Deleted Scene: Settlers of Talrega, chapter 1
In the original version, the Fizzart platoon went directly to Talrega from the start. With that changing, Mrs. Fizzart never made it there.
“Let’s say hello,” Neith said. “Having your fat, pregnant wife with you will garner sympathy.”
She’d always been better at social niceties. The villagers didn’t know her well enough to read behind the smile, or know how her voice pitched up when she was nervous. But she had been right, of course; she allowed the women to touch her swollen belly, even though she’d bite the head off anyone who’d tried in Begnion. It was an easy introduction to the new platoon that hovered over their land, the promise of growing families and new homes up on that mountain.
The wyverns, free of their riders, now circled overhead, curiously nosing the forest’s trees from above. Some of the village children hid behind their parents’ legs, smearing tears on tiny fists, but others stared at the sky in wonder and asked if they could ride them, too.
“When you get older, you come join the army,” his wife said with a smile. “Commander Shiharam loves teaching rambunctious children how to ride.”
Shiharam couldn’t discern whether that was a jab or not, but the children laughed in delight.