DULCE VENGANZA

By Margie Milan
czonian@mindspring.com

RATING: PG-13
FEEDBACK: Yes
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: To Maril Swan, my Beta Reader, gracias for all your input.
FULL DISCLAIMER: This story is a work of fiction and was written for pure reading pleasure and entertainment. The names of the characters in the story related to the television series "Queen of Swords" are owned and copyrighted to the Production Company of Fireworks Entertainment. The names, characters, places and incidents are used fictitiously and any similarity is entirely coincidental with no infringement intended. The original story is copyrighted to the author and no monetary worth is proposed or gained.

LIST OF UNKNOWN CHARACTERS:
Furia - Dr. Helm's Andalusian Mare
Private Abraham Martinez - A soldier in the Spanish Army
Carmelita Moreno - A criada, housemaid and wife of Felipe Moreno
Felipe Moreno - A criado, hacienda caretaker, husband to Carmelita
Pablo Gutierrez - General Store Owner

TRANSLATED WORDS:
Criados - Servants
Verdad - Correct
Qué pasa - What's Happened
Danza - Dance
Fiesta - Party
Por Favor - Please
Tranquilla - Take it easy
Por Qué - Why
Dios Mio - My God
Pueblo - Town
Cómo Estas - How are you
Madre de Dios - Mother of God
Gracias - Thanks
Buenas Noches - Good Night or Good Evening
Buenos Dias - Good Morning
Dulce Venganza - Sweet Revenge

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PART 1:

The room was stifling hot, but nothing could compare it to the temperature outside. The summer was making its presence known. The opened doors to the veranda did not help in providing the much-needed fresh air to make the room more comfortable.

Sitting behind the desk in his office, Colonel Montoya ruffled through the daily paperwork stacked on top of his blotter. Mail from Monterey would arrive on Thursdays, making it his busiest day. He signed his name on another decree that would announce an additional increase in taxes, which he hoped, would help him to acquire more men for his garrison and replenish the weapons depot with more ammunition. Montoya detested dealing with paperwork, but the Viceroy in Monterey expected to have reports from Santa Helena on a weekly basis.

Reaching for his bandana in the pocket of his jacket, he wiped the beads of sweat across his forehead. He tugged on the collar of his shirt and realized the neckline was all damp. Uttering to himself he wondered, "God has unforsaken me. Why must I have to endure such miserable heat." Frustrated at having to deal with anymore government business for the day, he called out loud for the soldier posted outside his office door. "Guard!" In a flash the soldier on duty opened the door to the office and stepped in.

Private Abraham Martinez presented himself before the man sitting behind the desk. Standing before Montoya the soldier saluted his commander officer and replied, "Sí mi Colonel, at your orders."

Montoya looked up at his subordinate. "Find Captain Grisham and tell him I want to see him immediately." Upon receiving his command, Private Martinez saluted again, turned about and walked out of the office to complete his assignment.

Carrying out his task, Private Martinez arrived at Grisham's quarters. Knocking on the door he waited to hear a response from inside. After a few minutes passed, he knocked again, this time he could hear noises emanating from the other side of the door. He yelled out loud, "Captain Grisham, this is Private Martinez. Sir, I need to speak with you." Then suddenly he heard an enraged voice yell from a distance.

"What! I'm not on duty anymore," replied Grisham, annoyed that he was being disturbed during his private time. He had just finished his duty for the day and was in the processing of laying out all of his personal grooming items to take a nice long leisurely soak in the tub. The day had been so hot that he was looking forward to a nice cool bath. He had not counted on being interrupted.

Private Martinez waited for another acknowledgement when suddenly the door opened and Grisham stood there staring at him. Saluting his commanding officer, he announced, "Sir, Colonel Montoya has ordered that you report to him immediately." Private Martinez knew from the look on his superior's face that he was not happy to hear the information.

Grisham began to wonder, What does Montoya want now? He always seems to catch me at a bad time.

Grisham looked at Private Martinez and asked, "Did the Colonel say what was so urgent?" A negative nod from the soldier indicated he did not know why Montoya had summoned him. Dismissing the soldier, he closed his door. Back inside his room, Grisham put away his personal grooming items and walked over to the rack to put on the jacket of his uniform. Grabbing the hat on the table, he made his way to the door, dreading the idea of another encounter with Montoya. Opening the door and stepping out into the hot, humid afternoon, he headed in the direction of Montoya's office.

Grisham stood in front of Montoya's office door, knocked and entered the room. Montoya turned as Grisham entered his office. The afternoon was getting worse by the minute, Montoya thought as he stood near the veranda doors hoping to catch any breeze that would provide a relief to the heat. "Ah, Grisham. What took you so long? I called for you twenty minutes ago." Montoya retreated from the doors and walked over to his desk to sit down.

Grisham followed and stood before him. From the tone in his voice, Grisham felt that this conversation was not going to be a pleasant one. "I came as fast as I could, Colonel. I just finished my work shift half an hour ago." Grisham knew that Montoya detested any lame excuses about work. He was ready to hear another sermon from Montoya telling him that he was a military soldier and on call twenty-four hours a day.

"Grisham, a soldier's work is never done, but that is not why I have ordered you to come. Have you completed the inventory of the shipment of wine that we recently received from Spain?" Montoya leaned forward in his chair staring and waiting for Grisham to reply. He knew how to make Grisham sweat and often treated him like a servant more than his second in command. Montoya looked at Grisham and wondered if he was preparing to give him an excuse.

"Yes sir, the wine you had requested months ago arrived on the ship that docked last week. I completed the inventory and counted one hundred bottles against the ship's ledgers." Grisham felt like he was being put to the test, but let out a sigh of relief. Montoya had not summoned to ask him if he had commanded some soldiers to clean out the stockade after the last batch of prisoners were transported to Monterey. Luck was on his side so there was going to be no reprimand from Montoya today. Grisham stood there staring and wondering why Montoya had asked him about the wine inventory.

Montoya displayed a smug smile on his face. He leaned back in his chair to relax. "Excellent! Grisham, I've decided to host a soiree Friday evening. I am going to request the presence of all the noble citizens of Santa Helena to a wine tasting party."

Grisham looked puzzled and couldn't figure out why Montoya would go through so much trouble to request an assortment of wine from a winery in Madrid and then share it with others. Montoya valued his stock of wine and it seemed rather odd that he was willing to have it consumed at a party.

"Make all the necessary arrangements, Grisham. I want the night to be unforgettable. Ensure that everyone receives an invitation." Montoya looked pleased. He was finally putting his plan of retaliation against Don Gaspar Hidalgo into action.

Grisham had a feeling that something strange was going on, but he did not dare question his superior's motives. He knew better. Believing that his presence was no longer required, he announced, "I'll take care of everything as your ordered, Sir," and left the room.

With Grisham gone, Montoya relaxed in his chair and took a moment to reflect on the reasons for his vindictiveness. He recalled the incidences that had taken place not to long ago, the memories still so fresh in his mind. Every time he thought about them, it would make his blood boil. He was feeling rancorous and wanted a sense of satisfaction and pleasure for all his mental anguish. In the past, the Don's had never gone against him until Don Gaspar started making accusations and insinuations. Gaspar had turned into an instigator and was making his life miserable. Montoya deduced that Gaspar was the leader and had managed to get the Dons to turn against him for several reasons.

Gaspar and the other Dons had on numerous occasions threatened, reprimanded, and even accused him in the past. Montoya remembered how they would tell him that his position of authority in Santa Helena was to provide the Don's protection and safety. They would always question his inability and lack of command, placing his job in constant jeopardy. He was consistently reminded that they paid his salary and if he could not do his duty, then he would be easily replaced. The Dons always hinted to him that they were very influential and powerful men, who had important friends in the Royal Court of Spain. Montoya knew that he did not deserve any criticisms from the Dons, who believed as a commanding officer, he was incompetent in capturing the Queen of Swords with his methods of justice.

The Queen was a very intelligent adversary and hard to catch, but one day he would get her and show them he could prevail. To the Dons, his plans for levying additional taxes were a form of extortion. They had told him, both individually and as a group, that he collected the extra money for himself. Montoya found the accusation rather offensive and had informed them that the gold reales were to improve his military force with more men and weapons. The Dons could not comprehend that without the additional tax money, he would not be able to offer them the protection they insisted upon. Montoya tried to remember other incidences, but there were too many. I want what is best for our town of Santa Helena and every time I take some action my motives are not appreciated, he thought. He felt persecuted by everything the Dons had said about him. They were threatening his reputation and he wanted it stopped. He was fed up with all the insinuations originated by Gaspar. Getting up from his chair, Montoya walked over to the veranda door once again. The evening had settled in and the night air had offered a nice cool breeze. Gaspar is a meddling fool. I will make him pay for giving me so much aggravation, retribution will be sweet and tomorrow night I will have the last laugh, Montoya thought.

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Friday morning arrived and the sun's rays brightened the town of Santa Helena. The day had started out hot with only a slight breeze, an indication that the temperature would be high once again. During the summer months, the weather was always the hottest, but the evenings and especially at night the temperature was more comfortable. Grisham had risen early, as he usually did, and immediately began his task. The first thing he did was to scribble down on a piece of paper a list of the items he needed to accomplish. Looking at his list he read it from the top -- Ensure the invitations to the wine tasting party are delivered; the guests are expected to arrive around 6:00 p.m.; make sure the rose garden of the Royal Courtyard is decorated properly; get enough tables and chairs; have the cook prepare a variety of food samples; locate the musicians to provide entertainment; and choose an assortment of wine bottles--. Not wanting to waste any time, he immediately started the preparations for the entertaining that Montoya was having later on in the evening.

The sun had finally set on another hot and humid day. The temperature had dropped to an acceptable level of comfort indicating the nightfall would be perfect for the wine tasting social. All day long Grisham made the required arrangements. Feeling a sense of accomplishment, Grisham was pleased that he managed to organize everything and the setting for the fiesta was completed. Making sure all the details were in place, he finished up and went to notify Montoya. The guests would be arriving soon.

Standing at the doorway into the rose garden, Montoya had worn one of his finest imported suits that made him look stylish and aristocratic. Grisham arrived dressed in his official uniform de gala, all decorated with his military medals. He approached Montoya and stood next to him in silence. One by one, the noble citizens of Santa Helena arrived. Montoya greeted and welcomed each of them as they entered. The Don's wore their best attires and the Damas were dressed in lovely colorful evening gowns. Many of the Don's and their wives had accepted his invitation, but his special guest of honor had not made his presence known. Montoya knew that Gaspar was a connoisseur of fine wines and would not pass up an opportunity to attend such a party and taste a fine assortment of bottles imported all the way from Madrid. He waited patiently for the Don to make an entrance.

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A week before the fiesta was to take place; Montoya had made a trip into Monterey with the purpose of finding a medicine man. When he arrived in Monterey, he inquired discreetly and learned that there was a Shaman, who lived in a little shack near a river creek just outside the town limits. Montoya rode Salan until he reached his destination and dismounted. He entered the Shaman's shack and looking around he saw the man working at his table with many different types of bottles and bowls. The Shaman looked up and saw Montoya, greeting him. "What ails you Señor?"

Montoya approached the table. "Nothing, I am looking for a way to hurt someone. I want a poison mixture that will make a person really sick with pain, but not kill them." He jingled a little brown pouch indicating he had money to pay.

Without any questions, the Shaman replied, "I can combine some herbs that would cause the person to suffer a fever and go through hallucinations for a long period of time. The pain will persist unless it is treated properly." Hearing exactly what he wanted to listen, Montoya requested that the Shaman prepare the ingredients. When the compound was finished, the Shaman handed Montoya a small bottle containing the toxin. "It is a powdery form that has no aftertaste and a small amount blended into any liquid will be sufficient," the Shaman said. Montoya handed the Shaman the heavy pouch containing the several pieces of gold. He exited the shack and mounted Salan, riding back in the direction of the town.

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Back in Santa Helena, Montoya made his plans and knew exactly how he was going to carry out his purpose. He had ordered his servant to locate and bring to his quarters, a special bottle of wine that he had kept in reserve for several years. He was saving the bottle for his promotion to Brigadier General, but if he wanted to make his plan work, he would make the sacrifice. The wine had fermented and had aged well, so the poison mixture that he had obtained from the Shaman would not be detected. It was the perfect cover up for his scheme.

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On the day of the fiesta, Montoya sat in his office and took the wine bottle, uncapped it and poured the powder into in. After he recapped it, he ordered his servant to take the bottle and place it inside the cabinet of his private quarters. When the time was right, he would retrieve the bottle and have it served during the party. A glass of wine and my troubles are over, he thought.

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Tessa answered the knock on the door to her hacienda and was handed an invitation by a messenger. She unfolded the note to read that Montoya was hosting a wine tasting social in the evening and her presence to attend was requested. The note indicated the messenger had to wait for a reply. Tessa spoke to the messenger, "Please inform Colonel Montoya that I gladly accept his invitation." Receiving her confirmation of attendance, the messenger left. Finding it rather odd, she went to look for Marta.

Tessa found Marta in the parlor room cleaning and dusting the curtains and approached her. "Marta, I just received an invitation for this evening. Montoya is hosting a party." Marta had stopped her chore of shaking the ruffles and looked at Tessa. "Can you believe it's a wine tasting party? Apparently he has invited all the cream of the crop to attend his little shindig. What do you think he is up to now?" Tessa handed Marta the note.

Marta took it, looked and shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows, Montoya loves to have parties. Think of this as a good opportunity to find out any new information. You are going, verdad?" Marta looked at Tessa and saw her nod affirmatively. She could feel that Tessa had regrettably confirmed her acceptance to his invitation.

"I really don't want to go Marta. Montoya's parties are always so boring. I find that interacting with the snobbish wives of the Dons is a waste of time. All they talk about is the latest fashions from Spain," Tessa remarked. She hated to attend any of Montoya's socials, but had a feeling that Marta was going to be insistent that she goes. Marta stared at her with a look of determination. Tessa gave in, knowing that Marta was always right. "Well Marta, if I'm to attend a party tonight, help me select my best dress for the occasion." Marta smiled at her and Tessa knew she was very proud of her.

Tessa wanted to look spectacular for the evening's festivities and chose a red and white dress with lace embroidery that Marta had made for her. The off the shoulder, evening gown complemented her upswept black hair, which Marta had curled into ringlets. Tessa grabbed her red shawl and went to admire herself in the mirror. Tessa turned around and asked Marta to look her over once again. "So Marta, how do I look?" Marta paused a moment and gazed at Tessa in silence. Madre de Dios, Tessa truly looks beautiful tonight, Marta thought. "You are going to knock them all off their feet when they see you at the party," Marta replied. Getting the approval she wanted to hear from Marta, Tessa prepared to leave for her social gathering.

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Montoya spotted Don Gaspar Hidalgo and his lovely wife, Vera, approach the entrance to the rose garden and immediately went to greet his special guest of honor. "Buenas Noches, Don Gaspar. Señora Vera, you look lovely. Please join my other guests inside and enjoy the evening." Don Gaspar acknowledged his greeting with an affirmative nod and escorted Vera into the rose garden to join the other Dons and their wives. Montoya was pleased that his prey had fallen into his trap.

Arriving in Santa Helena, Tessa walked towards the doorway of the rose garden and saw a familiar face approaching the entrance too. From a distance, Dr. Helm had also seen Tessa as he strolled towards the evening's festivities. They both arrived at the same time.

Dr. Helm stood before her and she extended her hand to him. He greeted her, "Good evening, Señorita Alvarado," and held her hand to kiss it. He stared at her, a moment in silence, taking in the vision of beauty that stood before him. He thought, Tessa looks completely different tonight from all the other occasions I've seen her. Refocusing his attention, Dr. Helm commented, "Seems like everyone in Santa Helena was invited to Montoya's little party?"

After he greeted her, Tessa had noticed that Dr. Helm was dressed in one of his best suits. He looked extremely handsome. Tessa smiled. His boyish charms always made her feel warm inside. Hoping that he did not notice that she had taken a moment to admire his good looks, Tessa answered him, "Buenas Noches, Dr. Helm. Yes, apparently everyone of nobility is present this evening. It should be an interesting affair." Dr. Helm offered to escort Tessa inside and she gladly accepted.

The fiesta was in full swing as they made their entrance into the rose garden. The invited guests were all enjoying the music, food and the main attraction of the evening, the assortment of wines. Grisham went to Montoya to alert him that both Tessa Alvarado and Dr. Helm had arrived together. Montoya excused himself from the trio of guests he had been talking to and walked over to greet Tessa and Dr. Helm, who were standing near the entrance.

Montoya approached to welcomed them. "My garden would not be complete without it's beautiful rose. Buenas Noches, Señorita Alvarado. Dr. Helm, I'm glad you could join us." Tessa offered her hand and he kissed it.

Tessa replied happily, "Why Colonel, thank you for inviting me. I would never have missed this social event."

Dr. Helm added, "Yes, Colonel, thank you for including me among your distinguished guests."

Montoya motioned and urged both Tessa and Dr. Helm to mingle and enjoy the festivities. As they made their way inside, the presence of Tessa with Dr. Helm caused a commotion among the partygoers. Everyone stopped their conversations and turned to stare at the couple who attracted their attentions. Marta was right, Tessa thought. Both she and Dr. Helm had made a great impression on them all.

As the night progressed, Montoya noticed that all of his guests, including Don Gaspar, were having a good time sampling the assortment of wines. Standing near the passageway to his personal quarters, Montoya gestured to his servant to retrieve the special bottle of wine from the cabinet in his private room. A few minutes later, his servant appeared with the bottle and presented it to him. Montoya spotted Don Gaspar standing near the buffet table sampling the variety of hors dóeuvres on display. He instructed a servant to offer a particular glass of wine to Don Gaspar. Montoya knew Don Gaspar would not resist the taste of a fine wine. Unbeknownst to everyone at the party, he had laced the wine bottle with a form of undetected poison that would make anyone who drank it really ill and delirious. Montoya watched from a distance, waiting to savor the moment of his triumph. Suddenly one of the Dons's approached him and completely distracted him from his objective. The Don wanted to get information on where Montoya had acquired the wines from Spain.

A servant walked up to Don Gaspar and presented the tray carrying the special glass of wine to him. Acknowledging the offer, Don Gaspar accepted and picked up the glass. At that very moment, Tessa approached and greeted him, "Don Gaspar, how nice to see you again. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Always the gentlemen, Don Gaspar offered the glass of wine to Tessa and she accepted it graciously. Another servant passed by carrying a tray filled with more wineglasses and Don Gaspar stopped him to grab one. Holding the wineglass in the air, Don Gaspar announced to Tessa, "A toast to a lovely young woman, who honors her father's name. If my good friend, Don Rafael, could see you now, he would be a very proud of you." Tessa smiled and raised her glass to toast in her father's honor. With a quick clink of their glasses, they each drank their respective wineglasses until there was no more wine to savor.

Vera saw Dr. Helm sitting at a table drinking a glass of wine and watching the Flamenco dancers move to the rhythm of the music. She walked up to him and he stood to greet her. Motioning for her to join him, Vera sat down. "Doctor, sitting all alone! So many pretty woman would enjoy your company."

Dr. Helm smiled. He was not really having a good time, but had to pretend he was enjoying himself. He responded to her, "Señora, this is not really my type of protocol, but I hope you are enjoying the evening?"

Vera looked at him, puzzled by his response. She turned her attention to the dancers, who were performing another danza to the sound of the music.

Dr. Helm pondered a moment and remembered why he never really cared for any of Montoya's parties. He recalled when he first arrived in town, Montoya had organized a party in his honor to announce the arrival of a medical doctor in Santa Helena. At that particular party, he was put to the test and humiliated before the noble citizens of the town. Montoya had placed him at such a disadvantage that he could not forgive him for his actions. Dr. Helm focused his attention once again to the Flamenco dancers. At that moment a servant approached them to interrupt and handed a note to Vera. Vera accepted and discreetly read it --I want to see you right now. Meet me underneath the stairway to Montoya's office, I'm waiting, G --. She politely excused herself with Dr. Helm and left him sitting all alone once again.

In another part of the rose garden, Grisham awaited impatiently. Standing by the wall under the stairway to Montoya's offices, he saw Vera walking towards him. As she got closer, he surprised her. Grabbing her by the waist he pulled her over to him and held her close, planting a kiss on her lips.

Vera, exhilarated by his rude boldness, placed her hands on his chest to ease him away. "Marcus, are you crazy? Someone can see us," Vera whispered. Although their affair was a secret, she loved to play the cat and mouse game with him. He was such a great lover and she desired the attention that he would bestow upon her during the short times they were together.

Grisham kissed her neck and whispered back, "Oh, come on Vera. You know this excites you. Tell me you don't crave my kisses and how I make you feel."

Vera could not deny it. His touch would make her skin tingle with sexual sensations that sometimes she had a hard time resisting his seductiveness. Both realized that they had to be careful though. If their little affair were to be made public, he could lose his command, but she would stand to lose the most. Her husband would become the laughing stock of Santa Helena and both his and her reputation would be ridiculed and condemned. Kissing Marcus one last time, Vera departed and went in search of her husband. Grisham was left alone with only the sweet taste of her breath on his lips.

Ready to make his exit, Don Gaspar looked, but could not locate Vera anywhere. Suddenly he saw her coming towards him. "Come, my petal, let us thank our host for a lovely evening." Vera followed her husband to search for Montoya. Grateful for the opportunity to taste an assortment of fine wine imported from Spain, Don Gaspar found Montoya near the entrance of the rose garden saying good-bye to his other guests. Don Gaspar approached him. "I must say Colonel, it was a pure delight for me to taste such fine wines. I have truly enjoyed this evening. I hope it is repeated again."

Montoya bowed and bid them farewell. Don Gaspar escorted his wife out the door and left. Grisham joined Montoya just in time to watch the Hidalgo's leave and observed quizzically as Montoya smiled. In his mind, Montoya thought, Victory is mine.

With most of the guests almost gone, Tessa decided to call it a night. Although she did not learn any new information from her socializing with the other guests, she did have a good time after all. Making her way to the entrance of the rose garden, she instantly hesitated. Without a warning, her vision blurred and she almost lost her balance. Tessa grabbed the back of a chair to steady herself.

Dr. Helm was also going to leave when he saw what had happened and immediately went to assist her. "Are you alright, Señorita? Sit down a moment, you look faint," Dr. Helm told her.

Tessa sat down and looked at him. Her vision had returned and she felt a little better. "Oh my, must be all the wine that I tasted this evening. I usually do not drink so much," Tessa answered him.

Dr. Helm looked worried. "Maybe I should accompany you home," he remarked.

Tessa saw the look of concern on Dr. Helm's face, but did not want to inconvenience him. Tessa responded, "Thank you, Doctor for your offer. I am feeling much better now. Some fresh cool air will help." Not convinced of her answer, but accepting it, Dr. Helm helped Tessa walk over to the entrance to leave.

Montoya watched as Tessa, accompanied by Dr. Helm, approached him to bid their farewells. "I hope the both of you enjoyed your evening. The night was a success," Montoya commented. Tessa looked suspiciously at Montoya's amused expression and wondered if he had hosted the party with an alternative purpose.

Tessa replied, "Yes, Colonel, the fiesta was wonderful." She cordially departed, but believed that Montoya was up to something and she had to find out soon. Dr. Helm thanked Montoya for his hospitality and followed Tessa as she walked towards her buggy.

Viewing their departure, Montoya thought, Tessa and the good Doctor make an interesting couple. After saying good-bye to his last guests, Montoya found Grisham to give him one last order for the evening. "Good job, Grisham. The party was a success. I am retiring for the evening. Make sure everything is cleaned up," ordered Montoya. Grisham gave Montoya a look of distaste and went to carry out his final orders.

Montoya returned to the sanctuary of his private quarters and realized that his plan had succeeded. The special wine bottle had been returned to his room and was standing on top of his dresser. Feeling content, he picked up the bottle and walked over to doors of his veranda and opened it. He made his way to a corner of the balcony and held the bottle over the edge. With a flip of his wrist he poured the contents out until it was empty. He walked back inside and closed the door to his veranda. He took the empty bottle and wrapped it in a cloth sack to dispose of it later. No wine bottle, no evidence, he thought. It signified the ending of a perfect day.

Dr. Helm helped Tessa up into the buggy. "Well Señorita, I hope you are well enough to drive." Tessa looked down at the man who made her heart skip a beat. He was really concerned for her and she was touched. Dr. Helm added, "If you have another dizzy spell like that, come to my office and see me, I can give you a medication that will help."

Tessa smiled and before she departed she replied to him, "If you ever quit your day job, you can become my driver, Buenas noches, Doctor." With a wave of the reins, she urged the horse to a trot and left Dr. Helm standing there, chuckling out loud from her response. Watching her leave, Dr. Helm took a moment and thought, Sometimes I will never understand this beautiful and sensitive woman. He turned and headed towards his humble quarters.

On the ride home, Tessa once again experienced another quick dizziness just like the one she had felt before at the party. Reaching her hacienda she made her way into the house and found Marta sitting in the living room working on her weaving board. Marta was so preoccupied with her stitching that Tessa startled her.

"How was the fiesta? Anything new?" Marta asked her.

Tessa immediately sat down on the couch. "Marta, can you give me a glass of water," she replied.

Marta went over to the pitcher of water sitting on the side table and poured the liquid into a glass and handed it to Tessa. Marta could feel that something was not right. "What is wrong, Tessa"? Marta asked worried. Tessa leaned back on the couch to prop her head.

With a glassy look in her eyes, Tessa told Marta, "I don't feel so good, probably had too much to drink at the wine tasting party." Tessa described in details to Marta all about the two incidences that occurred before she arrived home.

Marta looked her young mistress over and knew that Tessa was not a drinker. Her first thought, She is just hung over. "Come one, let's get you to bed. You will feel better in the morning," Marta demanded. Getting Tessa up from the couch, Marta took her to her room and helped her into bed.

Later that night, Marta decided she should check in on Tessa just to find out how she was feeling. Entering Tessa's' room, she felt a nice cool draft penetrate through her nightgown. Her shawl offered a little protection against the cold night air. Approaching Tessa's bed, she saw her asleep, but noticed something was wrong. She placed her hand over Tessa's forehead and felt Tessa very hot and wet.

Madre de Dios, what is happening to her?, Marta thought. From her first perception, a hang over would not develop into a fever and make someone break into a cold sweat. Thinking that it must be something worse, Marta pulled the cover off of Tessa. Her body temperature was very hot and not even the coolness in the room helped her. Not waiting another minute, Marta immediately searched for a bowl of water and towels to start applying cold compresses on Tessa's face and body to help reduce the heat emanating from her body. Tessa barely moved and it scared Marta. Marta tried several times to get Tessa to react, but she appeared, unconscious as if in deep sleep. Marta prepared one of her healing elixirs using some herbs and mixed it into some tea. She tried to get Tessa to drink it hoping it would help reduce the fever, but Tessa did not want to cooperate. Forcing her mouth open, Marta poured the liquid down her throat and Tessa gurgled. Letting out a sigh of relief that Tessa had responded, Marta thought, Gracias Dios Mio. All night long, Marta tried to give Tessa the fluid, but her remedy seemed to make little or no effect on Tessa's illness.

<< =============================================== >>

At the sound of the rooster crowing in the distance, Marta looked towards the open window of Tessa's room and realized that the night had ended and with it a brand new day had begun. The early morning dawn had caused the first early rays of sunlight to penetrate inside and light up the gloomy room. The long night had placed a tough strain on Marta and she welcomed the freshness of the Saturday morning.

Marta spent a tireless night by Tessa's bedside watching and giving her the elixir. Throughout the night, Tessa on separate occasions would toss and turn in her bed sometimes mumbling and moaning in pain, indications that the fever caused her much suffering. Marta felt helpless as she carefully watched Tessa's progress and knew her condition was not changing. The mysterious fever was making Tessa worse and Marta did not know what else she could do to help Tessa fight and overcome the evil invading her body.

Reaching over to change the cloth on Tessa's forehead, Marta noticed that Tessa's nightgown was soaked from the persistent fever and cold sweat that emanated from her hot body. To alleviate some of Tessa's discomfort, Marta decided to change the nightgown for a fresh, light and rose colored silk robe. After she changed Tessa with a new outer garment, Marta thought, Tessa is showing no signs of getting better and she needs help.

Marta knew that all the criados on the hacienda were early risers and would be busy with their house chores. Worried and concerned for Tessa's life, Marta, still dressed in her nightgown, grabbed her shawl and left Tessa's room. Just outside the doorway Marta saw Carmelita, Felipe Moreno's wife, in the hallway cleaning and sweeping the floors. Marta walked up to her. "Carmelita, where is your husband?"

The woman stopped her chore and looked at Marta, "He's in the barn fixing a door, I think," she answered. Carmelita saw Marta's distressed faced and asked, "Qué pasa Marta?" Marta, needing to relieve some grief, told Carmelita what had happened to their mistress and the woman took the news by surprise. "Marta, tell me what I can do to help," responded Carmelita. Marta pleaded with Carmelita to stay by Tessa's side so that she would not be alone, while she went in search of her husband.

Marta went outside and looked around for the criado and caretaker of the hacienda and finally spotted him at the barn. She walked towards him. Felipe Moreno, who was repairing a wooden gate, heard someone call out his name. "Felipe." The middle aged man stopped his chore and looked up as he saw Marta approach him.

"Buenos Días Martita, como estas?," Felipe responded. Marta stood before him and he saw the look on her face, an indication that something was not right. Felipe had noticed that from her appearance and the tired look in her eyes, Marta had not slept all night long.

"Felipe, our mistress has taken ill and she needs help. Go into town and ask Doctor Helm to come to the hacienda and hurry, por favor," Marta implored. Hearing and seeing her exasperated voice and face, Felipe stopped his chore and within minutes Marta saw him saddle a horse, mount it and ride off towards the town of Santa Helena.

As Marta returned to the house, she noticed the day had started to warm up and the coolness of the night had disappeared. Today was going to be no exception. The day would be just like all the other hot summer days.

Marta walked into Tessa's room and saw Carmelita sitting by Tessa's bedside. Carmelita saw Marta and was about to leave when Marta requested the woman notify her when Felipe returned. Carmelita acknowledged her inquiry and left the room. Marta sat down on the chair next to the bed and stared at Tessa. Feeling her eyes well up with tears, Marta thought, Dios Mio, I can't believe this is happening. Por Qué? Tessa is a strong young woman. She has to get over this. With tears streaming down her cheek, Marta prayed in silence that Dr. Helm would hurry and get there soon to save Tessa's life.

<< ======================================= >>

The moment Dr. Helm heard from Felipe that Tessa Alvarado was ill, he grabbed his medicine bag and walked out the door followed by Felipe. He headed towards the stable to get his horse. Following Felipe on his Andalusian mare, Furia, the two headed out of town and rode at full gallop to reach the Alvarado hacienda.

Riding alongside Felipe, Helm thought, I knew something was wrong. She is so stubborn. But she will hear me out on this one. The two riders rode in silence making each minute count.

<< =========================================== >>

While waiting for Dr. Helm to arrive, Marta requested that Carmelita once again stay with Tessa as she took some time to fix herself up and change into suitable clothing. When she finished she immediately went back to Tessa's side to dismiss Carmelita from her responsibility. A half an hour later, a criado had gone to inform her that two riders were seen approaching the hacienda. Marta once again left Tessa's side and made her way to the front door and opened it. Dismounting his mare, Dr. Helm handed the reins over to Felipe, who took the horse and led it towards the barn. Dr. Helm saw Marta standing by the doorway and walked towards her as she greeted him.

"Gracias for coming, Doctor," Marta told him in a worried tone. Marta motioned for him to come inside and he followed her in.

Dr. Helm responded, "When Felipe told me, I came as fast as I could. How is Señorita Alvarado?"

As she closed the door, Marta answered him, "Tessa came home last night complaining she wasn't feeling good and I told her to go to bed and get some sleep. Before I retired for the evening, I decided to check in on her and discovered that something was terrible wrong. Somehow she developed a high fever and all night long she has been complaining of pain. I gave her a remedy that I know of, but I could not get her temperature down and I do not know what else is wrong." Dr. Helm could feel the anguish in Marta's tone of voice.

"Marta I need to examine her to determine what could be the cause of her illness. Don't worry she is in my good hands now," he reassured her.

Marta led Dr. Helm towards Tessa's room. The moment he stepped inside and saw her, his heart sank. He could not believe that just yesterday, both she and he had been at a joyous party and she looked fit and cheery. Now she was lying in bed, unconscious, and needed his care. He thought, I hope it is not to late to determine the origin of her illness so that I can see this young and beautiful woman well again.

Dr. Helm walked over and sat down on the bed to examine Tessa. Before he got started, he saw the pretty silk gown Tessa was wearing. His eyes immediately noticed that it was very sheer and almost see through. Her half-naked body made his insides react in a different manner that surprised him. He thought, I am a medical doctor and I have seen countless patients naked or covered, why is it so different with the beautiful Tessa Alvarado? He shrugged the feeling away and concentrated on his patient. Marta watched as he poked and prodded Tessa's neck, arms and legs to check for any inflammation on the body. As he touched her, Dr. Helm realized that her skin was very hot. Tessa would react each time Dr. Helm touched a part of her body and moaned in pain. Marta then saw him check her eyes and chest to ensure the pupils were not enlarged and her breathing rhythms were consistent to normal behavior. She definitely has the symptoms of a fever, he thought.

Upon finishing his examination, Dr. Helm confirmed that Tessa's high body temperature was consistent with an infection, but could not explain her pain. It was hard for him to determine the stage of Tessa's condition. Looking at Marta, who was standing nearby waiting for his prognosis, Dr. Helm gave her is medical opinion. "Marta, since Señorita Alvarado has been feeling this way all night long and in order for me to determine the best course of action in treating her, I suggest we transport her back to my office in town. I have access to all the necessary medications and I can make a better judgement of her illness and begin her treatment," he remarked.

<< ===================================== >>

Montoya woke up content and satisfied. He climbed off his bed, grabbed his robe and walked over to the door that led out to his veranda to greet the new day. His revenge had worked and now all he had to do was just sit back and gloat. Everything had worked out according to his plan. Admiring the blue sky filled with floating white clouds, Montoya thought, The day is going to be another scorcher, but I'll take the heat over the suffering that Gaspar must be enduring right now. He smiled then chuckled. As he stood on the porch of his private quarters, Montoya saw Dr. Helm and another man ride off at full gallop in the direction of the Alvarado hacienda. Well, maybe the good Doctor and Tessa Alvarado hit it off last night, he thought. Smiling again he went back inside to dress so he could go to the Cantina and enjoy his morning breakfast.

<< ===================================== >>

The criados of the hacienda were standing by awaiting any orders. Marta agreed with Dr. Helm's recommendation of moving Tessa to his office so that he could treat her properly. She packed a few items in a bag for Tessa and herself, feeling that it would be days before they could return home again. Not wanting to waste precious time, she immediately went to make arrangements and mobilized a few criados to have them move Tessa on a stretcher onto the back of a wagon so that she could be transported back to Santa Helena.

The suffocating heat from the day made the ride back into town unbearable. Marta decided that Felipe should drive the wagon so she could sit in the back to watch over Tessa and to ensure that she was comfortable. She had begged Felipe to drive the team of horses as carefully as he could.

The arrival of the wagon into town with Marta sitting in the back and Dr. Helm riding behind, caused a commotion and inquisitive looks from a few of the citizens, who witnessed their entrance. A few dared to ask and learned what had happened. Immediately news spread like wildfire throughout the little pueblo that the young Tessa Alvarado had been brought in seriously ill.

Montoya sat at a table on the porch of the Cantina finishing his morning breakfast. He watched as the local inhabitants went about with their normal daily business. Always the same activities going on, with the exception that, it's another new day in our humble little pueblo, he thought. A slight breeze brushed over his face and with it the notion that maybe the wind would cooperate today and blow stronger, offering a balance to relieve the heat. At a table next to him, another couple was talking over breakfast and he overheard their topic of discussion that took him by surprise. He learned from their conversation that Dr. Helm had brought back into town to his office a very sick person. Upon hearing this information, Montoya immediately got out of his chair, dropped a gold reale on the table, left the Cantina and went in search of Grisham.

Six soldiers followed closely behind Grisham back into town. They rode to the garrison stables and dismounted. Grisham handed the reins of his horse, Montero, and ordered that the horse be given a good wash and rubdown. The sweat of the animal combined with the dust often stirred up from the ride through the canyon passage caused the animal to look brown instead of his magnificent color of white. Grisham and his men had gone to patrol the area of Cabrillo Canyon, just south of the town. It was a very mountainous terrain with a vast valley of desert plains.

Grisham exited the stables to return to his quarters. He felt dusty and wanted to freshen up and possibly change into a new uniform. From a distance he heard his name called out loud and knew it was Montoya who had singled him out. He saw Montoya heading in his direction. He rolled his eyes, shook his head and looked down at the ground frustrated. Grisham wondered, Oh no, Montoya has a look on his face. He immediately looked up and started to walk in Montoya's direction.

Montoya spotted Grisham leaving the stables and called out his name. "Grisham." He walked towards him using a commanding stride that signaled him as a man with authority. He met Grisham in the center of town.

"Morning Colonel, I just came back from my morning patrol. I covered the surrounding area of Cabrillo Canyon and there was no sign of the Queen of Swords," Grisham reported. Montoya stood before him and looked at Grisham with an expression of disappointment.

Montoya immediately changed his attitude and went straight to his point of interest. "Grisham, I want you to find out who was brought into the Doctor's office this morning. I heard a rumor and I want to confirm it," Montoya ordered. He directed his attention towards the building of Dr. Helm's medical office.

Grisham looked at Montoya and responded. "But Sir, I was just going to freshen up and have some breakfast." He realized that he had just given him the wrong answer.

Montoya turned his head around and looked annoyed. With his piercing eyes he stared at Grisham and replied to his pathetic remark. "Now Grisham, I will wait for your report in my office." Montoya turned and departed, leaving Grisham standing all alone in the middle of the street.

Grisham watched as Montoya walked towards his office building and disappeared inside. He stood there a few minutes to cool down. Montoya had rubbed him the wrong way again. He is wearing my patience then, one of these days I'm going to loose my temper and hit him. He treats me like a lap dog and expects me to do his bidding when he wants. I am going to make him pay for the way he treats me. Let me get this over with. Grisham figured he better take care of his master's orders or else he would not hear the end of it.

Montoya sat in his chair staring at a game of chess pieces sitting on top of his parlor table. He enjoyed a good game that would challenge his intellect, but could never find a worthy opponent to test his abilities. A knock on the door broke his concentration. "Enter," he shouted. Grisham opened the door and walked in to stand before him. "Well Grisham, what did you learn?" Montoya asked inquisitively.

Grisham could see that Montoya was interested in learning his answer. "Colonel, a sick person arrived in a wagon to Dr. Helm's office. Apparently it is a `woman'.

Montoya stared waiting to hear more. "A woman? What else, Grisham?" he demanded.

"The woman is Tessa Alvarado, Sir. She got sick last night and developed a high fever. Dr. Helm brought her back to his office so he could treat her," Grisham ended his report. He saw the look of surprise on Montoya's face, who apparently took the news as a shock.

"Thank you, Grisham, that is all for now," Montoya responded. Grisham turned around and walked back to open the door and leave. Before he closed the door behind him, he saw Montoya sitting in a state of trance just staring at nothing.

Montoya did not notice that Grisham had left him alone in his office. The news of Tessa Alvarado had indeed been a surprise. He did not expect to discover that Don Gaspar never drank the special glass of wine intended for him. He never thought the victim of his punishment would be the lovely Tessa Alvarado. Getting up from his chair, he strolled over to the door of his veranda and opened it. Staring out to overlook out at the town's bustling activity below, Montoya thought, Damn, I can not believe it. My plan backfired. Everything had worked out so perfectly. Too bad Señorita Alvarado ended up as my target instead of Don Gaspar. I do not think Dr. Helm will realize that she has been poisoned. That will remain my secret. Maybe I can make this unfortunate accident work to my advantage.

Tessa had been moved to the patient cot in Dr. Helm's back office. Marta saw Tessa lying there quietly and unconscious after hearing her complain from pain as a result of her move. She glanced over and saw Dr. Helm pulling out some medical books from his shelves and leafed through the pages, as if looking up some information to get a better idea of Tessa's condition.

Dr. Helm read through one book, then picked up another and read some more. After locating the information he wanted from the medicine books, he confirmed his original diagnosis. He returned the books to their shelves and went over to his medicine cabinet. Picking through the various bottles stocked on the shelves, he pulled out three small bottles and placed them on his worktable. He grabbed a bowl and spooned out a few quantities of the powdery substance from each of the bottles and started to mix the ingredients. The remedy he prepared would be given to Tessa to help reduce the fever and stop her pain. When he finished he set it aside to check on his patient once again. Marta stood by and watched him at work.

Dr. Helm went over the Tessa and checked on her temperature again and placed his hand over her forehead and rubbed her arms. The intense heat indicated that Tessa's body temperature needed to come down or else the fever could cause brain damage. He turned to look at Marta, who waited patiently for his prognosis.

"Marta, Señorita Alvarado has a very high body temperature. Right now it seems warmer, but it will fluctuate back and forth during the day. She is also going to experience an increase in emotions and will complain physically from pain. The reaction from the fever will provoke a hot skin, a flushed face, constant sweating, chills, aches, pains and dry mouth," Dr. Helm reported. "Grab that bowl over there near the wash bin and fill it with the cool water that I have in the pitcher. There are some cloths in that drawer over there by the cabinet. Start applying the wet cloth over Tessa's body to give her a cool bath. It will help to reduce some of the body heat," he ordered.

Marta did exactly as the Doctor had ordered. As she began her task, she was still astonished to hear all the information Dr. Helm had just explained to her. She silently hoped and prayed that he could help her Tessa get better.

Dr. Helm showed Marta the medication he had prepared. "I will begin treating her with a combination of some thyme and yarrow tea to help reduce the fever and I have also added in some willow bark to help with the relief of aches and pains. Tessa needs to be given lots of fluids to avoid any dehydration. Make sure she drinks plenty of water." Marta nodded affirmatively.

Marta did not realize that a fever could cause her so much heartache. As she applied the cold compresses, Tessa began to stir and tried to speak. In her weakened state of mind, Tessa opened her eyes and saw Marta.

In a low voice, Tessa asked "Marta, what happened?" Marta could see that Tessa was dazed and confused. She tried to calm her with soothing words.

"Tessita, tranquilla, I'm here for you. You are very sick and we are at Dr. Helm's office so he can help you," she responded. Tessa barely heard Marta and succumbed to another dark void of unconsciousness. Marta looked over at Dr. Helm and he saw the look of fear in her eyes.

With the solution in his hands, Dr. Helm propped Tessa's head up and fed her the liquid. Tessa responded and swallowed the medication. He laid her head back down and saw Marta's reaction of relief.

"It is good that she has accepted the medication I have given her. Now we will have to wait and see how she reacts to the potion. I will continue to give her more every four hours until the fever breaks," Dr. Helm remarked. Marta continued to give Tessa the cold compress baths and liquids. The waiting period would be the hardest to endure. The hours would seem like days, but Marta knew that the medication was going to work.

<< ===================================== >>

The day had turned into late evening and during those long hours of waiting, Tessa had awakened several times. On one of those occasions, Tessa in her delirium would begin to speak incoherently and it scared Marta. Dr. Helm continued giving Tessa the medication and monitored her condition. Marta would see Tessa shiver with chills and break out into a cold sweat. Her face would look flushed and she would complain of pain. Marta's heart sank as she saw Tessa lying incapacitated and struggling for her life. She continued to follow her routine like Dr. Helm had ordered and tried to make Tessa as comfortable as possible.

Seated in a chair nearby, Marta looked out the open window and saw as the dusk turned into night. Suddenly she heard Tessa restless again. She got up and walked over to her cot and tried to calm her down. She looked out the door and into the front office and saw Dr. Helm seated at his desk writing. Worried that Tessa would say anything revealing while in her delirious state of mind, she rubbed Tessa's arm back and forth hoping it would ease her uneasiness. Tessa mumbled in her sleep and suddenly opened her eyes. Trying to speak she looked at Marta and saw her frantic look.

"Calm down Tessa, let the effect of the medication take its course. You are going to get better, I promise," Marta assured her. Tessa closed her eyes and again went back to sleep. Marta was relieved to see that Dr. Helm had not heard Tessa and knew it was going to be a long night of anguish.

<< ===================================== >>

In the early dawn of Sunday morning, the daybreak announced the arrival of another new day. The morning was always a good time to travel when the temperature was still pleasant from the previous night. Vera had traveled into town to visit the general store for merchandise she hoped had arrived from Monterey. She parked her buggy in front of the store and climbed down. Grabbing her basket from the back, she walked towards the door and opened it.

Vera walked around the store and looked at some of the new merchandise that had arrived, and managed to find the few items she had wanted. Making her way to the front counter to pay, she overheard the storeowner, Pablo Gutierrez, telling one of his customers that Tessa Alvarado was sick with some disease and was being treated at Dr. Helm's office. Vera was totally surprised to hear the news of Tessa being ill and decided to pay her friend a visit.

Upon arriving at Dr. Helm's office, Vera walked into the front office and saw him come in from the back room and stand by his desk. Dr. Helm looked at Vera and greeted her. "Good morning Señora, can I help you?" he asked her.

Vera walked over to him and inquisitively responded, "Yes Doctor, I heard Tessa is ill, is this true?" Dr. Helm nodded his head affirmatively. "What is wrong with her Doctor?" Vera inquired.

Seeing the look of concern on Vera's face, Dr. Helm motioned for her to sit down on one of his chairs and he sat down behind his desk. He offered to tell her just enough information to appease her curiosity. After Dr. Helm's brief explanation, Vera again attacked him with more questions.

"Doctor, is this illness contagious? Can you die from it? Will she get better?" Vera asked in a worried tone of voice.

Dr. Helm did not know whether she was concerned for herself or for the welfare of Tessa Alvarado. He reassured Vera that he was overseeing Tessa's treatment very closely and that she should not fear anything worse.

"Doctor, would it be alright for me to see her?" Vera asked calmly. Dr. Helm and Vera both got up and he escorted her towards the back room. Vera followed him in and saw him motion to her to remain silent. In a corner of the room Marta sat in a chair with her head resting against the wall completely asleep.

Dr. Helm whispered to Vera, "She's been up all night and has not slept. She must have dozed off. She has not separated from Tessa's side not even once. She is very worried about her mistress." He looked at Marta and wondered, This woman acts more like a mother than a servant does. She has demonstrated an immense love and concern for Tessa. Dr. Helm walked over to see his patient again. Vera kept quiet as she moved closer to Tessa's cot.

Dr. Helm checked on Tessa and saw that she was resting comfortably, but still had a slight fever. Vera approached her just when Tessa, in her delirium, began to get agitated again and mumbled some words. At first the words were hard to understand but then they became very clear. With Marta dead asleep, Dr. Helm and Vera witnessed a surprise revelation. They listened shocked and amazed at Tessa's act of confession. While her head tossed back and forth, Tessa began her declaration.

"Papa, help me��I know it is my destiny��my sword seeks justice for your murder��.I fight and kill��I hide behind the mask..��I am your avenging angel, the Queen," Tessa proclaimed and then relaxed once again not realizing that she had just divulged her most precious secret.

Dr. Helm and Vera stood there quietly, unable to say a word at being stunned from what they had just heard. Vera broke the silence. "I do not believe it. How could I have not seen it before? Tessa and the Queen are the same person." she expressed overwhelmed. Dr. Helm looked at her confused by her reaction. He did not want to believe that Vera had come to such a conclusion.

"Señora, before you go around spreading any accusations, I suggest you think before passing judgement," Dr. Helm disputed. He saw the look of disgust on her face and the way she took his comment as if he had insulted her.

"Well Dr. Helm, I must be going. I will check in on Tessa another time," she told him. She quickly departed and woke Marta when she slammed the door behind her.

Marta responded in a startled manner and saw Dr. Helm standing near Tessa's cot just staring at her and caressing her check. Feeling that something had gone wrong, Marta asked him, "Doctor how is she, is everything ok. What is wrong?" She got up and walked up to him. She noticed a change in the way he looked at Tessa. Fearing that her worst nightmare had happened, Marta grabbed his arm and forced him to look at her and waited for him to respond.

Dr. Helm began. "While you were asleep Marta, Señora Hidalgo came by to see your mistress. Unfortunately the Señora and I overheard some distressing information. Señorita Alvarado revealed in her sleep that she is the Queen of Swords," he replied. Marta confirmed her worst fear. Her mind racing, the thought, While I was resting, I failed to protect Tessa's secret. Two people now know she has another identity. The fate of Tessa's life now rests in the hands of Dr. Helm and Vera Hidalgo. What will they do with this damaging information, oh Dios Mio, protect her.

Dr. Helm saw Marta's worried look as she stood by Tessa's cot staring at her in complete silence. Marta did not hear or see when Dr. Helm left her alone. He turned and walked out of the room opening and closing the door behind him. He made his way over to his desk and sat down. The news had completely left him baffled and confused. He realized he had just been placed in a bad predicament.

Sitting in silence and pondering over everything that had just happened, Dr. Helm remembered his obligations, I am a doctor of medicine and my obligation to my patient is to keep a patient and doctor confidentiality. He recalled the solemn vow he made as a physician to help the injured and treat any information he learned of when a patient was under his care as a sacred confession. Thinking some more, If I divulge her secret to Colonel Montoya, he will have her arrested and executed. He could not allow that to ever happen. His emotional turmoil surfaced once again and he felt happy, but at the same time guilty. He remembered the countless times he had treated Tessa so bad in the past, believing she was just a spoiled rich young woman of nobility, who only cared about her position in society and having a good time. He felt shocked to learn that all along she was the apple of his eye, the woman behind the mask that caused him so much grief, but at the same time, excitement and pleasure. It was hard to distinguish two people, but if those two people were one and the same it was worse. His heart started to ache from the confusion. He admired Tessa or the Queen for her determination to fight the corrupted government and protect the innocent, but on the other hand he hated her methods of justice and killing. But she was the woman, who had captured his heart and now her fate was in his hands.

Feeling trapped, Dr. Helm thought about his course of action, If I do not say anything and somehow Colonel Montoya finds out, I will be accused as an accomplice for harboring the identity of the Queen and can go to jail. If I mention it to him, well the consequences will be disastrous. I would not want to live with the remorse of turning in the woman who has changed my life since my arrival in Santa Helena. This is a very difficult decision to make.

Standing up and walking over to the other side of his quarters he went behind the curtain that separated his sleeping area from the front office and laid down on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling, Dr. Helm made his decision, I will protect her at any cost. Once she is better I will ask her to explain the reason for her deception.

<< ===================================== >>

Vera departed the Doctor's office and climbed into her buggy. Grabbing the reins she urged the horse into a gallop and rode out of town towards the direction of her hacienda. The afternoon ride back had given her time to cool off and to think. Reaching the hacienda, she climbed out and left the buggy in the care of one of her criados. She walked towards the house and saw Gaspar sitting at the table on their porch enjoying a plate full of ripe red grapes. Vera walked up the stairs and he looked up to see her approaching him.

"Ah, my sweet, did you find everything that you were looking for?" Gaspar asked her after he finished eating another succulent grape. Vera sat down at the table to join her husband and looked at him. He looks so content without a care in the world, she thought.

"Sí amor, I did and much more," Vera replied. She saw the look of happiness on his face and refrained from telling him what she had learned. Gaspar has no clue and I better not say anything until I'm sure, she thought. She got up and started to go inside. "Gaspar, I'm going in to freshen up. I will join you in a little while," she told him. Gaspar nodded and Vera left him alone contemplating his food.

Vera made her way back to her bedroom and closed the door behind her. She walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge to think about what she had discovered this morning. Remembering everything that Tessa had said, Vera started to reflect on the information she had learned. Tessa and the Queen are the same person. This information can work to my advantage. It is the perfect ace card. If I tell Colonel Montoya the news, he will finally get off my back and leave me alone. What if I tell Marcus of this news? He could benefit from it and would be rewarded for the capture of the Queen and given a promotion by the Viceroy in Monterey. What should I do?, she thought.

Vera sat thinking of the difficult decision she had to make. She remembered when Tessa had helped her to resolve her predicament of being discovered for her indiscretion. She recalled the time when Tessa had not divulged her name as the witness to the crime during the trial of Anton, the son of Mary Rose. Tessa had promised she would help and keep her illicit affair a secret and she did. Vera also remembered another time that Tessa had saved her life. She had been terrified to discover that her former husband Bernardo had tracked her down and wanted to blackmail her by telling Gaspar all about her bigamy and her past life. She had confided her secret to Tessa or the Queen and she managed to help her deal with the situation. In both instances, Vera realized that as Tessa or the Queen, both acted as a good friend and kept her secret in order to protect her reputation.

I do not know what I am going to do. I need to think about all of this very carefully. I think I will meditate on everything for a few days and then I will make a decision, she told herself. Vera knew that Tessa's life was in her hands.

<< ===================================== >>

Two days later, Dr. Helm was pleased to give Tessa the news that she was on the road to recovery from her ordeal. Tessa sat up on the cot and looked content. The fever that had caused so much aggravation and heartache had finally broken and was defeated. It had been a rough few days, but the young woman was in better health. Marta was happy to see that Tessa had conquered the demons inside her and now she was going to be her old self again. Dr. Helm gave his permission for Tessa to be transported back to her hacienda so she could rest and recuperate.

<< ===================================== >>

Montoya was in his garden pruning his flowers when his servant passed him a note. He opened it and saw it was from Grisham. He read it -- Tessa Alvarado has recovered from her illness and will be leaving town to return to her home today--. He crumpled up the note in his hand and threw it to the ground. The dream of owning the Alvarado hacienda was crushed once again. Defeat was his worst enemy, but he reluctantly succumbed to its failure. He smiled and chuckled. He turned to hand pick five beautiful red roses from his own garden and arranged to have the bunch of blossoms delivered to her home with a note attached to them. There would be a next time.

<< ===================================== >>

The ride back to the Alvarado Hacienda was pleasant. The fresh air felt good against Tessa face as she sat in the back of the wagon with Marta, while Felipe drove the team of horses. The day had been very cloudy with the sun appearing on occasions from behind the massive white balls of cotton that floated in the sky. The temperature was not as hot as the previous days and the small gusts of wind provided the right atmosphere for the ride home.

Marta saw Tessa's face and could only smile. Those days of anguish were gone and now peaceful days were ahead. So much could have happened in those days. Tessa could have died. Gracias, Dios Mio for bringing her back to me, Marta silently thought. Marta suddenly became preoccupied with her other new concern. She wondered, How am I going to tell Tessa that she revealed the secret of her other identity?

Tessa saw her hacienda from a distance and welcomed the site with a bright smile on her face. As they approached the front of the house, a few criados had grouped and formed a welcoming committee. They cheered and applauded at her arrival. Tessa was touched at their display of affection. Two of the criados helped move their mistress on a stretcher from the wagon back into her bedroom with Marta following close behind.

Safely tucked in her own bed, Tessa sat upright watching Marta. She grabbed the bag and unpacked the few items they had taken. Putting them away she moved back and forth, striding from one end of the room to the other. Tessa found it odd to see Marta act so strangely. "Marta, will you stop that, you are making me dizzy. What is wrong?" Tessa asked hoping Marta would cease her pacing. She motioned for Marta to sit next to her on the bed.

Marta stopped her pacing and walked over to Tessa to sit next to her. Clearing her throat, she began. "Tessa, I do not know how to tell you this, but you have to know. Something happened in Dr. Helm's office while you were sick and you are not going to like it," she remarked. Tessa stared at Marta with a look of concern. Marta grabbed Tessa's hand to give herself encouragement.

"Marta, you are scaring me. What happen?" she asked. Tessa waited for Marta to answer her. She squeezed Marta's hand to give her support.

Marta reluctantly responded, "Tessa, the Doctor and Vera Hidalgo both know you are the Queen of Swords." The look on Tessa's face told Marta she had been caught off guard and was in total disbelief. In a tone of voice that sounded like regret, Marta explained. "It happened one afternoon while you were still feverish. You spoke in your sleep and they were present to hear it all. I had dozed off from lack of sleep. If I had been awake I could have stopped you. I'm sorry Tessa, I failed in protecting your secret." Tessa saw the hurt in Marta's eyes and knew she had to reassure Marta's confidence.

"Marta, there was nothing that you could have done. The whole situation was out of your hands. It is my own fault, not yours so do not blame yourself for what has happened. My own mind betrayed me. The damage is done. Now I have to think of how to salvage my two identities," Tessa answered accepting her blame. She wanted Marta to know that even though she was foolish enough to make such a big mistake, she would take care of everything.

"What are you going to do?" Marta asked as she noticed Tessa thinking.

Tessa responded, "I'm going to invite both Dr. Helm and Vera to the hacienda for afternoon tea tomorrow. I would like to show them my gratitude and thank Dr. Helm for his care and Vera for showing concern over my welfare. I will try to convince both of them that while I was feverish and delirious I pretended to think I was the Queen of Swords. Can you arrange it for me? I have a plan and I'm going to need your help." Marta looked puzzled, but knew that Tessa was intelligent enough to convince anyone and save her reputation in the process.

<< ===================================== >>

Wednesday had turned out to be a good day. The weather was pleasant and it was perfect enough to have the social gathering outside on the patio. Marta had one of the criados carry messages to both Dr. Helm and Vera Hidalgo very early in the morning to inform them of their invitation to tea around 3:00 pm in the afternoon. Tessa was feeling well enough to play hostess. Her goal was to influence her guests with her wit and charm and convince them of the story she was going to tell them. The criado had returned an hour later with the news that both Dr. Helm and Vera Hidalgo had accepted the invitation and would arrive at the arranged time.

Tessa sat on the patio chair enjoying the afternoon breeze. She was feeling much better and welcomed the fresh air. She spotted a lone rider approaching the hacienda and knew it must be Dr. Helm. He was so sweet in taking care of me. I wish I could tell him the truth, but I can not, Tessa thought. Dr. Helm trotted slowly on top of his mare, Furia, and saw Tessa sitting down by the table on the patio. Dismounting, he handed over the reins of his horse to Felipe and walked over to her as Tessa greeted him.

"Good afternoon Doctor, so good of you to come." Tessa motioned for him to take a seat next to her. At that moment they both became distracted when the sound of an approaching buggy announced the arrival of Vera Hidalgo. Vera drove her buggy towards them and pulled the reins of the horse to make it stop. Dr. Helm saw Vera and went to assist her in getting down. Vera welcomed his help and they both joined Tessa on the patio.

Tessa greeted her second guest, "Hello Vera, glad you could come." Thank you both for accepting my invitation. Please sit down and join me in some tea." Dr. Helm and Vera accepted and sat down. They watched as Marta arrived with a tray containing three teacups and a teapot accompanied by a plate filled with sweet biscuits. She set the tray down on the table and began to pour the tea for Tessa and the two invited guests. Tessa broke the silence.

"That's all for now Marta, I will not be need you anymore. I will take care of and entertain our guests myself. Go back to your chores," Tessa dictated. Marta acknowledged the order that Tessa gave her and retreated. "I wanted to express my gratitude to the both of you. I just went through the worst experience of my life and I really appreciated your care and concern. I am glad this nightmare did not turn into a horrible tragedy" she told them.

"Yes, it was fortunate that Marta brought you to me in time so I could treat your illness," Dr. Helm responded. "I am happy to see that you are recovering well."

"Thank goodness Tessa you are alright. I was so worried for your welfare," Vera chimed in.

"I am feeling much better. I hope I was a good patient Doctor. I remember during my childhood years that I would give Marta such a hard time when I was sick. I would say things that were never true. She always scolded me for telling her lies. Just yesterday, she told me that while I was still unconscious I mentioned that I was the Queen of Swords. Isn't that funny?" Tessa spoke followed by a joyful laugh.

Dr. Helm and Vera stared at each other casually and then looked back at Tessa as she continued.

"I find the Queen of Swords an interesting person and sometimes I have fantasies of being her. Of course, I could never be like her. It is not in my nature to act the way the Queen does. She fights with a sword. I do not even know how to use one, plus she's always wearing that black outfit and mask. I guess she does not know how to appreciate the splendor of beautiful gowns and lace shawls. Don't you agree Vera?" Vera smiled and picked up her cup to take a sip of tea.

Dr. Helm interrupted Tessa's explanation. "Well, I have to agree that during a fever the mind is weak and it is possible to have moments of temporary hallucinations. There have been cases that people experience periods of imagination that can play with the memory." He smiled at Tessa and she smiled back. Dr. Helm knew Tessa could have experienced the dreams she had talked about. He took a biscuit from the plate and picked up his tea to drink it.

Vera looked at the two of them. Tessa's story sounded skeptical, but the Doctor's explanation was reasonable. But what did she know about medicine or effects derived from a fever. Maybe it is true, but how will I know if Tessa is or is not the Queen of Swords?, Vera thought.

Tessa picked up her tea to drink and thought, I hope my reasons of not being the Queen have convinced both Dr. Helm and Vera that it was all a product of my imagination. Suddenly a loud shout from one of the criados of the hacienda disrupted their conversation and caught their attention.

"The Queen, the Queen," he shouted repeatedly. The three of them looked in the direction of the shouting and saw the criado pointing to the top of the hill by the gravesite of Tessa's parents.

A female wearing a lace mask and black clothing similar to the Queen of Swords sat on top of a horse that looked like the Queen's horse, Chico. Pulling the sword out from her sheath, the lone figure raised it up to her face. The reflection from the afternoon sun set off a sparkle of light from the long blade. She swung the sword back down and placed it back it is proper place. Rearing the horse on its hind legs, the female dressed in black saluted and then rode off disappearing over the hill.

Vera looked stunned. "That was the Queen of Swords," she replied. She sounded totally surprised when she spoke. Dr. Helm added, "Yes, indeed it was." Tessa saw the look of confusion on their faces, but she managed to plant the seed of doubt in their minds like she had planned and hoped it had worked.

"Well that was an unexpected surprise. If I knew she was going to be nearby I would have invited her to join us for tea," Tessa remarked sarcastically. She got a chuckle out of Dr. Helm and a twisted smile from Vera. The appearance of the Queen of Swords had concluded their afternoon social. Tessa thanked her guests for coming.

Bidding her guest's farewell, Tessa watched as both Dr. Helm, riding his horse and Vera driving her buggy, left the limits of the hacienda in opposite directions. Her job was done. At that moment, she saw a rider approach carrying a beautiful bouquet of red roses in his arms. The rider dismounted and walked towards her. He handed her the flowers and the note. Bowing and taking his leave, the rider mounted again and rode off. Tessa saw only five roses and set them down on the table to read the note - You are the one rose missing from this blossom. Speedy recovery, Señorita Alvarado, Colonel Montoya --. Tessa was surprised and puzzled, but smiled at Montoya's gesture. She picked up the roses and walked inside the house and almost collided into Carmelita. "Oh good. Carmelita, please take these roses and put them in a vase. Then place them in the living room." she told her. The woman took the flowers and headed for the kitchen. She walked towards her room and opened the door to find her faithful and trusty servant undressing.

"Well Marta, it worked. You did a great job" Tessa congratulated her. She walked over and sat on the bed as Marta joined her. Marta started to pull off the black boots and motioned for Tessa to unlace the corset.

"Tessa, sometimes you amaze me. I think you managed to save the whole situation. Your secret identity is safe and I know that you have convinced them. Your idea of me dressing up as the Queen was a good plan. I am happy it worked" Marta responded.

"You know Marta, I have learned a lot from this experience. I am very vulnerable as either Tessa or the Queen and I can make mistakes. Thank you for being a true friend." Tessa stood up and walked over to the open window to stare outside. The afternoon had started to disappear making way for the night to arrive. Marta joined her and placed her arm over Tessa's shoulders. The two women looked out to see the dusk settle in. It was the perfect ending to another day.

"After all, what is a Lie? 'Tis but the truth in Masquerade" - Lord Byron, Don Juan.