If someone did have Essek's heart and decided to toy with it, they wouldn't find out until after the fact. The thought was a looming, terrifying prospect, one that made the nervousness settle in his eyes and impossible to hide from Caleb. As much as he wanted to get this one back to its rightful owner, he was more worried about getting his own returned...if it was even out there.

The nod was slight, distracted. "Yes, that sounds best. There are far more people there than out here." It was strange going from living in a breathing, large city to the quiet cottage on the outskirts. Essek hadn't thought he would like it, and yet there was a peace with it that he could appreciate.

He missed a good library, though. One that was closer.

"Have you seen Mollymauk? Does he still have his heart?"