In a deleted chapter in my historical fiction book, The Falconer’s Apprentice, my protagonist Andreas, after a long journey, is on his way to Salerno, carrying a letter of recommendation from Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in his pocket. Arriving at the courtyard of Maahir Ibn Ghaiyyas, Andreas comes upon a chaotic scene, a woman…
“[Andreas] walked across the Piazza Maggiore and looked at the palace where Enzio was imprisoned. In the half light of the early evening, its clean lines and simple grey-pinkish sandstone façade gave the building a soft and inviting character. It was hard to think of this elegant edifice as containing prison cells and dungeons. The…
Imagine traveling on horseback through the gently rolling hills and open plains of Apulia with its olive groves, stands of pines and holm oak, and almond trees. It’s hot, the air leaves you feeling dry and parched, and your eyes hurt from the strain of the bright sun. Then, adjusting your hat, you happen to…
