too many

Too many people. Too many plot threads. Before=not enough. Now it's a disconnected monstrosity of things I don't want to abandon.
Such as:
Albert being in the hospital, which was in the first two drafts.
Quinton being killed, which is reasonable but there's so much PLOT wrapped up in it.

At least I can tie up the war... and Matthard is still justifiably angry at Ire, but not AS much, because of the fact Ire tried to get him out of the country. And Ire... poor guy, he is miserable, and I am good at making him so, without having to hurt him, himself.

but what to do about Albert? I got rid of Patton, sent him home, but Tristan just paired up with Guppel and kept going. Wait. Can't do that, they're Britacan and Peternian--- oh KINGS, they're going to war and I've got them looting together.

And there's that slavery mess.

Patton went home. Tristan is waiting for Matthard. Quinton is jealous. Alphonse is swayed by fear (show). Albert is loyal to new regime. Guppel is bailing. Matthard is intent. Selah is responsible. Manda is insufferably in love/dedicated.
Anyone else?

Quinton could unbribe the guards. They should be better by now.

It just seems like so much is sifting through my fingers, leaving things that were important alone, it's all so... loose.