The Shadow of the Hawk

by Patrick Mackey

Matthew Ravenwood has spent his life pursuing his independence. He travels through the Empire of Shibban training and selling hunting falcons and songbirds for the wealthy. Matthew has a deep love for animals and a natural for training and interacting with them. In spite of his efforts to pursue a simple life circumstances draw him into situations in which violence is his only option. Matthew's father. the former commander of Shibban's army, has spent Matthew's childhood preparing him for a military career, forcing Matthew to endure a grueling regimen of training in martial skills, tactics and scholarship. He believes Matthew's lineage can ensure him a high place in the succession to the throne and he encourages him to attain power. Matthew has rejected his aristocratic legacy and becomes estranged from his father after leaving his home and family behind to pursue his own destiny. Nonetheless, he finds himself caught up in the intrigues of his family and the Empire against his own wishes. While traveling to a fair to sell his falcons Matthew is attacked by outlaws on the highway. He forces their leader to take him the robber's hideout. There he rescues a beautiful noblewoman, Angelina Argenta, and her servants. The women are injured so Matthew transports them to the city of Baronsford to get medical attention. Matthew becomes infatuated with Angelina and a bond develops between them. Unfortunately Angelina's heritage as a noble complicates the relationship. Her brother, an arrogant and violent knight, despises Matthew and opposes their friendship. Then Matthew becomes drawn into his brothers' lives after his brother Marc is appointed as high bishop at the Imperial capital, Evalissa. Meanwhile the Empire is under assault by forces both within and outside it's borders. The heirs to the throne are succumbing to mysterious deaths and a plague is running rampant through Shibban. Barbarian nomads from the steppes of Attar invade Shibban while a society of magicians known as the Dark Brethren undermine the Imperial hierarchy. When Matthew's brothers Jeremy and Jonathan are sent to confront the Attars with the Imperial army he is drawn into the conflict. When the army is defeated Jonathan is killed. Matthew embarks on a desperate mission to rescue Jeremy who is captured and taken to work as a slave at the Attar capital Ankara. Leaving his beloved falcons in the care of his best friend, Freeman, Matthew leaves his simple life as merchant to undertake an epic journey to Ankara disguised as a Attar warrior. But escaping with the Imperial prisoners from Ankara is only the first of the obstacles Matthew and Jeremy must face. A vast invasion force under the command of a warrior named Heraklites threatens the Empire and stands between them and a return to their homeland. Matthew must choose between his freedom and his loyalty to his home and family.

752 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2013