The last illustration I created, a last minute substitution for another I just wasn’t happy with, turned out to be my favorite of the lot. This image perfectly captures the mood and moment in my head when I wrote this book.

The image is intended to contrast with a similar image from the ADD LINKfirst book, in which Lara joins Aravando (and Nolo at her feet) as they find Taranar and Danara at the foot of the glittering fountain and bronze sculpture in the city of Danatlan. Now, the scene is very different as Lara sneaks with Innara back into the city under cover of darkness. Snow blankets all and icicles hang from the dark statue of the Guardian of the Gates (earlier encountered in the flesh) and the Amaranthine Beast (to be encountered a few chapters later. Notice also how Nolo has grown and changed since a year before, his tail now lined with spines.

If you look closely, you’ll also notice that we are looking at the statue and city from a very different angle, requiring several buildings and the mountains to be added in the distance.