The Black Years are a period in the rule of the High King, Artur Hawkwing, spanning the latter part of the Consolidation and the early part of the organization of his Empire. They are generally held to have begun in FY 961 and ended in FY 965. They are also called the "Years of Silent Rage." In FY 959, Hawkwing's son, Modair, was killed in battle. Although Hawkwing grieved, such things are to be expected in war. However, two years later Hawkwing's queen, Amaline Paendrag Tagora was poisoned, along with Modair's twin sister Amira and Hawkwing's younger two children.