"You must never speak of the Golden Hawks! Word travels quickly along the caravan routes, and soon it would reach the ears of the Mongols in the land of Genghis Khan. And then, Jalair, the Mongols will come to kill you."
With this warning from his grandfather Kurush, the summer in Samarkand begins for young Jalair. Since childhood, he has been told that the Mongols killed his father, Darien-the greatest falconer in the Empire-and stole the Golden Hawks, a magnificent breed of hunting birds Darien had perfected. Ever since, the Mongols have been searching relentlessly for Darien's son.
Now, in the year 1218, a stranger from Urgendj arrives with unwanted news sending Jalair eastward in search of the lost birds. Only by hiding his true identity can he safely reach Karakorum, the city of Genghis Khan.
As Jalair pursues the Golden Hawks, he wrestles with the secrets surrounding his past. Why do the Mongols seek Darien's son? What is the meaning behind the hawk and thunderbolt emblem? Who is Torgul, and why does his name sound familiar?
Rita Ritchie brings vigor and color to Jalair's adventure, and historical accuracy to the details of life under the rule of Genghis Khan. Illustrated by Lorence Bjorklund.