[Child of the 7th Age]

No longer was there the need to travel to the library of Minas Tirith. Child thought she had everything which could be gained here.

Only two small matters remained. First was the strange tunnel which Birdland had found. She hoped Pio or Bird would have the chance to search it later in the day. If not, she would try herself in the afternoon. And, secondly, there was the matter of the Elf Khelek. They waited on his decision whether to come aboard.

Child decided to go to her cabin and begin arranging her papers and belongings in preparation for their departure which surely must occur soon. After that, she intended to show Lord Mithadan the scroll which Idril had given her.

Child used the key hanging about her neck to unlock her door. Since she had so many valuable manuscripts here, she had taken to routinely doing this whenever she left. Then Child turned to the small table which she used as a desk. Books and papers were tossed here and there.

To any other eye, it would look like the normal scatter of belongings which any hobbit would leave. But, as Child turned, her eyes grew wider. This was not the way she had left her table or her books.

Child went over and began searching on the table. To her dismay, she discovered that at least one paper was missing, the one that had listed Angara's last riddles. For one instant, she thought Pio might have done this to get back at Child for her explorations of the night before. But this could not be. That was the type of gentle joke that a hobbit like Rose might play. If Piosenniel was angry or even annoyed, she would simply have told Child to her face.

There was no doubt in Child's mind. Someone had been in her locked room, and removed at least one thing. And Child did not have the slightest idea who it was.