Introduction - A Knock
Catarina Lynx was minding her own business, playing with the cats, when the knock came. She knew nobody in Brindleton Bay, so was curious and quite pleased when she opened the door to see a woman there with a big smile on her face. That is, she was pleased until the woman walked straight into her house and said, “I’m Meg, your career adviser.”
Clearly there had been a mix-up.
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t requested any career advice-” Catarina began awkwardly.
“You don’t request career advisers, career advisers request you.”
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Catarina looked at her blankly. Meg’s expression changed suddenly. Gone was the ingratiating smile, replaced with the sort of look Catarina expected to see on a cat about to pounce on a mouse. She took Catarina’s elbow and led her to the sofa.
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“Do you ever feel, Cat, that your life is pointless?”
“Um…”
“That you’re walking in and out of other people’s stories? That they don’t really see you, only what you can do for them?”
“Er…”
“That you’re only there to facilitate their plans? Bring in the next heir? And even that, not very often. Do you feel-”
Understanding came. “Look, I’m sorry, but I’m not your woman,” Catarina said. “I don’t want to be a part of your Immortal Dynasty, or Rival Dynasty, or whatever it is you’re doing. I just don’t think it’s fair that I do all that work and you get all the credit.”
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“Exactly! You deserve a chance to shine, and that’s what I want to give you. Read this.”
Catarina grudgingly took the paper she offered and looked it over.
“The Power of Ten Dynasty,” she read aloud. “Goal: To honor the momentous 10th anniversary of the forum, the challenge team is-”
“Oops!” Meg snatched the paper back. “Wrong piece of paper. Here, this one’s just got the rules on.”
Catarina scanned the list. Ten goals, all of which seemed doable in one lifetime, but all the same…
“What forum is having an anniversary? Who’s in charge here?” she asked.
“You don’t want to know, believe me. None of that matters anyway, what matters is you. Aren’t you tired of only having cats for company? Don’t you want a bit of excitement in your life?”
“But why me?”
“Because I like you, and I think you deserve a chance.”
“You look pretty young, how much experience do you have with dynasties. I don’t want to fail.”
Meg looked a little embarrassed. “Well, alright, it's true I haven’t had the most success before… haven’t managed to complete even one actually… Please, Catarina, just give me a chance. I think we could work really well together.”
Catarina looked from Meg’s pleading face to the list. It was rather flattering to be chosen to start a dynasty and she did sometimes feel lacking in direction, like she was missing out on something vital living here alone with just her cats…
“Alright, I’ll do it,” she said impulsively.
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Meg beamed at her. “Fantastic! Now just sign this form and we’ll get started. Nothing to worry about, I just need to know you’re committed and won’t panic at the sight of an empty lot.”
“What?” Catarina asked sharply as she finished signing her name. She tried to read the small print at the bottom of the page, but no sooner had she seen the words ‘complete control of my life’ did Meg whip the paper away.
“That’s all settled then. Now wait a few minutes and a taxi will be along to take you to your new life. I’m really excited to be on this journey with you.”
“So you’ll be here the whole time to help me?”
“Sort of. You won’t see me, but I’ll always be watching you.”
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And with this incredibly creepy remark, she walked out, leaving Catarina wishing she’d read the small print before signing.
