The Queen and The Fox
by Neil Burns

Colonel Luis Ramirez Montoya stood on the balcony of his office, looking down at the street and the people passing by. My birthday! I have been on this pitiful world 43 years. It is a joke of the Gods. Suddenly, Captain Grisham and several soldiers were escorting a cart down the street. As they passed in front of Montoya, Grisham raised his hand to halt the advancement. His eyes twinkled as he looked up at his "benefactor".

"Good morning, Colonel," he chirped, "and a happy birthday to you."

"Gracias," Montoya replied acidly. "What is so good about it?"

"I don't know." Grisham smiled impishly as he dismounted and got into the cart. "Maybe this might help." He bent over and held up the body of a woman dressed in black and wearing a lace mask. The Queen of Swords! Three gaping wounds tore her black blouse as blood seeped out. Montoya hurried down the stairs and into the cart. He closely examined the body. Lithe yet voluptous. Face, what little there was exposed, smooth and soft. Montoya felt a stirring in his breast starting to grow.

"We're on our way to the center of town to show everyone."

"Yes, Marcus. Do that. I will be with you presently."

"See you there, sir. Soldiers, move out!"

"Marcus?" Grisham turned to Montoya who had a smile starting to form on his handsome reptilian features. "Thank you." As Grisham and the soldiers rode off with the carriage, the stirring in Montoya's breast increased. It was joy. No, it was ECSTASY! Pure, unabashed, unadulterated ECSTASY! The woman who was the burr in his saddle. The pebble in his boot. The thorn in his side. The demon from Le Rey de Inferno himself sent to torture Montoya. The so-called "Avenging Angel". The Queen of Swords was DEAD! The ecstasy increased until Montoya felt his heart burst with jubilation and ebullience. A loud scream of joy pierced the silence as the most Satanic laugh echoed around the street.

Agonized shrieks and sobbing filled the street and the body of the Queen was thrown onto the ground in front of a gathered crowd. The soldiers had to struggle to keep the grieving peons from rushing Grisham who stood over the body with a slight smirk on his face.

Dr. Helm burst through and began to examine her, his face a mask of grief and concern. NO! It can't be! "Grisham!" Helm demanded. "What the hell happened?"

"She tried to escape," Grisham shrugged. "My men had no choice to shoot her."

"I'm sure you had no choice!"

Vera's Gypsy maid Ana was sobbing while clutching Marta tightly as the older woman and Tessa offered her comfort. Suddenly, a loud scream and laughing was heard. The crowd turned and there was murmuring and gasps. It was Montoya! He was dancing and skipping up the road in sheer jubiliation.

"When you're down and out," his rich baritone boomed, "pick up your head and shout-'It's gonna be a great day'!"

How vulgar! A woman lay dead and the Colonel had the gall to celebrate it. Icy glares graced Montoya who ignored them.

"Angels in the sky, telling you by and by, it's gonna be a great day!"

"My God!" Helm thundered. "You're a bloody ghoul!"

"Gabriel will warn you, one summer morn, you will hear his horn--Good morning, ladies! You look well." Montoya interrupted his song seeing Marta, Tessa and Ana. The two Gypsy women glared holes through Montoya as Tessa was trying very hard (and almost failing) to keep from laughing at Montoya's tacky, tactless display.

"Well, Colonel," Tessa smiled. "Happy Birthday. Obviously, you must have received quite a present to justify such spiritedness."

"Thank you, senorita," Montoya crowed, GLOATING written all over his face as he brushed Tessa's hand with a kiss. "I indeed have such a present." he gestured to the corpse in the middle of the street. "The Holy Father has heard my prayers."

"Well," Tessa cooed dryly, "all good things come to those who wait."

"How very true. My dear Marta." He held her hand. "You look ravishing as well." Marta simply glared as she tore her hand out of his with disgust as if it was diseased. Ana spat vindictively in Montoya's face as she scorched the town's ears with scathing molten Rom oaths. Montoya simply shrugged as he wiped away the offensive spittle. "Perhaps, Maria Teresa, you and Marta will do me the pleasure of having lunch with me this afternoon?"

The Gypsy in question glared icily. How dare he! "It would be an honor," Tessa smiled, ignoring the Rom oaths scorching her ears.

"Good. One o'clock, Senorita?"

"We will see you then." Tessa and Marta left with a furious and grief-stricken Ana. Helm followed them, himself disgusted at Montoya's display. Grisham had the soldiers disperse the crowd, which left with a gloomy air of dispair and hopelessness. Nobody saw the young man dressed in expensive clothing watching the goings-on. A grim expression marred the otherwise cherubically handsome face.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Marta snarled as her ward dressed for their lunch date with Montoya. "Have you completely taken leave of your senses?!"

"I am 'dead', Marta," Tessa smiled gently. "What is the problem?" Poor Marta. Always the "mother hen", as Captain Grisham would say.

"You want me to have lunch with that monstro?! That culebra?!"

"We are all human, Marta. Besides, it is his birthday."

"I do not care if the Pope himself was a guest, I will not dine with a man who celebrate another person's death."

"I found it entertaining. I have never seen the Colonel so happy, even if it was at my expense. Let him enjoy it for awhile. The Queen will ruin it soon enough."

"My dear Marcus," Montoya crowed as he lit Grisham's cigar. "You can not begin to know how happy you and your men have made me."

"A pleasure, Colonel," Grisham replied. "All in a day's work."

"Well, Major Grisham. This is for your hard work and loyal service." Montoya gave the ex-patriate a large bag filled with coins. Three times Grisham's pay!

"Thanks. I better get back to the men."

"Why don't you and the men take the day off--Yes, Javier?"

The elderly footman entered and bowed. "Forgive the intrusion, Colonel. The senorita and her Gypsy witch are here."

"Splendid. Show them in."

"Yes, sir. There is also a young gentleman with them."

"Really? Well, show him in as well. And, Javier?"

"Yes, sir?"

"You and the staff need a break. Show our guests in and take the rest of the day off."

Nodding uncertainly, Javier left while Grisham watched this with raised eyebrows. A promotion. Boost in pay. Me and the men getting the day off. Now the hired help? Damn! Louie is in rare form. Javier entered followed by Tessa, Marta and the young man from the square. Grisham saluted and followed the footman out.

The man stepped forward and bowed with his hand offered. "Buenos tardes, Colonel," he greeted solemnly. "I am Francsico Castillo Diego de la Vega. It is an honor to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Senor de la Vega," Montoya replied shaking hands. "Yet I do not recall inviting you."

"Forgive me, Colonel," Tessa smiled as she curtsied, holding her hand out for Montoya to kiss. "Diego is an old family friend. I took the liberty of inviting him. Surely you do not object?"

"Maria Teresa, he is welcome. I believe the gringos have the expression 'the more the merrier.' Marta? Why so sad?"

"The Americanos," Marta replied cooly, "also have the expression 'under protest'. I am here as such."

"Marta." Tessa gently mock-scolded. "Do not be rude."

"I am not offended." Montoya stroked Marta's cheek, a lupine grin on his visage. "It must be difficult seeing the idol of so many fall."

"She was a bit of a troublemaker, from what I hear," de la Vega interjected.

"Now she is a dead troublemaker. Come, dear guests. Lunch awaits."

It was a warm evening as Pablo walked out of the cantina, having spent a good part of the night drowning his grief. A few of Grisham's soldiers appeared and decided to have a little fun. "Hey, peon! Who's going to stand up for you now?"

"Si! Your Avenging Angel is dead! What will you do now?" The soliders surrounded Pablo and began to not-so-gently push him into each other and play keep away with his sombrero and money. Pablo tried to grab them but found himself knocked to the ground time after time.

"Are we amusing ourself?" A voice called behind them. The soldiers turned and saw an athletic well-built figure clad in black standing eyeing them with amused contempt. A black mask covered half his face and a black sombrero rested on his head.

The soldiers grinned. "And who are you supposed to be?"

"Si. Le Rey de Espadas?"

"Someone who idolized the Queen. Kill him!" The soldiers attacked, but the masked man was panther-quick and graceful. He was also not above getting physical as he snapped the necks of two men. His swordplay was almost superhuman as he easily outdueled the soldiers and disarmed them. He dropped them with knees to the groin and upper cuts.

Pablo watched as the man stood over one of the dead soldiers and made three cuts into his tunic. The man then helped Pablo up and whistled. A giant black stallion appeared from nowhere and stood as the man mounted. Saluting Pablo, the man reared the stallion back. "Let's go, Tornado!" the man rode off.

Pablo stood there mouth agape. Tornado?! He ran over to the soldiers on the ground and saw the marks on the tunic. The slashes formed a Z! Zorro! Pablo dropped to his knees and began a tearful prayer. The Fox had returned! He had returned to carry on the Queen of Swords' work! Another black-clad figure observed this with a smile on her face. Montoya is in for quite a surprise.

"Se vuol ballare, Signor Contino. Se vuol ballare, Signor Contino," Montoya sang in his rich baritone. "Il chitarrino le suonero. Il chitarrino le suonero. Le suonero, si. Le suonero, si. Le suonero." Tessa had been invited to breakfast and was enjoying her meal as Montoya entertained her with Figaro's plotting aria from Marriage of Figaro.

Marta stood by the door, arms folded, glaring at Montoya as she watched her ward like a mother hawk. She had steadfastedly refused a single morsel, even refused to sit at the same table as Montoya.

"You have a remarkable voice, Colonel," Tessa smiled as she fluttered her fan. "It is sad you did not make opera your career."

"You are too kind. Yet, I have enjoyed Mozart's works."

"I find it incredible he wrote such wonderful music at so young an age."

Suddenly, two soldiers burst in and saluted as Montoya greeted the interruption with a chilly eyebrow arched ceilingward.

"Forgive the intrusion, Colonel," one soldier stated nervously.

"I assume you have a good explanation for this," Montoya replied sternly.

"Yes, Colonel. This." the other soldier stepped forward and placed the dead man's tunic on the table and stepped back to attention. Montoya glanced at the tunic and saw the Z cut into the fabric. He was able to choke down a gasp, but his body language indicated he was disturbed. He waved away the soldiers and turned toward Tessa.

"Maria Teresa," Montoya bowed, ever the gentleman. "I am afraid some has come up suddenly. Could we continue this another time?"

"Of course, Colonel," Tessa rose and curtsied. "Thank you for a wonderful time."

"It is always a pleasure. Perhaps Marta will be in a better mood next time?" "Perhaps. Marta?" The two walked out of the dining hall and out of the hacienda, their faces smiling conspiratorially. They climbed aboard the cart and rode home. On the way home, a black horse appeared out of nowhere and the black-clad rider tipped his sombrero.

"Have a good time?" he queried.

"Yes, Diego," Tessa replied. "You are certainly busy."

"Not really. I saved twelve Gypsies from being executed and "borrowed" gold from the Colonel so the people can pay their taxes."

"Well done. Don Hildago and your father would be proud."

"So. I know the Queen is 'dead', but how long are you going to be?"

"I do not know. It is nice to lead a normal life for a change, but not too long."

"Well, I will see you at the Hacienda."

Zorro/Diego rode off toward the hacienda as Tessa watched him go. She thought back not too long ago when she the Queen met THE Zorro, Don Gaspar Hildago's father, who passed the torch and gave her his mask as a souvenir. She later learned there was a Don Diego Tobias Sanchez de la Vega who was also Zorro when the original retired. Now, Diego the son, having heard the Queen of Swords was dead, decided to follow in his father and Don Hildago's footsteps and assume the mask of the Fox.

Marta gazed at the younger woman a mixture of worry and loving disapproval. "He is right, Tessita querida," she intoned stroking Tessa's raven mane. "Yes, it is nice to take a break from fighting Montoya, but remember your father. It is your destiny to be the Queen of Swords."

"I know. The people miss her."

"I would suggest that perhaps the Queen of Swords rise from the dead."

"Just a little longer, Marta. I promise."

It had been several frustrating days for Montoya. Gold was liberated for the people to pay their taxes. Soldiers were beaten and stripped. To top it off, he and Grisham fought the perpetrator and were soundly outclassed. Yet, this phantom left no Tarot card depicting The Queen of Swords. Instead, the "souvenir" was a Z slashed into a wall, someone's clothes, someone's skin. DIABLO! I thought he was only a legend, but now he is even more of an annoyance than the Queen of Swords! Meanwhile, Tessa Alvarado was enjoying acutally having a normal life, playing the Spanish aristocrat without having to assume the Queen persona. Yet, Marta was correct. Her father, Don Rafael Alvarado, had shown her her destiny which was to fight for justice.

It was a dark starless night and Grisham and his men were chasing Zorro through the desert after he commandeered the umpteenth money carriage to give to the people. Zorro was well ahead of them and easily outrode the bullets, yet the soldiers were gaining. Suddenly, he caught sight of another figure on horseback gesturing for him to follow. He caught up and saw the Queen of Swords sitting on Chico, smiling conspiratorially and as one greeting a kindred spirit. The two rode through the canyon and to the cabin where they dismounted and tied their horses to the post.

Both Queen and Fox entered the cabin and removed their masks. Tessa gestured Diego to sit on the bed as she made coffee and poured two cups for them. "Another successful night?" she smiled as she sat next to him.

"Yes," he sipped. "A most exhilirating night. I feel sorry for the Americano."

"Captain Grisham? He tries, but he seems 'out of his league', as they say."

"Amazing he does not kill Montoya. Or vice versa."

"Give it time, Diego," Tessa smirked dryly as she sipped. "It may occur."

"So how does it feel being dead? I hear the funeral was amazing."

"To be honest, it is actually liberating to be myself for a change and not have to wear any masks."

"Yet, the people look up to you. You are their hope for justice."

"Si, Diego. Papa would tell me stories about Zorro when I was a girl and how he fought for justice and how I wanted to be like him."

"I think he would appreciate you carrying on his legacy."

"He does. He gave me his mask as, the Americanos have the expression 'passing the torch'."

"When I heard the Queen was dead, I grieved. I did not feel it was right for injustice to win and--"

Tessa gently put a hand over Diego's mouth and kissed his cheek. Removing her boots, she sat cross-legged on the bed. "I really appreciate your help. Don Hildago and your father would be more than proud of you carrying on the Zorro/de la Vega name."

"Gracias. I just hope I was not, 'invading your turf'?"

"No, though it is time for the Queen to reserruct from the dead."

"What did you have in mind?"

"As the Americanos say, 'let us sleep on it'." The two aristocrats/vigilantes finished their coffee as Tessa doused the flame. Diego offered to sleep on the floor, but Tessa trusted him to share the bed without any "inproprieties". The thick fur pelts covered the two and warmed them as they slept soundly through the night.

The next morning the news sent shockwaves throughout Santa Helena. Zorro had been CAUGHT! The masked man had attempted a pre-dawn invasion of Montoya's study to lift gold from his hidden chamber to give to the church when he found Montoya and Grisham waiting with their soldiers. He was arrested and interrogated, but did not talk. Montoya then ordered him to be immediately executed. Soldiers had been dispersed to gather the people to the square to witness the legendary Zorro meet his end by firing squad.

The masked man waved and blew kisses to the crowd as he walked to the post with dignity. A number of peons and Gypsies were sobbing softly as they wondered who would fight for them now.

"Senor Zorro," Montoya smiled. "You are guilty of crimes against the people."

"The only one commiting the crimes," Zorro replied simply, "is you, mi Colonel ."

"It is almost sad to have to execute a living legend, but the law can not play favorites."

"May the Holy Father be merciful, Colonel Montoya."

"May he forgive your soul as well. Captain? In your own time." Grisham saluted and offered Zorro a blindfold which the masked man refused.

"Zorro is not afraid to look Death in the eye, Captain." Grisham raised his sword and was about to order the soldiers to raise their guns when a whip appeared and yanked it out of his hand. He and everyone turned to where the whip appeared and gasped as the Queen of Swords stepped from the shadows. Montoya's jaw dropped to the platform he sat on as his eyes bugged from his sockets. No! It was not possible! Ana and a few peons began crying in joyous disbelief. Their savior had returned!

"The Queen is alive! The Queen is ALIVE!"

"VIVA LE REINA DE ESPADAS!"

"All hail the Queen of Swords!"

The Queen disappeared then reappeared standing astride Tornado and Chico, her sword drawn and raven mane flying wildly as they galloped toward the black horse's master. She leaped and did a forward flip, slicing Zorro's hands free as she landed. Zorro grabbed his sword and threw the sheath aside and there the two vigilantes stood. Side by side. El Zorro y Le Reina de Espadas. Two living legends. The Queen and the Fox.

"Welcome to the party," he smirked. "I thought you would not show."

"I never miss one of Montoya's parties," the Queen grinned. "Two against twenty."

"I say the odds are even. Shall we dance?"

"Let us. Mind if I lead?"

"Ladies first." The people of Santa Helena were blessed with a TREAT! Not one, but two masked, black-clad vigilantes were putting on a show, fighting Grisham and his soldiers and their swordplay and acrobatics and whip play were putting the soldiers to shame as Montoya just sat where he was catatonic, with shock. Soldiers were booted in the rear. Conked on the head with sword handles. Flipped over. They suffered all sorts of abuse as the peons roared their thunderous approval.

"ZORRO!" "REINA!" "ZORRO!" "REINA!" "ZORRO!" "REINA!" "ZORRO!" "REINA!" The cheers and jubilation were contagious as soon the whole gathering began cheering for the vigilantes. Montoya snapped out of it and his face twisted into a mask of fury as he ripped his sword out of his scabbard.

"The Colonel wants to cut in," the Queen mused.

"Do you want him," Zorro chuckled, "or shall I entertain him?" Suddenly, Zorro heard a gun click against the side of his head. he turned and saw Grisham pointing a gun at him while holding a sword.

"Hey, Living Legend!" Grisham sneered unimpressed. "How about trying me on for size?"

"I guess the Colonel is yours, Your Majesty."

"That is not a problem. Enjoy your waltz."

"Gracias." Zorro removed his hat and cape, a peon appearing and taking them. "Would you like to lead, Capitan?" He drew and pointed his sword at Grisham's neck. The two men crossed swords and had at it while Montoya and the Queen had their own little tet-e-tet. The crowd cheered and thank God for blessing them with a spectacle for the ages as three of the finest swordsman and a fine swordswoman treated them with parries, thrusts and counterparries with mindboggling acrobatics and Zorro and the Queen teaming on some spectacular flipping attacks. Both Montoya and Grisham were becoming fatigued as the two masked vigilantes seemed indefatigable.Finally, Montoya and Grisham were disarmed easily and knocked to the ground where they panted heavily, perspiring heavily.

Zorro smiled as he pointed his sword at Grisham's neck. "Thank you for the dance, Captian. Your technique is a bit weak, but it was a most enjoyable skirmish. A momento." Zorro nonchalantly slashed his trademark Z into the ex-patriate's tunic as the Queen kneeled on Montoya's chest, leaning forward with both arms resting on it. A mock-pitying smile formed on her lips.

"Poor Luis," the soft alto gently teasing his ears. "You were so happy when you though I was dead."

"How can you be alive?!" Montoya replied. " I saw you and examined you myself!"

"The 'Queen' was actually a Gitano girl who bore a resemblance to me. So the confusion is understandable."

"Diablo! I thought it was too good to be true." The Queen smiled as she kissed Montoya on the forehead. Suddenly--

"Se vuol ballare, Signor Contino. Se vuol ballare, Signor Contino," the Queen sang sweetly as Montoya's mouth dropped at hearing his gloating forced down his throat. "Il chitarrino le suonero. Le suonero, si."

The Queen kissed Montoya's cheek. "Le suonero, si." She sang that slower as she planted a long kiss on his lips causing gasps, murmurs and chuckles everywhere.

"Le suonero." the last time she spoke it as she pulled out her dagger and began caressing Montoya's crotch with it. "If you wish to dance, Colonel Montoya--I am the one who will name the tune."

She removed the Tarot and placed it on Montoya's chest as Zorro helped her up. The masked man slashed his Z onto the post as the crowd cheered raucously. The two vigilante's hopped on their respective mounts and rode off as the townspeople followed them with cheering and prayers of thanks.

The next day, Diego enjoyed a final meal before loading Tornado for his trip to San Luis Ospisbo. Tessa sat across from him, toying with her food. "It was nice for you to help."

"For a fellow crimefighter, it is always a pleasure."

"Thank you for letting me be Maria Teresa for awhile."

"Thank you for carrying on Papa and Don Hildago's legacy. They chose wisely in passing the mantle on to you."

"You do quite well yourself." Tessa rose and walked around to embrace him. "Thank you for being a friend, Diego."

"You are like the little sister I never had. I will always be there for you." Diego gave Marta and Tessa a final embrace and kiss on the cheek before mounting.

"May the Goddess protect you," Marta smiled. "Vaya con dios, Marta. May you and Tessa remain healthy and prosperous." Diego reared Tornado up and back then rode off into the desert. Zorro himself fought side by side with me. A story for the little ones in the future indeed!.

THE END

©The Queen and The Fox - Neil Burns - March 2001

Please send your comments to the author, Neil Burns