Deleted Scene
This was a scene in The Door to Trilesk I cut after my developmental editor gave me feedback. I was ruthless and cut and shifted and moved and did a dance with my book that was painful but made the book so much better. This was one of those cut and reworked elsewhere scenes.
Spoiler: if you have not read the book yet don’t read the deleted scene. It will ruin the book with spoilers. Fair warning!!
DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE DOOR TO TRILESK!!!
The next few hours Kate spent by herself as she choked down the horrid tea, and reflected on all that had happened so far. Everyone else was in the kitchen, getting to know Claraseve, and no doubt eating some of Mrs. B’s delectable muffins and drinking some wonderfully delicious tea. Kate grimaced at what was left in her cup before she swallowed the last bit with a shudder.
Her mom’s peal of laughter made Kate smile. It had been awhile since she had heard her mom laugh and she hoped things would continue to be different after they rescued Aunt Esme and life returned to normal.
But would it ever be normal? Kate reflected on it and was surprised with how comfortable she was that her life had changed forever and nothing would be normal again. She turned to look out the window and watched as the blue sky faded into deep shades of reds, purples and finally black. Lost in thought she didn’t hear her mom enter the room until she shook her gently.
“Honey, he’s ready.”
With a new clarity and understanding Kate looked at her mom.
“You did the best you knew how, didn’t you?”
“That’s all any of us can do.”
“I see that. I see so much right now.”
“What exactly was in that tea he gave you?”
“Nothing more than herbs to quiet the clutter and sharpen the clarity, I assure you. Are you ready Kate?” Bethtizmo stood in the doorway.
“I am.”
“Then let us go. We’ll be back late,” Bethtizmo said to Claraseve.
“We’ll be here.”
“Where else would you be?”
“Nevermind.”
He led the way outside and down a path. Kate gazed around. Brilliant specks of light filled the crystal clear night sky, night insects and animals sang in perfect harmony, lightning bugs wove in and out in a slow motion dance, and the tall grass tickled her knees as they waded through.
“This is amazing.”
“Life is amazing.”
They walked on in silence as Bethtizmo pulled further and further ahead until she could no longer see his silhouette. She contemplated running but didn’t feel any urgency or need so continued on. Her steps slowed then stopped as she approached a large square clearing lit by tall torches placed in the ground at each corner. The fire cast shadows over the large crystals – each corner a different color- at the base of the torches.
Kate felt herself pulled to the center of the clearing and sat down. Moments later Bethtizmo emerged shirtless from the shadows and sat down in one fluid motion in front of a large crystal bowl and a large metal bowl. Both were etched with strange symbols Kate hadn’t noticed when she first sat down.
Bethtizmo struck the bowls with a mallet, first one, then the other, as their deep vibrations pulsed through Kate’s body. He struck faster and faster, as wave after wave of vibrations left her sweaty and shaken.
“MMMMM Nala Wola Rem. MMMMM Nala Wola Rem. MMMMM Nala Wola Rem. Frodem Milamen Groske. Frodem Milamen Groske. Frodem Milamen Groske.”
Kate’s body started to sway and undulate on its own accord. Goosebumps broke out on her sweat soaked skin. Other voices merged with Bethtizmo’s, intensifying the message. A blazing fire consumed the crystal and she closed her eyes just as the voices abruptly stopped and left her in silence. Kate heard the rustle of fabric as Bethtizmo knelt in front of her.
“Are you ready, child of Eronia?”
“I am,” Kate heard her voice from far away.
Bethtizmo smeared thick oil on her forehead and Kate wrinkled her nose as she inhaled patchouli and sewer water.
”Grogma throwan Tizma.”
Soft grass met her body as it was flung back and the world swam out of focus. Her vision cleared and there were her people, laughing, walking in pairs along pathways through exotic looking greenery, singing, living their daily lives. Everyone looked so happy, and content. She felt the overwhelming joy her people had at being alive. The vision darkened and people were running in fear, screaming as they were shot down in the streets by large armed creatures. Smoke hung in the air as the same creatures set fire to all the buildings, not content with massacring her people. The point of view changed and she glimpsed a father barring the door against more armed creatures as they approached, yelling at the woman in the center of the room to hurry, as her hands moved frantically. Off to the side two young girls gripped each other, the oldest shushing her younger sister’s cries. She wore a necklace similar to Kate’s, but the crystal was dull and earth toned. The vision split, one side the family, the other Rahsh, in the caverns below where he discovered a unique crystal embedded in the cavern wall where it had stood for eons after being discovered by the Eronians. Kate watched, confused, and felt the awareness wash over her. Akashte. It knew what was happening to her people, and knew what was about to happen. Why couldn’t Rahsh feel it? The other soldiers? How could they be so oblivious? Rahsh barked orders for the crystal to be dug out, and became enraged when it wouldn’t budge, despite his strongest soldier’s efforts. He snarled and a weapon was wheeled in and aimed at Akashte. Within moments a white hot, laser beam began cutting the rock surrounding the crystal. It didn’t get far as the energy was absorbed by Akashte. Blinded by greed, Rahsh pushed the lever, increasing the intensity to no avail. In a blind fury, Rahsh grabbed the weapon, strode towards Akashte and pulled the lever all the way. Even though Kate knew this had already happened, she prayed for a different outcome as Akashte exploded just as the frenzied mother pushed her children through the door in the other vision. Kate saw a piece of Akashte attach itself to the child’s necklace, glowing softly, just as the vision faded.
The crushing grief of her people crippled her and Kate lay on the ground and sobbed for what felt like hours. The grief slowly let up and she became aware of the voices as they showed her the way to become a Harakun. The crystal, silenced for generations, vibrated softly and Akashte wrapped her in love.
Kate opened her eyes and sat up and looked at Bethtizmo who sat patiently.
“Did you find the answers you were looking for?”
“Yes, along with more questions, but those will have to wait. Let’s get back to the others.”