The Warriors and their King

CHAPTER EIGHT

    Over time, Adriel found herself feeling affection for Adrianus. She believed what he had been through had strengthened him and formed a brave and strong man out of him. She truly admired that about Adrianus. Her admiration went deep and formed a gushing river, searing through her heart. The river may have run even deeper than the one for Victor. What she didn't know, was that what she thought was love, was only shallow feelings piled atop one another, seeming overwhelming and captivating.

"You know you need to be careful, Adriel," Jose told her when she admitted her feelings about Adrianus. "We still know very little of him."

"What do you mean?" Adriel asked. "I know what he's been through, and I know he is a strong and brave Warrior."

Jose studied her for a long moment. "You need to remember that...you always have a choice to do what is right and what is wrong."

Adriel frowned, wondering what this had to do with Adrianus.

"You may be tricked into many things, Adriel. Things that may seem good at the time, but are constantly being covered up by deceitful lies."

With that, Jose squeezed her shoulder and stood from where they sat at the bank of the river. "Be wise, Little Warrior. Always". 

After some time, Jose left for the Walters' home, but Adriel stayed at the bank, thinking. Jose was the son of the King, so she knew he was wise and good. There was something he knew...something he wouldn't tell her. But what? And why would he not tell her the outright truth? But what he said was true. You always have a choice to do what is right and what is wrong. Perhaps he wanted her to make the right decision on her own. But what could possibly be wrong about Adrianus? Adriel stared hard into the rippling waters of the river, letting the breeze blow coolingly on the back her neck. She had to be careful. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with Adrianus. But Jose knew better, and she had to take his words into consideration.

The sound of faint crunching leaves and twigs sounded a few feet behind Adriel and she turned to find Victor walking towards her.

"Hello, Victor," she said, smiling the best smile she could muster. For she was not in the mood to be happy.

"What's wrong?" he asked, not bothering to reply to her greeting. Oh, he knew her too well for his own good.

Adriel only managed a shrug and focused her attention on the water again.

"Shall we go to our little place?" Victor asked, crouching beside her. Adriel couldn't keep from smiling softly this time and nodded. He helped her up and they started walking to the round log cutting across the river.

Once carefully tiptoeing across the slippery and narrow surface, they sat side by side, letting their feet dangle beneath them, a foot above the gushing waters. They were silent for some time, listening only to the birds and the loud chatter of the river.

"Give me a reason to be concerned," Vitor blurted, peering at her.

"You have no reason to be concerned about me," Adriel said a little too quickly.

Victor shook his head, not believing her, but didn't press the issue further. Adriel felt horrible about keeping her feelings from him, but something foreign was tugging her away from him, and telling her it was none of Victor's business. They remained in silence, and it was as if Victor was just patiently waiting for her to tell him what was going on. Well, she decided not to give him an inch of information. Adriel suddenly stood and began walking cautiously off the log to the bank.

"Leaving already?" Victor's surprised voice called after her. Without looking back, Adriel shouted back at him, "Yes!"

She felt awful, but she didn't know why Victor had to know about her feelings and everything that happened to her. And yet she was so confused and distressed that she felt a part of her needed the guidance of her friend.