Cutting Room Floor Part Two

As mentioned in my last post, in honor of Hutra’s belated birthday, I’m sharing cut scenes from the original version of the novel. After Part Two, I’ve added an update on Aylen Isle.

Summary from Part One: Nor, a young man who can communicate with animals, celebrates his fifteenth birthday by sneaking into a restricted area to witness the rising of a sparkling portal that appears every 29 days. What should have been a simple adventure ends in horror when his friend Tenna’s six-year-old brother, Kinny, is pulled into the portal.

Part Two begins after Nor slips away unnoticed and races back home on his horse. The last thing on his mind is celebrating his birthday, even though his father has organized a surprise party.

Part Two

Nor, hoping to creep up the back staircase to his rooms, had barely stepped inside when Lessek, his elderly custodian from infancy, popped out of the kitchen and gripped his arm.

“Hoy there, young master. This way, this way. Oh! But you’re untidy!”

“I’ll just go change, shall I?”

Lessek produced a small brush from his pocket. “Here we are then.” He swished the brush over Nor’s shoulders. “And here.”

Loose dirt wafted through the air. Nor sneezed and tried to pull away.

“And just a bit more, young sir.”

He finally ducked out of the old man’s reach. “I’d rather change.”

“No time, Master Norrie. His Lordship is waiting.” The silver-haired custodian gave Nor’s back one last sweep before passing him off to Yar, the family butler.

In the outer corridor, Nor set his face in an expression he hoped suggested delighted surprise. For his father’s sake. Yar opened the ballroom’s double doors with a flourish. Dozens upon dozens of lords and ladies, dressed in their finest suits and satin frocks, filled the open space. Why hadn’t Lessek allowed him to change first? He felt all elbows and kneecaps clad in his short-sleeved and short pants summer uniform.

His father, apparently unperturbed by his attire, beamed from the raised platform at the back of the cavernous room. A twelve-piece orchestra sat behind him. On his nod, the musicians began to play, and all in attendance sang what a jolly good fellow Nor was.

Lord Norved smiled and beckoned his son to join him on stage.

He eased through the crowd, his face burning with shame. After his cowardly behavior at the portal site, he should have been shunned, yet all those well-wishers gave him hearty claps on his dusty back as he passed by.

The song ended just as Nor joined his father on the platform. During the undeserved applause, Lord Norved bent toward his ear. “The Guild is working you too hard, darling boy,” he said gently. “We expected you hours ago.”

“Sorry,” Nor mumbled.

“You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” To the audience, he said in a boisterous voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our guest of honor, my sole heir, Lesser Norved.” The announcement set off another round of applause. Nor bowed deeply but only because it was expected of him. Thankfully no one begged him to speak.

Lord Norved led him off stage and enveloped him in a quick embrace. “Were you surprised?”

“Doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he said, more to himself.

“You might notice a few unfamiliar faces,” his father added.

A few? Nor only recognized three pet owners he’d served in the past. So far, he hadn’t spotted a single friend of his own.

“I’ve invited some dignitaries. They’d been begging for a social event. What better excuse than celebrating your birthday?” Lord Norved gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. “You’ll note a few speculators here as well. Although, I must be honest with you, not all of them have legitimate proposals. A few are verging on fraud. I trust you’ll recognize those.”

Nor bobbed his head, more as a courtesy than from comprehension. He gazed over his father’s right shoulder at all the well-dressed strangers twirling around the dance floor to joyful music the orchestra played in his honor.

“Now that you’ve reached the Age of Responsibility, I’ve incorporated a small test into the festivities.” His father held out his hand. “Your com, if you please.”

With an indifferent shrug, Nor produced it from his breast pocket. His father pressed a combination of keys, then returned it. “I’ve just transferred one thousand points to your account.”

Nor gasped. “But I haven’t earned it.”

“It’s for investment purposes only, darling boy.”

Nor frowned, confused. “Sorry?”

“That’s the test. To see how well you do with investments.”

His mind still reeled from his horrifying experience at the portal site. How could he possibly think of finances? “Dad, maybe you should take the points back. I’d rather not invest in anything just now.”

“Perhaps you’d prefer making a donation. Several charities are also represented here.”

“I uh …”

Tenna, clad in a sunny yellow frock and matching bonnet, entered the ballroom. Her father, Lord Maz, swept in after her.

“You needn’t decide this instant how you’ll invest.”

Nor pulled his attention back to his father. “Oh. Good. Then you don’t mind if I …?” He nodded toward the dance floor.

His father laughed. “Enjoy yourself, lad. It is your party, after all.”

Rather than debate whether or not it was his party, Nor accepted his release from the conversation and hurried across the room to his friend in yellow. “Mistress Tenna.” He clasped her left hand and bowed low.

She curtsied. “Many happy returns, Master Norrie. Please forgive our tardiness, we–”

“It’s fine. It’s more than fine. Just got here myself,” he babbled. “You’ve no idea how relieved I am to see you. I never would’ve believed it could be done. Let’s celebrate!” He pulled her onto the dance floor and twirled her around. “I still haven’t forgiven myself for running off. I just thank the Grand All you were able to put things right.”

Her smooth forehead creased into an indignant frown. “Norrie, I have no idea what you’re going on about.”

His smile widened. “Kinny. You rescued him from the portal.”

His dance partner gasped, missing a step. Nor stumbled over her foot but regained his balance. She gripped his arm. “Norrie, take me outside. Now.” [Continued in Part Three]

And now, as promised, the latest update on Aylen Isle, Book 3 in the series. My latest novel will be released on July 24, 2024. As a proud “parent,” I’d like to say it’ll be a fun summer read!

Also, I have an early review copy in PDF form for anyone interested in writing a review.