HONOR

By Jim
jimguy46@hotmail.com

CHARACTERS: M Q G H
SYNOPSIS: The Queen is captured
DISCLAIMERS: The characters from the Queen of Swords are copyright to Fireworks Productions and Paramount. No copyright infringement is intended or revenue expected from their use. The story plot and other characters are copyright to the author, James Guy.

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The waves of the Pacific Ocean licked the sandy beach as the Queen of Swords sat on a hill looking out upon it. Several children were romping and swimming in the surf. Chico stood near her munching on some wild grass. Oh to be young again, thought the Queen. I almost feel like going home and changing, Chico. Then we could come back here and play in the surf. Chico neighed and raised his head up and down.

A short ways away on another hill, a telescope was trained on the Queen. This would be a perfect time to capture her, thought the watcher. Too bad I am all alone. The watcher moved his telescope to see what the Queen was looking at. He saw the children and laughed. Oh to be young again. What the hell? Who says you have to be young to enjoy life.? He placed the telescope into the saddlebags, mounted his horse and rode to the beach. He came to a stop near the children, who looked at him fearfully.

"Children, children, don't be afraid, I am here to enjoy the sea as you are."

"Help, Help." The cries of two children sounded over the sound of the waves. Montoya looked up to see two children beyond the wave crest. They were being pulled out to sea. He handed the reigns to one of the older boys.

"Ride for help." The boy raced away on Montoya's steed. Montoya pulled off his boots and stripped to the waist. Quickly he ran and dove into the water and with strong powerful strokes headed for the children. By the time he reached the curl of the waves, the children were further apart.

"Dios mio! I can't reach them both." He swam towards the nearest swimmer, a boy. When he reached him, Montoya turned him around and put his arm over the boy's chest. With tears in his eyes, he headed back to the shore. He swam, but also watched as the other child in the water frantically raised her arm as a last desperate grasp for life.

A whip cracked and Montoya saw a dark figure swim towards the girl, the whip wrapped around the girl's arm. The Queen pulled the girl to her, flipped her onto her back and started swimming towards the shore. By the time the Queen reached the shore, Montoya had deposited the boy onto the beach and was heading back into the sea. The boy was sputtering but safe. The Queen carried the girl from the surf as Montoya arrived, aiding his enemy with getting the child to dry ground.

"Colonel, she is not breathing."

"Here, lay her down on my coat." Carefully, she was placed face down on Montoya's coat and the Queen gently rolled the girl's head to the side. Tessa firmly pressed on the girl's back to help clear her lungs. After a few pushes, the girl stirred, coughing out driplets of water. Tessa and Montoya sat down on the beach, next to each other, exhausted. Montoya looked at the Queen; hair soaked and wet silk blouse clinging to her body, outlining a very attractive body. "Reina, you risked your life for her."

"No more than you did, Colonel. I am just glad that everyone is safe."

Suddenly the rescuers arrived led by Captain Grisham. "The Queen of Swords, shoot her."

"Stop." Montoya stood between Grisham and the Queen.

"Why? We have her now."

"If you shoot, with the record of your men, they might hit the children or me," Montoya said.

"True," Grisham agreed. "Men! Surround her. She is going to the gallows."

"No, Captain, she is going home," Montoya said, causing everyone to be confused. He added, "Wherever that is."

Grisham asked, "But why?"

Helm suddenly pushed through the soldiers and went to the children. The Queen asked, "How are they, doctor?"

Helm looked at Montoya and the Queen. "They are fine, but I want to check them out in my office. The parents will be grateful to you both. You are both heroes."

Montoya turned to Grisham "Captain, I have known several Americans and I must say you are a much different man."

"Thank you."

"They have a special place in their hearts for children. You, on the other hand, have no heart or brains." Montoya pointed toward the Queen and said, "This woman risked her life to save a child, showing she has true Spanish blood running through her veins. You would arrest and take to the gallows a woman who just saved a child's life? You are an idiot. We, or at least you, would be taken to the gallows by the people."

"But."

"But nothing!" Montoya cut him off. He turned to the Queen. "Reina, you are free to go with my thanks for helping." He picked up her hand and kissed it.

The Queen pressed her hand to his chest and traced a finger from his neck to belly button. With a grin, she quickly kissed him on the cheek. "Gracias, Colonel. We will meet again, but it has been a pleasure to work together for once." The Queen whistled for Chico who came racing to her. She caught the saddle on the run and mounted. She turned and came up to Montoya and the children. The little girl stood up and reached for the queen's leg. The boy did the same.

"Gracias, Reina. Gracias Colonel."

Montoya looked at Grisham. "Captain, those four words are worth more than all the gold the Queen has liberated."

The Queen saluted the Colonel reached down and touched the children's heads. "Come on Chico, let's ride." Chico raced along the shore catching the spray of the sea.

Helm walked up to Montoya. "Oh, to be young again."

Montoya nodded and smiled. He picked up his shirt and boots. "Captain, please have my coat cleaned. Doctor, would you care to join me for a celebration drink?"

THE END