That story didn't have enough ooomph to it. It didn't have a clear villain. There was no climax at the end, it just sort of fizzled for the last 100 pages and there was no where to go for book 2. So it all got re-invented into the book you have before today. I like it a lot better. Saraid was born, Maksim came to life, Georgianna thumbed her nose on every other page and Helene cast her serenity and wisdom on everything. And now I have a clear path for book 2 and 3, so it all worked out for the best.
It's hard to believe a whole book can come from one little chicken.