Twist of Fate
By: Scratch

Ages ago, there was once a kingdom called Sloth. It was ruled
by the just and royal Kitthais family. The land on which Sloth was
built was lush and green, with ample acres stretching towards the
horizon. The Earth there was pure and beautifully kept, for there were
no wars in this kingdom. The Kitthaises prided themselves on being
complete pacifists. They were also a rich family, so the architecture
of Sloth was finely constructed with an elegant style. One might go
so far as to say it was a perfect place to take up residence. However,
though there may have been no problems on the surface, conflicts on a
different level were on the verge of emerging.
Within this amazing kingdom was a small fief named Crew owned
by Lord and Lady Glasgow. Though it was not nearly as gorgeous as the
rest of Sloth and it produced slightly less goods than they would
have liked, the Glasgows were proud of their home. Lord Lolaz and
Lady Shmir never made it seem like they were disappointed with
anything related to themselves. They had a good deal of pride, you
will remember. That was why they were so pleased with their two
children, Heath and Katerina. Both were talented young people destined
towards the preferred careers for men and women at that time. When one
citizen of Sloth might chance to comment to Lolaz that Crew had not
produced a surplus amount of turnips that season, like every other
fief in Sloth had, Lolaz might just happen to start speaking of his
bright and handsome son who was to become a knight in the near future.
While in a conversation with Lady Shmir, if the speaker should mention
that the land of Crew could not hold a candle to that of Sloth or any
other fief, Shmir would probably change the subject to her lovely
daughter who was not only beautiful, but also had enough talent to
become a fantastic sorceress.
That particular date happened to be the day before Heath was
to begin his training to become a knight. Heath was in his room,
contemplating his planned destiny, when he heard the chamber door
creak open slightly. His sister's head emerged.
"Might I come in and have a word with you?" Katerina inquired.
"Please do," replied Heath. "What troubles you, sister?"
"Nothing troubles me... I simply ponder the fact that the next
time I look upon you, you will be an honorable knight, known as Heath
the Horrible to enemies and Heath the Heroic to the rest of the
kingdom," Katerina said, somewhat wistfully.
Heath sighed. "Quite possibly, I suppose. But in all honesty,
I cannot say that becoming a knight is what I desire most of all. I do
not yearn to win the hearts of the people. What I truly desire is...
well, I must not burden you with my trivial feelings. I shall
accomplish what is expected of me."
Katerina furrowed her brow. "Why, brother, I cannot
imagine... I thought you wished to become a valiant warrior, ready to
become a vassal to the Kitthaises! What is it you truly dream of?
Divulge your feelings... I must know!"
"Ah, Katerina, I cannot refuse you. I shall tell you the
truth that only God knows. I have always thought of... wished...
dreamed about... learning the ways of a sorcerer!"
Katerina gasped in surprise. Her own destiny was to become a
sorceress! She sat facing her brother, her face suddenly gaining a
somber expression. "Brother... I face a complex decision, but I feel
that I must relinquish my own reality to you as well. I... I have
forever wished to become a knight. To serve my kingdom, to fight for
my people, to be respected as a warrior! I envy your fate. That has
always been my heart's deepest and truest desire."
Heath gaped at his sister in astonishment. "I never even
fathomed that such a thing could be true... How unfortunate that our
fates cannot be altered to suit one another." Katerina nodded in
grim agreement. Could nothing be done? Terrible, that such a
coincidence should come upon them! Suddenly, she jumped up. It was
not a misfortune; it was good fortune that they should be in a
situation such as this, she came to realize.
"Brother, let us merely switch places! Then our dreams can be
fulfilled to our desire! We can alter our fates! The administrators
that shall teach us are not concerned with who they teach. The sole
knowledge they possess is that there should be a student named Glasgow
within their lot. No one will ever learn the truth, and if our parents
happen to find out, I truly believe that they would be proud. Only
children with spirit would take it upon themselves to change their
destinies. It is a perfect plan!" Katerina cried excitedly.
"But... but... it is dishonorable, and... surely someone
would... well..." Clearly Heath was at a loss for words. He wanted to
take part in the plan, for he desired sorcery more than anything, but
there was great risk involved. Then the thought of the drudgery of
knight training, and the magic and mystery he could experience as a
sorcerer came upon him. Katerina searched his face for an answer.
Heath contemplated it for a while, and then finally said,
"Let us do it."
"Wondrous!" cried Katerina, who then proceeded to jump up and
hug her brother. "Tomorrow you shall remain here until your training
to be a sorcerer will begin, and I... I shall start my journey as a
knight!"
Heath and Katerina discussed their scheme further until they
both decided to retire into slumber. A smile graced both their faces
as they slept.
Though it was some time before Katerina finally submitted to
it, she fell into a deep sleep. She soon began to dream. Her dream was
not the least bit vague. Everything was very distinct. God himself had
come from heaven to speak to her.
iKaterina... what you are about to do is not what should be
done. You cannot alter your fate. You were born on this Earth destined
to be a sorceress, and you can do nothing to change that. Nor can your
brother do anything to change his destiny. If you go ahead with your
plan tomorrow, you shall live to regret it. If you should choose to
ignore my words, it will be your undoing.../i
Katerina woke up in a cold sweat. Had God truly spoken to her?
Should she take His words seriously? Her stomach began to clench.
Sorcery was so monotonous, certainly not what she would like to be
stuck doing for the remainder of her life. Being a knight was what
she had wanted since her childhood. And how amazing that the thoughts
of her brother were the opposite. She shook her head. It was only a
dream... nothing more. She would not let this perfect opportunity pass
her by. Katerina was going to proceed with her scheme.
The next morning, the Glasgow family woke up bright and early.
Katerina was the first to be dressed and ready for the day ahead,
however. She could not get rid of the smile on her face or contain
her excitement. Today was the day that she would begin her knight
training! As she and Heath discussed the night before, he and she
would leave for their educations together, only she would take the
place of Heath and vice versa. A while later, after they had all
eaten breakfast, it was time to say good-bye.
"Oh, my beloved children, I cannot begin to tell you how
proud you have made me. You are indeed the jewels of our lives..."
Lady Shmir said as she started to weep.
"And now they can only add to our pride, my dear wife. Heath
shall become a gallant warrior, and Katerina will learn the power of
sorcery. God has blessed us with the greatest of offspring."
Heath and Katerina exchanged a meaningful smile. They would
indeed make their parents proud, but in a different way than was
expected. They bid the Lord and Lady a fond farewell, and left the
fief on which they had lived all their lives. A little ways down the
path, the siblings themselves decided it was time to part. They faced
each other.
"I suppose this is where we shall leave each other..." Heath
said with a sad smile. "Dear sister, I am so grateful for what you
have done... for both of us."
"Oh, brother, you must not thank me. It was of mutual
advantage. Let us simply say good-bye."
"Well, farewell, then, sister... Katerina the Cunning, soon to
be Katerina the Courageous!"
"And you shall be known as Heath the Magical. The best of
luck and all my love to you, brother."
"To you as well... adieu!" Heath said. The two hugged each
other and parted ways. They were off to start new, promising lives.
Heath and Katerina would not see each other again for six years.

Katerina sat atop her mount, looking across the grassy fields
to the castle in which Prince Chameleus Kitthais lived. Dusk had
fallen on the great kingdom of Sloth, which was still as powerful,
prosperous, and beautiful as it was six years before. It would soon
be time for Katerina to return to the quarters of the prince. In these
past years, she had trained long and hard to learn the ways of a
knight. She had done very well, and was now, in fact, the personal
protector of Prince Chameleus. She was known throughout the kingdom
as Katerina the Courageous, because she could fight ferociously and
ride horses well, she was strong, and she was a woman. Such a
combination of traits had never been heard of before. The Kitthaises
were honored to have her as their security, and she was honored to
serve them in turn. Over the years, she spent more and more time with
the intelligent, talented, handsome prince, and had grown to love him.
However, it was a feeling she kept hidden within herself, for
Chameleus could never marry his own knight. What a pair they would
have made, though!
Suddenly, the docile steed Katerina rode started to paw the
ground and shift its weight from side to side. The strong knight
tensed her body for action. Someone must have been coming.
"Ms. Glasgow, Ms. Katerina the Courageous!" a voice cried. A
messenger on his own horse came forth into her view. She relaxed at
once.
"Yes, yes, what is it?" she said, a bit bored.
"The exalted Prince Chameleus has requested an audience with
you at once! He claims that it is urgent, ma'am!" the messenger
replied.
"I shall depart for his chambers right away, then," Katerina
said, and spurred her horse over the hills to the castle. She would
not keep her love waiting.
When she finally arrived at the castle, Katerina dismounted,
secured her horse, and entered. She made her way up the royal
chambers, thinking about what could be amiss and trying to calm her
nerves. Wars and enemies did not distress her, but love was another
story. She reached the door of the chamber, sighed deeply, and went in.
Immediately, Katerina dropped to her knees. Her eyes rose to
meet those of Prince Chameleus.
"You called, my prince?" Katerina said.
"Oh, yes, indeed I did. And I am saddened to admit that I did
not summon you here for good news," the prince replied unhappily.
Katerina's eyes widened in fear. "What is it, my prince? Are
you in danger of any sort?" she said quickly.
The prince sighed. "I am afraid that that is the truth. As a
matter of fact, Katerina, the whole kingdom is in peril. Quite
recently, a mysterious man visited my castle, and stated his
objective to overthrow the authority of my family. He also asserted
his intention of destroying my family and I ultimately if we do not
accept his advances."
"Have no worries or fears in your heart, valiant prince. I
will protect you and our kingdom with all my might," declared Katerina
with confidence.
The prince smiled and said, "I have the greatest faith in you.
However, you must be vigilant... I fear that this man is extremely
powerful. I do know that I have the best of knights to protect this
kingdom, though, and I am eternally grateful for your service."
Katerina the bold knight struggled to hide her blushing face.
"It... it is an honor to serve you, Prince Chameleus. When the
enigmatic person you speak of returns tomorrow, I shall be ready to
protect Sloth at all costs. Sleep tonight with a mind free of anxiety."
With that, Katerina bowed once more and retired to her own
quarters. Tomorrow, she wanted to be ready for anything.
Katerina woke at dawn and prepared for the worst at once. She
was attired in a full suit of heavy armor, and was equipped with her
long, sharp sword and large, impenetrable shield. She mounted her war
horse, who was trained for combat and eminently muscular. Katerina the
Courageous was a menacing sight and a force to be reckoned with. She
stationed herself at the front gates of the castle, prepared for
anything she might chance to meet. And soon, as promised, he arrived.
"Halt!" Katerina shouted. "Who goes there?"
The man was wearing a dark cloak which hid his face. He
seemed like a normal person, but Katerina could not suppress the
ominous foreboding in her chest.
"I have come to take my place as ruler of Sloth," the man
said in a voice that was strangely familiar to Katerina.
Her face became resolute. "The throne of Sloth will never
belong to you. I suggest you depart at once before I force you to do
so."
"So be it," the man boomed. "If you will not capitulate your
authority to me, then I shall murder you all! I will kill the king,
the queen, the prince, the servants, the warriors, all the citizens
of Sloth, and you! Do not dare underestimate the powers of a sorcerer!"
And Katerina finally realized...
"Are you Heath?" she blurted out.
The sorcerer's expression flashed to surprise for a fraction
of a second, then returned to that of pompous pride and anger.
"Yes, I am Heath, master of sorcery and soon to be the
conqueror of Sloth! I see you have heard of me."
"I am Katerina, your sister! I am the protector of this
kingdom!" she cried.
"So it is you, Katerina the Courageous, my dear sister who
took my place as knight. You poor, pathetic girl, don't you see the
mistakes you have made? I have learned the ways of the sorcerer and
have become the most powerful in the world! Now I shall rule Sloth, as
you could have done, if you had not thrown your chances away. Step
aside, sister, for Sloth is now mine."
Katerina did not budge. "I think not. I do not understand
what has corrupted you, brother, but I am the guardian of Sloth now,
as you could have been. I serve Prince Chameleus Kitthais, and I do
not intend to disappoint him. I do not wish to fight you, but I will
do what I must to protect this kingdom. I suggest you either leave
immediately, or prepare for defeat."
Heath let out an enraged shout as he charged at his sister.
Katerina readied her sword, raised her shield, and prepared her horse.
She was ready to battle Heath the Horrible.
Katerina moved her horse out of the way just before Heath
charged towards her. She turned around to face him, and pointed her
sword at him. Heath moved his arm back, and then drove it towards
her. A ball of fire shot towards her. It singed her shield as well as
her shoulder.
iThis is not good/i, Katerina thought. iHe has
superhuman powers... I did not imagine that that kind of power was
part of sorcery!/i
She spurred her horse towards Heath, sword facing out. It cut
his arm just before he jumped into the air. A bolt of lightning
formed in his hands, which he wielded like a sword. He charged at her
once more, but she was an expert in fencing and blocked his blow with
her own sword.
"You do not suppose that you will win, do you?" snarled Heath
as he struggled to prevent Katerina's sword from piercing him.
"I will not let you take over this kingdom! What has happened
to you, brother?" Katerina cried with angered sadness.
"Nothing about me has changed... I simply realized my
potential!"
Along with the force of his words, he overpowered Katerina and
knocked her off her steed. She hit the ground forcefully, was covered
in wounds, and had started to bleed. She could feel herself becoming
dizzy and her mind go into a daze...
Heath approached her with a smug expression. He watched her
struggle for life.
"You pathetic fool... if only you had obeyed me... you might
live to see another day. It was not to be, Katerina... you were never
very bright... after all, you had the chance to become as powerful as
I, but chose to throw it away... What an imbecile of a sister. Sloth
will be under my control, and Prince Chameleus Kitthais will die."
Katerina could sense that she was dying, but she summoned all
the strength she had to exert one last action. Her hand tightened
around her sword, and she swung it with all her might. It ran
straight through Heath's heart.
Blood spurted from his chest. He staggered about, holding the
sword which still penetrated his flesh. The once-powerful sorcerer
fell to his knees, and he sank to the ground next to Katerina.
Sloth was saved from Heath the Horrible. However, the Glasgow
siblings were dead.
News of the brutal battle between Katerina and Heath spread
throughout Sloth. Grief was felt by all in the kingdom, and the deaths
of the talented brother and sister were mourned. Nobody was sure what
might have happened if Heath had gained control of Sloth, or if
Katerina had defeated him. Not a person knew how great the power of
both of them was. However, every single being in Sloth learned
something from this great tragedy. The path of one's own destiny
cannot be altered.