Ordered my banner. Look for it in Sept!

I debated about showing the completed triptech before the first book comes out but what the heck. I'm excited that I finished it. Here it is. Each panel has an element of one of the book covers. Enjoy!

On the parchment of time a scene is drawn
Whispering lines taking animate form
Like pages of life its corners are turned
Again and again until lessons are learned
A breath of sweet wind and motion is given
A Realm is created; a Life is within.
-Ian's Realm: Deception Peak -Dianne Gardner author/illustrator

Progress report I've been finishing up my edits on the second book Ian's Realm: The Dragon Shield, and working on the book cover for the third book of the series Rubies and Robbers, and third panel of the triptech which will have its unveiling at my first book signing at the Crazy Lady of Fourth Street Gallery. For now, I'm offering you all a little tease, an excerpt that goes with the painting.

Ian's Realm: Rubies and Robbers book 3

VIII   Moor Cove 

“Are you ready?”

The men jumped from their slumber and shook each other awake. They must have dozed off to sleep while watching the campfire. Ian saw, though, that the horses were saddled and ready to go. 

“We were starting to worry about you.” Jeppe stood up and brushed his hair back.

“In your sleep?” Ian laughed.

Jeppe woke Gregors. “Let’s go. We’ll have to ride home by starlight.”

“The white sands of the beach will guide us most of the way,” Ian said. “But we’ll have to stop at Moor Cove.”

“Moor Cove?” Neils asked.

Jeppe eyed Ian suspiciously. “This isn’t one of your spontaneous side trips is it, Ian?”

Ian gave him a half grin. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m sure this is a fully calculated endangerment…” Peder began, brushing the grass off his pants.

“A hazardous expedition.” Neils interrupted as he took his mare’s reins. “…That will be both perilous and menacingly heroic.”

“What?” Ian breathed a laugh. “This sounds like an inside joke. Have you guys been talking about me or something?”

“They made a wager.” Gregors chimed in. “But no one would bet. Jeppe here asks ‘what are the odds Ian comes back and says we’re taking an alternate route home?’”

Ian laughed.

“And then Neils says, ‘what do you bet he doesn’t tell us what we’re doing until we’re in the midst of battle?’”

“And what was the wager on that?” Ian asked as he mounted Sparkles.

“A bowl of soup. Peder was the only one who thought you’d tell us. He’d settle for a hot meal at Greta’s.”

Ian nodded. “Thanks for the support, Peder.”

Peder smiled, his palms up. “Well?”

“Do you see that boat?”

They looked out across the bay that glistened with the reflection of a thousand stars. Ian pointed at the southeastern shore. A seafaring vessel, its ebony profile barely visible against the deep blue of the ocean, sail glowing against the night sky, inched its way across the waters.

“It’s loaded with guns and ammunition, all of which will be ours by the time it arrives at Moor Cove.”

“Interesting. We’re hijacking the boat?” Jeppe groaned. “I remember the last sailing adventure we were on.” He made a face.

“The five of us?”

“No.” Ian said. “Xylon’s little army is taking on that ship and is going to steer it into Moor Cove for us. All we have to do is unload it.”