The Challenger

<p>Can Hawk survive the many challenges that lay ahead?</p><p>Hawk has spent most of his sixteen years on the streets of Portsmouth England. Survival has always been his greatest concern. Unfortunately to a street urchin like Hawk survival means breaking the law; breaking the law means incarceration. Because of an unfortunate episode involving larceny the magistrate has sentenced Hawk to six months in jail. With the help of a friend he escapes. Hoping to avoid recapture he signs onto a clipper ship called The Challenger. Quickly thereafter the three-mast schooner sails off to the South Seas. Unfortunately at every turn the sailing crew challenges Hawk’s contribution. These are hardened men who revile Hawk’s presence; therefore they want him off the ship. The question is if he stays can he survive the long journey with men who will kill for as little as a mug of ale and a piece of bread or maybe for as much as a chest filled with treasure that is ill-gotten?</p><p>And if he does survive a year at sea with a band of malcontents will he ultimately become just like them? Only the test of time and determination can say.</p><p>About the Author<br />Richard W. Irion is a first-time author who wants to take the reader back to the age of tall ships adventure on the high seas battles won and battles lost. Richard is a US Air Force veteran a retired postmaster a devoted Christian and a persistent reader who presently lives in Mays Landing New Jersey.</p>