Deleted Scene from The Bloodstained Shade: Fausta

An alternate version of how Fausta comes to be Latona's apprentice

[Note from Cass: Well, I did say I was going to start cross-posting stuff from my Patreon for paid subscribers, and here I hold myself to that! Sharing deleted scenes, early versions of scenes, and other scraps from the writing process is something I love doing. It makes it easier to cut material, honestly, knowing I can still share it through other channels!

Fear not if you haven't read The Bloodstained Shade yet! This scene was written and discarded so early in the process that it doesn't contain any kind of spoilers, except perhaps in the way of a path not taken. It's a scene I never quite found a place for, because, well, not that much really happens. It's a lot of talking, and while it provides some nice societal underpinning about patronage and magical apprenticeships, none of that really ended up being necessary, with how things unfold in the book. I do still like some of the character details, though, and so I share it with you now!]

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One day in early December, Latona was surprised to be summoned to the atrium early in the day, during the time when her father usually met with his clients. “What in heaven’s name is going on, Helva?” she asked, as Merula hastily arranged her palla. The mantle would have to be on, for a formal reception, and nothing would do but that it lie just so — particularly with Helva’s attentive eyes overseeing.

“I am not certain, Domina,” Helva answered, leading her towards the large study where Aulus Vitellius received his clients. “Dominus had few visitors this morning, but among them were a family not of his clients — nor petitioning to be. They said they had a favor to ask of you, Domina.”

Latona’s lips twisted slightly. “Who are they?”

“A Paullus Faustus and his wife.”