A CHAMPION'S LOVE
a Sparhawk fic based on David Eddings' The Elenium.
A/N: I am in the middle of reading "The Ruby Knight" right now, so I'm not
sure how Sparhawk really does feel for Ehlana. Just my thoughts! Enjoy! :)
"Sparhawk, we have time. I realize how urgent our quest is, but consider the others!" Sephrenia gestured around her expansively. "Bevier's nearly falling out of his saddle he's so exhausted!"
"I know, but we have Bhelliom! We've got Ehlana's cure in our hands! We now have the power to restore the Queen to her rightful throne and as Queen's Champion it's my duty to do that as soon as possible." Sparhawk looked imploringly at her. "Don't you understand, little mother?"
Her expression was gentle. "Yes, dear one, I think I do. You adore that child. You were the one who raised her, the one who taught her everything she needed to know to assume her place on the throne. She's like a daughter to you." She gazed up at him, smiling. "I know that you love her, Sparhawk, and I know that it is vital that we restore her to health. But let us rest now."
Sparhawk nodded, then turned to his companions. "OK, gentlemen, let's make camp here tonight. Tomorrow, we ride to restore the Queen."
The weary men slid from their saddles, armor clanking. They quickly set up camp, ate a small supper and then everyone except Sparhawk retired to their tents.
Sparhawk sat, staring into the flickering flames, trying to keep alert. But as he stared he began to see images: images of the young Queen, still as a statue and encased in crystal; Ehlana, looking up at him on that first day with a face burning from shyness; Ehlana sitting before him and listening with rapt interest as he related political history.
"Sparhawk, when I become Queen will you be my champion?" he heard her ask in her sweet little girl voice.
"Yes, Ehlana, for as long as I live I will serve you as Champion."
Sighing, Sparhawk pushed himself to his feet and forced himself to prowl the perimiter of their encampment.
***
Early the next morning, they saddled up and rode towards the Queen's city.
"Hold on a little longer, Ehlana," he murmured. "Your Champion is on his way."
END
"Sparhawk, we have time. I realize how urgent our quest is, but consider the others!" Sephrenia gestured around her expansively. "Bevier's nearly falling out of his saddle he's so exhausted!"
"I know, but we have Bhelliom! We've got Ehlana's cure in our hands! We now have the power to restore the Queen to her rightful throne and as Queen's Champion it's my duty to do that as soon as possible." Sparhawk looked imploringly at her. "Don't you understand, little mother?"
Her expression was gentle. "Yes, dear one, I think I do. You adore that child. You were the one who raised her, the one who taught her everything she needed to know to assume her place on the throne. She's like a daughter to you." She gazed up at him, smiling. "I know that you love her, Sparhawk, and I know that it is vital that we restore her to health. But let us rest now."
Sparhawk nodded, then turned to his companions. "OK, gentlemen, let's make camp here tonight. Tomorrow, we ride to restore the Queen."
The weary men slid from their saddles, armor clanking. They quickly set up camp, ate a small supper and then everyone except Sparhawk retired to their tents.
Sparhawk sat, staring into the flickering flames, trying to keep alert. But as he stared he began to see images: images of the young Queen, still as a statue and encased in crystal; Ehlana, looking up at him on that first day with a face burning from shyness; Ehlana sitting before him and listening with rapt interest as he related political history.
"Sparhawk, when I become Queen will you be my champion?" he heard her ask in her sweet little girl voice.
"Yes, Ehlana, for as long as I live I will serve you as Champion."
Sighing, Sparhawk pushed himself to his feet and forced himself to prowl the perimiter of their encampment.
***
Early the next morning, they saddled up and rode towards the Queen's city.
"Hold on a little longer, Ehlana," he murmured. "Your Champion is on his way."
END