King Thunderballs rose from his chair and waddled onto the field. "Well, now. That was one of the best matches I have ever seen in all my years of being. Congratulations! "

Hawk was a little confused but figured the King was just being a nice guy.

"Thank you, your Majesty. It was an honour to fight for your daugher's hand. It's a real shame that I lost. I was so looking forward to marriage and someday, hopefully, being a great king like you, Sir." Hawk laid it on as thick as he could. He could afford to be so generous when that hefty stipend was his.

"My good warrior... what ever are you talking about?" King Thunderballs looked very confused. " You didn't lose... I've never seen such a display of manly prowess. Why I've never even seen one man beat an Ogre before!"

Hawk's heart plummeted. It seemed fickle fate had once more taken perverse delight in deniying Hawk his just due. "But....but I blacked out! I was beaten! Tell me, please, this is just a joke."

King Thunderballs studied Hawk with a grave face. He shook his head and turned away.

Hawk was aghast. All his plans were made in vain. How would he explain this to Zelda... and what about their child? Hawk didn't want to even contemplate his future with Sweetcheeks... the sharp edge of a sword was much more inviting.

Hawk was so lost in his misery and despair that it took a few minutes before he realized King Thunderballs was still standing before him.

The king's shouders were shaking as if he was sobbing. His whole body started to jiggle along as well.

Hawk looked around for someone else to go comfort the king.. or medicate him if that was what was needed.

Just as he was about to get up and take care of it himself, the king turned around and looked at Hawk. Tears were falling from his eyes and his face was a deep purple.

Hawk became alarmed! Thoughts of premature regency ran through his mind.

Then King Thunderballs burst out laughing! Guffaws and snerks rang out across the field. The entire cowd joined in and the sound was deafening.

Now Hawk was completely confused. What in the name of Nine Hells was going on?

The king slowly regained his composure and wiped his tears way. Glancing at the crowd, he raised his hand and all became quiet. "Oh! That was such a grand joke! You fell for it hook, line and sinker! I'm truly sorry but you must admit it was funny!"

Many thoughts ran through Hawk's mind... things ranging from regicide to what would occur if that action was successful. Then he managed a weak smile for the king. "Ha! It was funny! Very funny." That was all he could think to say.

King Thunderballs was delighted that Hawk agreed. He then preceded to award Hawk his yearly stipend.. minus a small fine for striking the Princess. "We'll just call it a wedding present, eh?"

Hawk was so happy he didn't care. Now to find Zelda and share the great news. He rose to his feet, bowed to the king and made a small speech about how grateful he was.

King Thunderballs grinned from ear to ear and told him to go find his wife to be. He even gave the use of his Royal carriage to Hawk to speed things up.

Hawk sank into the soft cushions and allowed his aching body to relax. Things were looking up for him. His and Zelda's future looked bright and he even had a child on the way. He could just about feel that fishing pole and smell the smell of sweet success.

The carriage jerked to a halt and Hawk slowly climbed out. He looked at the tavern and grinned. It had been the beginning and the end of many a journey. It was like home and Zelda had always been there waiting.

With a jaunty stride he walked into the Henpecked Hubby's Hideaway. Looking around he spied the inkeep. "Where's Zelda at? I have such wonderful news to share with her!"

The inkeeper, Otis, shook hs head and replied "That girl has worked here for 6 years. She's the best barmaid I have ever had. Never compained and always quick."

Hawk interrupted him, "Yes, I know she's the best! She is the girl of my dreams and I didn't realize it until today. Now I must talk with her. Where is she?"

"She came back from the fight bawling her eyes out. Next thing I knew she was packed up and saying good-bye! Said something about starting a new life and ..."

"No!!!! You must be kidding, right? Hahahahah!!!!!" Hawk sounded hysterical and he was. " Please, did she say where she was going? Tell me!"

"Well now, she mentioned catching a ship and heading out east. Something about wanting to get away from all the crowds. She had her wages and more to buy a farm and set up on her own." Otis stopped as he noticed he was talking to himself.

Hawk had ran out the door as soon as Otis had said "ship". Luckily for him the Royal carriage had not yet returned. He jumped in and ordered the driver to take him to the wharf. Hawk railed at the injustice fate had done to him again.

At the wharf Hawk arrived just in time to see a large ship slip away. He ran down the quay, shouting Zelda's name. He stopped at the end of the pier and sank to his knees as the departing ship grew ever smaller.