At the heart of this epic tale is Zaim, the leader of the Falcons, a prince of the Nabataean Arabs who governs the spice routes from Aden to Gaza. Zaim is known for his fairness, bravery, and unwavering honesty—qualities that endear him to his friends and people, but incite jealousy in his brothers, who conspire to bring him down. His love for a woman sworn to his brother will lead to a poignant struggle between duty and desire.
Apollonia, the daughter of a powerful emperor, is a woman of immense wealth and privilege, yet her life feels empty and devoid of meaning. Once a woman of faith, she has lost her connection to the divine and faces an uncertain future. Destined for a loveless marriage to Zaim’s brother, Apollonia’s journey from Alexandria to Petra will test her resolve and strip away everything she once held dear.
Chao, a matchless general of the Han Chinese army and grandson of the legendary explorer Zhang Qian, is sent on a perilous mission to chart the route west to the Middle Sea. Chao’s martial prowess protects him on this dangerous journey, but when he reaches the great Arab city of Petra, he must draw on all his experience to defend the city from formidable enemies.
Destiny will bring Zaim, Apollonia, and Chao together at a time when the world anticipates the coming of the Messiah. In this tumultuous era, they will face heroic deeds and ferocious battles, compassion and cruelty, and the eternal struggle between moderation and excess. Love will be earned and lost as they confront the question: Are these truly indecent times when only the indecent can prevail? Or can the Nabataean Arabs and Hasmonean Jews put aside their differences to resist the imperial powers of the West?
Beware the Oracle’s declaration: “The day the dragon enters the falcon.”
For this will be a time for empires to fall.
A time for myth-making.
A time for legends.
