Almost nothing was cut from King of Thorns in editing (quite a few additions). The only real casualties were small fragments from the view points of people in the background/scenery of the story. These were to nestle between chapters and put a human face on a grand conflict. In the end it was felt they distracted from / diluted the main thrust of storytelling. These cuts are among the bits & pieces I'm releasing as we... hurtle... toward August.
This is the second:
Martel Harris, twenty-three, sword blow. Blue Moon Valley, west of the Haunt.
Son of Martel and Hela, born above the Falling Angel’s barroom, Crath City, Ancrath.
Find something worth following and stick to it, son. Martel took his father’s advice along with his name, and both served him well. He followed into the Forest Watch, followed the Forest Watch into the Renar Highlands. He followed the son as he had the father.
Just don’t put a foot wrong. Another gem of Harris the Elder’s wisdom. Martel put a foot wrong in Blue Moon Valley. You can’t follow on a turned ankle. He drew his sword and chose his spot amidst the broken rock. Kenna and Justin tried to stay with him. The first time anyone ever tried to follow Martel Harris. He saw them off with curses and threats.
A tear ran hot on his cheek in the coldness of the wind. He watched the men of Arrow over the bright line of his blade.
“I may have followed, but I wasn’t led.”
Now I wonder what followed on that statement.
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