Disclaimer: I do not own anything, Tamora Pierce does. Long live Tamora Pierce!

Tricks Aplenty

Prologue

Kyprioth, the Trickster god of the Copper Isles, stretched lazily on his comfortable couch, popped a few grapes into his mouth, and looked down from his dwelling in the Divine Realms. He quickly located his young vassal, the newest King of Corus' Thieves, George Cooper. Kyprioth sat up quickly and gulped down his mouthful as he gazed upon the most interesting scene. George was taking an interest in a young, red-haired noble lad on horseback in the marketplace - except, the Trickster noted, that the little lad was really a lass in disguise.

"Ahhh, this could be very interesting," thought Kyprioth as he absentmindedly stroked his beard. "That youngling is playing a grand trick on everyone, and I'm not even involved - yet."

Kyprioth took the form of an old street beggar and approached the young Rogue after the "boy" and his manservant had traveled on toward the palace.

"Making new friends in higher places?" he cackled at George, with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

"Hullo, Kyprioth," drawled George, "What's it to you if I am?"

"Well, in case you didn't notice, that one clearly has been marked by my sister, the Great Goddess, what with the purple eyes and all."

"So I could see. He was shinin' in my Sight," George replied. "He's got some sort of secret, but his own Gift prevented me from guessin' at it."

George looked around to see if the Trickster had any more to say about that, only to find that, as usual, his patron god had vanished in the middle of an interesting conversation. He sighed and made his way back to the Dancing Dove. It was a busy day in the marketplace and he still had a lot of work to do before suppertime.

Kyprioth, intrigued by the disguised girl, followed her progress to the palace and discovered that she was being enrolled in the training for pages. Well, well, well. So his powerful sister was going to start up the maiden warriors again. This was very tricky of her, if he did say so himself. And it would be beyond interesting. Of course, he shouldn't interfere, but it was going to be mighty fun to watch such an intricate trick unfold.

"I will figure out how to use this to my advantage, as well," thought the Trickster as he popped back onto his couch, "even if I have to do it in a roundabout way. But then again, that will make it all the more fun."

A/N: Okay, this is just a short intro. I hope to update soon. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!