The Letter

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.

Songs from the album "In Country" suggested this story which are folk songs of Americans in the Vietnam War.

Synopsis: An old letter brings back memories.

Thanks to Jo for her comments.

The shaking hands held the worn letter. The eyes teared up as they took in the words on the paper, once white now turned yellow with age.

June 1813

Victoria, Spain with Wellington

Dear Darling:

As I sit here waiting for another battle, these thoughts go through my mind as I write this letter.

Can you say that the sun will rise tomorrow? Will there be any time for us when this war is over to rebuild our lives. Will the poet make another rhyme, will there be any time? Will I still be alive?

It seems to me that I have been here forever. Will this war ever end, maybe never? Will the dawn still arrive, will I still be alive or will I sleep alone here forever?

You’re the one that I know loves me only. You’re the one on my mind when I am lonely. Do you know, can you see, are you still true to me? Do you know what it’s like to be lonely?

If I die over here, will anyone know, will they care, will there be joy or hearts that are breaking?

Last night, as many as fifty Frenchman tried to break out of the circle around them. There was a furious battle, before we pushed them back, killing more than half. The rest will have to wait for the morning to die.

The men on both sides of me were killed and a bullet took my hat off. I am tired of all the killing. I swear that if I come out alive, I will never kill again. If I could walk away tonight, I would, but I took an oath and that oath means as much as my own personal convictions.

Who ever dreamed up the idea that war is glorious was never been in one. I have seen too much, done too much. I have done things that no one at home would believe. All the things I have seen will never leave me. They will be with me until the day I die. That may be tomorrow.

Dawn is breaking and the field artillery pieces are being primed on both sides. Soon all you will be able to hear is the screaming canon balls and men dying. The ground will soon be heaving and we will be entering Dante’s Inferno. God help us all.

I must go. A runner just came to notify me that I must report to my position.

Goodbye my love. I hope to be by your side before this letter reaches you. If not, you will know that I thought of you in my last moments on earth.

Loving you will all my heart.

The letter was unsigned and the only marks were smudges, which appeared to be gunpowder.

\Why didn’t I send this to Camille,\ thought the reader. The reader leaned back in the chair.

The eyes of the reader closed and the sounds of artillery fire, rifle fire and screams of the dying men and horses were heard in the reader’s head.

\That’s why,\ the reader thought. \How could I share what I went through? She would never have understood. How could she? She wasn’t there, never lived through it.\

The reader flashed back to the battle. The reader remembered the hand to hand combat, the swords flashing, and the feel of steel cutting through human flesh.

Then a thumping.

"Doctor Helm! Doctor Helm! Are you alright?" sounded a voice.

Doctor Robert Helm, formerly of the British Army and Military Intelligence opened his eyes, sat up and quickly folded the letter and placed a cup of cold tea on top of the letter.

"Senorita Alvarado? I am shocked. You knocked," he said.

"Only after calling you for several minutes," replied Tessa. "I thought you were ill. Have you been crying?" she asked as she noticed the tears.

"Nonsense, I just had some dust in my eyes. Now what can I do for you?"

Tessa walked over to his table. "Marta asked me to see if you would come for dinner tonight around eight?"

"Marta asked, or you did?"

"You know, why don’t you escort me home now. It is almost five," she ignored his question.

"Senorita, that is a good idea. Let me get my coat," he said rising.

Helm did not see the quick hands of the Senorita filch the letter and put it in her purse.

Helm turned to her held out his elbow and said, "Senorita, shall we?"

They walked out the door and soon were on their way to the Alvarado hacienda.

Tessa was standing in the study hold a yellowish piece of paper. There were tears in her eyes.

"Tessa, you didn’t," said Marta peeking over Tessa’s shoulder.

"Oh, Marta, I am so ashamed. I took the letter, but I wish I hadn’t. I could see he was in so much pain and I wanted to help. I couldn’t help him if I didn’t know what was bothering him. Now I wish I didn’t know."

"You could have asked him," replied Marta.

"I did, but he made some lame excuse about dirt in his eyes."

"So, are you going to tell me what the letter says or not?" asked Marta.

"Marta, quit being nosy, this letter is private."

"I see. Only the owner and a certain thief, who will remain nameless."

"All right I will tell you later. The Queen needs to return the letter after Doctor Helm leaves tonight."

"Yes you will, but for now go see to your guest."

"Oops, I forgot what it was I came in here for. Ah, yes, I was getting some wine."

Tessa placed two glasses of wine on a tray and walked out to the Veranda.

"I thought you went to pick the grapes and crush them," Helm said with a smile.

"I wanted to pick out a special wine for you."

"Where? Monterey? Any wine you serve is special when you do it, Senorita."

Tessa blushed. "Tessa, Doctor. My name is Tessa and I wish you would use it more often."

"Tessa," he replied. "My name is Robert and I like it when you use it," he said with a smile.

"I like it when you smile, Robert. Much better than this afternoon when I came to your office. You looked like you needed someone to talk to," said Tessa as she sat down in a chair, facing Helm.

"Let’s just say that some old memories that won’t go away," he replied while staring at his wine.

"Some memories will never go away, Robert. Sometimes you just have to set them aside and live in the present not the past. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I think that holds true for bad memories," said Tessa as she placed her hand on his.

"I know you are right, but sometimes they come back without warning."

"Even painful memories can make you a better person, Robert."

Helm looked at her. "Doctor Alvarado. Tessa, you are a remarkable woman. You have the gift of insight. Have you been taking lessons from Marta?"

"Do you want me to read the Tarot cards for you and tell your fortune?" she asked coyly.

"No. Just sit here with me That is the best medicine I can think of," he replied sliding over on the bench so she could sit next to him. Tessa took the hint and casually sat next to him.

Later that night, Doctor Helm mounted his horse and rode home lost in thought. Tessa had changed quickly and the Queen raced towards the pueblo.

She quickly entered Helm’s quarters and slipped the letter under the cup where it had been taken from. As she started to climb out of the room, she heard a noise and turned.

"Leaving so soon?" asked a voice in the darkened room.

"I came to see you, but you were not home, so I was going to leave."

"You could have found that out by knocking," replied Helm as he walked into the moonlight shining through the window.

"Perhaps, but where is the intrigue, the romance in that?"

\My Lord, did I just say romance?\ thought the Queen.

"I didn’t realize there was any romance going on," replied Helm.

"No romance? I have kissed you twice. Do you think I run around kissing every man I find attractive?"

"Kiss ‘em or slice ‘em, is that your motto?" asked Helm.

"You are in a bad mood. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, but thank you for the offer," replied Helm sarcastically while hanging up his duster.

The Queen sat on the edge of the table, "Bad memories, Doctor?"

"Very perceptive. Have you been reading my mail?"

"What mail?" she asked innocently.

"The letter I saw you slide under the cup as I entered."

"Doctor, you office is very poorly lit for letter reading at night, especially when the lamp is not lit."

"I guess you are right. I was remembering what it is like to be in a war."

"You mean the feeling of your steel as it cuts into human flesh, or the sound of a bullet as it passes by your ear?"

"Yeah that is the feeling. Knowing that except for an inch, you would be dead," replied Helm.

"I know the feeling every time I ride, Doctor."

"I guess you do at that."

The Queen again started to leave.

"Wait, don’t go. I need to talk to someone who knows."

"Doctor, it has been a long day. Why don’t we meet somewhere? You know the cabin in the colinas, near the oak trees?"

"The one where there is a stream and it looks out onto the ocean?"

"Yes. Say tomorrow around noon?"

"All right, manana at noon," replied Helm.

The Queen slipped out her favorite exit, the window and mounted Chico. She rode away with a big smile on her face. \I have a date with Robert Helm,\ she thought.

Helm sat down on his bed. \I have a date with the Queen? How did that happen? Robert, old boy, how do you get yourself into these things? On the other hand, this is not a bad thing.\

He undressed and climber into bed, the way he always did, sans clothes. He slept sound but his dreams were of the mysterious woman in black.

Doctor Helm reached the cabin exactly at noon. There was no sign of the Queen of Swords. He dismounted and tied the reins of his horse to the hitching post in front of the cabin. He looked around and went inside.

On the table was a tablecloth, a candle and a picnic basket. There was no one inside, so he went back outside. His horse was gone.

"What the hell is going on around here?" he asked of anyone who would answer. There was no response.

He returned to the cabin and looked at the picnic basket. He opened it and took inventory.

Cheese

Knife

A dozen tortillas

A warm bowl of frijoles

Two plates

Two glasses

Silverware setting for two

Napkins

"Is lunch to your satisfaction?" asked a sultry voice so suddenly that Helm jumped.

"No wine?" asked Helm as he turned around to see the Queen leaning against the door jam at the back of the cabin, with a bottle of wine in her hand.

"I was chilling it in the well out back," she smiled. "Care to do the honors?" she handed him the bottle, with the stopper half out.

Helm took the bottle and poured the liquid into the two glasses and handed her one. "You didn’t tell me this was a date."

"It’s not a date, I just thought we would have a snack and I am hungry," she replied.

"Well, here is to not a date, meeting," he said as he raised his glass and took a sip. He set the glass down and started setting the table. When he finished, he pulled a chair out and offered her the seat, sliding it in when she sat down.

"I am pleased to see the English are gentleman."

"Who wouldn’t be in the company of so lovely a lady?" he replied.

She looked at him. "Have you kissed the. What do you call it? Ah yes. Have you kissed the Blarney Stone?"

"Aye, but not more than twice," he replied with a grin.

They spoke a few minutes about nothing, both sidestepping the real issue of why they were there.

"My Queen, you didn’t ask me here for chit chat. What’s on your mind?"

\Oh, what an opening,\ thought the Queen. \Do I really have a chance at romance with him? Is he thinking the same thing I am?\

"We came here to discuss what’s bothering you. Whenever you want to start and on whatever subject."

"You want to know about the letter to Camille. I wrote it the night before the Battle of Vitoria when we fought Napoleon. It was night and I had been in several battles. Over several battles and skirmishes, I had grown distant from my purpose. I just simply got tired of the blood, the gore, and the death that was all around me. The senseless killing of another human being who had been thrust into war, as I had, by their leaders."

As he talked, the Queen and Helm sat on the only other furniture in the cabin, a bed. They talked about why he had left the army, why he couldn’t send the letter and why he hated killing. He started to weep as he talked about his friends who had died on the battlefield; their young lives snuffed out in an instant. The Queen put her arm around Helm and he laid his head on her breast. Tears rolled from his eyes and dripped down her cleavage, giving her a strange, but pleasant sensation.

The Queen put her hand on the side of his head and rested her cheek against his. Her own eyes filled with tears, which overflowed down her cheeks, and ran down her face. Helm looked up to see her sorrow filled eyes. He was moved by her tears, her vulnerability. They moved closer and their lips met.

First a soft kiss which became more firm until their tongues met and explored. Helm slid his mouth towards her ear and let his tongue creep along her jawbone. Keeping their eyes closed they let their bodies accept their ministrations.

Helm let his tongue slide down her neck towards her breasts while his hands started to unfasten her corset. Her hands unbuttoned his shirt and then she pushed it off of his shoulders. Helm got the corset off and unbuttoned her blouse. He slid the blouse off her shoulders and pulled her undershirt down to her

waist. Her hands found their way from his chest to his stomach and to his pants as he gently cupped both breasts in his hands. His tongue moved toward the fullness of her breast.

As Helm’s hands cupped her breasts, The Queen became more excited than she ever been in her life. She loved the caresses and his tongue gently exploring her body. \I was right he does want me and Madre Dios, I want him. \ she thought as she arched her back.

\I haven’t felt this way about any woman since Camille, no not even with her. She understands me. She wants me and by God I want her so badly.\ he thought as his passion rose.

Blam!

Blam!

Blam! Blam! Blam! Gunshots reverberated through the canyon.

The gunshots startled the Queen and Helm. Helm ran to the window and looked out while buttoning his shirt. He turned to see that the Queen had put her shirt on and buttoning it furiously.

"I don’t think those were soldiers. We best get out of here just in case," said Helm.

They started piling the picnic items into the basket, including the empty wine bottle. The Queen looked at her corset and threw it in the basket.

"Let’s go," she said.

"Where’s my horse?" asked Helm

"With mine. There is a cave behind the cabin. There is a back opening out onto the beach a couple miles away."

Blam! Blam!

Helm looked at of the window again. "Rancheros. They seem to be after that Puma that has been attacking the cattle on several of the ranchos."

"How do you know?"

"I just saw one scared cat run through the saddle of that hill and over the top. Lets go."

They ran out the door and into the cave. Suddenly they heard the sound of several horses and men, enter the clearing. Ignoring the cabin, the rancheros followed the cat up the hill.

The Queen took Chico’s reins and led them through the cave and out onto the beach.

"Thank you, My Queen," said Helm.

"For almost going to bed with you?" she said as the crimson color rose in her face.

"For listening. For caring enough to listen. For helping me fight the memories."

"Maybe we can do this again sometime, if those memories come back. Next time we will find a better place," said the Queen with a rueful smile as she mounted Chico and rode away.

~~

"What happened to you?" demanded Marta as Tessa stormed into the house without her corset.

Tessa put the basket down and started to walk out of the kitchen.

Marta opened the basket and pulled out the corset. "Did you forget something?" she asked holding it up.

Tessa started to reach for it.

"Oh, no. I want the story first. Why is there an almost empty wine bottle and your corset in the picnic basket. Must have been some picnic," grinned Marta.

Tessa’s face turned beet red.

"Tessa! You didn’t?

"No, Marta, My virtue is intact, almost."

Marta raised an eyebrow, "Almost?"

"Some rancheros started shooting at a puma and interrupted a very intimate moment."

"Just how intimate was this moment?" asked Marta standing with her arms folded and a wooden spoon in one hand.

"None of your business, Mother Superior."

"You aren’t getting off that easy. I want details," demanded Marta whose hands now rested on her hips.

"Oh Marta, It was wonderful. Well, some of it was. We went to talk and that poor man poured his heart out about the war. Some of it I can understand but some of it I can’t."

"You mean you understand the killing?" asked Marta with a concerned look.

"Marta, I can understand his feeling when he is fighting an individual, but wholesale slaughter when hundreds of men are killed, wounded or maimed for life I don’t understand."

"You fight Montoya’s soldiers. What is different?"

"I don’t see my friends being ripped apart by exploding cannon balls. I don’t see their body parts being chopped off by a sword, or all the gore and smell. He described the Battle of Vitoria, as Dante’s Inferno in his letter. When he told me about what it was like, he wept. Marta, the man literally broke down in sobs. It tore his heart out just talking about it. It broke my heart," replied Tessa as her eyes began to tear up again.

"I was holding him, cradling his head and his tears were rolling down my chest. He looked up at me and we kissed."

"A kiss does not lead to a corset in a basket,’ said Marta with a scowl.

"Well, there was more and would have been a lot more, if the rancheros hadn’t started shooting. Two minutes more and . . ."

"Stop, Tessa. I don’t want to know the details. Well, at least not all of them," said Marta with her hands covering her ears. She lowered her hands, "So what are you going to do now?"

"He is in love with the Queen. What chance does Tessa Alvarado have?"

"Tessa, you are blind. I think that Doctor Helm is confused. I think he loves both of you. I have seen his eyes when he looks at you."

"No he loves only the Queen, he thinks Tessa is a spoiled aristocrat."

"Then you are as blind as he is. Were you ready to give him everything?"

Tessa lowered her head a bit in embarrassment. "Yes," she said quietly.

"Excuse me. I couldn’t hear you."

"Yes, I was. I wanted nothing more than to be with him. Damn, those caballeros."

"Maybe you could get Mary Rose to give you a trip on her ship for a few days," grinned Marta.

"With my luck a storm would come up, we would get sea sick or get struck by a whale," replied Tessa. "But it is worth a try."

She whistled cheerfully as she walked to her room. She came back in a couple of minutes wearing a robe. "Marta, how do I, as Tessa get Doctor Helm to give her a cruise on a ship?"

"Tessita, do I have to teach you everything?" laughed Marta. "Guess we will have to invite Doctor Helm for dinner tonight."

"That’s a great idea and I will cook," replied Tessa.

Marta groaned, "Tessita I love you dearly, but the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Do you want to win him or kill him."

"Am I that bad a cook?" asked Tessa.

"Let’s just say that I have seen the dogs take the leftovers and bury it."

Tessa frowned. "All right you prepare dinner and I will prepare to be dessert. After that you can have the night off. "

"Do you think it might be a good idea to invite him first? Send him an invitation and I will have Pablo deliver it while you prepare for tonight. Then I will visit Vlad," said Marta.

Marta started preparing dinner and heard Tessa whistling again. In a few minutes Marta started whistling the same tune while her eyes twinkled and her pulse started to race.

It had been six weeks since The Queen of Swords and Doctor Helm had been interrupted during a passionate embrace by rancheros hunting for a puma. The dinner invitation that Tessa had planed was also being interrupted by work.

It appeared to Tessa that half of the pregnant women in Santa Elena decided that these last six weeks was the perfect time to give birth. \Why are they all having babies at the same time?\ thought Tessa. \Maybe it’s the water.\

If that wasn’t enough, Colonel Montoya had acquired a canon and was in the process of training his soldiers and building a gunpowder factory. It would be faster than trying to obtain supplies from Spain.

The letter that Tessa had appropriated still bothered her, even though Helm had discussed its contents with the Queen. Tessa had her work cut out for her. She must arrange for the Queen to destroy the canon, arrange dinner for Doctor Helm and get the aforementioned blind man to fall in love with Tessa not the Queen.

"Oh woe is me, Lindo," she said to her horse during her morning ride.

Colonel Montoya was in an exhilarating mood. Peace reigned in El Pueblo de Santa Elena, the Queen of Swords had not put in an appearance in six weeks and he had his canon. He walked to the square in the barracks area.

"The gods have smiled on me," he said to the bronze instrument of death. He had been fortunate that an extremely rare and vicious storm had driven a cargo ship bound for El Pueblo de San Francisco onto the rocks just North of Santa Elena. A soldier returning from patrol had taken shelter from the storm in a cave near the shore. He happened to see the ship crash and raced through the storm to alert his commander.

The ship had received major damage during the storm and had started to sink when the crew abandoned ship. They would have had better luck staying with the ship. A series of large waves capsized the longboats and the entire crew perished.

Colonel Montoya rushed to the scene. He arrived as the remnants of the storm were dissipating and the sun was rising and witnessed a savage sight. Wreckage and bodies littered the beach and the hull was split in two. As he surveyed the area with the tide receding, he chanced to see the barrel of a canon poking through the surf. The rest of the day Montoya urged his soldiers in their attempt to convince the sea to give up its hold on the canon.

Finally, the sucking sand made a gurgling sound and the canon was hauled ashore. Montoya grinned with glee as he inspected the undamaged barrel mounted on a field carriage. Markings on the barrel indicated that the previous owner had been the French army and must have been captured in a battle between the French and the Spanish armies.

Eighty canon balls were recovered besides the canon, but only one cask of gunpowder was salvageable. Montoya made a quick decision that he need to build a gunpowder factory to support his canon.

Senorita Alvarado had witnessed a training exercise from a hilltop. Grisham was teaching his soldiers how to storm a citadel or a walled hacienda of which there were several in the area. As she watched, she was unable to figure out how to destroy the weapon. She needed help.

Several nights later, a black dressed crusader slipped through an unlocked window and into the doctor’s office. The Queen of Swords crept to the doctor’s bed and gently kissed him on the lips.

She was startled when two arms embraced her and her kiss was fervently returned with passion. She melted into the kiss for a few moments almost forgetting her mission. Finally, she reluctantly broke the kiss as they came up for air and pushed away from him.

"Roberto, that is not why I am here," she gasped for air. "I need to ask you about canons."

"Forget the damn canons and come back here, this is more pleasurable," he replied as he pulled the bed covers to one side.

She felt herself blush as she saw the naked man in bed and was glad that it was too dark for him to see her reaction. She sat on the bed next to him for a moment then removed her boots and started to slide under the covers. She stopped and grinned at him as she removed her sword also. Slipping under the covers she snuggled up beside him.

"I am serious, Roberto."

"I know, but so am I," he said as one hand traced her neckline and jawbone while the other hand pulled her to him. As their lips met his hands unfastened her corset without her stopping him. As he started to unbutton her blouse, she pulled away again.

"Have you seen the canon?" she asked panting.

"Damn. A woman with a one track mind. What canon? Oh, you mean the French built bronze six-pound howitzer mounted on a field caisson? No I haven’t seen it," he said sarcastically.

The Queen smacked him on the arm. "Men!"

"All right, I have seen the canon, what about it?"

"How can you destroy it?" she asked sitting up while holding the sheet across her chest.

"You could shoot it with another canon," he laughed.

The Queen did not reply.

"All right. Let’s see. This is a howitzer, a short barreled canon that can fire at higher elevations. You load it by shoving a premeasured bag of powder down the barrel. Then you ram wadding with the ramrod to pack it in. Next you add the projectile and ram it home. Firing is done by placing priming powder into the touchhole and lighting it with slow match on a long rod called a limstock."

Helm thought a moment

"The best way to destroy that thing is to spike it or blow it up. This would be hazardous for you as you would be exposed not only to the soldiers but the explosion as well."

Helm got out of bed and padded around the room without bothering to dress. The Queen found it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying as her eyes took in the view of this naked man in front of her.

Helm suddenly smacked the wall with his hand. "I have it," he declared. "All the time it was in front of me."

"What was?" she asked perplexed as her thoughts of him were shattered and the mission came back to her.

"Adobe. Adobe hardens in six weeks if the sun cures it. You can insert a bag of powder and some adobe and then ram rod it in tight. After it hardens, the next person who loads the canon will be in for a nasty shock."

"Why, I don’t understand," she replied.

"These soldiers would never think to check the barrel and would load the canon as normal. The primer would ignite the first charge, but with the hardened adobe acting as a plug, the breach would blow. The key is to get the adobe into the barrel and let it harden."

Helm climbed back into bed. "That’s how you do it and this is how we proceed."

Helm took her into his arms again and kissed her. First a soft kiss which became more firm until their tongues met and explored. Helm slid his mouth towards her ear and let his tongue creep along her jawbone. Keeping their eyes closed they let their bodies accept their ministrations. \This is where we left off,\ he thought.

Helm let his tongue slide down her neck towards her breasts. Her hands had no clothes of his to remove so they explored his body. Helm got the corset off and unbuttoned her blouse. He slid the blouse off her shoulders and pulled her undershirt down to her waist. Her hands found their way from his chest to his stomach as he gently cupped both breasts in his hands. His tongue moved toward the fullness of her breast.

The Queen moaned as Helm’s hands cupped her breasts and she became more excited than she had the last time. \No interruptions this time\ she thought. She loved the caresses and his tongue gently exploring her body. She arched her back as he pushed her pants down to her knees and his tongue traced its way to her belly.

Kaboomb!

An explosion ripped the still night air and shook every building in the pueblo. Helm covered the Queen’s body with his own as dirt showered them from above.

"Shit!" declared Helm as he jumped out of bed and slipped his pants on. He watched her as she sat up on the edge of the bed with her back to him and stood up, pulling her pants up. \Nice rear end,\ he thought, then noticed a mark on her lower back as she reached for her blouse.

"Robert what is it?" she asked as she buttoned her blouse.

"Montoya’s powder building just blew up or I am the king of Spain," he replied and he shoved his left foot into the left boot. "You get out of here and stay away from the area. I want you safe. There may be more explosions," he stomped his right foot into the other boot.

The Queen finished with her blouse and grabbed her sash, corset and sword. "You be careful and come back to me," she kissed him on the lips then slipped out of the window and disappeared into the night.

Helm grabbed his medical bag and ran outside and immediately saw the fire. He raced towards the fire and right into Montoya who was also running towards the fire.

"Forget your shirt, Doctor Helm?" commented Montoya.

"Glad you stopped for your pants, Colonel."

Montoya suddenly realized that he had run out of his bedroom in just his pants and boots.

"The powder magazine blew!" yelled Montoya.

"I know, how many men were there?"

"Three inside and two on guard duty, replied Montoya.

Montoya’s fears were well founded. The building was ablaze as the two men ran towards it. Suddenly Montoya tripped and fell. Helm looked around to see the upper torso of a body, without a head or arms.

"What is it?" asked Montoya.

"What’s left of your guard."

Montoya shuddered. He had seen dead men before, but none had been ripped apart like this, He started to get up when his stomach betrayed him and he heaved.

"Play with fire and you are liable to get burned, Colonel," said Helm.

"How do you know he wasn’t inside?"

"I doubt if the men inside would be wearing their uniform blouse and this man clearly was. From the force of the explosion, I would guess that anyone inside was incinerated immediately."

Montoya slowly got to his feet, but not before heaving again.

"Did you store all the powder in the one building?" asked Helm

"No there is a smaller one behind it. Grisham! Where the hell have you been?" Montoya yelled his question at the captain who was now just arriving at the scene.

"I was asleep and woke up on the floor. Must hit my head," replied Grisham.

Helm looked at Grisham’s bloody scalp and the blood still oozing out of a cut. "Yep, you did. I will need to stitch you up later," replied Helm with a grin of anticipation.

"The storage room, may explode also, Colonel," said Helm.

The three men raced around the building so see the building starting to catch fire. "Grisham, get the powder out of there!" yelled Montoya.

Grisham grabbed several men off of the bucket brigade that stretched from the pueblos well to the fire. Several men ran inside while others beat down the flames as the wind started to pick up.

Out of the corner of his eye Helm caught sight of two things. One was a dark figure with long hair running with two bags, and the other was a firebrand landing on the roof of the magazine.

"Get your men out, it’s going to blow!" yelled Helm.

Men ran from the building and joined the rest who were running for cover. A sudden explosion caught most everyone out in the open and hurled them to the ground. Montoya sailed over a boulder and into a small ravine and landed on his shoulder.

The sun was rising when the last of the small fires caused by the explosions were being extinguished.

Helm was still patching up the wounded. Several men had broken limbs while other had burns. Everyone was covered with soot and dirt. Montoya walked around the area with his arm in a sling due to a dislocated shoulder.

"Have you ever seen anything like this, Doctor Helm?" asked Montoya.

"Yes and it is a sight I had hoped never to see again. See what happens when you try to play god."

"I am just trying to protect my pueblo," replied Montoya.

"I was under the impression that this pueblo belonged to the King of Spain."

"Ah yes. But he is in Spain and I am here, Doctor. Something you should not forget," sneered Montoya as he walked away.

"Grisham," Montoya called his subordinate. "Tomorrow, you will start to rebuild the powder magazine, but this time make it at least a mile away from the pueblo. How much was saved?"

"Only twenty bags out of one hundred," replied Grisham.

"I estimate that it will take at least six weeks of warm weather to make the adobe bricks and then you can rebuild the buildings. In eight weeks we should be in full swing again. That is if the weather holds," said Montoya.

Grisham saluted and started to walk away.

"Grisham, how is your campaign to win the hand of Senorita Alvarado going?" asked Montoya.

"It’s just a matter of time before she will be Senora Grisham,’ he smiled. "How could she not fall to my charms?"

"Yes, how could she not," replied Montoya.

The night after the explosion of the powder magazine the fog rolled in. A thick fog that was known as tule fog, a low lying fog that made it impossible to see six feet in front of oneself.

A black dressed figure approached the canon. In her hands, the Queen carried a bag of powder and a bucket of adobe mud. She inserted the powder bag and picked up the bucket.

"You have to ramrod the powder in first," a voice whispered.

The Queen grabbed her sword and tried to find the source, when Doctor Helm appeared out of the fog, carrying a ramrod. He too was dressed in dark clothing.

He quickly showed his expertise by using the ramrod to shove the bag inside the barrel. Then he took the bucket and poured in the adobe, followed by the ramrod. When he was done, he took a rag from his waistband and wiped the bronze barrel clean. He left with the ramrod and then returned.

"As long as it takes to rebuild the magazine will be good for us. Montoya will not risk wasting the little powder he has left," said Helm. "Now let’s get out of here before someone stumbles over us.

The two saboteurs left the square and then each went their separate ways.

Several days past when Senorita Alvarado sent word to Doctor Helm that he was invited to dinner. Helm quickly responded that he would accept.

"Are you sure you know what you are doing, Tessita?" asked Marta.

"I know exactly what I am doing Marta. Now let’s get dinner ready and then you can go meet Vlad. I am going to get ready to be dessert," she grinned.

\I hope I know what I am doing,\ thought Tessa as she stood in front of the mirror and examined her naked body. \Tessa, you are shameless,\ her thoughts continued.

Doctor Helm arrived at the appointed hour and Marta left shortly afterwards.

"Marta isn’t staying?" asked Helm.

"No, she has an appointment and I don’t need a chaperone," smiled Tessa.

"Maybe I do," Helm returned the smile as he escorted her to the table, which had already been set.

Marta had made an exquisite dinner especially with Helm’s favorite foods. He had started to become acquainted with many of the Spanish foods.

After dinner, Helm picked up his wineglass. "May I offer a toast, Senorita Alvarado?"

"We have had that conversation before. My name is Tessa. If you use it, you may," she smiled lovingly into his eyes.

"To the most charming and beautiful dinner partner, Mi Reina," he said.

Tessa almost choked. "How lovely, but why do you say it that way?"

" You are the Reina de mi corazon and you are La Reina des Espades. I should have seen it early, but I was blinded by your brilliant portrayal of a spoiled rich brat."

"My word, Doctor Helm, and how did you come to that brilliant conclusion? "

"Do you remember when that imposter tried to steal your land?"

"Yes, Doctor I do and it is so nice that your bring up such a painful experience like that."

"Tessa, the way we proved who your were was your birthmark, remember?"

Tessa blushed. "Yes I remember now how it was your eyes that verified my birthmark,"

"What are the odds that two beautiful women in the same pueblo would have the same birthmark?" asked Helm.

"I doubt if that could ever happen, Doctor. Where are you going with this?"

"The night that Montoya’s powder magazine exploded, I had a very intimate visit with the Queen of Swords and she has the exact same birthmark as Tessa Alvarado. How am I doing so far?"

"What do you plan on doing with this information, Doctor?" asked Tessa with a chill in her voice.

"I want to continue where we left off, my love. Without the interruptions."

Helm took her hand and kissed it. Then he leaned over and kissed her on the lips. Their tongues began to explore and Tessa pulled him to her. She pushed him back and stood up. She then reached for his hand and led him towards her bedroom.

As they entered she turned to him and kissed him and continued until they moved towards the bed.

"This time, you are in no danger, my love," said Helm as he lowered her to the bed.

Helm let his tongue slide down her neck towards her breasts while her hands unbuttoned his shirt. She pushed it off of his shoulders. He slid the blouse off her shoulders and pulled her undershirt down to her

waist. Her hands found their way from his chest to his stomach and to his pants as he gently cupped both breasts in his hands. His tongue moved toward the fullness of her breast. \Please God, no interruptions,\ he pleaded silently.

She gasped as Helm’s tongue teased her breasts. She loved the caresses and his tongue gently exploring her body. \This is what I want,\ she thought as she arched her back towards him.

Tessa suddenly pushed him back and pulled the bedclothes down, with her back to him. His hands gently caressed her buttocks and then slipped to her front as he pulled her upright to him. One hand quickly found her breast while the other found her crotch as he nibbled on her right ear lobe.

Tessa twisted around to face him and with an evil grin slipped out of his arms. She blew out the lit hurricane lantern and then pushed him onto the bed. She quickly straddled the pleasantly surprised Doctor.

"En Guarde, mi amore," she said as her hands began to explore his chest.

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Tessa and Helm sat bolt upright in bed. Tessa covered her upper body with a sheet just as Marta peeked in.

"Buenos Dias, breakfast is served," she winked at Tessa.

"Marta, what are you doing her? I thought you had an appointment last night?" asked Tessa.

"I did, but it is eleven o’clock in the morning. Daylights burning and time for lazybones to be up. I have been home for an hour," said Marta all aglow.

"Must have been some appointment," replied Tessa with a gleam in her eye.

"It was, now get up the huevos rancheros are getting cold," replied Marta as she closed the door.

Tessa started to get up, then realized her robe was still in the armoire. Helm slipped out of bed and padded to the armoire, took the robe and held it out so she could slip it on.

He grinned as Tessa slipped out of the bed and walked towards him naked. Helm felt himself being effected as she slipped on arm into the robe and then turned away to put the other arm in the sleeve. Helm hugged her from behind as she belted the robe.

"I am afraid that you will either have to dress or wear one of my other robes. The pink would be lovely on you," she laughed.

"Sorry, blue is my color," he grinned as he pulled on his pants. " I am famished, let’s eat."

Tessa started to walk away when Helm pulled her back and kissed her.

"I thought you were hungry," she said.

"I am, for you."

She pushed him away and laughed as she headed for la cocina.

Helm grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. He kissed her and then knelt down on one knee. "Tessa, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"How do I know you are not after my money or my body?" she asked.

"Your money means nothing to me. Your body, well that is another story," he grinned. "I love you with my whole being."

"Do you love me as Tessa or the Queen?"

"Both, I suppose. I love the Queen’s strength, confidence and daring. I love Tessa’s strength and confidence as she manages a well-run hacienda. I love the beauty of both. What Tessa has is magnified in the Queen."

"Whom do you prefer in bed?" asked Tessa with a twinkle in her eye.

"I have never made total love to the Queen, but I think both were there last night." Helm gave her a wicked grin, which she returned.

"I must think of your offer, Doctor"

"What?" asked a stunned Doctor Helm.

"Well, you are an underpaid government employee and I am a Dona of a hacienda. What can you offer me?"

"Love, tenderness and excitement," he replied.

"Excitement? I thought I was the one with a dangerous life."

"I am the one who patches them up. I will not ask you to retire from the Queen’s duty, just be careful," he replied.

"You sound like Marta," laughed Tessa.

"Marta is a very intelligent and patient woman to have lived with you all these years."

"More like a saint," said Tessa.

"Hmmm. Maybe I should ask Marta instead."

Tessa tapped the still kneeling Helm on the head. "Excuse me, you just asked me and I am not going to let you go."

"Is that a yes?"

"With all my heart mi amor," she pulled him up and kissed him.

"Are you two going to come and eat?" asked Marta as she came around the corner and found them embracing. "Oh I see you are having an appetizer first."

"Marta, I am the future Mrs. Robert Helm," she said jumping with glee and hugging Marta. The two women danced around the room and eventually included Helm.

"You had better treat my Tessita right or I will put a curse on you," smiled Marta.

"If I don’t you will need to fix the hole she would put in me with her sword."

Marta gasped.

"Si Marta, he knows."

"You told him?" asked Marta.

"In a way. He saw the birthmark on the Queen and he knew I had one."

"And just how did he happen to see the birthmark on the Queen.? No don’t answer, I don’t want to know. At least not at the moment." Marta reached out and grabbed the two lovers and escorted them to the kitchen. "Now eat!" Marta Ordered.

Two weeks later Captain Grisham rode up to the Alvarado hacienda. Tessa saw him coming and stopped him before he dismounted.

"Captain Grisham, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you out here?"

"Colonel Montoya is having a party and I would consider it an honor if I could escort you to it."

"How nice Captain, but I think my fiancé would have an objection," replied a smiling Tessa.

"Your what?" asked a flabbergasted Grisham.

"My fiancé, Doctor Helm."

Grisham stumbled over his own words and then suddenly rode away without saying goodbye.

"How rude," said Tessa to Grisham’s retreating back.

Grisham stormed in Montoya’s office and slammed his hat down on the desk.

"I am going to kill him!" shouted Grisham.

"Calm down Grisham. Who are you going to kill and why?"

"That pompous ass Helm. He and that twit Senorita Alvarado are going to be married."

"That is interesting, Captain. But please refrain from casting disparaging remarks about a lovely dona. Maybe you should have paid more attention to an eligible young woman instead of another man’s wife."

Grisham stormed out.

~~~~~~~~~~

Montoya was blessed with eight weeks of warm weather and the rebuilding of the powder magazine. As soon as powder production resumed, Montoya decided it was time to raise the taxes. His canon would accompany the tax collectors as an extra-added incentive.

Grisham led his men to the hacienda that was furthest from the pueblo, that of Don Valenzuela. Grisham licked his lips when Don Valenzuela refused the ten- percent increase in his tax.

Grisham beckoned his men to bring forth the canon. Soldiers rapidly loaded the canon. Grisham stopped them before they could load the cannon ball.

"Use another bag of powder," he said and then grabbed the ramrod and packed in the charge. "If one will blow a hole in the wall, two charges should take the whole wall down."

Grisham then deployed his men in a charge formation. Grisham took the limstock from a soldier and held it high for the Don to see.

"This is what will happen to any Don who refuses to pay the tax." Grisham lowered the limstock to the touchhole and walked away as the primer powder caught.

A tremendous explosion rocked the ground and pieces of brass shrapnel flew through the air to connect with many soldiers as the breach exploded. Half of Grisham’s men were hit and the rest flattened by the concussion. Grisham had stepped into a depression below the canon and was out of the way of the shrapnel.

When the dust cleared, Grisham and his men found that the ranchers surrounded them.

Don Valenzuela and his men were helping the soldiers. Grisham started to get up when he was pushed back by the don’s foot.

"Captain, I was once a soldier. I will not allow these men to suffer because of the stupidity of their officers. I watched you ram a second charge into the barrel like an idiot," sneered Valenzuela.

"What would you know about it?" asked Grisham.

"I was a artillery man, Captain. Now I will offer the use of two wagons to take your men to the Doctor."

Several hours later Grisham led his command back to the pueblo to find a very angry Montoya waiting for him.

"Grisham, what the hell did you do? What were you thinking? Just because one of something works, doesn’t mean doubling it will work better. What kind of an idiot are you? No, don’t answer I already know," Montoya stormed away still fuming as he walked past the cantina, where Senorita Alvarado and Doctor Helm were sitting.

"Good afternoon, Colonel," said a smiling Tessa.

Montoya recovered quickly from his anger. "Ah Senorita Alvarado, Doctor Helm. I understand that congratulations are in store. I congratulate you Doctor Helm in winning the hand of Santa Elena’s most attractive and eligible lady."

"Thank you," both replied.

"Doctor Helm, I hate to interrupt you, but some of my soldiers are in need of your help. They have just arrived."

"What happened?" asked Helm.

"It seems that Captain Grisham felt that two powder charges were better than one and my precious canon exploded. Several of the men were injured."

Helm rose. "May I help you Roberto?" asked Tessa.

"If you are going to be a doctor’s wife, you should know what I do. I appreciate your interest."

Montoya watched the two lovebirds leave.

"Grisham, isn’t there anything you can do correctly?" asked Montoya out loud. He looked up to the heavens. "Why me Lord? Why me?"

Grisham approached Montoya. He had obviously changed clothes.

"Colonel, Doctor Helm is going to have an accident."

"Captain, just because the good doctor doesn’t fight, doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t."

"He is just an overrated English boob, " replied Grisham.

"Captain, one does not get to be in the British Intelligence organization and survive by being a boob. Never underestimate your enemy or those under you. I don’t," warned Montoya as he walked away.

Tessa Alvarado knocked on Helm’s door and waited for him to respond. When there was no answer, she knocked again. Finally, she went inside and found her love sitting at a desk. Not sitting exactly as his head was on the desk and he was snoring. Without disturbing him, Tessa looked to see what was on the desk and found it was a journal. She was able to read part of it.

May 1813 somewhere in France.

We have been on a reconnaissance mission for the past three weeks behind the French lines. We must be careful as we are not in uniform and if caught we would be executed as spies. In truth, that is what we are.

We have little to eat or drink and we sleep wherever we can, usually under a tree or an abandoned house or barn. During the day the sun is hot and I wipe the burning sweat out of my eyes. I wish that I could get some cool water to drink.

We have next to nothing as our horses with all the supplies were spooked, when some partisans decided to attack us. We lost three men and all the horses, but the rest of us were able to get away.

If there is one thing that I have learned in this war is how precious life really is. Little things mean a lot, when there things you don’t have. Being a soldier means learning to live without the little things that mean a lot. It means sharing between you what you have with the other men and learn to live with what you have.

Everyday is like the last, nothing ever changes just the time. All I have is on my back, rifle in my hand; I am always ready for things to happen. I don’t know when this war will end, maybe never.

I remember marching one time for six miles in England, behind a band. I know now that six miles is a mighty short walk behind a band. Six miles seems like one hundred when you are walking in enemy territory as we have been. Every step you take, death is holding your hand.

I have seen so much death and heartache that I can’t stand it. The carnage and slaughter of young men whose only transgression was to wear a different uniform makes me sick. Our leaders say we are righteous in our effort yet I am sure our foes feel the same. Someday there will be a war when only the leaders will fight. It won’t be a long war.

I have made a decision. If I survive this war, I will dedicate my life in saving lives, not destroying them.

Helm suddenly moved and Tessa jumped back. She was unable to see anymore of the journal with disturbing the sleeping man.

"Roberto, are you all right?" she said shaking his shoulder.

"Huh, what?" grumbled the man trying to shake the cobwebs out of his brain.

Tessa looked into the bloodshot eyes, unshaven face and the far away stare of the man she would marry.

"Tessa, don’t you ever knock?" he asked.

"I did several times, but when you didn’t answer I came in. What has happened to you? I haven’t seen you in two days."

"Memories that I wish would go away but won’t," replied Helm as he stood up and walked to the wash basin. He splashed water on his face.

The look Helm received from Tessa made him realize he wasn’t going to get away without an explanation.

"I can usually tolerate some memories but others I can’t."

"What are these memories that are bothering you?" asked Tessa as she hugged him.

"Do you remember when the powder magazine blew up? Well I came across a mutilated body. He had no head or arm or anything below his waist."

Helm thought back to the Battle of Vittorio. He had left the battle, commandeered a horse and rode away from the battle. He realized that Tessa’s eyes were drilling holes through him.

"I rode in the only direction that was free of soldiers. That wasn’t easy, as there were soldiers all over the place. Theirs, our, our allies, all with guns and ready to shoot anything that moved. Finally I managed to get clear of the battle scene and rode west. Guess I rode so far west I ended up in Alta California," he laughed.

Tessa did not.

"Anyway I kept riding and came across a hacienda that had been caught in the middle of a battle. I found the bodies of the owners in the basement. The man had been bayoneted to a wall and the wife and probably fifteen-year-old daughter lay in the corner, mutilated. After I buried them, I found some clothes that fit and burned my uniform. A week later I found myself in Portugal. In Lisbon I found a merchant ship that was willing to take me to England without asking any questions. I was out of the fighting but the fighting was not out of me. It never will be."

"Robert, you have to let it go. Whatever you went through, whatever you did is done. You must look at what you have done since to atone for what you think you did wrong."

Tessa coaxed him to the bed and the two sat down on the edge. She cradled his head against her breast.

"Robert you have become a fine doctor and have saved many people in Santa Elena. You have saved me several times."

They became silent for several minutes. Helm closed his eyes and eventually the beating of her heart in his ear brought him back to the present.

"Tessa, how in the world did I ever have the good fortune to find you?"

"You rode all the way from Texas to steal my apple, remember?" Tessa replied with a smirk.

They both laughed.

"Robert, that is a sound I love to hear, your laughter."

"I remember that day, Tessa. It had been a long ride and the first person I met was a beautiful lady whom I immediately offended. I must say I don’t know why you didn’t hit me."

"I saw a rather shady character covered and dust, smelling like a horse," she grinned.

"But you and the Queen kept coming back."

"You were the only man in this pueblo who had something to offer," she replied as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Something to offer? A surly unkempt boor who stole your apple and insulted you? You must have seen something else."

"I did. Your compassion, your strength, your nose, your . . ."

"My nose?" he sat up and looked at her.

She took her finger and traced from the bridge of his nose to the tip. "It is a handsome nose. Full of character. I hope our children have such a nose. Well, at least the boys," she caught the tip of the nose between her thumb and forefinger and squeezed it quickly.

"Ouch!" he jerked back. "Why did you do that?"

"Why not? It was there and it was just asking to be tweaked," she grinned.

"I’ll tweak something of yours," he grinned as one arm grabbed her and pulled her to him. The other hand found her breast and gently squeezed as the thumb made circular movements.

Tessa was becoming excited, as was Helm. Suddenly their lips and they leaned back on the bed as Tessa rolled on top of him.

"Why are you always ending up on top of me?" asked Helm as his hands moved to her shoulders and started to slip her blouse down.

"You remind me of a strong stallion I rode once," she grinned wickedly.

"You are shameless, you know?" he said as he attempted to roll on top of her.

"Only with you my love," she said forcing him back.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Damn, all of a sudden everyone in this pueblo decides to knock," he said as Tessa slid off of him and stared straightening her clothing.

Helm opened the door to find Pablo, a young boy standing there.

"Pablo, what can I do for you? Is your mother ill?" asked Helm.

"No Senor, there is a ship in the harbor, an English ship."

At that moment Captain Grisham approached with six soldiers.

"Arrest Doctor Helm," he ordered.

The soldiers grabbed him and placed manacles on his wrists.

"On what charge?" demanded Helm.

"Being a pompous ass," replied Grisham.

"I am no Grisham," replied Helm.

"You son of a . . ."

"Captain Grisham!" called Tessa. "What is the meaning of this outrage?"

"Senorita, I didn’t know you were here." Grisham motioned for the soldiers to take Helm.

"Does it matter? You arrest Doctor Helm but you do not have a reason. I will speak to Colonel Montoya."

She tried to push past Grisham but he blocked her way.

"There is no reason for you to trouble yourself, Senorita. Colonel Montoya ordered his arrest at the request of a British Admiral. You stay here," replied Grisham.

"Not on your life," she said stomping on his foot with her sharp heel.

"Oh," he yelped and grabbed his foot.

Tessa pushed him and he fell over backwards. He watched her rush away toward Helm.

"Damn limey," muttered Grisham. He got up and followed until he caught up to the soldiers.

Six Royal Marines stood at attention on the staircase. The garrison soldiers pulled Helm up the stairs and brought him Montoya’s door. Grisham opened the door and shoved Helm into the room and he tripped him so that he fell at Montoya’s feet. Tessa shoved Grisham aside and ran to Helm to help him up.

"Colonel Montoya, what is the meaning of this? Is this how you treat a British subject? I asked to have Doctor Helm come here. I didn’t ask you to have him brought here like a criminal," said an outraged British Admiral.

"My dear Admiral, perhaps Captain Grisham misunderstood. Perhaps he thought Doctor Helm was a criminal wanted by the British Crown. Captain, release the good Doctor."

Tessa stepped back.

Grisham unlocked the manacles. "Next time, limey."

Grisham started to turn away.

"Grisham," said Helm.

Grisham turned just as Helm’s right hook connected with Grisham’s jaw. Grisham dropped like a rock and landed on his back. Tessa went to Helm by stepping on Grisham’s chest and put a little weight on the sharp heel. Grisham groaned.

"Well, done Leftenant," said the Admiral. "I am Admiral Merrill Milan of the HMS Swan, A Ship of the Line. I have a letter for you, but before I give it to you let me tell you what it is about. It appears that you were wrongly accused of deserting under fire, a charge punishable by death. Upon investigation it was found that your orders of separation had been prepared two weeks before you left. You are not a deserter, you were not even supposed to be there."

"Roberto, that is wonderful," said Tessa as she squeezed his hand.

"Admiral, I don’t understand? You didn’t come all away around the world just to deliver a letter."

"Ours is not to reason why, Leftenant," replied the Admiral. "There is another matter but since I have just witnessed the way you were treated, it is will be my pleasure. Colonel, due to the way British subjects are treated in Santa Elena, I am relieving you of command and declaring Santa Elena a British Territory."

"What?" replied a shocked Montoya. "You cannot due this, guards!"

Montoya looked at the door to see the Royal Marines had taken charge.

"By what authority do you do this?" fumed Montoya.

"By the authority of a British Ship-of-the-Line seven hundred and eighty men and over one hundred canon," grinned Milan. Then he laughed. "Leftenant, people always say we British have no sense of humor. The look on your face Colonel was priceless. By the way, I think your Captain wet himself."

Grisham looked down at his crotch and then scrambled out of the room full of laughing people. Even the Marines snickered but remained at attention.

"Colonel, what I do require is a ceremony in your square in front of your garrison and the people, since Doctor Helm has treated in such a shameful way."

"I almost needed the good Doctor’s help. I almost had a heart attack. I will never comment on the British stiff upper lip again. Please Admiral, this way. Corporal of the guard, assemble the garrison in full uniform in the square in five minutes."

The Corporal saluted and left.

Ten minutes later the entire garrison stood at attention, including Grisham in a clean and dry uniform. The entire pueblo attended as well as several dons who were in town.

The Marines formed a large square with Milan and Helm in the center. Tessa and Montoya stood to one side.

"Colonel, do you know what this is about?" asked Tessa.

"I have no idea. After what the Admiral just did in my office, maybe it’s a beheading," snickered Montoya.

"Senores y Senoras, I am Admiral Merrill Milan of the British Navy and I am here today to bestow an honor on your Doctor Helm," said Milan with a booming authoritarian voice.

"Kneel, Leftenant."

Helm knelt on one knee as Milan pulled out his sword.

"On behalf of a grateful nation for his service to the British Empire and the Spanish nation in helping to defeat the French Army during the Peninsular War, I am honored to confer this honor. By the order of King George IV, I hereby confer the title of Knight," Milan tapped his sword on Helm’s one shoulder and then the other. "Arise, Sir Robert."

Helm rose and turned to face the people.

"I present to you, Sir Robert Helm," said the Admiral as the people cheered.

Tessa hugged and kissed Helm.

"Sir Robert, is there anything you would like me to do for you?" asked Milan.

"As a matter of fact, there are a couple of things you can do for me Admiral. Colonel, I would like a few moments of Captain Grisham’s time, alone behind your office."

"Be my guest, Sir Robert," bowed Colonel Montoya.

Helm and Grisham walked behind Montoya’s office.

"Well, well, well, the deserter Doctor is now a Knight. What do you want . . ."

Grisham stopped speaking as Helm’s right hook connected with Grisham’s jaw and the left jab to the solar plexus sent Grisham sprawling in the dirt. A kick to the Grisham’s ribs by Helm doubled the American into a ball.

"One, you leave me and Senorita Alvarado alone. Two, you ought to see a doctor, if you can find one to treat you. Three, just because I prefer not to fight, doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t."

Helm walked away. Tessa saw him and ran to hug him. "Are you all right?"

"Do you know why I don’t like to fight?" asked Helm.

"Because of the war?"

"Partly, but hitting a man’s jaw with your fist, hurts like hell," he grinned and winced at the same time.

Grisham, recovered and charged Helm only to be stopped by two Royal Marines.

"Corporal, it is a wonder that the Americans ever gained independence from us Limey’s is this sorry excuse for an officer is any example," said Sergeant Layne sarcastically.

"Maybe he is the runt of the litter," replied Corporal Hinsdale. "Too bad he is an officer, even one of theirs."

Helm and Tessa approached the Admiral.

"Admiral I have one more request of you," said Helm.

"Anything," replied the Admiral.

Helm whispered to the Admiral his request.

The tide was going out when the HMS Swan raised anchor and sailed away. On board outside the Captain’s Quarters were two Royal Marines on guard who had strict instructions that no one but the Admiral and the Captain were to disturb the occupants after dinner.

Inside the captain’s quarters was a table set for two people and two candles burning brightly. The table was set with the finest china, silver and crystal goblets, befitting the Admiral’s status. A bottle of Italian white wine from Umbria and a bottle Alvarado red wine were in the hands of two orderlies whose job was to see that the diners had everything they needed.

The Admiral’s chef had prepared a meal of thinly sliced beef (provided by Senorita Alvarado) marinated in Alvarado wine and several Spanish dishes with the help of Senorita Alvarado’s confidant, Marta. Dessert would be left up to the diners.

The orderlies were dismissed as the meal ended and one of the candles was extinguished.

"A toast to the most exquisite woman that I have ever know," whispered Sir Robert Helm as he raised his glass.

"Should I call you Sir Robert and kneel at your feet?" giggled Tessa.

"It is I who should kneel at my Queen’s feet, my lady," replied Helm.

Helm took Tessa’s hand and led her to the Captain’s bed and they sat down on the edge.

"Are you sure we won’t be disturbed this time?" asked Tessa.

"Who would disturb us with two Marines at the door and fifteen miles out to sea? The admiral has assured us that we will be sailing up the coast to a Russian village and then returning in a week. We have a week to be by ourselves."

"I do hope Marta will not be lonely while I am gone," she said as she seductively unbuttoned her blouse.

"I think Vlad will keep her entertained while you are gone," he replied as he nibbled on her ear and his hand explored under the blouse."

"I feel totally wanton. What will everyone think, me a single woman alone at sea with a man?"

"There are almost eight hundred sailors and Marines on this ship and you are with your fiancé. We are doing what most people secretly want. Besides, I don’t care what they think," he stopped and got up and walked to the table. He extinguished the candle leaving the full moon to provide lighting. He heard the sound of her skirt landing on the floor as he turned to see her standing there in her shift.

"You are a bit overdressed, Robert," she said batting her eyes.

He came to her. "So are you," he replied as he slipped the shift off of her shoulders and let it fall while she pushed his pants down.

They fell on the bed with him on top, and as he kissed her with vigor, she deftly rolled him over.

The sound of the ship slicing through the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rocking of the ship were soon lost to Teresa Alvarado, the Queen of Swords and Sir Robert Helm.

"En guarde, Sir Robert."

"My sword is at your disposal, Mi Reina."

The End and the start of something beautiful.