Searching for a Book with a certain setting.

[Thomus]

I just recently finished playing Dishonored, and the character relationship intrigued me.

It's a ruler/bodyguard type of fiasco. I really enjoyed the concept, but it was not exactly flushed out being a game and I haven't a book I am currently reading so am hoping to find one with that similar sort of situation.

Someone being devoted entirely to the protection of another, and how that can be. In a Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Historical setting. One that centres on the development of such close characters whilst still having a plot. (I know awfully specific, but one can hope!)

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to begin searching for such a specific sort
of book.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or offer some suggestions I would appreciate it! I

[J.]

There's a relationship like that in the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, but it doesn't really start until I think the second or third book in. I mean, it's a great series, so you should have fun on your way there :)

[Cathy]

In Game of Thrones (I am not sure which book in the series) Brienne of Tarth swears to protect Catelyn Stark and then goes on to protect her children. I think previously to this she was sworn to Renly Baratheon. I am sure this sort of 'under oath' type of 'devotion to protection' relationship crops up fairly often. And what about Sam Gamgee's relationship with Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings?

[Rick]

The Hobbit does not fit that criteria however, the Lord of the Rings does. The seven additional members of the Fellowship of the Ring (the group, not the book) have only one reason for being; protect Frodo and help him in his appointed task (no spoilers here). Particularly Sam and Aragorn would lay down their lives for him but all of the others would as well, to lesser degrees.