Disclaimers: The characters from the Queen of Swords are copyright to Fireworks Productions. No infringement of copyright is intended or revenue expected from their use. The story plot and other original characters are copyright to the author, Eliza.

Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Lisa for superlative editing, and to Maril and brig for their suggestions and encouragement.

Swept Away
by Eliza

Virtual Season Episode #6

Part One of three

Prologue

Vera had always used the shallow gully as a short cut. It saved a good twenty minutes, reducing the trip to Santa Elena to just under an hour. The inclines at either end were tricky, but she knew exactly how to get the light trap she always drove down and up the slopes. The horse was also becoming familiar with the route. He no longer had to be coaxed down the bank and would even quicken his pace to get up the other side. Today, however, there was a disturbing development – water. It had only been a small trickle running along the bottom when she had first descended, but now, half way through her trip, it was almost up to the horse's hocks. Vera could tell that he was not happy about that, or the fact that the trap was becoming difficult to pull as the wheels sank ever deeper in the saturated sand.

The wheels finally stuck and the water was rising fast. It reached past Vera's knees when she climbed down from the seat to unhitch the horse. She had to get out of here, and the best way seemed to be on horse back. She had just freed the animal and was leading it back to the buggy so she could mount when she heard a low roar. The horse startled at the sudden surge of water against his legs. He reared and pulled the traces out of Vera's hands, then plunged down the gully, leaving Vera to curse at his tail as the trap started to float.

"Vera!"

The sound of her name was like the song of an angel, and at this moment, she was quite willing to consider Tessa Alvarado one. Tessa had dropped a rope over the side of the gully. Vera tried to reach it, but the bank was very steep at this point and her wet skirts were heavy. Tessa must have seen the problem. "Hang on, Vera," she called. "I'll get it down to you."

Tessa disappeared for what seemed an eternity but then the rope started to drop further down the bank. Vera had been slowly working her way up the sandy slope and had just cleared the rushing water when she grasped the life line. Tessa's determined face appeared over the edge. She looked as if she was lying on her stomach and when she reached down Vera could see the end of the rope wrapped around her hand. She must have untied it from her saddle.

"Hurry, Vera. The water is rising!"

Vera did not need to be told that. Even though she had been moving steadily, the water was again tugging at her ankles. Then her heart came up to her throat as the bank collapsed under her knees. "Tessa!"

"I've got you. Don't let go." Tessa sounded certain but Vera could see that she had slipped forward. As much as she was afraid of the now raging flood below her, Vera didn't want to pull her friend in as well. Unfortunately, before she could think of what to do, Fate decided the issue for her. Another surge in the flash flood seized Vera's skirts, and she instinctively tightened her grip on the rope as she was pulled into the current. At the same moment, the rest of the weakened bank gave way, tumbling Tessa into the torrent's grasp as well.

Act I, Scene 1

Robert Helm strolled through Santa Elena's main square. He had only treated one patient this morning and had found ample time to complete all of the chores that came with maintaining a efficient medical practice. He wasn't in the mood to make lunch for himself, so he left a note on his door, in case of emergency, and headed toward the cantina. It was a beautiful day; the freshness of the overnight downpour had not yet been overwhelmed by the inevitable autumn heat. He took his time, enjoying the spectacle of the weekly market and the feeling of being free from obligation. He paused for a moment near a stall to listen to Marta haggle over the purchase of some cotton sheeting. He smiled ruefully as he heard them settle on a price that was half of what he had paid just last week. Maybe he should see if he could arrange for Marta to do his shopping as well.

As Helm approached the cantina, he noticed Gaspar Hidalgo at one of the tables on the cantina's busy porch. The don looked far from his usual carefree self. He seemed worried, almost agitated. Helm debated a moment on whether to poke his nose into the nobleman's business. During that short deliberation, Gaspar's frown deepened.

Helm approached the railing to greet him, but Gaspar was too preoccupied to bother with the standard politeness. "Doctor Helm, have you seen Vera today?"

"No. I haven't seen Senora Hidalgo in town for a couple of days."

"She was supposed to meet me for an early lunch. Don Claudio came by early this morning to take me to a meeting with some of the other dons. Vera offered to drive the buggy into town so he would not have to go out of his way to take me home. She is over an hour late. I had expected her to come into town early. She usually likes to do some shopping before meeting me."

//Or to entertain herself some other way.// But Helm had heard Grisham drilling his men all morning, so he knew that couldn't be what had delayed Vera. Before he could attempt to calm Gaspar's fears with some meaningless platitudes, two riderless horses trotted into the square. Guards quickly captured them, but that didn't prevent the animals from causing a furor.

Helm was only partially aware of Gaspar moving from the patio into the square as he focused on the strange and disturbing sight before him. One horse, a handsome palomino, was in full riding tack; there was even a canteen tied to the saddle, but no rider. The other horse had only a bridle with long reins trailing behind it – as if it had escaped from pulling a wagon.

"That's my horse." Helm heard the words from close beside him and turned to see Gaspar grow pale. "That is the horse that my petal usually drives. How...?"

"That is an excellent question, my friend," commented Colonel Montoya as he made his way though the gathered crowd. "Senora, can you shed any light on this mystery?"

Marta had approached the palomino. She stroked its nose absently while she made a thorough inspection of the animal. When she turned to answer Montoya, her expression was troubled. "Only a little, Coronel. This is the horse that my mistress rode out on this morning for an inspection of the ranch." She went to the saddle bags and looked inside. "The food I packed for her is still here."

"She could have fallen," suggested the colonel. His distracted tone and the contemplative look on his face made Helm think that Montoya was already half dismissing the remark even as he said it.

"She could have, Coronel," agreed Marta. "But how did she manage to take her rope with her? There was always a length of rope tied to this side of the saddle."

"And how did to come to be following Don Gaspar's horse?" added Helm.

Montoya considered the matter a few moments longer. "Sergeant." One of the gathered soldiers stepped forward with a sharp salute. "Find Capitan Grisham and tell him to choose half a dozen men for a search party."

While the soldier ran to find Grisham, and Montoya came over to talk to Gaspar, Helm found himself the object of Marta's attention. "Doctor, I hope you intend on joining the search party."

"I hadn't planned on it, Senorita." Just the thought of spending the day in Grisham's company gave him a headache.

Marta wouldn't be deterred. "I wish to see my Tessita again. To back track the horses will take a sharp and discerning eye. You have considerable skills, Doctor Helm." Helm was reminded of the first time he had met the gypsy woman, how she had seemed to see into his soul. She knew he had not always been a doctor, and she was right, his tracking skills were good. But what threatened to set this hook was confirmation of his suspicion that the relationship between these two women was much deeper than just mistress and servant.

As he considered this, he saw her gaze move over his shoulder. She continued with her appeal. "Please, Doctor, the ladies could be hurt. It would be a comfort to know there was a doctor in the search party to help them the moment they are found."

"Yes, that is a wonderful idea," said Gaspar, putting a firm hand on Helm's shoulder. "You must join the search, Doctor Helm. You saved my petal after her fall from her horse, and it would help to put my mind at ease to know that you were near should she be found with injuries."

Helm looked to Montoya for some help but all he received was a wry smile. "How could anyone refuse such a heartfelt charge? I suggest you hurry to gather your supplies, Doctor." Montoya then turned to one of the soldiers. "Private, have Doctor Helm's horse saddled."

The private passed the rest of the search party as he ran toward the stables. Helm headed for his office as Grisham's grey pranced to a stop in front of Montoya. The captain didn't bother waiting for orders. "The sergeant filled me in while we were getting ready, sir."

Montoya put a hand on the bridle to calm the impatient horse. "Wait for a moment, Grisham, the doctor will be joining you. We must be extra careful when two of our loveliest flowers have gone missing from our garden."

Act 1, Scene 2

Tessa pulled with the last of her strength and managed to get Vera's torso over the edge of the bank. Vera rolled a little to swing her legs and her skirts over the rim as well. They both lay there in silence -- just breathing. Tessa turned her head to look back down the arroyo. They weren't far from where they went in. She could see the bite taken out of the rim just around a gentle bend, but they were on the other side of the torrent. They had been lucky to find a tree that had slid down the bank and jammed its roots between two rocks. The respite of the current in the eddy behind the rocks had saved them, and they had practically climbed that tree to scale the bank. Yet even as Tessa watched, the water foamed and heaved at the wood, and toppled the tree into the current. It was quickly out of sight.

The evidence of the power of the flood they had just battled sent chills down Tessa's spine and she sat up to shake off the feeling. Vera looked a little worse for wear, but she had saved Tessa as much as Tessa had saved her. It was Vera who had managed to get a hand on the roots of the tree and had kept her grip on the rope as Tessa struggled her way against the current. Looking at her friend, Tessa found couldn't wait any longer. She had to ask the question that had been running though her mind during the ordeal. "How many petticoats are you wearing, Vera?"

"Three." Bright blue eyes turned to Tessa. "But one is silk."

"No wonder the current had a grip on you like Montoya on a realé." Tessa climbed to her feet, and grimaced at the feel of wet clothing sticking to her. As she brushed ineffectually at the sand that covered her, she took a closer look at Vera. "Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I don't think so. I'm just having a little trouble catching my breath." She offered a delicate hand and Tessa helped her sit up. "Everything seems to work in the top half. Let's try the bottom." She tried to get her legs under her but stopped with a sharp gasp. She pulled up her skirts and Tessa could see that the right knee was swollen and the lower part of that leg had been battered. The bruises hadn't come up yet but they were going to be spectacular. Vera winced as she tried to move the knee again.

"If I can get you on your feet, can you walk?" asked Tessa with a frown. The Hidalgo hacienda was a long walk but they should be able to make it -- if Vera's injuries weren't too bad.

Vera shook her head but also held up her hands. Tessa took that as a signal to give it a try so she pulled Vera to her feet and then caught her as her right leg collapsed. Vera groaned and shook her head again. "I'm so sorry, Tessa. I'll be all right here. Go find help."

"I'm not leaving you alone. I'm not even sure if I would be able to make it to your ranch if more of the washes are flooded. Can you put any weight on your leg at all, Vera?"

Vera gamely tried again. "It's just my knee. I could probably walk a little with help, but I don't know how far."

"How about to those rocks?"

Vera looked at the outcropping that Tessa was pointing to. It was a good spot – offering shade from the strong mid-day sun, protection from the wind should it rise later, and it was within easy sight of the arroyo. Tessa was heartened at the determined look in Vera's eyes as she turned back with a nod. They figured out the best way to support Vera's knee and started toward their shelter.

They had only taken a few of steps, but each one seemed an even larger effort than the last. Vera wasn't going to make it even that short distance at this rate. Then Tessa realized what part of the problem was. She gave a disgusted snort and said, "Come on, Vera. I'll help you take the heavy petticoats off. It will be easier to walk without the extra weight."

With the wet cloth now gathered up under one arm, Tessa put her other around Vera's waist. Vera grasped Tessa's far shoulder and they made slow but steady progress to the outcrop.

Act 1, Scene 3

Grisham had barely restrained himself from exploding when he heard that Helm was going to accompany his party on the search. He really hated the arrogant, judgmental, *English* son of a bitch. Montoya had explained the situation as the search party had waited for the doctor and Grisham took it as the warning it was meant to be. He supposed he could suffer the man for an afternoon.

But just barely. Helm seemed to keep forgetting that he was not in charge. He was a tag-a-long, that's all, and yet here they were, waiting for him to finish tracing the palomino's tracks in another large loop and rejoin the party. All this wasted time because Helm insisted on following both sets of tracks instead of concentrating on the one that was heading in a straight line. Hidalgo's horse seemed to know exactly where it had been going, whereas the palomino had taken wide detours, playing in the sand while seeming to keep the other animal in sight.

"We don't have time for this, Doctor," Grisham had reminded him.

"We don't have time to miss any clues either, Captain," responded the self-righteous twit.

//Condescending bastard!// Grisham had reached his limit. "Sergeant, take the rest of the men and keep following this set of tracks. They are clear enough that even you shouldn't loose the trail. If you find anything send a rider back. Hopefully, I won't be too far behind." //Unless I've had to stop to dig a shallow grave.//

The men set off at a brisk trot while Grisham continued at a walk until he reached the point where the trails crossed again. Fortunately the doctor was in sight and had broken into a canter when Grisham had stopped. If Helm continued to dawdle, Grisham did not think that he should be held accountable for his actions.

"Have you found the pattern yet?" he asked as Helm rode by, continuing to backtrack the other horse. The only answer he received was a sneer and a glare. The tracks ran parallel for a while and the men rode side by side in spiteful silence until the trails seemed to be separate again. Just as Grisham was about to berate Helm about wasting more of their time, the sight of a rider galloping toward them caught both men's attention.

"Capitan!" Corporal Mancera pulled his horse up short. "Capitan, we've found something. In the arroyo."

While Mancera rested his horse after its sprint, Grisham and Helm followed the trail at a full gallop. Grisham was not heartened at the sight that met him. The wash was in full flood and impaled in the bank was a light trap.

"That could be..."

"It's Vera's." Grisham was certain, and for once Helm didn't argue.

"It looks as if the horse came up here, Capitan." Grisham's gaze was directed to a gently sloping section of the bank.

"That means that the horse was loose before the water became too deep and the current too strong. Vera must have realized what was happening and unhitched the horse. Cruz," Helm called down to the man closest to the water. "Can you see if the tack has been broken or just unhitched?" The private just shook his head.

Grisham found that he couldn't take his eyes off the raging water. "Then where is she?"

"And how did Senorita Alvarado's horse end up wandering loose as well?" Helm added. "We should report back to the colonel."

"Report what? We didn't find them. This is just as much of a mystery as the horses."

"There are people waiting and worried. They should know what we've found. Besides, it is your duty to keep your commander informed."

"I do not need a reminder of my duty from you." //You overbearing prick!// Grisham's patience was fraying rapidly. "If you want to comfort Senor Hidalgo with the news of his buggy being found in a twisted wreck... have a nice ride. Get the colonel to send out some fresh supplies. We may be out here a while."

"I'm not going. I might be needed here."

"Well, I'm certainly not going."

Helm just glared at Grisham for a moment and then turned on his heel and stalked to his horse. Grisham thought that he had finally caught a break, but Helm returned with paper and a pencil.

"Send a report. I'll even write it for you."

"I'll write the report," Grisham insisted, reaching for the paper. "It's my command. Anyway, you're a doctor."

Helm held the paper out of reach. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everybody knows that doctors have horrible penmanship." Grisham made another lunge but was brought up short, and spent some time trying to catch his breath. Helm's elbow had caught him directly in the abdomen.

All he could do was frown at Helm's smug smile. "I'll do it," gloated Helm. "You go assign your messenger."

As Helm settled his horse so that he could use his saddle as a desk, Grisham decided to let this battle go. There were more important things to deal with.

Act 2, Scene 1

It had taken almost an hour for Tessa and Vera to reach the outcrop, and with the sun only just past its zenith the shade was more than welcome. There was not the killing heat of high summer, but when combined with their exhaustion from the struggle with the flood, the sun seemed an added weight pushing on them. After taking a moment to catch her breath, Vera pulled up her skirt to check on her leg. The knee was continuing to swell as was her ankle. Tessa was glad they hadn't tried to go any farther.

They rested a while in the shade, then Tessa climbed up onto the warm rocks to spread the two cotton petticoats out to dry. She looked around; there wasn't anyone one in sight, and from up here they had a clear view for at least a half mile in every direction. She started to unbutton her blouse. She hated the feeling of the damp cloth and the walk hadn't helped dry the shirt or her underclothing. If the underwear was to dry the top layer would have to be removed. Her riding pants followed.

"Tessa, could you help me?" She could see that Vera was trying to reach the laces of her dress. "That is a good idea. If we are not found before sunset it could get cold, and I don't want to be stuck out here in damp clothes."

In short order Tessa had their clothing spread all over the rocks of the outcrop, Vera's yellow silk dress and the white petticoats almost blinding in the sun. It would act as a good a signal if anyone happened to look this way. They had also removed their boots and stockings. It was unlikely that the shoes would dry completely, but neither of them were going anywhere for awhile. The feel of the rough rock under her bare feet reminded Tessa of when she was a child. She realized that she hadn't gone without shoes outdoors since she had left for Spain. It felt a little naughty. Even more so than sitting in just her linens.

She giggled at her own thoughts as she wandered back to Vera. They had managed to get her up off of the sand yet remain in the shade of one of the larger boulders. Her friend was now trying to shake some of the sand out of her long blond hair. Tessa found a seat behind her and added her fingers to the job.

"What were you laughing about, Tessa?"

The question prompted another chuckle. "Just my own silly thoughts. How I find the idea of walking around with bare toes more shocking than removing my corset."

Vera laughed as well and stretched her legs so her toes could find the warm rock beyond the patch of shade. The toes on both feet wiggled with ease but one ankle was obviously swollen and turning some vivid colours.

"Let's take a look at the rest of your leg, Vera." Vera raised her silk petticoat. In the hour that they had been resting the bruises had started to come up. From heel to just above her knee, Vera's leg was being mottled in blues, greens and vivid purples.

Tessa had no idea what imp took hold of her, but she couldn't resist. "Does it hurt?" she asked while pressing lightly on the closest one.

"Yes!" Vera slapped her hand and turned to glower at her. Tessa was relieved to see the beginning of a smile in answer to what she knew was her own wide, though guilty, grin. Then Vera narrowed her eyes. "You were a terror as a child, weren't you?"

Tessa could feel the heat rise in her face and she hoped her blush wasn't too deep. "I promise the lady will return one I get my shoes back on." She continued gently raking her fingers through Vera's hair, helping it dry and shaking out as much sand as she could.

They sat in comfortable silence at the task until Vera broke it with a question. "You were happy here as a child, yes?"

"Very happy."

"With only your father?"

"Mother died when I was very young, I don't remember her at all. I didn't meet Marta until I went to live with my uncle in Spain. Up until that point there was only Papa and me. He spoiled me... No, that's not quite right. He let me be a child. He didn't try to make me into a lady at the age of seven. When I went to live in Spain my cousins thought I was a barbarian."

"You were very lucky."

The emotion in Vera's voice brought tears to Tessa's eyes. She knew that Vera had not had an easy life and suspected that there was more to the story than she had been told. She was tempted to hug her friend, but Vera seemed to close in on herself a little, as if to shield herself from the memories and any reaction to them. Instead, Tessa just replied to the comment with a quiet, "I know."

Act 2, Scene 2

It had only been two hours since the search party had left. Marta had arranged for the wagon to be returned to the Alvarado hacienda and an extra horse brought from the ranch for her to ride when Tessa was found. *When* Tessa was found. For the past last hour, as she sat on the cantina's covered porch, she had been making a point of reminding herself of that every few minutes. The cantina's owner, Senor Paredes, had brought her a bottle of wine and had waved away her coin. She had asked for some water to go with it, getting drunk was not going to make the situation any easier.

Gaspar Hidalgo had found a way to occupy his time as well: every don and doña in the area must have heard the news by now. Whenever there was a lull in the stream of acquaintances offering sympathy, he went to see Montoya. He had climbed the stairs to the colonel's office at least four times while Marta had been watching. This time when he descended, Marta could see that the stress was beginning to wear on him.

There was no one demanding his attention at the moment so when he walked by Marta risked calling to him. "Senor Hidalgo. I fear that the concern of the rest of the pueblo may have forced you to spend too much time in the sun today. Please come and sit in the shade and have a glass of wine. I have not had any word on the search's progress, perhaps you will share what Coronel Montoya has told you?"

Marta poured a second glass of watered wine as the don presumably considered the ramifications of being seen sitting with a servant. He didn't mull over the issue very long, however, and the smile that he gave her as he settled into a chair was one of gratitude. The smile she returned to him was as much at the look on his face as he tasted the wine, as it was in acknowledgment of his thanks.

After giving his face one last wipe with his handkerchief, Gaspar told Marta all he knew about the situation. He spoke of how easy the trail should be to follow, how fortunate they were that the horses were discovered so soon, how efficient the search party was being, but Marta could see through to what he wasn't saying.

"What you are trying to say, with such kindness, is that there is no news." Marta saw him about to put an optimistic spin on the phrase, but she knew that it was only a facade and one from which he could use a break. "I have been watching you being strong for the other dons and doñas, but I know exactly how troubled you are. I am just as worried about Tessa."

Gaspar drained his glass of wine and poured himself another, without the water this time. "It is the not knowing that is driving me mad. I have never been good at just waiting. To be stranded in the desert is a serious situation for anyone. But my dear petal..."

Marta leaned forward, put her hand on his arm, and finished the sentence for him. "... is a very strong woman." Then she sat back and put on her own facade. "And she is likely with Tessa, who can be resourceful and clever when she puts her mind to it." She gave him a very pointed look. "As you well know, Senor."

The reminder of Tessa's ingenuity seemed to lift some of the weight off from Gaspar. He leaned forward to whisper conspiratorially. "You should have seen Montoya's face when he couldn't find my piece of the map."

"To be honest, Senor, I'm glad that I didn't."

That actually produced a laugh. Gaspar finished his wine and rose, offering Marta his hand. She looked at him in confusion. "I am going to get an update from Coronel Montoya, I thought that you would like to hear the news first hand for a change," Gaspar said.

It would be a chance to get away from the cantina and the fact that Don Gaspar was treating her with such consideration could not go unrecognized and unappreciated. Marta nodded her acceptance and allowed him to help her to her feet.

Continued in Part Two of Three