"You must not speak of the Golden Hawks! Word easily flies down the caravan trails to the ears of the Mongols in the land of Genghis Khan.  And then, Jalair, the Mongols will come to slay you.

With this warning from his grandfather Kurush, summer in Samarkand begins for young Jalair.  Jalair has been told from infancy that Mongols slew his father Darien the greatest hawker in the Empire, and stole the Golden Hawks—a spectacular breed of hunting bird Darien had perfected.  Since then, the Mongols have searched relentlessly for the son of the slain hawker.

Now, in 1218, a stranger form Urgendj appears bearing disturbing news which sends Jalair eastward to recapture the lost Golden Hawks.  Only by concealing his identity can the boy arrive safely at Karakorum, the city of Genghis Khan.

In his quest for the golden birds, Jalair ponders the secrecy that veils the answer to many questions.  Why do the Mongols seek Darien's son? What is the meaning of the hawk and thunderbolt design? Who is Torgul, and why does his name have such a familiar ring?

Treachery on a faraway caravan trail leads Jalair  into a desperate struggle to save the last of the Golden Hawks.  He meets this challenge only to be forced to return to the Khan, who greets him with astonishing words.

Rita Ritchie brings vigor and color to Jalair's adventure, and historical accuracy to the details of life under the rule of Genghis Khan.

From the dust jacket