SERGEANT

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.

Beta’d by Brig and Jo. Thank you ladies

Characters: G CM Q/T M

Synopsis: A stranger helps the Queen

Former Marine Sergeant Rob Swain sat on a large boulder in the canyon. It had been a long hard ride that day and both he and his horse needed a rest. After dismounting, he took a piece of rope and tied one end to each front leg. With his horse hobbled he stripped the saddle and harness from the tired beast. He leaned his .69 caliber Springfield flintlock musket against the boulder.

Swain was about forty years old and stood six feet tall. There was not an ounce of fat on his lean one hundred and seventy five-pound frame. He removed his white shoulder sword belt, which held his brass-guard straight sword. It was enclosed in a brass tipped black leather scabbard.

Swain peeled off one of the last pieces of uniform. He laid the dark blue single-breasted coatee with a red collar, cuffs and turnbacks on the short skirts, on the boulder. He now only wore his non-military issue gray flannel pants and knee high leather boots.

Sergeant Swain had enlisted in the Marines in 1800 when he was twenty. Soon afterwards he found himself trudging across the sands of the Sahara desert on his way to Tripoli with an officer, five other Marines and some mercenaries to fight pirates. He was one of the first Marine rifle teams, six men in the tops of the sails to fire on opposing ships. He was the only survivor of his team, probably because he was the shooter while the others reloaded.

On Christmas Day 1814, he found himself fighting alongside Major General Andrew Jackson at the defense of New Orleans. Eight thousand British Red Coats had confronted the Americans. After the Battle, two thousand one hundred British and Seventy-one Americans were dead. Shortly afterwards, he left the Marines and began exploring and prospecting. Now he was in Alta California looking for ore to make fine swords to match quality of the Spanish and Japanese swords.

He began to curry his horse when he heard the approach of another horse in the canyon. Under the brim of his shako uniform hat, his steely blue eyes spotted a young woman in black on a limping horse. She had not noticed Swain since she was looking at her back trail.

"Senorita," Swain called out. "Venga aqui."

The woman cautiously rode her limping horse to Swain and dismounted. She was clearly agitated. Swain was surprised to see the lady wearing a black lace mask and carried a sword.

"My horse Chico picked up a stone in his hoof. I don’t have time to get it out. Can you help? The Soldiers are close at hand. Oh." Swain realized that the lady had spotted his uniform coat. "You are a soldier?"

\Oh, Damn I said Chico’s name. I hope he didn’t pick it up.\

"Marine not soldier." He stood tall and proud. "I no longer am on duty. Look Senorita, since we don’t have time to talk, strip the saddle and bridle from your horse and hobble him." Swain quickly unhobbeled his own horse. "Take you tack and lead my horse to a small cave behind this boulder." The Queen looked at him questioningly but did as he said. Swain ignored her as he checked the hoof and deftly removed the offending stone. Then he started currying Chico.

Suddenly a shot rang out and a bullet ricocheted off the boulder. Swain grabbed his musket, sighted and fired at several men on horseback. He saw the hat off of one of the soldier’s fly off. Keeping an eye on the men on horseback, he quickly moved behind the boulder and reloaded.

A white horse came to a stop fifty yards away. A big man, a Captain sat on the animal’s back. Swain drew a bead on him.

"Captain, call off your men or you get my next shot. At this range I couldn’t miss if I had my eyes closed."

"You’re a stranger. How dare you shoot at my men?"

"Uh, Captain, did you perhaps forget that your man fired first? I reacted in self defense."

Grisham urged his horse closer to the boulder as he eyed the uniform coatee. "You were a soldier?"

"Marine, Captain. Sergeant Rob Swain." He popped a salute, which Grisham waved off.

Grisham smiled sarcastically. "Ever been in the Tops, Sergeant?"

"First rifle team in the Tops, Captain. Served aboard the Essex when we fought the H.M.S. Alert and then on the Constitution, Hornet and Enterprise. Have you ever been in the Tops, Captain?"

"No I fought in New Orleans." Swain could sense that Grisham was trying to lord it over him.

"Captain, I was in the Marine unit that fought side by side with General Jackson."

Grisham squirmed in his saddle. He was clearly uncomfortable. Grisham remembered how his unit had been situated at a key placement. Grisham had shot his commander in the back and in the confusion; his men broke and ran. If it hadn’t been for a handful of Marines, the British would have broken through and split the American force in two. Half of the Americans killed were a direct result of Grisham’s actions.

"What are you doing here, Sergeant?"

"Getting shot at for minding my own business." Swain picked up his coatee and put it on. The leather collar was buttoned and he slipped on the sword belt.

Grisham knew that he was in the presence of a United States Marine who was ready, willing and able to fight.

"Sergeant we are chasing the Queen of Swords, have you seen her?"

"I am a stranger here. Who is the Queen of Swords?"

"Just a woman vigilante wanted for crimes."

"Well if she is better looking than your motley crew, I would like to meet her. Unfortunately, you are the only two legged critters that I have seen all day."

"Why did you stop here?" Grisham continued to press.

"My horse came up with a stone in his shoe. I removed it just as you rode up."

"You haven’t said why you are here, Sergeant and I demand an answer or else."

Swain calmly shouldered his musket and cocked it. "Or else what, Captain? If any of your men move, you will get the first bullet."

Grisham dismounted as Swain put down his musket. Thinking he had the advantage, Grisham pulled his sword and swaggered to an area where he could fight. "I am a Captain. How dare you threaten an officer?"

"Captain, if you were a Marine, I would give you respect, but since you are nothing but a mercenary in a foreign army." Swain spit the word out, "I give you no respect."

At that moment, Colonel Montoya and some more soldiers rode up. "What is this, Captain? I thought you were after the Queen!"

Swain put his sword away, snapped to attention and saluted Montoya with his best Marine salute. Montoya promptly and smartly returned it.

"Colonel, Sergeant Rob Swain, formerly of the United States Marines, at your service, Sir."

Montoya marveled at the military bearing of this man. Colonel Luis Montoya’s military trained eye compared this American Marine’s appearance and Grisham’s sloppy arrogance. "Captain, now this is a fine example of a soldier, I wish I had a platoon like him. What brings you here Sergeant?"

Grisham approached Montoya. "He won’t tell you anything, Colonel."

"Sir, I am prospecting." A slight smile grew on Swain’s face.

"Prospecting for what, gold?" Montoya’s interest was peaked.

"No Sir. I am a sword maker and I am looking for the right ore to make steel in order to make fine swords, equal to the Toledo and Japanese swords."

Montoya gazed at Swain’s sword. "Is that sword at your side a product of your own hands? It looks it is finely made."

"Sadly, no sir. It was a gift from the Prince of Tripoli for eliminating the Barbery Pirates."

"You were there?" Montoya watched this stranger who remained at attention and had not moved. "At ease, Sergeant."

Swain went to an immediate parade rest.

"Sergeant, we must talk some more. I am hosting a party tonight. Would you do me the honor of attending?"

"My pleasure, Colonel. Can you tell me the way to town?"

Montoya started to turn as Swain came to attention and saluted. Montoya returned the salute. Then turning to Grisham. "Captain, please advise Sergeant Swain on the way to town and then return to your duties." Montoya nudged his horse and galloped away.

Grisham sheepishly replaced his sword and mounted his horse. "Santa Helena is that way." Pointing in the direction of town. Then he led his men away.

Swain returned to currying Chico. "Good boy, you don’t mind the brush, do you boy? Bet you have the most beautiful mistress in the world."

Chico neighed and shook his head up and down.

"Now, boy, tell your mistress she can come out now."

He nearly jumped out of his boots when a graceful hand tapped him on the shoulder.

"Gracias Senor for taking care of my horse and hiding me from the soldiers."

"De nada, Senorita. Now can you tell me where I might find lodgings and a job? I am a fair blacksmith. I wouldn’t want to show up to Montoya’s party as dirty as I am."

"You might try the hotel in Santa Helena or the Alvarado Hacienda. Senorita Alvarado might need a blacksmith."

The two saddled their own horses as they talked. They mounted and the Queen pointed the way to the Alvarado Hacienda.

A short while later Swain arrived at the Alvarado Hacienda. As he dismounted, a beautiful dark haired woman with wild tresses and a look that would stop a bullet in flight, met him.

"May I help you Senor?" she challenged him.

Swain started to speak when a vision of loveliness walked out of the hacienda. She appeared to be in her early twenties, about 15 years younger than the other lady.

"Senora, Senorita, forgive me for intruding but I was told that you might be able to assist me in finding quarters."

"Do you think this is a hotel? The hotel is in town. We don’t house vagabonds especially those in uniform. Go live with the soldiers." The older woman spat out the last.

"Senor, please forgive my Duena Marta, she is always trying to protect me. I am Senorita Maria Teresa Alvarado. Welcome to my hacienda." She held out her hand.

Swain took her hand bowed and kissed the hand. "Gracias Senorita Alvarado." Standing up straight he continued. "I am Rob Swain, formerly of the United States Marines. This is the only clothing I wore for many years. Forgive me if it upsets you. I was invited to a party at Colonel Montoya’s tonight and I need somewhere to clean up. Is there a horse trough or pond that I could bathe in and get the trail dirt out of my skin?"

"A horse trough would do you good. You smell of death." Marta stated as fact.

"Yes, Ma’am. Any man in my old profession does smell of death and I have dealt my share. After almost 20 years and a bullet, I retired. Now I am a prospector, blacksmith and a sword maker."

"So you can deal in more death." Countered Marta.

"I admire a good sword. I am looking for high-grade oar so I can make steel. Then I will create fine swords like those of Spain and Japan."

Tessa took Swain’s arm. This is fascinating we must talk some more, but first you will have that bath you requested and then you may escort me to the colonel’s party tonight."

"My pleasure ma’am."

"Please call me Tessa. Now you didn’t say who told you to come here."

"A beautiful raven."

"A raven, Senor?"

"Please, call me Rob. A woman in black that they call the Queen of Swords."

"Why would she tell you to come here?"

"I helped her out by removing a rack from her horse’s shoe."

"There are times we need a blacksmith and town is a long way off."

"Are you offering me employment, senorita?"

"You will need a forge to make steel and I need a blacksmith, call it a mutual trade." Tessa smiled and Swain’s heart almost melted. \Damn, why couldn’t I have met her when I was younger\ thought Swain.

Swain looked at Marta and smiled. "Maybe there is something that I can make for you, beautiful lady?" He asked.

"Marta blushed. "I will get your bath water ready." She went towards the kitchen.

Awhile later, Swain walked to the kitchen after his bath. He overheard the two women talking.

"Tessa I don’t trust him. He is a soldier and an American, just like Grisham."

"Marta, they may both be American but they aren’t the same. Rob hid me, took care of Chico and stood up to Grisham and his men. I trust him with my life."

Swain deliberately coughed a made some noise before he walked into the kitchen.

"I thank you ladies for the bath and for brushing my clothes. It was kind of you."

Tessa walked around Rob admiring this man in the uniform. Tall, straight and with the leather collar which made him straight as a board."

"Be still my hear Sergeant, you are gorgeous. Why do you wear that stiff leather collar?"

"We wear it to protect us from sword slashes. That’s why we are called Leathernecks." Swain smiled. "Of course the real reason we wear it is to make us stand straight."

Tessa laughed. Marta chuckled quietly.

Colonel Montoya was busy greeting his guests as Sergeant Swain escorted Senorita Maria Teresa Alvarado into the party. The sharp dressed Swain and the beautiful Tessa in her red velvet dress stopped all the talking in the room. The women could be heard to gasp and the dons started to clap. Even Montoya was taken aback and glanced at Grisham whose uniform made him look like a comic actor on a stage compared to Swain.

Colonel Montoya approached the couple and greeted Senorita Alvarado. Swain came to attention and saluted, which surprised Montoya. He quickly recovered his surprise and returned the military salute with his own.

"Sergeant, when you have a moment, may I speak to you."

"Concerning?"

"Possible employment."

"Thank you Colonel, but I have taken a position with Senorita Alvarado."

"I see, but I still would like to learn more about your former career."

"I am a Marine, Colonel, that is all that needs to be said. Whatever I did is over and done with. I have no ghosts or men chasing me. I am at peace. There is nothing to discuss. Now Colonel, if you would excuse me, I promised to fill Senorita Alvarado’s dance card."

"Dance card? I am afraid I don’t understand." Inquired Montoya.

Tessa smiled at Montoya and gently put her hand on his arm. "Senor Swain tells me that it is an American custom. It means that He will dance every dance with me."

The music started and Rob led Tessa to the dance floor where they executed a perfect Waltz. The other guests watched as the two danced a few minutes before others joined the waltz.

Later on in the evening, Rob encountered Montoya again while getting refreshments.

"Sergeant, I still wish to speak to you and I won’t take no for an answer."

"What is it Colonel? I told you I am no longer on active duty. If I was, it would be in the Marines, not as one of your soldiers."

"I understand that you were rifle man and that Marines climbed to the tops of the sails to shoot at the boarders of an opposing ship."

"Yes that is correct."

"A rifleman would have to be a very good shot, not only to shoot but to survive. In addition, you said you were in Tripoli. One of only six Marines to attack the pirates, you must be very brave."

"We did have a few mercenaries to help us. Yes Colonel, I am a very good shot."

"Good. I have a target for you. The Queen of Swords."

"I am not an assassin nor do I shoot women."

"I could make you a very wealthy man."

"I would still have to live with myself. The answer is no, Colonel. I will take it as an insult if the subject is brought up again. If you know about Marines and the tops, surely you also know they are excellent swordsmen. If you get my drift, Colonel. Now the matter is closed." He took the refreshments and returned to Tessa.

Three weeks after the party, Tessa went to see as he had been working to expand the small building that he was using. She found not just a small one-room shack but a four-room house with a work area ready for a forge.

"Senor Swain, you are building a hacienda from this small shack."

"Tessa, you loaned me a one room shack, I will return a mansion. I am almost ready for the forge. I still have to find the ore I need. Do you happen to know where there might be granite in this area?

"Granite, I thought you were making steel swords, not statues."

"I learned that Japanese swords are made by using the Tatara method. This comes from melting iron sand that is found granite areas. I wish to try and duplicate that method."

"How interesting but without a forge?"

"The forge is coming and will be here shortly, then I shall be able to start repaying your generosity."

"How so?

"I will re-shoe all of your horses, including your special horse, Chico. He is a noble animal and will be the first."

"I am sure he will love that. I will stop by in a few days. Adios, Senor."

"Adios, Senorita."

Tessa rode away smiling. She was almost at the hacienda when she came to an abrupt halt and the smile went away. \ How did he know about Chico? Only the Queen rides Chico. Madre Dios, he knows.\

That very night, Swain went riding. Shortly after midnight he found what he was looking for. A small campfire. He hailed the camp and rode in. Two men in Marine uniforms greeted him.

Rob dismounted "Merle, Jeff good to see you. Everyone make the trip fine? Merle, where’s your lovely wife Brighid and my granddaughter Margie?"

Merle took the reins from Rob. "It’s been awhile dad, but we all made it though ok, including the supplies. Brighid is feeding Margie right now. We have a surprise for you, actually two. Cousin Jo decided to come with us. She is in the wagon with Brighid."

"That is a surprise. Didn’t think she would ever leave Minnesota. What’s the second surprise?"

Merle handed Rob a rifle. "We picked up two cases of the latest rifles like that, along with ammunition."

"Just happened to pick up? And who is looking for the extras you liberated?" Rob looked at his sons with amusement.

Jeff grinned. "The Springfield Armory."

"Good. I have a use for them. Now change into civilian clothes and stay out of sight. No one must know you are here. There is a Colonel who wants me to assassinate a young woman, a vigilante who has been single handedly wrecked havoc with his plans to build his own empire."

"Sounds like the young lady might need some help, right Dad."

"My thoughts exactly Jeff, that’s why no one in town must know you are here. I will introduce you to our benefactress."

Jeff thought a moment. "Dad, is she single?"

"Who, our benefactress or the lady who needs our help?"

"Both, either. Does it matter?"

"Well, both are beautiful. One is a Dona and the other carries a sword. Think you can handle that?"

"I am a Marine, Dad."

Rob grinned. "You just stay away from Marta."

"Who is Marta?"

"Senorita Alvarado’s Top Sergeant. She is a beautiful lady and one I intend to know better after we get the forge set up. Now when are you two bucks going to offer your old man some refreshments? I have been here five minutes and my hand is empty."

Less than thirty seconds later; Rob was holding a glass of brandy.

Tessa rode out to see her blacksmith. Rob saw her coming from a distance. She had not come around since the day he made a slip about Chico. That was totally unexpected and he wasn’t even sure where it came from. He hadn’t even thought about the Queen and Tessa being the same person. Not until he said it.

Tessa surveyed the former shack. It had grown even more since she had been here before. Smoke from the forge rose to the sky. Rob was in the doorway of the newly built hacienda but the sound of metal striking metal could be heard.

"Buenos Dias, Senorita. It is a lovely day for a ride. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"Hola, Rob. I have been remiss in visiting my blacksmith." She grinned. " I had hoped you hadn’t forgotten me."

Jeff came around the corner of the house. He was sweating profusely and had smudges of soot on his bare, muscular chest.

"Tessa, This is my youngest son, Jeff. Jeff this is our benefactress, Senorita Maria Teresa Alvarado."

"Dad you said she was beautiful, but you didn’t say gorgeous. I am very happy to meet you Senorita."

"Tessa, please. You are just as handsome and gracious as your father."

"Jeff, go put a shirt on in front in front of our visitor."

"Rob, there is no need. He has been working. I am not offended." Tessa smiled. \Wow, he is very well built. Those muscles. I would like to.\

A young woman came out of the house carrying an infant. She was about twenty-five, five foot seven inches and red hair.

"Tessa may I present my daughter in law Brighid and granddaughter Margie."

Tessa looked at Jeff then saw that there was another equally handsome man standing behind the woman.

"Tessa, This is my oldest son Merle. And the young lady peeking out the window is my cousin Jo. Jo, please come out and meet Senorita Alvarado."

Jo came out and presented herself. She was about Tessa’s age, height, weight, complexion and hair coloring.

Tessa eyed her. "We could be sister’s. You don’t look like the rest of the Swain’s."

"My father was Italian. Ioannes Giovannoni." Replied Jo.

Tessa turned to Rob.

"Where is your wife?"

"My wife died of fever when Jeff was a year old. I never remarried."

"I am sorry."

"No need. I should have told you that my sons were coming. I didn’t know when they would get here. They are my helpers. Both are blacksmiths and sword makers."

Rob noticed that Tessa kept eyeing Jeff.

"Jeff would you please escort Tessa into the house for something cool to drink. She is looking a little flushed." He barely got the words out when Jeff was at Tessa’s side and offering her his arm.

"Tessa, why doesn’t the lovely Marta come with you?" inquired Rob.

"She is at home waiting for her all the men that come around." Tessa grinned. "Just kidding, Marta was in the garden when I left. Why don’t you go see her?"

"Think I will. I trust that Jeff will show you around." Jeff and Tessa grinned.

"Corporal!"

Jeff snapped to attention. "You will treat the Senorita properly."

"Sir, yes sir!"

"At ease corporal. You know Tessa, if I had just left he would have stood there at attention until I came back."

Rob ran to the back of the house and a few minutes later was seen to be racing away on his horse towards the Alvarado hacienda. Merle came up to Jeff and Tessa.

"Haven’t seen Dad that anxious to be around anyone special in a long time."

Jeff grabbed his brother’s arm. "Amen brother."

Marta came out of the garden when she saw Rob ride up.

"Is there a problem, Senor? Where is Tessa," Marta looked like she was expecting bad news.

"Tessa is fine, she is an my home and in the care of my family."

"Your family?"

"My two sons, daughter in law, granddaughter and a cousin. She is in good hands. She suggested that you might be alone."

"So then why are you here?"

"To see a beautiful lady and to bring her a present."

Rob presented her with a two cedar boxes. The first was a finely made dagger.

"What am I supposed to do with a dagger?"

"You might need it to fend off wolves." Rob grinned.

"You are the only wolf I have seen in Alta California."

Rob handed her the second box. She gasped when she opened it. It was a fine silver necklace with turquoise stones. "It’s beautiful. Where did you get it?"

"I made it with some stones that I picked up along the way."

"It is something for a fine lady."

"You are the finest lady I know." Marta began to blush and fiddle with her hair.

A few days later, Tessa entered the stables to feed Chico. She opened the stall, stopped and immediately ran into the house calling for Marta.

"Marta, Chico is gone! Someone stole him. I don’t understand, Chico wouldn’t let anyone but me ride him. He won’t follow anyone but. . ."

"Senor Swain?" questioned Marta.

Tessa ran and quickly changed into her riding clothes, grabbed another horse and headed for Swain’s home.

A mile from the Swain home, Rob and Chico met an angry and distraught Maria Teresa Alvarado.

"What are you doing with my horse?" She screamed.

"Tessa, calm down. I was doing my job."

"Your job? Does it include stealing my horse?"

"I didn’t steal him. I was re-shoeing him, which, I do believe is why you hired me to be your blacksmith. Chico was the first and then I was going to start with the horse you are riding now."

"Oh ." Tessa began to blush. "I forgot, I was just so upset that Chico was missing. Rob, I am so sorry."

"Forget it. I know you love this horse. He is so well loved that even the Queen of Swords rides him."

"What are you saying?"

"I am saying that you are the Queen of Swords. The Queen of Swords called her horse Chico. When I mentioned that Chico was your horse, you didn’t bat even one of your lovely eyes. When I took Chico this morning, I recognized him immediately. Yes, you are the Queen of Swords."

"So now you ride to Montoya?"

"Why would I do that? He asked me to assassinate the Queen when I first got here. I said no then and I haven’t changed my mind."

"Why not?"

"Three reasons. One I am not an assassin. Two, I don’t kill women unless they are trying to kill me and three." Rob stopped a moment.

"And what is three?" Queried Tessa.

"Three is that I love you and Marta. You are the woman I wish I had met when I was Jeff’s age. Marta, well, Marta is a beautiful strong woman would I would like to know better."

"Why?"

"Why? She is the most fascinating woman that I have ever met."

"Then I will expect to see you at my hacienda more frequently. The next time that you take one of my horses, please at least leave me a note." She grinned.

Several days later, Swain was in the Pueblo with Marta. A young man was being led to the gallows to be hung. His crime was insinuating that Montoya’s mother’s pedigree was related to a four-legged canine.

Suddenly the Queen of Swords appeared and prepared to rescue the young man. As she fought the soldiers, a shot rang out and a soldier who was about ready to strike the Queen from behind was brought down with a bullet to the shoulder. The shot came from outside the pueblo.

Montoya was furious. He searched for his Captain of the guards. "Grisham, find Sergeant Swain and arrest him for assaulting a soldier." Grisham looked perplexed.

"You wanted to see me Colonel?"

Montoya turned around to see Swain standing in front of him with Marta.

"My pardon, Senor, I assumed that a shot like that required a marksman such as yourself. Obviously I was in error."

Swain looked to where shot must have come from and to the soldier on the ground. "A good shot, yes but if I had made that shot, the soldier would be dead. Now if you will excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to."

As Swain walked away, he heard Montoya. "Sergeant Swain I still want you."

Over his shoulder Swain replied "We had this conversation before, Colonel. The subject is closed.

Rob went back to his hacienda and fired up the forge. This was summer time and the heat of the summer made it unbearable to operate the forge during the day. The men worked by night and slept during the day.

One evening, Tessa and Marta rode over to watch the swordmakers.

Rob explained the process in detail to the women, as the forge became hotter and hotter.

"The forging process starts out by heating the steel to austenizing temperatures, to approximately 1400 degrees. Once we have formed the steel into it’s proper shape, it is important to ensure that the steel is in a consistent soft state throughout, in preparation for the final heat treatment."

Rob continued educating the women on the making of swords. He explained the technical parts of a sword. The tip, spine, edge fuller/groove as well as the crossguard grip and pommel. He explained the difference between Japanese swords and European swords.

As he continued, Jeff and Merle did the heating, cooling and actual forming of two swords. One was a katana and the other was a Spanish saber. While the men formed and actually made the swords, Jo and Brighid were busy designing the guards for both swords.

Swords are not made in a day, so over a period of days, Tessa and Marta returned to watch as the swords went from ore to finished product.

One day Tessa and Marta realized that the forge was being cooled down. Rob explained that the two swords were finished and the forge would be cooled and cleaned before the next product would be made.

Jeff brought a package out of the house and presented it to Tessa. As she unwrapped the package her eyes grew wider.

"Marta look, it just like Papa’s sword." Tessa looked at Rob. "How did you?"

"Jo visited Marta one day while you were out and sketched the hilt, guard and pommel of your father’s sword. It seemed only right that you should mount two crossed swords by your father’s picture."

Tessa was overcome and quickly kissed Rob on the lips. The kiss lasted no more than a minute; but Rob’s face looked like he had just stuck his face in a forge, it was so red.

The next day Rob presented a finely crafted katana to Colonel Montoya. Montoya was delighted but surprised and a bit confused.

"I appreciate this gift Senor Rob, but what have I done to deserve such a fine piece of work?"

"You are the commandant of this pueblo and it is obvious that besides being a man who appreciates certain military formalities, you are a man who appreciates beauty."

Montoya’s eyes caressed the blade and he carefully felt the weight and balance of this sword in his hands.

A few days later, the Queen of Swords was waiting for the gold shipment to Monterey. She watched as the carriage came down the canyon when suddenly a young woman dressed as the Queen rode towards the carriage. The driver stopped and six soldiers jumped out with rifles. As they aimed at her a shot rang out, then another and another in quick succession. Three soldiers went down and the rest took cover. The fake Queen turned and rode away.

The sound of hoof beats alerted the Queen that soldiers were on the way. They passed the carriage and rode after the Queen. A few minutes later another wagon came down the road. It passed the carriage and kept going. Shortly afterwards the real Queen relieved the wagon driver of the real gold.

Montoya was furious. The governor had made it perfectly clear that another shipment delayed and the Colonel would be relieved. Montoya decided to lead the troop himself. He had no choice but to use his own stash of gold for the taxes. There was no time to do anything else. The next night Montoya led thirty soldiers towards Monterey. An hour later three figures slipped over the rail of Montoya’s office balcony.

A few minutes later the three left and crossed the street towards another building. When they left they were heavily laden with sacks.

Montoya returned two days later and was happy as a lark. The Governor had commended him on his initiative in leading the soldiers. Montoya walked into his office and opened the bookshelf door. He checked the gate to his secret gold room. The candlesticks, the church monstrance, even the sacks of gold. He strained to see the sacks. Something was amiss. He opened the gate and grabbed a sack. He opened it to see sand.

"Grisham!!!" The word echoed throughout the Pueblo.

Grisham was dumbfounded. Montoya stormed across the street with Grisham trailing behind. When Montoya got through the secured door and the safe door he found that everything was gone. Everything but one reales.

Tessa and Marta had heard the news of the robbery and were dumbfounded. Who had robbed Montoya, who was the fake Queen and who had fired the three shots? It had been perfectly planned and executed giving the real Queen a chance to rob the real gold wagon.

"Marta, it was like a military operation."

"Tessa you don’t think that Rob had anything to do with it do you?"

"Senorita, Senorita." Pablo raced into the kitchen.

"Pablo, what is it? Is someone hurt?" inquired Tessa.

"No, Senorita, someone has left sacks of gold in the houses of the peasants and the dons haciendas."

"Someone left sacks of gold on their doorsteps?"

"No, Senorita inside the houses."

A maid rushed into the kitchen. Marta stopped her. "Maria what is it?"

"Please come." She said as she led them to the study. On the desk was a sack of gold. Tessa counted it. She looked at Marta. "Five Hundred Reales."

That night, the Queen of Swords visited the Swain hacienda. No one was home. In fact nothing was in the house. Even the forge was gone. Inside the house, tacked up on a post was a note.

The Queen read the note.

Tessa, located a granite mountain with iron sand. It is a long ways from Santa Helena. Santa Helena was getting too warm for out liking. Thank you for your hospitality. I will be back. There is a gift in a cabinet in the kitchen for you. Rob

She found the cabinet to find a finely made sword with an elaborate silver guard. She looked closer at the guard. The design on the guard was a queen’s crown, fashioned in gold.

Tessa put the sword in the secret room and received another shock. Against the wall were four large bags of gold coins and a note.

"Return this to the people, a little at a time. RS"