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On Falcon's Wings
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On Falcon's Wings (2010) (edit title/settings)

by Lisa J. Yarde (Author) (edit contributors)

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Love united them. Destiny drove them apart. When Avicia, a Norman noblewoman, makes a careless but costly mistake with a prized falcon, the brutal punishment nearly claims her life. Her Saxon lover, Edric of Newington witnesses her ordeal but cannot share her fate. Another destiny awaits him... read more

Summary edit see section history

Avicia is the impulsive, free-spirited daughter of a Norman lord. Orphaned in her early childhood, she rebels against her uncle’s determined attempts to use her influence at the Flemish court. Filled with angst and passion, Edric of Newington, is the son of a minor Saxon thane destined to... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Avicia is the impulsive, free-spirited daughter of a Norman lord. Orphaned in her early childhood, she rebels against her uncle’s determined attempts to use her influence at the Flemish court. Filled with angst and passion, Edric of Newington, is the son of a minor Saxon thane destined to inherit his father’s estates from one of England’s most powerful noble families, the Godwinsons. He dreams of a life in service to the king.

The novel begins as Avicia endures a brutal whipping, for having flown a falcon belonging to her mistress, the proud daughter of the Flemish count, resulting in the bird's death. Edric, frustrated and guilt-ridden, broods about Avicia on his return to England. He prepares for an arranged marriage to Cynwise of Elham, a ward of the Godwinson clan. At her arrival, he discerns the wounded spirit beneath the widow’s veneer. He knows he can never love her and aches for Avicia.

In Flanders, Avicia continues to serve the daughter of the Flemish count. Memories of Edric and their brief happiness sustain her. Her uncle, in the company of warriors from Normandy, intends to broker an alliance through the marriage of the count’s daughter to the Norman duke. One among the Norman retinue is Philippe de Montfort, a knight in the service of his elder brother. Another is Odo, bishop de Bayeux, brother of the Norman duke. When the count’s daughter refuses the marriage, Avicia’s uncle enlists her help to determine the reason.

Philippe has strong ties to Avicia’s past and his immediate attraction to her is obvious. Her uncle consents to a marriage between the pair. Surprised, Avicia cannot deny her burgeoning attraction to the knight, though her heart still yearns for Edric. She and Philippe journey to Normandy, where she gains a life-long friend. At the marital feast, she meets the duke of Normandy.

In England, Edric suffers a devastating blow when his father dies in the service of the Godwinsons. The sole joy in his loveless marriage with Cynwise is their newborn son. His tie to the Godwinsons forces him to visit London, where the English king expects to entertain the duke of Normandy and his retinue. Avicia hides a burgeoning pregnancy and fears for her husband’s safety when she travels with him to England. The Normans travel without their duke, who courts the Flemish count’s daughter in earnest. Avicia spies Edric at the king’s court and promptly faints. Stunned by her appearance, he is unable to hide his desire or jealousy. They clash but their lingering attraction re-ignites dangerous passions.

The English king and his nobles clash over the arrival of the Norman retinue. On the coast, the king’s guests wars with the townspeople, who are under the Godwinsons’ dominion. The Godwinsons refuse to punish their supporters and suffer exile. Edric parts from Avicia again without a farewell. He broods until the triumphant return of the Godwinsons.

The Godwinsons journey to Normandy thirteen years later to rescue their family members taken hostage. Edric accompanies them. Avicia has remained an outsider in the ducal court, except for the company of her dearest friend. Despite four sons, the joys of her marriage to Philippe have faded. Edric’s arrival shocks Avicia. In the months that follow, his somber reserve crumbles in her presence. His caring and devotion soothe her frantic impulses. They fall deeply in love and struggle to hide their emotions, to no avail. Odo of Bayeux discovers their adulterous affair.

Edric returns to England, burdened by worry for Avicia’s fate. Alone, she endures the recriminations that follow and an unexpected pregnancy. She believes God has punished her sins when her daughter is born blind. In a brutal trial by ordeal, memories of Edric bring her solace. But impending war shatters her hopes for a peaceful future. The English king has died and the Godwinsons claim the throne. The duke of Normandy intends to invade. Any future reconciliation between Edric and Avicia hinges on the outcome of the Battle of Hastings, and the lovers' abilities to overcome the challenges of the past.

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First Sentence edit see section history

The red hide leather whip arced and bit deep into Avicia’s flesh.

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Lisa J. Yarde (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: CreateSpace
Country: USA
Publication Date: July 9, 2010
ISBN: 145362483X
Page Count: 340

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Adults

There is sex, adultery and warfare in this book, described in some detail. Not recommended for children under 15.

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