The Waters Secret

Suzy - Pt. 1

Adam snapped his fingers as his young accompaniment hurried over. The boy was young and handsome with dark brown hair circling his tanned face. He looked like nobility and sometimes acted like it, annoying Adam. Damn peasant boy needed to be reminded of his place. The boy crouched grumpily at Adams feet as Adam watched him closely.

"Why did I bring you along?" Adam asked as the boy glanced at him.

"Because I asked for a ride to Welpion to settle a score with a midget. Lady Kielia said you would bring me." The boy grumbled. He hadn't realized he was to be some pricks servant.

"I only agreed because I needed Kielia to be my wife's lady in waiting. People would talk if it's just me and beautiful women in the carriage. Even if one of them is my wife." Adam growled as the boy blushed. Adam leaned forward in his seat, snacking on more of the food.

"While the women bathe, why don't you and I make some things clear. First, I am your king. You will obey me as long as we are traveling together. Second, I don't know anything about you. So, fill me in since I am bored. What did this midget do to piss you off?" Adam asked sitting back. Not that he really cared, he was just bored. The boy huffed making himself comfortable in the dirt.

"Well, your highness. My name is Tanner Barker. I know, I think it sucks too. On the night of your engagement, almost two weeks ago now, I almost got the girl of my dreams. At least she would have been mine if some short snobby bastard didn't take her away from me. I have been hearing rumors she ran away to Welpion after him. When I find that short bastard, I am going to give him a piece of my mind. Then I will win her back." Tanner growled as he played with some of the rocks. Adam frowned leaning forward.

"By any chance could he have been a dwarf? Maybe you mistook him for someone else." Adam wondered offering him some food. Tanner took it as he shook his head.

"He said come find me in Welpion with that big dumbass smile of his." Tanner growled as Adam paused.

"Is he about this tall with dirty blond hair, golden eyes and freckles?" Adam asked indicating with his hand. Tanner nodded slowly as Adam smiled at him.

"Seems like we have a common enemy. Who you met was Suefarlin. Though in Welpion he goes by Suzy. So which girl did he steal out from under you?" Adam asked intrigued to find this lad shared a common interest in his cousin's downfall. Tanner blushed before grumbling at his toes.

"Rosila. I figured you already knew that since Kielia talked to you." Tanner told him nervously. Adam paused smiling in delight. Now things were going to get fun.

"Tell me Tanner, what are your plans for the future? What do you want to be when you return home?" Adam asked him as Tanner considered it.

"I was considering joining the academy and becoming a guard. I know I am a little late to join, but my mother wanted me to marry a princess of some kind and be a stay-at-home husband." Tanner grumbled realizing how stupid it sounded away from home.

They sat just on the other side of the bridge, enjoying the golden fields as they watched the river run under the bridge. The forest sat across the wide river waving in the wind. It looked so different when they were no longer part of it. The carriage sat on the roadside as the soldier simply groomed the horses. Adam tried to repress his laughter, making Tanner grumble when he failed.

"My god and she was serious? Don't get me wrong, you have the looks, but your manners and attitude are so far off. But never mind that, like who were you thinking of marrying? Ivy? Too late. The elven sisters? They are more than three times your age and you will never be pretty enough for them. I think you either need to consider other options or greatly lower your standards." Adam laughed as Tanner blushed embarrassed.