THE QUEEN AND THE RAVEN
By Neil Burns
[email protected]
CHARACTERS - M,G,C,TQ,H,V
SYNOPSIS - The Queen meets the oldest living thief
COMMENTS - Queen of Swords/The Raven crossover
(no, Amanda doesn't tell, but I don't think anyone would believe her anyway)
~~~~~
The black-clad woman was turning over Hacienda Alvarado as quietly as possible looking to find whatever valuables she could. She had already robbed several other haciendas and this happened to be along the way.
"Hello?" a low feminine voice interrupted her. "Is anyone here?"
"Damn it!" she cursed softly as she grabbed what she could and hid behind the curtain.
Marta walked out into the main hall carrying a large candle, her bare feet softly padding across the floor. She had been sleeping when a noise woke her and she got up to investigate. A Gypsy. She must be a servant. The woman coiled her arm around Marta's neck and squeezed gently, sending her into unconsciousness.
"Sorry, darling," the woman said as she carried Marta back to the bedroom and plopped her in and covered her. "Can't afford to wake up the house."
She walked out to the hall and picked up the sack of valuable jewelry and gold coins and turned to go--only to look down the blade of a finely crafted saber. The woman holding it was also dressed in black and the upper portion of her face was hidden by a mask of fine Spanish lace. The lower formed a slight smirk.
"And where do you think you are going?" the soft alto voice tickled her ears.
"This isn't your concern, dear," the thief smiled.
"On the contrary. Senorita Alvarado is a close friend and I can not allow you to rob her. You may leave the valuables and I will permit you to leave unmolested."
"If I refuse?"
"Then you must pass through me, Senorita Bandita."
The thief smiled and pulled her sword from nowhere and tapped the other woman's blade away. The Queen observed the thief's sword. It was long and very heavy, finely crafted yet she could tell it required two hands. A type of sword used for hacking and slashing.
"Impressive," the Queen smiled deadpan. "12th century?"
"Possible. You a collector?"
"My father was. He collected swords and was an expert."
"I'm sort of a collector myself."
"That is obvious. 'Collecting' from some of the Dons?"
The two women started to duel when the sound of horses riding up to the hacienda and men dismounting and heading to the front door interrupted them. The thief blanched.
"Please," she held the Queen's hand imploringly, "You must help me."
"Why?" the Queen replied. "You are a thief."
"Look, I'll leave the valuables and leave quietly. Just hide me please."
"In there. Do not come out until I say so."
The thief ran to the bedroom as a knock came on the door. It was Captain Grisham.
"Senorita Alvarado. Are you home?"
"I will be right there." the Queen called as she removed her gloves, blouse and boots.
"Just give me a minute."
She hurried to the bedroom and pulled out a nightgown which covered the blouse and trousers. She removed her mask and hid her Queen attire and sword in one of many hidden compartments in the home.
"Come in."
Grisham and the soldiers entered. Grisham saluted.
"Good evening, Captain. What brings you at so late an hour?"
"Forgive the hour, Senorita Alvarado," Grisham replied, "but there were reports of several Dons being robbed."
"Really? How shocking!"
"Yes. It's been reported that he or she may been travelling this way."
One of the soldiers spied a large sack on the sofa and called Grisham's attention to it. The sack contained all the valuables stolen from Hacienda Alvarado and others.
"What's this?" Grisham smiled. "Search the house!"
Suddenly, gunshots were heard.
"Sir!" a soldier burst in and saluted. "Somebody tried to get away."
"Excellent! Where is he?"
"Somewhere near the barn, I would guess."
"Senorita?" Grisham saluted and left.
Tessa ran to the compartment and removed her Queen attire and put it back on. Time to return all this. Maybe take a little for the people.
The thief hid in the hay, three balls caught in her shoulder. The soldiers searched the barn but she was able to stay hidden. You really done it this time, Amanda! She was suddenly aware of another presence. It was the Queen.
"Come," she put her hand out. "Let us get you looked at."
"Darling," Amanda replied. "It's--" she checked her pocket watch, "3 in the morning. Nobody's gonna be up this hour."
"I know someone who is."
~~~~~
Robert Helm slept in what many called his "natural splendor". The freedom of wearing no nightclothes made sleeping more comfortable. He was in the middle of a dream when a blade pricked his neck. God, give me strength! That woman is a real pain in the ass! He opened up and saw that familiar masked face sitting over him.
"What the hell do you want?" he moaned. "Haven't you ever heard of sleep?"
"Forgive me, Robert," the Queen replied, "but it is an emergency. Somebody needs your services."
"One of your run-ins?" a nasty smile.
"No. Grisham's men shot her. A thief."
"Really. All right. Give me a minute."
The Queen entered the office where Amanda sat on the table holding her shoulder, blood soaking her blouse. Helm entered wearing only a pair of trousers and a slightly irritable expression. Amanda started at seeing him. It can't be! He's back in Germany! Then she realized that the man was only an incredible likeness of the former Death of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Methos. The same build, green-gold eyes and bland expression. However, the man showed no sign of recognition nor did Amanda feel the tingling down her spine Immortals got when they sensed one of their own.
"So this is the unfortunate victim?" Helm mused dryly.
"It is, doctor," the Queen replied walking out the door.
"Where are you going?"
"She robbed several homes. I am going to return the valuables."
"You can't--OOH!" Amanda started to protest but the pain stopped her.
"Do what you can. If it helps," a wicked smile formed on the Queen's lips, "tell her that you sleep nude."
The Queen shut the door to avoid a flying cup in her direction. However, Amanda's eyebrows arched as a wicked grin formed on her face. Helm observed this.
"Don't get any ideas, luv," he chastised. "Remove your blouse so I can see your shoulder."
Helm spent the next hour or so cleaning the wound. removing the balls and sewing up the hole. Amanda was instructed to rest it and Helm gave her his bed as he took the cot in the office.
~~~~~
The sun shone in the apartment the following day giving the room a golden glow. Amanda stretched luxuriously and got out of bed the sunlight creating an aura around her nude shapley figure. She walked into the office where Helm slept on the cot and sat down crossing her legs. She lit a cigar she found on the table and silently studied the man who was almost a perfect double of Methos. She thought back to when she first met the ex-member of the Four Horsemen on the Middle Eastern Steppes. She found the man cold, selfish, arrogant, maniupulative and wearing more masks than an entertainment troupe. Helm must have sensed somebody was in the room because his eyes opened and fell on Amanda. Other than a bland smile and raised eyebrow, Helm gave no reaction seeing a beautiful nude woman sitting two feet from him.
"Good morning, my dear," he greeted blandly. "Sleep well?"
"Morning," Amanda replied, her gaze unwavering.
"I see I am not the only one who sleeps in the nude."
"Well, I 'm more comfortable that way."
"You're studying me like a cobra studies its prey," a blase broadening of the smile. "Did I offend you in another lifetime?"
"No, you just remind me of sombody I knew."
"I see. An old lover. I have a few of those myself."
"Dr. Helm?" Colonel Montoya's voice queried outside the office. "Are you open?"
"Be right there, Colonel. Our 'fearless leader'. One of the most pompous asses you'll ever meet."
"I can hear you, Dr.Helm. Are you talking to somebody?"
"Just a guest, sir. Give me a moment."
Amanda walked back into the bedroom to change while Helm threw on a pair of boots and a shirt. He opened the door and smiled at the Colonel who was accompanied by a soldier.
"Colonel. No Grisham?" Helm queried.
"He is indisposed. I know I am not your favorite person--"
"Come, Colonel. You, a benevolent pillar of the community?"
"Your sarcasm is amusing. I rule for the good of the town, not, as Grisham might say, 'to win popularity contests'."
The door opened and Amanda walked out dressed in one of Helm's shirts and trousers. Montoya smiled and snapped off a crisp bow.
"My dear." he oozed Reptilian Charm Number 9. "I am Colonel Luis Ramirez Montoya. Welcome to Santa Helena."
No! It was not possible! Amanda stiffened and her eyes narrowed to icy slits that seemed to burn a hole in a confused Montoya. Suddenly, the long two-handed sword appeared in her hands.
"KRONOS!!"
Helm tackled Amanda, knocking the sword out of her hands and held her down. Montoya picked it up and examined it.
"Nice craftsmanship," he smiled dryly. Then he pointed it at her head. "Who are you and why did you attack me? Who is this Kronos?"
Seeing her sword at her head immediately calmed her down. Again she had met someone who happened to bear a remarkable resemblence to one of the Horsemen. This time it was their bloodthirsty, psychotic leader Kronos. Again there was no recognition and no tingling down the spine. There was also no scar. These people don't know them. Nor should they. Smiling, she got up and raising one hand in the air, she offered the other in greeting.
"Forgive me, Colonel." She was using Charm Number 9. "I just got in from New Orleans, Louisiana last night."
"America?"
"Yes. Been riding almost a month straight with no sleep. My mind starts playing tricks on me. I think I see people when I don't."
"Well, then," Montoya put the sword on the table, took Amanda's hand and kissed it."It was a simple misunderstanding. I do not believe I have your name."
"I'm sorry. Amanda LeFerve. I am a sword collector. The rarer the more valuable."
"So," Helm interjected, pointing to Amanda's sword. "I suppose that is used to protect your assets?"
"Very well put. I have to protect them. There are thieves everywhere."
"I know the feeling." Montoya mused darkly. "This Kronos, if I am not prying?"
"Nobody. Just an old love. We didn't part on the best of terms."
"Really?" Helm's smile dripped sarcasm. "I would never have guessed. Don't feel bad, Ms. LeFerve. You aren't the first woman to attack the Colonel with a sword."
"Admirable work, Senorita LeFerve," Montoya mused shooting Helm a dirty look. "Is it 1200s?"
"Actually, Colonel. I would say, by the design, it looks more circa Norman Conquest."
"Good guess, doctor," Amanda replied. Damn! He was pretty close. "Are you a sword collector as well?"
"No, my cousin George is the expert. I just happened to learn some rudimentary knowledge."
Montoya snapped a bow and a gentlemanly kiss on the hand.
"If you will excuse me," he smiled, "I must see to the day's affairs. I am having a gathering tonight." Montoya ignored Helm's groaning. "I would be honored if you would accompany me."
"I would be honored, sir," Amanda replied with a sort of mock curtsey.
"Until then, Adios."
As Montoya left, Amanda went to pick up the sword, but Helm restrained her hand.
"If you don't mind," he stated. "I think we'll leave it here."
"You can't!" Amanda replied. "There are thieves! Somebody might steal it!"
"I wouldn't worry. Nobody will enquire."
"Come on. You can't tell me nobody will be curious?"
"This is Santa Helena, ducks. Curiosity is not a healthy trait. People here know enough to mind their own business."
So. Nobody here is curious about a sword or a 1000-year-old visitor. Maybe this town is not so bad to stay in after all. Amanda decided to explore the hamlet she "rode into from New Orleans". Being Immortal gave her the ability to communicate in numerous languages so conversing with the townspeople in Spanish was no difficulty. She bought an apple from the vendor when she noticed two women coming toward her. She recognized the older of the two. The Gypsy from the other night! The other was younger and softer-featured and wore very expensive clothing. They both walked to where Amanda stood and the younger woman smiled.
"Buenos tardes," she greeted. Her voice had a soft pleasant tone. "I am Maria Teresa Alvarado. This is my duena Marta."
"Nice to meet you," Amanda replied shaking hands. Something about her seems familiar.
"Amanda LeFerve."
"A pleasure. What brings you to Santa Helena?"
"Just passing through. Thought I might stay a few days."
"Why don't you stay with me?"
"I don't want to impose--"
"Nonsense. I do not have houseguests that often. I would be honored."
"Then I accept. Did you get an invitation to a party tonight?"
"Colonel Montoya's party?" Tessa sighed with mock boredom. "I did."
"He asked me to accompany him. Dr.Helm had the same reaction you do. Are the Colonel's parties really that horrible?"
"Of course not," Marta mused dryly. "if you do not mind them going on forever."
"I'll take my chances. What time do they start?"
"Six-thirty sharp," Tessa replied. "Come. Let us take you home."
The women pruchased several items and climbed aboard the cart to head home. Amanda smiled at the young girl holding the reigns. Like inviting a wolf into a herd of sheep and giving it carte blanche to wreak havoc. Tessa glanced at the Immortal out of the corner of her eye and smiled. She thinks I am, as the Americanos say, "easy pickings". Is she in for a surprise. The ride was uneventful as the cart lazily traipsed through the desert until it reached Hacienda Alvarado.
~~~~~
It was a picturesque evening with a gentle nocturnal zephyr and Luna smiling on the guests at Montoya's hacienda. Amanda looked splendid in a off-the-shoulder navy gown Marta created for her as she chatted gaily with various Dons about various swords she collected, stating "My late husband got me interested." Helm and Tessa observed this with eyebrows arched in amusement. Tessa glanced over at Marta near the entrance chatting with Vera, her expression one of feigned interest.
"I must admit," Helm smiled. "Ms. LeFerve is quite a storyteller."
"And a thief," Tessa replied. "I caught her trying to rob me."
"So why do you have her as a houseguest? Isn't that like, as the Americans say, letting a fox guard a henhouse?"
"She can be helpful to me."
"I see," Sarcasm dripped from his smirk. "She steals people's valuables and you stop her. Then you two split the reward. Nice scam."
"Am I really that Macchiavellian to you?"
"At times I think so."
Their debate broke off at Amanda walking over, a small lit cigar in her lips. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she regarded Helm and Tessa.
"So what are you two conspiring?" she queried.
"Nothing," Tessa replied. "We are simply talking. Dr.Helm was telling me about his holiday in San Luis Osbispo."
"Really? How was it, doc?" I can't believe how much he looks like Methos.
"Nothing special," Helm replied. "Just decided to take a ride and get away from it all for awhile. It was very restful and quiet. I could get a decent night's sleep without midnight visitors."
The heavy emphasis on "midnight visitors" was clearly aimed at Tessa who smiled sweetly even though her eyes dangerously narrowed to icy slits.
"I beg your pardon?" Amanda asked confused.
"I beg your pardon. I have these dreams at times. I dream that I have midnight visits from a woman in black." He ignored Tessa's arched eyebrow.
"Really. You have this every night?"
"Every night. I fall asleep and every night, she is there, an ebony-clad vision."
"So what happens?"
"We disrobe and make mad passionate love the entire evening."
"Really? Is she any good?"
"Quite heavenly. Although she has a Gypsy friend who, quite honestly, is far superior. Sometimes I dream we have a threeway."
"Naughty man, Dr. Helm," Amanda's smiled broadened wickedly. "I like that."
As Helm and Amanda chatted, Colonel Montoya walked over and greeted Tessa with a gentle brushing kiss on her hand. "Good evening, Maria Teresa," he beamed. "Forgive me for not greeting you earlier, but I have been occupied."
"No offense taken, Colonel," Tessa replied sweetly. " It is hard to greet a lot of people without neglecting a few."
"Welcome, Dr. Helm. Enjoying yourself?"
"Actually I am," Helm smirked. "This is actually not as boring as your other soirees."
Tessa hid a chuckle behind her fan as Montoya's eyebrows arched.
"The doctor has a sense of humor. I always enjoy it."
"In my line of work," Helm shrugged, "it helps pass away the time. Besides, the Americans once said 'Laughter is the best medicine'."
"A most interesting people. Too bad Grisham is such a poor example."
Montoya nodded in polite dismissal as Amanda scouted the courtyard and balcony. This guy actually lives better than the Dons! Wonder what he is hiding? Helm and Tessa glanced at this and nodded to each other. Tessa then leaned against Helm and whispered in his ear. "In your dreams, Robert."
"Well, there is surely a better reason to wake me up in the middle of the bloody night instead of just chin-wagging, as Grisham would say."
"I know Senorita LeFerve is going to rob Montoya."
"So?"
"I have an idea. She could help me."
The nine o'clock gong sounded as everyone entered the main courtyard and gathered to have dinner. Tessa sat across from Amanda who nodded amiably as she finished her cigar. The meal passed uneventfully as various gossiping and discussions fluttered about the table.
~~~~~
It was late as the black-clad figure stealthed up the stairs, knocking the guard unconscious. She entered the study and casually lit a cigar as the mirror caught her reflection. It was Amanda. She rifled through the desk, not finding much of anything. Her instinct told her to check the bookcase and she began feeling along the bindings until she came upon THE STRATEGIES OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE. She felt the binder tilt forward and the hidden door unlock. She opened and entered, her mouth dropping and her eyes widening like a child on Christmas morning. There was gold, jewelery, artifacts and other valuables everywhere. Amanda laughed with delight as she undid the lock and began to greedily load her sack with as much of Montoya's treasure as she could. A hand tapped her on her shoulder and she turned to look. It was the Queen of Swords regarding her with that slight half-smirk.
"Buenos tardes, Senorita Bandita," she purred softly. "We meet again."
"Lady Zorro, I presume," Sarcasm drenched Amanda's reply.
"You know the Fox?"
"I heard about him. I was here first, sweetheart." Amanda reached for her sword, but the Queen held up a restraining hand.
"I came here to talk to you. I myself usually visit to 'liberate' some of the Colonel's gold to return to the people."
"Why?"
"Because he robbed them. I am just returning what is rightfully theirs."
"Robbing the rich to give to the poor. A Spanish lady Robin Hood."
"I am flattered at the comparison, though I would not quite put it that way."
"So. You want to talk. Talk. What do you want?"
"I have a proposition for you."
"What is it?"
The Queen began outlining her proposal to Amanda whose features slowly broadened into a devilish grin. The two snuk out of the hidden treasure room and out of the hacienda with nobody noticing them or even a skirmish. I hope I am doing the right thing. I do not trust this woman.
~~~~~
The next morning a cart carrying an enormous oaken chest was headed toward Santa Helena. Inside was the combined fortunes of several Dons who died trying to go against Montoya and Reyes' contribution to purchase more supplies for the town. Two guards rode in front and four rode in back. Sanchez and Diaz, the two in front, were chatting away about their Captain's latest "rendezvous" with Senora Hildago when they saw two brown-robed figures in the roas in front of them, their hooded heads bowed.
"Brothers," Diaz saluted, seeing the crosses at their waists. "Can we help you?"
"Yes," one replied with a husky whisper. "I am Friar Diego and this is Friar Jose."
Friar Jose merely nodded but said nothing.
"What can we do for you?"
"We are visiting Brother Roberto in Santa Helena, but our horses have died from exhaustion. Could we please have a ride?"
"Colonel Montoya will not like this," Diaz intoned. "He specifically ordered no stopping for any reason."
"They are brothers of God, Ivan. what harm can it do?"
"Very well, hop on. But, the minute we are inside the gates, you must get off."
"God bless your charity."
The two "brothers" got on and the ride to the pueblo Santa Helena was uneventful. The cart reached the center of Santa Helena in front of the cantina. The soldiers got out as did the two "brothers".
"Brothers," Sanchez smiled. "We are going in for a drink. Care to join us?"
"I suppose we could have some tea," Brother Jose whispered.
"As you wish. This way."
The "brothers" and the soldiers entered the catina just as Marta and Dr. Helm rode up in her cart and removed an oaken chest the same size and depth as the one on the soldiers cart. The two switched the chests and rode off before anyone saw them.
Montoya heard a knock on the door and had Grisham admit the soldiers and the chest. A greedy glint shone in his eyes as he studied the chest. Let the people have Escamillo's fortune. That was a mere pittance. So much money. What could Montoya do? Certainly, he could have all the men and guns he wanted to make Santa Helena an impregneable fortress, but that would only require a portion of this. Perhaps he could purchase a pueblo or even a "state" to call his very own.
"Grisham," Montoya turned to his aide. "Open it."
"My pleasure," Grisham grinned as he used a knife to undo the lock. He opened it and turned to Montoya who was mentally redecorating his entire office and hacienda.
"What is it, Marcus?" Montoya's voice chirped. "What is wrong."
"You best take a look."
The two guards outside Montoya's office suddenly heard a blood-curdling scream and a firestorm of Spanish oaths melting the interior. Montoya burst out onto the balcony clutching the Tarot card depicting his nemisis' image.
"DAMN YOU, QUEEN OF SWORDS! YOU WILL SWING FOR THIS INSOLENCE!"
Twice this has happened to him. Twice! Diaz and his men better have a good explanation otherwise they will hang in the Queen's place! Grisham stood with his back to Montoya laughing softly. He had least got something from the two fortunes purloined by the Queen, even if it was only a coin for a new pair of boots. Montoya got nada. Zilch. He quickly composed himself and turned around before his Fearless Leader got the idea that maybe he had something to do with the missing fortune.
~~~~~
Just outside the Gitano encampment that would occassionally use Tessa's land for a temporary home, the Queen and Amanda were drinking champange with Helm and Marta that Helm had brought from England.
"Nicely planned," Amanda smiled. "You make a great thief."
"Coming from you," the Queen smiled, "that is a compliment.
"She isn't just another pretty face," Helm smirked. "She does use her brain on occassion."
"So," Amanda rubbed her hands together."How do you want to split this?"
"We are not splitting this." Marta intoned softly.
"Why not? This was the easiest job we have done."
"Because we are not keeping the money."
"Not keeping the money?!" Amanda was incredulous.
"It belongs to the people," the Queen intoned firmly. "Montoya stole from them. We are returning the money to them."
"Hold on, dearie. I risked my ass to steal that and now I have to give it away? No! I'm sorry, but I don't work like that." Suddenly, an idea dawned on Amanda as a mischievious smile creased her lips. "On second thought, you're right."
"We are?" Helm asked curious.
"Yes. It's a crime Montoya was robbing these people for so long. They should get the money back. Go ahead. It is nice to fight injustice for its own reward occassionally."
The four rode back to Hacienda Alvarado and entered, the Queen excusing herself to "feed Chico". Tessa appeared and Amanda told her the Queen's plan to rob Montoya and give the shipment gold to the people.
"Really!" Tessa giggled for Amanda's benefit. "What a scamp."
"Indeed," Helm smirked. "Poor Montoya must be beside himself."
"Well," Amanda put in. "In case I don't get the chance, I want to say thank you for your hospitality. I'm leaving tomorrow for Canada. Start a new life."
"What will you do?"
"Maybe open a store. Settle down. I'll see when that happens."
Marta prepared an excellent meal that evening which the four of them enjoyed. Grisham and his men came by to search the hacienda for the stolen treasure, but found nothing. After Helm bade goodnight, the three ladies decided to call it a night, having a final laugh before going to sleep.
~~~~~
The next morning, Tessa woke up sensing something wrong. She put on her robe and ran into the main hall seeing the safe open and emptied. She saw drawers turned over and emptied and the credenza open. All the valuables and silverware and candlesticks gone! She ran down the wine cellar and saw the passage open! Fearing the worst, she entered and saw her Queen outfits strewn on the floor! The gold she used to pay her taxes gone! With anger rising inside her she ran to the barn where she hid the chest stolen from Montoya. She pulled it out from the spot, sighing with relief. Suddenly, she heard a muffled sound from a nearby haystack and pulled some away revealing Marta in her nightslip, bound and gagged. The second she removed the gag, the barn was scorched with vile Rom curses as Tessa untied her Gypsy friend.
"Marta!" Tessa exclaimed. "We have been robbed!"
"Yes!" Marta's eyes burned with vengeance. "That damned thief robbed us!"
"Senorita LeFerve! But the gold from the shipment is here---is it not?"
Suddenly, the two women carried the chest into the house and plopped it on the floor. Tessa grabbed her Queen dagger to undo the lock. She opened it and saw it was EMPTY! Rage boiled over as she saw a folded sheet of paper with a "To Her Majesty." She opened it and read-
Your majesty,
I inadvertantly came across your identity last night. A very clever cover--a spoiled brat by day and a masked avenger by night. You are very clever and indeed a worthy adversary. Forgive me for deceiving you, but I couldn't give all that money away. You understand. I'm off to start a new life so we won't meet again. Take care and I assure you that your secret is safe with me. thank you for a wonderful time. This was the most fun heist I ever made.
Vaya con dios,
amanda leferve
Suddenly, Tessa let rip an uncharacteristic banshee shriek and wall-melting Spanish oaths. Marta
normally would wash her ward's mouth out with soap if she heard such language, but in this case,
she was in total agreement. A chuckle caught their attention and they turned to see Helm standing
there, his smile displaying zero sympathy.
"Once there was a scorpion who wanted to cross the river," Helm smirked, "but it couldn't swim.
So it asked a turtle to give it a ride across. The turtle didn't trust the scorpion, but the scorpion
promised it wouldn't sting its ride..."
"So the scorpion got on the turtle and stung it halfway across the river," Tessa replied. "Why, if both the scorpion and the turtle would die?"
"The turtle asked why and the scorpion said 'It's in my nature'. Ms. LeFerve is the scorpion and you, my dear Queen, are the turtle. You trusted her and she betrayed your trust."
"Betrayed?! She violated me!"
"Well, she is probably up near San Fransisco way now."
~~~~~
Amanda was laughing as she stopped the cart and dismounted to water her horses at a stream. She had taken the chest with the gold as well as cleaning out Hacienda Alvarado, the cave where Montoya's items were stored along with the haciendas she robbed previously. Along the way, she had stumbled upon Tessa Alvarado's secret identity the Queen of Swords. She thought about using the knowledge to blackmail the Queen to let her rob unimpeded, but decided against it. She fights for a noble, if fruitless cause. Let her keep her secret. I'm off to a new life. Her back stiffened as she felt a blade prick the back of her neck.
"It is rude to leave without saying goodbye," a soft alto growled in her ear.
"Ms. Alvarado?" Amanda replied trying to be calm, "or should I say Queen of Swords?"
"You discovered my identity. I found your note."
"That was accidental. Your secret is safe with me, Tessa."
The blade remained against her neck as the person behind her walked around and revealed herself as an angry Queen. Her icy glare froze Amanda's blood.
"Is it? Like the gold you stole and my valuable are safe with you?"
"Nothing personal, sweetheart. It's who I am."
"The scorpion and the turtle? You being the scorpion."
"Very good, kid. You aren't Immortal, are you?"
"Senorita LeFerve. Everyone dies. Only God is immortal."
"Well, your blade is at my neck. According to fables I heard, the only way to kill an Immortal is to cut their head off."
"Interesting," the Queen mused sourly. "You will return what you have stolen now!"
"Who will stop me? You?" A sad smile. Kid doesn't know what she is in for.
"The only way to Canada is through me!"
Sighing sadly, Amanda drew her sword and the two crossed blades. The duel was ferocious with neither woman getting an advantage. Damn this kid's good! Parry. Counterparry. Thrust. Hack. Slash. Neither woman kept the advantage. Basil Rathbone and Errol Flynn could not have choreographed a better fight. The duel went along the edge of the cliffs. Suddenly, Amanda just stopped fighting and put her sword down.
"You are a good kid, Tessa," She kissed the Queen on her forehead. "Keep up the fight. Vaya con dios."
Suddenly, Amanda turned and threw herself off the cliff to the ground below. A shocked Queen looked down and saw the broken body. Eyes welling with tears, she crossed herself and said a silent prayer. She then hitched Chico to the cart with all the items that Amanda had stolen and rode back to give them to the people.
"May the Holy Father forgive you," she softly prayed.
~~~~~
The next morning, Tessa was sitting under the shade enjoying a glass of lemonade. Luna danced gently on her shoulders as she surveyed the land. Suddenly, her eyes fell on a figure: A woman dressed in black sitting on a chestnut stallion a short distance away, a cigar hanging from her lips. Tessa's eyes widened. It couldn't be! She is DEAD! The woman flipped her a salute then rode off through the desert. Amanda whistled a happy tune on her way to Canada, a land with new oppotunities and challenges.
THE END