Thanks for the reply Randomizer.
Well it is apparently an iPad issue as it is written up in the support section for Avadon. I mention it here because it relates to the idea of storing things in chests. I would consider it unsafe on my iPad. I never keep save games for more than a day or two at the maximum. I work with maybe 4 saves and an autosave. (My choice.) If i leave Zethron's lair to go back to Avadon, continue to Khemeria, return to Avadon and discover the problem in Zethron's lair only after returning again then too much time has passed to find a save that works. Sure I could start the game over but I hate that when I am so far in a game.
Anyway, I am just suggesting that there might be ways that the game could fill the containers in those areas closer to the time that you actually receive the quests to enter those areas (locked or blocked areas).
At the moment I am continuing on because I don't feel disadvantaged, and the other areas are fine, but I will try to be more careful with my saves I guess.
Thanks again.