Stories From Arisa - Volume One by Davis Ashura

Author:Davis Ashura [Ashura, Davis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 22907130
Publisher: DuSum Publishing
Published: 2014-07-31T23:00:00+00:00

The Missing Diamond

AF 2062

“You simply must find my diamond,” Siramont Pindle said. The portly Cherid wrung his hands in distress. “It’s a priceless, family heirloom, and I just can’t imagine how we could have lost it. I’m sure it must have been stolen. My wife is so upset.”

“I’ll do my best,” Rector Bryce said.

Just as he was about to enter the Cherid’s home, Siramont held up a cautionary hand. “Sir,” the Cherid said sternly, pointing at Rector’s feet.

Rector glanced down. The boots. “Ah yes! Of course. Please forgive me.”

By custom, a visitor never wore his shoes past the entryway of a Cherid’s home. Maybe it was because they didn’t want dirt and grime tracked throughout their immaculate mansions, but whatever the case, Rector silently applauded the Cherid’s remembrance of tradition even in the midst of his distress. It was good to see others holding onto the conventions of the past even as modern life tried to force them to do otherwise.

Modernity.

Rector held in a grimace.

Most of Ashoka was unchanged compared to when he had last walked her wide streets and steep hills, but there were also some differences, many of them profound. After almost a decade away, it was bound to happen, and Rector was still getting used to them. He especially didn’t like the subtle changes in Caste and culture that had occurred.

Rector had always been a person of habit, even as a child, but as an adult, those tendencies had become more pronounced. He’d witnessed the death of too many friends in the Wildness. Too much sorrow and loss. Right now, Rector wanted what he had grown up with, not Ashoka’s changing culture as it morphed into something else, something less recognizable.

He shook off his thoughts. The world had moved on, and he’d have to find a way to move on with it.

Besides, he had work to do. “When did you discover the diamond was missing?” Rector asked.

“This morning,” Siramont said. The man looked like he was on the edge of tears as he waved his fingers at his face. “I looked everywhere.”

“Show me where you normally keep it.”

Siramont nodded and led the way through the front parlor and deeper into the house. As they passed through various rooms, Rector noted the fine flooring and rugs throughout as well as the heavy tapestries, ornate furniture, and expensive art work. The grounds leading to the front entrance had been equally grand, and it likely took a small army of servants and gardeners to maintain the extravagance of the place.

Typical. Like all Cherids, Siramont Pindle was a man wealthy beyond his needs. The home he lived in was a palace.

“You have children?” Rector asked.

“Only one. A son,” Siramont said. “He’s grown now and has his own home.”

So…two people lived here then. Siramont and his wife. Rector wondered just how much space one person needed.

“Here it is,” the Cherid said, leading Rector into what appeared to be his library and office.

A wide desk faced several plush chairs and a sofa while

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