Excerpt from The White Falcon: Taking Flight

“This is Shawnee. She is a tree fairy and will educate Gabriel on the creatures of Giervalk.”

Her gossamer wings were a mosaic of purple, green and gold. Shawnee’s eyes matched her wings, shimmering in the light. Her blond hair was short and spiky. After introductions she came to rest on Nolland’s shoulder.

“Thank you for inviting us in for breakfast. I am curious about the foods eaten in this world,” said Shawnee.

“Please sit down,” Karen said. She gestured toward the table. “I have prepared sausage, eggs, toast, and, of course, coffee and tea for our breakfast. I hope you like it.”

“Oh yes, we have all this in Giervalk. Is your sausage from borcus and the eggs from ostriches?”

“What is a borcus? Gabriel asked.

"It seems we might have a few difference to work out," Shawnee said, smiling.

Shawnee before The White Falcon

Shawnee was raised in a family of scholars. Her great-great-grandfather, Crateagus, had been an advisor to King Marius. After King Marius was murdered Crateagus and his family followed Queen Amelia into the hills of Altair.

In the hills, Crateagus passed on his knowledge of the Legion of Thirteen and all the species they had welcomed into Giervalk, to his son, Malinae. Malinae in turn passed the knowledge to his son, Rhaphio.

Rhaphio and his wife Rosa tried for years to have a baby. Then, just when they had finally given up on their dream of being parents, they were blessed with a child.

While Rosa was pregnant, they had picked the name Shawn, because this baby was a gracious gift. But when their baby was born a girl they changed the name to Shawnee.

Rhaphio and Rosa doted on their daughter and taught Shawnee everything they knew. Rhaphio passed to her the knowledge that had been passed to him by his father. Rosa shared with Shawnee everything she new about plant life.

Shawnee was a sponge and delighted her parents. She learned so quickly that they sent her to spend time with families of varied backgrounds. Shawnee learned their history, languages and customs. She loved the diversity of Giervalk but she also respected the source of how Giervalk came to be.

Eventually she asked her father if she could follow the path of her ancestors and work for the royal family. He beamed with pride, but her mother was not so happy. She knew that line of work was dangerous. She cried and begged Shawnee to reconsider. But Shawnee's mind was set. Shawnee knew that she must share her deep knowledge of this world and ensure that all of the creatures of Giervalk were given a voice


Want to read more? Check out the next character: Nolland the Warrior
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