After the suffering of Julian 8th’s family under Kalkar brutality helps ignite open revolt, his descendants continue the struggle across generations, preserving both the old flag and the hope of restoring human freedom. Julian 20th, known as the Red Hawk, eventually unites the scattered desert clans and leads them in a great war against the remaining Kalkar power, while his relationship with Bethelda, a woman from a rival people, begins to overcome generations of hatred. He recaptures the capital, reconciles former enemies, drives the invaders toward final defeat, and restores peace and freedom to America, bringing the long saga that began with the exploration of the Moon to its conclusion.
