Hawk of the Hills
The narrative follows Francis Xavier Gordon, an American adventurer, as he navigates treachery and violence in the rugged terrain of the Afghan frontier. The story begins with Gordon escaping from a deadly ambush set by Afdal Khan, a treacherous tribal chief. After witnessing the brutal murder of his friends during a supposed peace conference, Gordon's thirst for revenge drives him to climb a perilous cliff to evade his pursuers. As he reaches safety, he contemplates the motives behind the betrayal and the chaotic tribal politics that led to the massacre. He encounters Ali Bahadur, an Orakzai warrior, who confronts him with a pistol. In a tense standoff, Gordon manages to kill Ali and escapes on a stolen horse, vowing to exact revenge on Afdal Khan. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Willoughby, an Englishman and secret service agent, is sent to mediate the conflict. He rides with a group of Pathans, led by Baber Ali, who is Afdal Khan's uncle. Willoughby learns of the devastation caused by Gordon's attacks on Afdal's forces and the escalating feud that threatens to engulf the region in further violence. As Willoughby attempts to negotiate peace, he discovers that Afdal Khan is plotting to eliminate him to protect his interests. Afdal's ambitions include controlling vital water sources and aligning with foreign powers, which complicates the already volatile situation. Willoughby realizes that he is caught in a deadly game of tribal politics, where his life hangs in the balance. Gordon, meanwhile, continues his campaign against Afdal Khan, using guerrilla tactics to strike at his enemies. He captures Akbar's Castle, a strategic stronghold, and prepares for a siege as Afdal's forces gather to retaliate. The tension escalates as both sides prepare for confrontation, with Willoughby caught in the middle. In a climactic encounter, Afdal Khan confronts Willoughby with the intent to kill him, believing it will absolve him of responsibility for his uncle's actions. However, Gordon intervenes, revealing that he has been watching the entire scene unfold from a hidden vantage point. A fierce duel ensues between Gordon and Afdal, showcasing their combat skills and the brutal reality of their world. Ultimately, Gordon emerges victorious, killing Afdal Khan and ending the immediate threat to Willoughby. The narrative concludes with Gordon's acknowledgment of the complex web of tribal loyalties and the harsh realities of frontier life. Willoughby, now understanding the depth of the conflict, prepares to return to Kabul, armed with the knowledge of the true nature of the feud and the men involved. The story encapsulates themes of betrayal, revenge, and the struggle for power in a lawless land, highlighting the brutal realities faced by those who inhabit the Afghan frontier. Gordon's character embodies the archetype of the rugged individualist, while Willoughby represents the complexities of colonial diplomacy in a tumultuous region.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1934 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery · 6 chapters · 24,649 words
First lines
TO A MAN standing in the gorge below, the man clinging to the sloping cliff would have been invisible, hidden from sight by the jutting ledges that looked like irregular stone steps from a distance. From a distance, also, the rugged wall looked easy to climb; but there were heart-breaking spaces between those ledges -- stretches of treacherous shale, and steep pitches where clawing fingers and groping toes scarcely found a grip.
What this Textopian page supports
Hawk of the Hills is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert E. Howard, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Robert E. Howard
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery, Historical Fiction, Action
- Length: 24,649 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 410 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Hawk of the Hills by Robert E. Howard
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Hawk of the Hills?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The book features mythical elements, supernatural beings, and a richly imagined world.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around thrilling quests and explorations in a dangerous landscape.
- Sword and Sorcery — It includes heroic characters, magic, and combat, typical of the subgenre.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are inspired by historical contexts, blending fact with fiction.
Tags
adventure · fantasy · sword and sorcery · heroic · action · mythology · warrior · tribal · survival · exploration · ancient cultures · bravery