The Elfin Queen riding Dwaith, the Golden Eagle.

 

She flew north across sea, land and freshwater lakes until she could see Liadan's castle on the cliffs high above the loch. The eagle spiralled down and landed in the courtyard............ 

 

The Elfin Queen lifted her right hand and uttered words in an ancient tongue, and a blinding white light radiated from her whole being. She grew very tall and a white wind encircled her, and the earth below her feet trembled. No sword or mace, no matter how deadly, could harm her. When she spoke her voice was unworldly and the swamp ghouls were dismayed. "Kneel when I speak, you hideous creatures" she commanded , and the swamp ghouls fell to their knees, shielding their eyes from the dazzling light.
"Thirty-eight brave elves died when your master destroyed Withyforge, and there are thirty-eight of you evil beings here, but not one of you will return to Durg-Baulder to tell your tale."

The dreadful swamp ghouls screamed in terror as a raging fire burnt through them from inside their chests, and they crashed to the ground with a reeking yellow smoke leaking from their lifeless bodies.

 

 

 

This illustration took 13 hours  and measures 330mm x 220mm.