The daughter of one of England's most famous falconers, Mattie knew from childhood that her destiny was with her father's birds, even before she began to hear their thoughts and speak their language. When trouble came to her house, and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham seized power in the district, Mattie's friend Finn had to become Robin Hood, and she herself became Maid Marian. In a world where the influence of kings is limitless, where kidnappings and fearless adventures take place, where mortal danger reigns , Robin needs Mattie and her beautiful gyrfalcon Calendula to save the kingdom.