Sarralyn had talents that shocked many people. Even though her father was the most powerful mage in Tortall she did not possess the gift. She did however, have an extraordinary amount of Wild Magic that she had begun to learn how to control when she turned five.

She was quite good and her turning into animals was amazingly useful. Often she became a fly on a wall listening into secret conversations and hearing what she was not supposed to. It was in this way that she was extremely knowledgeable of the castle and how she found herself in a commoner's hut where she often went to listen to town gossip.

It was a nice couple with two children. Twin boys her age that often played pranks on their mother. Right now the woman was cooking dinner while her husband sat at the crude table.

"Did you hear the exciting rumor Leyla?"

"Which one?"

"That tomorrow a group of Shang warriors are coming to town looking for recruits."

"That's exciting! We better make sure our boys are ready, it would be wonderful if one of them was chosen."

"Yes it would, but it would be hard having them away from home."

"I suppose John, but Thomas and Kriger have always been independent, and its hard enough feeding them as it is. This is a good opportunity, and who knows! They might not even be chosen."

"I suppose Leyla, you can go and tell them."

Happily Sarralyn flew off the wall and through a crack in the window, there were Shang warriors coming tomorrow! She could be chosen.

Instantly she raced to her quarters eager to find her parents, she hoped that they would give permission. Even if they did not that would not stop her though. She would find a way to get out of the castle and be in the town's streets by the time the Shang warriors came.

Diane at the moment was sitting in the middle of the room meditating, Sarralyn knew better than to interrupt this ritual and instead sat across from her eager for her mother to finish.

"Yes Sarra?"

"Mom, I want to be a Shang warrior!"

"That's nice honey."

"They are coming tomorrow to look for recruits!"

"Were you eavesdropping again? I told you not to abuse your animal form!"

"I'm sorry but I really want to go!"

"Your father and I will discuss it, you are dismissed."

Disappointed Sarra ran out of the room and headed to the courtyard in order to vent her frustration by practicing her material arts moves. Little did she know that someone was watching her.

Author's Note: I have decided to write this story but I will not be able to update it very often. My new Harry Potter story is going to be my focus as it is a collaberated effort and requires more energy. However I will work on this when I can.

Knightbyday:Thanks for the name. I thought that there was a scene in Trickster's choice that showed the naming of the child, the goddess came down and forced her to remain in one shape and gender. Oh well.

Thanks for the compliments! I am glad that you put me on your favorite stories list! That is very exciting for me.

Dragon Shadows: Its not a one-shot now. Thanks for reminding me that she can't have the gift, however, they never said anything about wildmagic.

This really isn't my version of Tricksters Queen because that will follow Aly through her life. Plus its coming out extremly soon. I can't wait for it to come out either. I just love Tamora Pierce.