Author's Note: Well this is my newest story it takes place before my 'Assassin Series' (if you haven't read it you should) I would like to thank Mikoda of PIrate's Swoop for checking this out in advance for me as well.

I am not Tamora Pierce

Prologue

Have you ever looked into a mirror and saw someone else? What about many someones? Have you ever looked into the clear glass in front of you, trying to see who you are, what you are capable of and yet you only see the outline of yourself hidden in the dark, like a shadow in the glass. Around your so called image are other figures. Images of those who are closest to you and who are brilliantly vibrant in color, shapes, and deeds.

They are the ones that you see when you look into the mirror. Their accomplishments. Their goals. Them! Everything they do is great. They either live out in the world of flash and flames like warriors and mages, or they might live in the underworld of society like spies or rogues. Either way they're all known in their own way, for something.

One of them is as well known as the king himself in my image. Her fire fiery red hair and shining purple eyes were always looming over someone. Her gold chain mail with amethyst studs in it were as bright as ever as she led armies into wars and her sword clattered in battle as another enemy would yield to her.

Another is as flashy as anyone. His shock of red locks were tousled and his smirk was that of any noble. He was a powerful mage that lived in the footsteps of the one who he was named after but added new steps to the path. Dark purple fire would burn around his hands just to show off how much power and control he had. He loved being in the spotlight and seeming more important than he was, and everyone knew he was going to be one of the most powerful mages around even though he spent too much time digging up old spells. He was their mage.

On the other side of mirror image that helped to block me out is the one who came from nothing and made himself a reputation that has become a tradition for all and has gained the trust of the king several times over. He helps protect the realm without the slightest bit of recognition from anyone unless they knew him before. It only took the slightest whisper to be said before this man was on you and you were ready to be followed for the rest of your days. He is fair, cunning, wise, and kind.

And on that side of the mirror was one of the biggest reasons I'm clouded out. She looks just like me but I must always hear about how 'lovely' she is. Her wit is so sharp, and she is such a doll to be around. She'll keep you laughing for days and and she can crack a code in her sleep. She was always getting us both in trouble and her idle nature made her the center of attention in our bustling group, for the most part.

Then, once you can get past the bright legends around me and see through the foggy glass in the mirror, you'll see me. I'm the average one. I don't have the Sight, or the Gift. I can barely pick a lock and my swordsmanship needs more work than your first year page. All my life I've been able to joke around but I could never become a jester. I can't lead, joust, or go to a liar's palace. I don't like to be the center of attention, but I don't like being all but ignored, and I don't like pretending to be someone I'm not. I have strawberry blond hair, green hazel eyes, and an average stature. Plain is how many describe me if they actually recognize me.

This is my tale of how blending in brought me to where I am now. How my life would never have worked out right if I yearned for information like my sister and father, or if I wanted attention like my brother, or even if I was half a much of a hero as my mother. I'm 'Aly's twin', or 'Thom's younger brother', 'George's Boy', the 'King's Godschild', 'The Lioness' Son', but when I refer to myself, I like something different. Something more...average. I'm the guy that grew up around the legends and never became more than a thought in the back of people's minds. I'm Alan of Pirate's Swoop.

A/N: well I hope you like this beginning. If you like it, review, if you don't like it...review and tell me why :D

Kate of Carlay