Aside from a new, nearly 1600-word scene, the good news is that no one died. Mitch, Gurty, and our hero Alex survived the encounter with the shambling plant creatures.
First, Mitch had a definite possibility of not leaving “The Grove.” Then, Gurty was going to be sacrificed — spoiler alert — Mitch led the way out of the valley, and Gurty proved to be an unexpected guardian.
They scanned across the secret grove valley for signs of what they thought they spotted earlier. There were no telltale signs, although Alex felt something was out there all the same. They saw the trail entering the hidden tunnel to the grove, and there were additional markers throughout the tunnel. Still, once they reached the valley’s opening, especially at its height above the tallest trees in the woods, they could not see anything that looked like it made the tracks they had found.”
In the scene “The Grove.”
I’m happy not to have taken out any characters, but I also recognize I will only sometimes have the opportunity to save everyone. However, as the author, there will always be hope.
One can never know; Mitch might find a more prominent role than being the best friend from Nottilham… and there will always be room for Gurty the gizzard.