2-11-01

TRIO CHALLENGE: Horseshoe, the color purple, a beached ship

QUOTE CHALLENGE: "Tell not a madman that he is mad, for 'twill only make him madder." (~MnD)

Authors:

Anthony, Dea, JoLayne, Willows. Mini Round Robin: Maril, Eliza, JoLayne, Anthony

DOCTOR DOCTOR?

This is a response to a challenge on a QOS list.....and I figured the only way to work "purple" into a story was either this or bring in the Romans. The other two parts are a "crashed ship" {sorta}...and a "horseshoe".

Trance makes it a little tough... but overall a PG-13 fic here.

~~~~~

The peon ran into the pueblo screaming - not quite bloody murder, but close enough for some people... like Colonel Montoya, when the peasant crashed right into him.

"There was a demon chasing me!" the peasant screamed. Montoya's self-restraint kept him from both covering his ears and slapping sense into the poor man.

"Really? And what did this demon look like?" Montoya asked, then thought, Red bandanna on her thigh, black leather and lace over the rest, that is my guess.

"Purple!" the peon blurted out. "Purple as far as the eye could see, with a barbed tail winding around. And when it opened its mouth, horrible sounds came out, sounds that were no language of man."

Doctor Helm was also in earshot when the peon was raving about the demon, and his head perked up, promptly excusing himself from a conversation with Duenna Alvarado. He had to hurry, he knew that much at least.

~~~~~

The long-tailed purple being was crouched down on the ground, examining some desert pony's thrown horseshoe.

Robert Helm managed to sneak up on the womanlike alien, since her kind's hearing wasn't as acute as other species'. "Looking for someone?" he asked, using the Vedran Imperial Trade language, something that hadn't been useful for a while - not much use for it when everyone is human.

Trance spun around, tail flying up. Seeing him, she lowered her tail, slowly. "Do you know where there's a doctor?" she asked in the same language - the language everybody used on board ANDROMEDA too. "I need a doctor."

"You look fine to me...did you eat somebody who didn't agree with you?"

Trance managed to look offended by that. "My sex life is none of your business!" she blurted, then realized he'd meant it as a joke. "It's Beka, a friend of mine. She's hurt, got hurt in the crash just -"

"Yes, I heard." Half of Alta California probably heard...or at least the area around Santa Helena, he mused. "I suppose there's a reason one of your kind's way out here," Helm remarked.

It was hard to see if a purple alien was blushing or just suddenly shy - like right now. "Wellll," Trance fudged. "Beka was letting me pilot the Maru, and we sorta crashed here," she blurted out in the rushed way she had when trying to get something out of the way. "Actually, we crashed over there," pointing to a lump on the horizon.

"Lead on then."

~~~~~

As Trance led Helm into the Eureka Maru, he could feel memories. "She's this way," Trance said, leading him towards the command room, where the pilots sat... wounded.

When he could see who it was in the chair - though her hair was a different color, again! - he went: "Rebecca?" Doctor Helm felt like hollering in startlement. "What are you doing here??"

"I could ask you the same question, Robb," Beka bit back. "Trance, I thought you were getting a doctor."

"I did," Trance replied. "He's the doctor." She hesitated. "At least, that's what he told me." Beka groaned. "What's wrong?"

"I think I'll just let the infection kill me," Beka muttered.

"I have improved, you know - or not, since we haven't seen each other for -"

"Not long enough," Beka interrupted.

"Are you two lovers or siblings?" Trance asked with her usual innocent voice. Both Beka and Robert looked at her. "Well, Harper says that that's the only reason people would fight like you two were just now."

Robert chuckled. "What makes you think we're not both?"

Trance's eyes widened, but her pupils shrank. "I thought only Nightsiders did that."

Fighting a smile, Robert Helm opened his medical satchel. "Don't worry, I won't kill you....yet."

~~~~~

Anyone want to write the next part?

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

by Dea
Deianira@prodigy.net

Tessa Alvarado walked along the white sands of the shoreline, casting furtive glances toward the horizon. Sunset was fast approaching and the whole world, or at least her world, seemed to be bathed in a golden pink caress. Breathing deeply of the salty sea air, she smoothed the front of her new purple gown and picked her way amongst the scattered sea shells.

Suddenly in the distance she spotted a ship with towering masts sitting at anchor a few miles out to sea.

Perhaps it came in too close and got beached?

No sooner had this thought entered her mind when she noticed the small dingy that had been rowed onto the sandy coastline. With a gasp she watched five men dressed in shabby breeches and coats climb out of the boat.

Pirates! Should she run or stay? The Queen would never run, but what could she do against five men without her sword?

As it turned out, her decision was made for her.

"Get the girl!" one of the men shouted as the other four ran towards Tessa.

She attempted to outrun them but she knew they'd catch up to her sooner or later. Sure enough, she soon felt a rough hand close around her upper arm as she was pulled to a stop and shoved into the filthy grasp of two others.

"Let me go!" she ordered.

"And let such treasure slip through our fingers?" asked the leader who had just joined them. "I don't think so. But don't worry. Perhaps some masked vigilante will come and save you."

All the men laughed at that.

"Then again," the first man added. "I wouldn't hold my breath."

As they began to drag a kicking and protesting Tessa back towards their boat, a sound stopped them in their tracks. A low, rhythmic sound that grew louder and louder until one of the pirates pointed down the shore.

"Look!"

They all turned as one to see a great black stallion racing towards them. The animal had eyes as black as the night sky and the setting sun glinted off what appeared to be golden horseshoes. Atop the fine creature's back sat a tall, lean figure dressed in tight black trousers and a loose-fitting, long-sleeved silk shirt. A black-gloved hand held a shining sword aloft as horse and rider skidded to a graceful stop in front of them.

Tessa looked at the man in awe. His hair was fairly short and shone dark in the setting sun. Intense green eyes peered at her from behind a black mask, not unlike her own. Where hers was lace, his looked to be made of a soft satin. A wry smile graced his lips as he surveyed the small group.

"Well, look at this," he said. "Pirates taking what isn't theirs. What a surprise."

"She's ours! We found her first," one of the men sneered, reaching a grubby arm around Tessa's waist.

The man in black was off his horse so fast that the other man blinked in astonishment as the offending arm was suddenly twisted behind his back in a quite painful position.

"Did the lady ask to be held by you?" the masked man questioned calmly. "Because I for one didn't hear her say anything of the kind."

"Enough!" yelled the leader of the pirate gang. "There's five of us and only one of him. Let's finish this and then take our prize!"

Tessa was shoved backward and barely managed to keep her balance as she watched the eruption before her. The man in the mask was a dark blur as he cut a swathe through the inept and incompetent pirates. One after the other, the men fell at his blade until the only sounds were the groans of the injured and semi-conscious.

Sheathing his blade with a graceful arc, the man turned toward the stunned Tessa and walked over to her.

"Are you alright, my lady?" he asked, kneeling to dust off some of the moist sand that now clung to the hem of her garment.

"Yes," she replied. "Thanks to your help."

"I'm certain that you can fend for yourself," he assured her, "but I fear this time you were slightly outnumbered."

"Indeed," she said with just a hint of a smile.

The man simply nodded and turned back to his horse.

"Wait!" Tessa called. "Surely you wouldn't leave without letting me know who it was that rescued me from such a horrible fate."

The tall figure slowly turned back to face her and she couldn't help but smile at the quirk of his beautiful mouth. Then he reached back behind his head and pulled the mask free.

Tessa gaped. "Dr. Helm?!"

~~~~~

Tessa sat straight up in her bed. Her gown was nearly soaked and her breath was coming in quick gulps.

What on earth was that? What a dream!

Reaching over to her bedside table to pour some water from the pitcher into a glass, she managed to slow her breathing and calm herself. She drank deeply of the liquid and then she replaced the glass on the table and flopped back onto the bed.

"That's the last time I drink any of Marta's potions that close to bedtime," she said to the dark, empty room.

As she lay still, thoughts of Dr. Helm in a black mask returned to tickle the edge of her consciousness and a grin slowly spread across her lips...

"On second thought...Marta!"

THE END

NOTES: Anthony's challenge of Helm in a mask just struck me <g> so I had to throw that one into the mix. And yes, the majority of the story is supposed to be melodramatic and formulaic--it's a fantasy, after all. :)

Hugs,
Dea

CHALLENGE #4

By JoLayne
EnyaJo@aol.com

Marta knocked on the front door of the Hidalgo casa. Vera's new dress was clumsy and extremely heavy. She waited as she did a mental list of everything that she would need to do before she and Tessa arrived for what was bound to be the social event of the season, Gaspar Hidalgo's Fortieth Birthday party. There were rumors that Governor Reyes himself was going to attend. Marta smiled as she wondered how Montoya took the news. The Governor hadn't accepted any of what she guessed were many invitations to his parties. She also wondered if the gesture of taking up the Hidalgos was supposed to be a slap in the face.

After standing on the stoop in the hot sun for a while, Marta realized that no one would be answering the door. Not wanting to put it on the ground, Marta tried the doorknob, to feel it easily open. "Hola?!"

Not seeing or hearing anyone, Marta stepped into the foyer and set the heavy dress wrapped in cloth on the settee, then brushed it flat to make sure it wouldn't wrinkle anymore than it probably had on the ride over to their hacienda.

Marta went from room to room to try to find anyone, feeling a little strange that there wasn't any activity since a party was to begin in nine hours. There were no servants, no Vera, no one that Marta had expected to see. Each step she took across the terra cotta floor amplified. When she called out for anyone, her voice echoed through the rooms. She was going to leave a note for Vera's maid and leave, but heard a noise from a room at the end of the hallway. "Is someone there?"

There was a crash from the room, making Marta jump and move back toward the door. Then there was nothing. Bucking up the courage, she walked closer to the room. "Hello?"

She peeked into the room and saw that it was Don Hidalgo's study. In the center of the room was a large ornate wooden desk. Knickknacks and books lined the shelves that covered the walls. The one window in the room was open, the lace drapery was flowing in from the breeze. The room was a mess. Papers were strewn all over the tiled floor. Some of the possessions on the shelving behind the desk were upset, toppled open, or had fallen to the floor. Marta stepped in to see if anyone was in there, but almost slipped on the broken off top of a large bottle. On the floor by the desk were little sticks of wood, like tooth picks, in various sizes. She walked toward the mess and saw shards of glass around the edge of the desk, then a model ship's mast. The bottle top had at one time been part of a ship in the bottle, but had it fallen to the floor. The ship was on it's side, looking like it was beached.

What she saw next horrified her. "Don Hidalgo!" Marta rushed to the prone man on the floor. He looked dead. A horseshoe with a smudge of blood on it laid by his head. She knelt at his side and carefully turned him over. "Don Hidalgo?"

His right temple had turned purple from bruising. Blood had made a line from the wound to the ground as he had laid. His face was calm, his eyes were closed. She leaned down to check his breathing and was relieved to feel air coming from his nose. She gently patted his cheek. "Don Hidalgo, wake up. What happened?" The Don slowly opened his eyes, then groaned. She asked again, "What happened?"

He mumbled something, but Marta couldn't hear. She leaned closer and heard him say, "My safe. They didn't disturb my safe?"

Marta looked around his office and on the wall that the door was on, in the shelves, was an open--and empty safe. The only way anyone could have left that office was through the window. She stood and looked out of it. Off in the distance was a garrison of Montoya's troops riding away from the hacienda.

"Montoya's men?"

Don Hidalgo tried to sit up, but was still dazed. Marta rushed back to his side to support him. "Just lie back for a little while longer."

He wouldn't listen to her. He yelled, "Montoya! He stole it! Damn that man!"

~~~~~

I admit, the trio items were tough this week.

~Jo

QUOTE CHALLENGE #4 RESPONSE

By Willows
awfisk@hotmail.com

~~~~~

"`Tell not a madman he is mad, for `twill only make him madder'. That should be changed to `Tell not a madwoman she is mad, for `twill only make her madder'!" Dr. Helm thought, That woman gets on my nerves!

It was midnight, and he had just finished talking to the Queen of Swords, who seemed bent on waking him up at the most unwanted moment--such as in the midst of a lovely dream, which he could not get back to now! He looked back on what had happened, since he could not get back to his dream.

~~~~~

"Dr. Helm. Dr. Helm!" The Queen of Swords sighed and took out her sword. She pressed it against Helm's neck. "Dr. Helm," she said firmly.

Dr. Helm's eyes flashed open and cried out, "I'm awake, I'm awake!" Then he noticed who was behind the sword point. "Oh, its just you." He sighed and turned back over.

"Oh, its just me," she mimicked, her voice rich with sarcasm. "And don't go back to sleep!" She prodded him with the sword. When he didn't respond, she pulled him up by the hairs on his head. "Sorry about that."

"Yeah, I believe you." Dr. Helm muttered, but faced her. "Now, what would you like to talk about since you won't let me go back to sleep?" He yawned pointedly.

"I don't know, just thought that a good conversation would be a nice idea." The Queen of Swords shrugged, looking about his room.

He asked her, putting his arms behind his head, "In the middle of the night? Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Not really. I really liked seeing your face when you saw the sword tip though, that was worth it!" She chuckled under her breath. She sat down on the bed, relaxed a bit, and then cocked her head to look at him. "What do you think of Montoya?"

"Probably about the same that you do," He replied thinking that the answer was obvious. He wondered why she was asking that.

"Well...he seems to have a changed a bit," she told him, looking away again.

"Are you telling me that you are starting to like Colonel Montoya, the snake, who you have been battling against and hate with all your heart?" He was puzzled. The Queen of Swords with Colonel Montoya? What had happened?

"Actually, yes." She told him in a rush, "He's starting to be nicer and kinder and gentler and, and, and..."

"You are beginning to like him." He spoke flatly, his voice emotionless while his mind raced. How could this have happened? Was she really here to tell him that she wouldn't be with him again?

"Not too much though. Can we change the subject, I'm not going to suddenly stop."

Glad to change the subject himself, Helm asked, "Whom are you going to rob next?" As soon as he said that, he knew he was in trouble. It was probably not the thing to ask.

"What did you say, doctor?" She suddenly turning to face him, her voice cold and her eyes flashing in fury. "I do not rob. I do not steal. I am an avenger, not a criminal!"

"I'm sorry, but you are actually stealing!" Dr. Helm replied, getting angry himself. "You are mad to do this! If you want vengeance, live, don't murder innocent people!"

"Do you think that is all I do? Kill?" The Queen of Swords questioned, her voice rising in volume and intensity. "I am helping these people!"

"By killing their soldiers, who are people of the pueblo, as well? They are family of the people you say your helping!"

She angrily responded, "So what should I do? Let them starve? Let them become poorer?"

"Because of Montoya!" He told her, getting it finally of his mind. "The one who you say you are beginning to like is the cause of this!"

The Queen of Swords rocked back as if he had slapped her. "You are right. I must have been hallucinating to think, and see, such things," she said finally in a low voice. "I should be thankful for you telling me this before I did something unforgivable.

"Glad you agree," he replied, sorry to see her so sad.

"He might change though. He might." She suddenly told him, making his sadness for her disappear in a flash, "Good night, Doctor. You've given me things to think about." With that she rose and climbed out the window, vanishing into the night.

~~~~~

Dr. Helm sighed as the meeting replayed in his mind. He turned over, slowly going to sleep, thinking, "Women are all mad."

THE END

A TWIST OF THE TALE

By Maril
maril.swan@sympatico.ca

The bolt of satin swished sensually as Tessa picked it up and pressed it against her chest. "What do you think, Marta? Does the colour purple suit me?"

"Any colour looks beautiful on you, querida," Marta said, as she pressed the cloth between her fingers. "And this material is very fine. Better than we usually get. It will make a lovely gown."

"But I think black is more your style," a familiar voice whispered over Tessa's shoulder.

The two women whirled to see Mary Rose standing behind them, a wide smile on her face, a twinkle of mischief in her lively blue eyes. She was dressed in male attire as usual--a dark vest and trousers with a white blouse, a sword hanging by her hip.

"It's been a long time since we've seen you, Mary Rose," Tessa said, extending her hand to the pirate queen. "What have you been doing?"

"I've felt like a beached ship ever since our little sea adventure," Mary Rose said, keeping her voice low. The small shop was crowded with folks vying for the goods that had just come in on a British trading ship. "My horse needed shoeing so I came into town to look for some material for a dress for the Hidalgo party."

Tessa gasped in surprise, glancing at Marta. "You're going to the party?"

Mary Rose shrugged in slight embarrassment. "Things have seemed so dull lately, I thought this party might prove an interesting diversion. I've also been feeling the lack of male companionship, if you know what I mean." She nudged Tessa playfully, enjoying the shock on the younger woman's face.

"Well, it seems all the beauties of the area have collected in one place," a male voice called from across the room, causing all the heads to turn in his direction. Dr. Helm stepped out of the back room, wearing a partially finished jacket over his shirt. "I'm having a new suit tailored," he said, gesturing at the garment. He crossed the room to stand near the women.

"You're getting a new suit to escort Maria Theresa to the Hidalgo party?" Mary Rose laughed, glancing between the two with evident pleasure. A sharp intake of breath from Tessa made her turn quickly.

"I've already got an escort, Mary Rose," Tessa said, a vivid flush coming to her cheeks. "Colonel Montoya has graciously offered to take me in his carriage."

"Montoya!" A look of confusion then anger crossed Mary Rose's face. She glanced at Marta who merely shrugged. "Well, I guess that leaves you free, Helm, to escort someone else."

Tessa expected him to try to beg off as usual, complaining how he hated parties. Instead, Helm picked up the cue immediately and said, "Would you do me the honour of allowing me to escort you to the Hidalgo party?" He took her hand and gallantly placed a kiss on the back.

"Of course." She took his arm and steered him away from the other two women, their heads bent together as they made their arrangements.

Tessa watched for a moment then turned to Marta with a furious, hurt look. Marta's eyes hardened and she said in a harsh whisper, "You have made your bed, and now you must lie in it ...alone." She turned away and continued looking over the bolts of cloth.

Mary Rose returned to them as Helm went back into the tailor's room. "Well," she said casually to Tessa, "you shouldn't leave good men lying around. Someone else might pick them up." Moving to Marta's side, she continued, "I need a nice gown for the party. What do you think of this colour?" She picked up a bolt of deep blue satin and held it near her face.

"It will be perfect for you. Matches your eyes. Would you like some help making the gown? I have made many for Tessa." Marta could feel the anger coming at her in waves from her young charge, but ignored it. Her actions have consequences, and not always things she can control, Marta thought. It is time she learned that. "I will come to your hacienda tomorrow, if you wish, and we can get started. I feel I owe you a favour for your help a few months ago." Marta grinned conspiratorially at the other woman.

"Thank you, Marta," Mary Rose said. "Hasta mañana. Will you be coming too, Tessa?" The pirate queen restrained a grin as she noted the hostile glare that answered her question. Mary Rose gave a mischievous wink to Marta and carried the bolt of cloth to the proprietor to pay for it.

"Hmm," said Marta, lifting a bolt of deep red satin, and holding it near Tessa's cheek. "This is a better choice for the gown. Matches your face." She shook her head sadly as Tessa stomped out of the shop. I shouldn't have said that, she thought with a heavy sigh. Still, this is the best colour, she decided, putting the cloth under her arm, as she looked around for the proprietor.

AND THEN....

... AS A HATTER

By Eliza
elizawpg@home.com

Thanks MnD. The quote was perfect! -- Eliza

It has finally happened, the girl has gone nuts. I knew that leading this duel life would eventually get to her. Marta could not believe that she was sitting in Montoya's carriage listening to Tessa discuss roses with the man who was at the heart of the reason for the Queen of Swords existence. But then Marta was still in shock from the conversation she had been witness to a couple of days earlier.

~~~~~

"Yes. I plan on attending, Colonel."

"You do not sound happy about it, Senorita Alvarado. I thought that the Hidalgos were dear friends of yours."

"It is not the reason for the event that dampens my enthusiasm, I am very pleased to celebrate the anniversary of two such wonderful people, it is just that I am weary of going to these events alone."

Marta could not believe what she was hearing and seeing. Tessa was hinting, and not subtly, that she would like Montoya's company. And not just with words, she was toying with her fan and casting very pointed looks at the colonel. Playing Dona Maria Teresa was one thing but this was going too far!

"If there is anything I could do..." began Montoya. Tessa batted her eyelashes at him. Marta almost choked on her own breath in surprise.

Montoya smiled. "Senorita, would you be so kind as to accept the offer of my carriage. The trip to the Hidalgos' hacienda is over a considerable distance of dusty roads. I hate the thought of you traveling in your fine clothes in an open trap. There is also always the danger of bandits."

The brief catch in Tessa's breath and the light tough of pink in her cheeks caught Marta's attention. She discretely sent a questioning look at the young woman. What caused that reaction? The only bandits in the area recently had been dealt with weeks ago. Does Montoya know who was truly responsible for their disappearance?

Marta became even more confused as Tessa turned a blinding smile on the colonel. "What a generous offer!"

A convenient time was agreed upon and Montoya raised Tessa's hand to his lips in farewell. He gave a polite nod to Marta. "Senora."

"Colonel," Marta replied, pleased that she sounded normal to her own ears. Inside, she was almost in a panic.

Marta resisted the urge to grab Tessa by the ear and drag her to the wagon. She even managed to exercise enough self restraint to wait until they were inside the house before exploding. "What, in the name of all that is holy, do you think you are doing?!"

"Have you ever heard the expression -- keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I just thought it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on Montoya." Tessa's tone was too casual. Marta sensed that the girl was avoiding something.

"I am sure the colonel knows the saying as well. He likely suspects that you are the Queen and is trying to trap you."

Tessa's chin came up and her jaw tightened; that she had taken the comment as an insult was very plain. "You don't think that a man could want me without an ulterior motive?"

What does that have to do with anything? Marta was becoming confused again. "We are not talking about a man, we are talking about Montoya! That reference to bandits was very obvious."

The blush that painted Tessa's cheeks and the sudden avoidance of her friend's eyes told Marta that she had jumped to the wrong conclusion. She sat down and took a deep breath. This was worse than she thought. She remembered an old saying -- Tell not a madman that he is mad, for 'twill only make him madder -- she was going to have to be careful. Marta composed her self and stated calmly, "I'm going to the party as well."

That comment seemed to bring Tessa's anger up again. "I thought we decided -- I do not need the protection of a duena."

"Just like you didn't need one with Antonio."

"No, I didn't!"

"Really? I always wondered how he would have responded to your foolish offer if he hadn't seen me in the doorway holding your father's pistol."

Tessa's eyes widened as she absorbed the last piece of information but they narrowed again as the two women continued their disagreement as a silent battle of wills. Tessa was the first to flinch. "Fine. You will see that there is nothing untoward going on."

Not on the surface, no. Marta was positive there was a significant amount that Tessa was not admitting, either to her friend or to herself.

PARTY RR PART 3

by JoLayne
EnyaJo@aol.com

By the time Tessa and Marta had arrived at the Hidalgo's celebration, they were fashionably late. A footman helped them both from Montoya's carriage. Tessa instructed the footman to take the present--a portrait she had commissioned of the couple--from the back and into the house. They stood smoothing out their dresses, looking around at the guests entering and exiting the Hidalgo residence. The party itself was held in the courtyard to the right of the house, a line of rose entwined trellises highlighted the way. A mariachi band could be heard over the din of the guests.

Marta waited for Tessa to start walking, but the young lady only looked around as she fiddled with the tie on the front of her low cut dress and hiking her lace shawl up on her shoulders. "Who are you looking for? Mary Rose, or Dr. Helm," Marta whispered.

"Neither," Tessa hissed. "I'm looking for my escort. I shouldn't enter the party without him."

"Escort," Marta mumbled. She leaned closer to Tessa to say, "I've heard Montoya called many things, and didn't think I'd ever see the day when he was called an 'escort'." Tessa's demeanor didn't change, acted like she hadn't heard her but of course she had. Marta said, "And to 'escort' you... it won't make Dr. Helm jealous. I don't know why you are doing this."

"I am not trying to make anyone jealous. Vera is my friend. I am at her anniversary party. I brought a gift. A nice gift. A gift that they will hopefully enjoy. I'm going to eat caviar. Drink champagne. Dance."

Marta had been listening to her charge, with a smile. "With whom?"

"Colonel Montoya, of course."

"Of course," Marta echoed. "Make sure you've had a couple of glasses of champagne first. You eat. You don't want to throw up on his nice uniform."

"Marta!"

"This, I have to see."

"Well, you won't, Marta." Tessa faced her. "I don't need you tonight. Why don't you take the carriage back home?"

Marta laughed, then realized that Tessa was serious, and sobered up. "And how will you get home?"

"Colonel Montoya will escort me home. I'm sure he has more than one carriage. Or maybe I won't go home at all."

Marta grabbed her arm, "Tessa. Don't be a fool! You can't use Montoya, he's a snake and he'll bite you!"

"So good to see you also, Senora," Colonel Montoya said as he walked to them. "You're so filled with joyous exuberance, I'm surprised you're not married yet."

Marta's eyes rose from such a remark from the man, but she said nothing. Although she would loved to have reached out and scratched his face, she didn't feel like spending the night in jail, or hanging for such a light offense. It didn't take much to lose your life with him at the helm.

Montoya ignored her and took Tessa's other arm. "You look glorious this evening, Senorita Alvarado. I am honored to take your arm. Shall we join the party?"

"Yes, Colonel. By all means." Tessa yanked her other arm from Marta's grip and quickly rubbed the red squeeze marks from it as she smiled at Montoya and followed his lead toward the trellises.

NEXT?

WASN'T THAT A PARTY...

By Maril
maril.swan@sympatico.ca

Marta followed Tessa and Montoya into the patio where a lively crowd was already gathered. A sudden pause in the buzz of conversation marked their entrance and all heads turned their way. Marta writhed inwardly at this unwanted attention to her mistress on the arm of her most dangerous enemy. Yet, she thought to herself, what better way to allay suspicion that to publicly seem charmed by him and amenable to his company. Perhaps Tessa is playing this game rather cleverly. So she hoped. Marta walked across the tiled floor to a discrete position and stood near one of Montoya's prized rosebushes. Their perfume delighted her and she breathed deeply while looking around at the colourful scene.

Tessa and Montoya had joined a group that included the Hidalgos and she could hear their laughter. Tessa seemed especially animated tonight, a light flush on her cheeks and her eyes particularly bright as if she was actually enjoying herself. Usually, it took all Marta's persuasion to get her to go to these little soirees of Montoya's.

Marta's attention was drawn to the patio entrance where Dr. Helm and Mary Rose were coming in. Seeing Marta across the room, Mary Rose bore down on her like a ship under full sail, with Helm following helplessly in her wake. She saw Helm smile apologetically at Montoya who curled his lip in contempt and turned away. She doesn't understand the protocol of these affairs, Marta thought worriedly, as Mary Rose approached. She has slighted Montoya by not greeting him first, something he doesn't take lightly. And with a servant too. Marta rigidly controlled her features to avoid smiling at Mary Rose's gaucherie. Or was it intentional?

Tessa caught Marta's eye, a silent warning in their dark depths, and a slight alarm. Tessa turned back to Montoya as he was saying acidly, "Well, what can you expect from a pirate! But I would have thought the doctor had better manners."

"Mary Rose is grateful to Marta for the gown, that is all. I'm sure no offense was intended," Tessa said brightly. She watched as Marta spoke for a moment with the couple then waited as they approached where she and Montoya were standing. Marta has sent her over to make nice with Montoya, she thought, raising her fan to cover her smile.

Helm reached out and shook Montoya's hand, then planted a brief kiss on Tessa's with an abstracted smile. His mind seemed to be elsewhere, Tessa noted. Mary Rose accepted Montoya's rather restrained gallantries to her own hand, then turned to survey the scene.

"This is quite a nice shindig you have here, Montoya. If I had known it would be like this, I might have come to one these things a lot sooner. How about a dance?" Without waiting for his answer, she took his arm and began to lead him to the floor where others were dancing to the music of a small band.

Tessa's fan came up once again as she watched Mary Rose towing Montoya among the dancers. She chanced a quick look at Marta who was also enjoying his discomfort. It wasn't often one was treated to the spectacle of Montoya being unable to control a situation.

Helm spoke, and Tessa asked with a laugh, "I'm sorry, doctor. I was distracted. What did you say?"

"Might I have the pleasure of this dance?" He held out his arm and she laid her hand upon it.

OK... that's my bit... next?

PART 5

By Anthony
Rodlox@hotmail.com

[ooc: I may not know much about Spanish [colonial] culture...but vengeance, on the other claw...]...

Tessa smiled sweetly, and yanked her hand back. She had half a mind right now to slap him across the face - at least once, if not more. She turned her back on him, "How dare you!" she said, intensely but not yelling.

Robert Helm's reaction was ...

NEXT?

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
QUOTE CHALLENGE #6

By Eliza
elizawpg@home.com

Vera was very happy. Her anniversary party was going splendidly. She was being admired for her choice of dress--and husband. And she didn't even have to worry about Marcus. She hadn't wanted to invite the captain but excluding him would have been obvious. Sometime Colonel Montoya could be very thoughtful.

She caught the colonel's eye across the room and gave him a generous smile. He returned the smile and gave her a bow in return, then he turned back to Tessa Alvarado. Vera watched the two with great interest. There was little gossip that didn't make it to her ear, yet the sight of the two of them entering the hacienda together had been a surprise. From the information she was able to gather so far this evening, it seems that the attachment may have begun at Montoya's last party. Vera had been unable to attend and so missed the dance they had shared. The reports were conflicting but it seems there had been something different in their demeanor. She would have to see for herself.

She spotted Doctor Helm arriving, late as usual. She moved to greet him and was joined almost instantly by Gaspar. The traditional comments of congratulation and welcome were typical of the evening and soon Helm had moved into the room among the guests. Vera kept a close eye on Tessa, for she knew that her friend had feelings for the doctor. But a woman would have to be dead not to have feelings for the doctor, thought Vera as she took what she hoped was a discrete look at the handsome man.

It was Montoya that brought Helm's arrival to Tessa's attention. Her expression was neutral, though slightly imperious, as she watched Helm move through the room. She turned to Montoya with the same haughty expression and said something that caused him to take a step back and offer a slight bow. An apology, Vera speculated, for at that gesture Tessa's expression softened, but she artfully hid it from his view behind her fan.

Nicely done, thought Vera. I believe we may yet see Montoya at the mercy of a woman's wiles. Vera had wondered, more than once, about his susceptibility to feminine charms. It may just be that he had more tact than Grisham when it came to the wives of powerful Dons, but Vera had enough pride in her abilities to speculate.

Her musings were interrupted by the approach of one of the Dons asking Gaspar for his permission to invite Dona Hidalgo to dance. Gaspar rarely participated in the activity himself but never begrudged Vera the opportunity. She loved to dance. He gave his permission and encouragement while kissing her hand and smiling into her eyes. It was moments like this when she loved him more than anything in the world. She dared give him a quick kiss on the lips before allowing herself to be led to the courtyard and the musicians. She looked back and gave him a wide smile at the sight of his faint blush. A husband and wife were allowed a few indiscretions on their anniversary, were they not?

The musicians were set up under the covered terrace. The dancers were along one side of the reflecting pool. It was a pleasant evening, many of the guests were also taking the opportunity for private conversation while strolling the length of the courtyard. Vera had been dancing most of the night and had even managed to coax Gaspar on to the floor for her favourite piece. Now she was taking the opportunity to observe the rest of the party while she took a moments rest and refreshment.

Throughout the evening, Vera had noticed that Tessa had made a point of avoiding Dr. Helm. It wasn't obvious, but it would be difficult to spend the entire evening across the room from the man without it being intentional. So it caught her attention when she saw Tessa come into the courtyard with Marta close behind her, for Dr. Helm was conversing with Gaspar and Don Borica on the edge of the dance floor. It was then that Vera realized something else, Tessa had barely spoken to Marta all evening. They had always seemed more like friends then mistress and servant, yet something had changed tonight.

When Montoya rejoined the ladies, Vera knew instantly what was causing the rift between the two friends. The disgusted look on Marta's face clearly showed how she felt about the colonel's attention to her charge. Vera hid her smile behind her fan and came to the conclusion that the gypsy woman may be willing to impart some information about the situation this evening.

Vera moved across the terrace, but changed direction, toward her husband. Montoya had halted their move to the dance floor to speak to that group of men. Vera arrived in time to hear the closing remarks.

"I didn't think that you would have the patience to spend time with foolish, young girls, Colonel," said Helm, now that Tessa had continued on out of hearing, to speak to some of the women.

"It is true that the senorita is young, but I find that her judgement is improving -- almost on a daily basis." The pointed look that Montoya gave the doctor was not softened by his smile. He excused himself from the group and collected Tessa to resume their journey to the dance floor. Vera could see that the barb Montoya had sent had hit home, for Helm's jaw had tightened and he watched the pair closely.

With the main source of entertainment gone, Vera just squeezed Gaspar's hand as she passed him and made her way to Marta. The woman had taken a place at the edge of the terrace, overlooking the dance floor. She had an excellent view. Vera came up behind her and commented, "They make a striking couple." Marta only nodded. There was little else to say, they did look good together.

Before Vera could think of a way to truly broach the subject, Helm came up to them and demanded of Marta, "How long has this been going on? How could you allow it?"

"Allow it!" Marta was obviously not in the mood to play the role of humble servant with Helm. "Why do you think that I have any say in what she does? If anyone here could have prevented this foolishness, it was you."

Helm did a poor job at acting surprised. "Me! Why would I..."

Vera cut off the doctor's impending tirade with an observation of her own while continuing to watch the dancers. "I think it is a very good match. He is rich, powerful, charming, and very handsome. He is of Spanish noble blood as well. Yes, I think it is a very good match for her." She turned to her stunned companions. "Can you think of a better person to safeguard her hacienda?"

Vera walked away from her guests, smiling behind her fan.

*-*-*

Helm's eyes followed Vera Hidalgo as she walked away. "A good match" is what she had said of Colonel Montoya and Tessa Alvarado. But then it was obvious of why she had chosen her husband. Or was it? Vera had returned to Gaspar's side and was laughing in to his eyes as he seemed to tease her about something. The affection between the two was very evident at the moment.

There was something different between Montoya and Tessa. There was no denying that they made a handsome couple. She was a little too tall for the fashion of the time but they both moved with an athletic grace that drew the eye as they circled the dance floor. However, Helm would not describe the looks they had been giving each other all evening as affectionate. There was fascination, attraction... the doctor's thoughts involuntarily turned to another dark haired beauty. He had not had a visit from the Queen of Swords in almost a month.

Her last visit had ended with an argument and a kiss. A kiss that had left him light headed and hard. The sight of her had done nothing to ease his state. She had been practically panting, the curves of her breasts rising over the black corset with every breath taken in through red, swollen lips. Lips he had moved to claim again, but her smile had halted him, as had the leather clad hand on his chest, keeping him at arms length. But he was sure he had seen a promise in her eyes before she had slipped out the door.

He had sleep-walked through the next few days. He even managed to survive one of Montoya's fetes, though the insistent thoughts of her likely had made him poor company. After a week he had started to wonder if it was a promise he had seen or just a trick of the lace mask. Now, he was just feeling like an idiot.

Marta's hopeful voice interrupted his musing. "You don't seem pleased at this turn of events?"

Helm had guessed that Tessa had been attracted to him, she had pestered him enough, and Marta's earlier accusation confirmed his suspicion. But, like most young girls, her feelings had changed. He was not about to interfere in Montoya's personal life.

He hoped his reply to Marta would close the topic. "I was thinking of something else. I had always assumed that it was a duena's job to protect her charge from following her... heart, instead of her head." He smirked as the words of King Lear came to him and he quoted, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child?"

The disgusted look that Marta sent him proved his comments had hit their mark. "You are an idiot," she spat at him before walking away.

THE END