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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: Translated
Words: Dulce
Venganza
Part 1 of 3: 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 commander 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 reprimanded 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 Don's 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 Don's 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 Don's, 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 Don's 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 Don's 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. << =================================== >> 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. << ========================================== >> 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. << ======================================= >> 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. << ========================================== >> 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. << ======================================== >> 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 Don's 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. << =============================================== >> 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 Don's 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 its 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?" Dr. Helm asked her. 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 on 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. End of Part 1: To be continued in Part Two
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