The city is under attack from barbarian's arrows, while a scheming prince is determined to undermine the Emperor. Peasant boy Ping he only ever wanted to serve the Emperor, but he'd always been overlooked - until now. Now, at last, he can be of service, but to achieve his ambition, he must sacrifice the life of his tame falcon, the falcon he has saved from soldiers' taunts, tended when wounded and hidden from danger. What will he choose to do?

 

This book was recognised by the Kathleen Fidler Award.

There are 152 pages in this book. This book was published 1997 by Hachette Children's Group .

John Smirthwaite is a retired businessman and full-time writer. He is married with three grown-up children and lives in Birmingham. This is his first novel.