Chapter 1: Arrival

The first generation of this legacy story, the founder.  Adam has plenty of 'practical' skills - handy, green thumb, a natural cook plus he's a artist and just a bit lucky.


This is Adam Slade.


With only a (large) pocketful of cash, Adam Slade arrived in Sunset Valley with a vision.  A vision of creating a great dynasty that would become legend across the three towns of Sunset Valley, Riverview and Twinbrook.

But, to start, he wanted the largest, most beautiful, plot of land he could find and on Summer Hill he found the perfect spot.  Though, having spent most of his savings, he knew he would have little in the way of 'home comforts' for quite some time.  But, for now, that didn't matter.

To nourish his body he would create a garden in this, the most beautiful open space in town, he would use his easel to create art  to nourish the soul.  But to build his dream he would need more.  So, for wealth, he would not only sell the product of his garden and his easel, but would collect the natural fruits of the earth - precious gems, metals, and even insects that would satisfy the needs of the town's citizens and businesses.



Of course, a dynasty was more than just one man and to meet the partner who would share his dream Adam took a small job in the local bookshop, where he knew  he could find someone to join him in creating the foundation of the Slade legend.

It didn't take long.  Only a few days, in fact, after settling into his routine at the bookshop, and the regular visits to the "Sell and Swap", Adam met River.

A beautiful young woman, just out of high-school, she buzzed with an enthusiasm for life and a love of art.  It was destiny, she was the one.  But could she ever fall for Adam, still poor with only a garden, an easel and a dream to his name?

He was, ultimately, playing the long game, but he couldn't miss this opportunity to forge the partnership that would create the foundations of the Slade legend.

The plot of land, on Summer Hill, that Adam had spent almost his entire fortune on acquiring was not only outstandingly beautiful but also bountiful.  In addition to the rich soil for his garden there was a wonderful lake where he could while away a few hours relaxing and also catching glorious fish that would feed his belly … or his purse.


One thing Adam knew, if he was going to win the affection of River he needed to provide a safe and comfortable home.  His labours in his garden, at the bookshop, and hunting out gemstones and metals were making money but he only had so much time in which to establish himself and his legacy.

The regular trips to the “Sell and Swap” paid off when he snapped up a portable mining machine.  Even at a knock-down price it was a big chunk out of his funds but you sometimes have to take a risk to get the rewards.  Little did he know that underneath his feet lay this prize – one of the largest chunks of space rock ever seen in the valley!  This was it, with this boost he could really start laying out plans for his life with River, and his dynasty.

Having spent almost everything he had on purchasing the finest land in the town, Adam survived with just a bed under the stars, a garden, and grill to call his own.  For everything else he had to make a trip into town for the facilities there.

But after selling the space rock he could start work on building a simple small ranch – he would have to, there was no way River would move out of her luxurious shared house to join him if he was not able to keep her safe and warm.

Every day Adam took time out to convince River that he was the right man for her, that together they could create something special.

Special moments in town and long conversations on the ‘phone, River was falling for this charming man …

Small and simple as it was, the new ranch house catered for Adam’s basic needs but he still needed to travel regularly around the town.  To work, to hunt out valuable gemstones, to sell his produce and, of course, to see River.  But taking the taxi every time was slow.  Way too slow.

His life was gathering momentum and he needed to get around fast, time to invest in independent transport!

Cars were expensive, not that much quicker and, then he saw ‘The Beast’!  He knew it was exactly right.  Fast, not too expensive and, just as importantly, it made a statement about who he was and where he was going.  A match made in heaven!

All the pieces were falling into place, Adam's dream was becoing a reality.  He and RIver were in love, so now he only had to convince her that they could spend the rest of their lives together.

They had a wonderful time at Adam’s small ranch house, she was pleased to be asked to stay over but he got impatient!

She was not ready for that step!

Thankfully Adam's over-eagerness did not send River running back home.

He was so relieved that she agreed to stay the night and Adam was willing to make a sacrifice for his impatience ...

... the couch is not the best place to get a good night’s sleep.

She loved Adam, so, despite his misreading of the situation last night, River could not stay angry with him for long – and he had spent the night on the couch!

A morning of cuddles and sharing of dreams and plans re-assured them both that they  really did want to share the great journey to creating new Sunset Valley dynasty.




Having a vision is one thing, but to make it needs dedication and practical skills if it is to be more than just a dream.

River knew that Adam was more than a dreamer, he could make his vision reality, and she was ready to join him on that journey.

The first step on that road was to ensure an heir to continue the work they would do …

Adam thought it was just an ordinary day out, fun at the pool, but River had something to tell! 

Adam was overjoyed but also nervous – the hard work he had put in so far was only just the beginning, he knew there would be more, much more, to come!

The time had come, River had to leave her old life behind.  Her girlfriends would no longer be the most important people to her.  Her first commitment now was to Adam and their unborn child. 

Time to move out of Oak Grove and join Adam in his simple Summer Hill home and become the first family of the Slade Dynasty ...

Chapter 2: An Heir Is Born