“Why are you imprisoned?” Duncan asks, thinking the question, without vocalizing it.

“For no crime other than for being born of magic,” came the response. “Please, I can tell you are a compassionate man; release me, and I shall be ever in your service.”

“I couldn’t release you, even if I wanted to,” replied the prince. “I have no key for this lock, and I know nothing about you.”

“The words engraved on the top of my prison will open the lock. Speak the words, and I will be free.”

Duncan looks again at the strange words. “I cannot read these words; they are of some strange tongue I do not know.”

“I beg of you,” said the voice, with renewed fervor, “let me out of this interminable bondage. I can reward you in ways you cannot begin to imagine!”

Duncan considered this strange turn of events.