The problem with scrapping the first four or five chapters is that it will take away from the political nuances leading up to the death of the main character and one of her love interests.

I originally started writing a story in this world my main characters were a man and woman from the 21st century who were transported back to the land of Penterra They are the reincarnations of the daughter of the Royal Magus of Trellion and the Prince of Trellion. I began writing a story about their past lives to figure out how to merge the two in a realistic and believable way. I decided the 21st century couple's story would work better as volume 2 in the series. So, the first book is supposed to be the story of how the couple ends up being cursed by a power hungry mage. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it right. It is pretty convoluted.

J. L. Henry