I am excited to reveal a new illustration I commissioned for Darkness Gains (and yes, it was after the book’s initial publication, so I am planning to update the paperback and Kindle versions with this new image).

The illustration shows High Cleric Galadrin — a man who has been a thorn in Octavius’s and Aithen’s sides, and who will become a very real problem for them and the kingdom very soon — inducting new followers into the Church of Aiala. One of these new inductees is Krptus, a young guardian who is still insecure about his identity and who yearns for something to give meaning to his life.

Next to Galadrin, you can see the First’s skull, that is the skull of what the Church of Aiala believes to be the first Human, a relic that allows the high priests to communicate with the Founders.

Let me know your thoughts on it.

L.A.