Part Two: Traveling

Inez moaned in her bunk. "I have never gotten seasick before, I do not understand this. Ooh…Magdalena, fetch me my shawl."

Magdalena did as her aunt asked, feeling a headache coming on. "I need to get some air." She said. "Con permiso, Inez?"

"Oh, all right, but do not stay on deck too long. Ooh, I feel wretched."

Magdalena hurried up on deck. The sea air felt wonderful on her face. Spying many men, but few women, on deck she pulled her shawl more tightly around her. Her dress, a dark green walking gown, rippled around her legs. She felt, rather than saw, the men's gazes on her. Relief spread through her when she ascertained none would approach her. She didn't have time for what these caballeros would call romance. She reached the rail and grasped it tightly. She inhaled the sea air and tried to pretend that the eagle feather, which currently resided in her trunk, was not so ominous. Truth be told, she could not read the message. Alenez, sensing her second thoughts, had never taught her the language.

"Senorita." A man tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around in surprise. A small, dark man with a French looking mustache stood there. "It is not safe for you to be so close to the rail." The man said, gesturing her away from it.

She stepped away from him. "Gracias, senor." She said quietly, turning to escape.

"Wait, senorita, I did not—"

She hurried back to her cabin, not looking back. What manners, she thought. Why would he speak to me in that manner? I do not know him. We have not been introduced, and my duena was not with me.
Oh? That did not matter with Alenez, a sly voice hissed in her head. She angrily let herself back inside the cabin, vowing to not back on deck.


That vow was quickly broken, when the very next morning, Inez felt better. "I knew it wouldn't last!" She said chirpily. "Where is Renata? I need help with my dress."

"I'll do it, Inez." Magdalena volunteered. Her fingers flew up the back of her aunt's blue dress, fastening it securely.

"Gracias, Magdalena. You are most helpful. Now let us go on deck; it is terribly stuffy in here!" She said and led Magdalena up to deck. To Magdalena's relief, there were more ladies on deck today. A petite, raven haired senorita passed her, arm in arm with who appeared to be her father, going back below deck. "Maybe once we are in Monterey," she heard the father saying.

A sigh escaped Magdalena. If only her father hadn't gone back to Los Angeles so suddenly, perhaps she wouldn't have felt so lost and lonely in that damned city. And she had been forced to stay with her father's cousin Valentina—a sharp tongued widow who belittled Magdalena every chance she got.
And the girls there, besides Bonita—and while Bonita was kind, she was also spineless and not much of a friend—most of them were nasty little things who gossiped if you simply didn't wear your mantilla at the evening meal. Shameless, they called her. Loose, when she had stopped to give a man directions. "Well, she is from California. No wonder she doesn't have correct manners." She didn't even remember her time in California! "No wonder her father left her here when he returned to Los Angeles. I'd be ashamed of her too." They'd said upon finding her paying a street musician.

Well, she knew it wasn't protocol to talk with strange men, but that tune he had played was so…haunting, almost, that she had been desperate to learn it, and had had him play it over and over again so she might remember it.

And then there was Pilar de Santos, a tall, forceful girl, with a nice figure but a plain face and an ugly temperament. Because of an unfortunate incident at a dance, when Pilar's betrothed had asked Magdalena to dance instead of Pilar, she had vowed to hate Magdalena and she had made every fiesta Magdalena had gone to after that a horror, especially the cursed Varga one…
She had just turned nineteen, and Valentina had begrudgingly bought her a white dress with the money her father had sent. It was beautiful and Magdalena took pride in how the men looked at her with hungry eyes and the women with envy. But Pilar had spilled her wine all down the front of the dress. The whole thing had been ruined and Magdalena had simply stood a moment, trying to keep herself under control. She didn't want to even contemplate what Valentina would say if she saw her thusly. She had to get her shawl. Her cheeks burning, she nevertheless refused to let her embarrassment show and held her head high as she walked through the crowd to get it. Maybe that was why Alenez had approached her, because she had shown such pride. He had complimented her on her decorum. She had thought, that night, that because he was so much older, enough to be her grandfather, he could be no harm. Oh, how wrong she'd been.


She came back to the present to find a man bowing to Inez and herself. "I am Sebastian Mendoza." He said, attempting to take Inez's hand to kiss. She pulled it away from his hand but not particularly obviously. "I am Inez Herrera. This is my niece, Magdalena Montes."

"It is a pleasure." He said and took Magdalena's hand before she could pull it away. His lips brushed it and his mustache was sharp, poking her. She wished she'd worn gloves, but then found herself softening towards Senor Mendoza. He was poorly dressed and he had been rather forward yesterday, but it had only been to warn her away from the rail. She nodded to him as he straightened and a smile spread over his face. "Senorita Montes, may I—"

"No," Inez said sharply. "Come along, Magdalena."

Well, Magdalena didn't like him enough to protest her aunt's rudeness. She let herself be pulled away but turned to wave farewell to him. She was surprised to see a shrewd, calculating look on his face as he turned away.


Dinner was a formal affair. There was a small dining room aboard the ship. Seats were not assigned; and Magdalena and Inez found themselves joined by Senor Mendoza and the father-daughter duo Magdalena had seen earlier. "I am Don Gregorio Verdugo, and this is my daughter, Anna Maria." He announced as they sat down.

"I am Dona Inez Herrera and this is my niece, Magdalena." Inez said and Don Gregorio nodded.

Senor Mendoza was less impressive. "Sebastian Mendoza." He said simply. Don Gregorio's gaze merely skated over him.

"We have just finished a month long stay in Mexico City," Anna Maria told Magdalena. "It was wonderful. We went to the most wonderful fiestas and I got three new gowns because mine were out of style! This is one of them." She said, gesturing over herself. She wore a very elaborate blue silk, trimmed in black lace with a very delicate lace shawl to go around it. The skirt had flounces. Magdalena acknowledged that it was a very beautiful gown and Anna Maria beamed at the compliment.

As for the other passengers there, there were three senoritas who appeared to be traveling together, with an aged old aunt for duena, and some random caballeros. She did not care to remember the men's names but the girls were Lupe Santiago, Lolita Duarte and Rafaela Medina. Magdalena did not have many female friends—Bonita could barely count— and couldn't remember ever being close to a another woman. From as far back she remembered, she had had few women in her life. Her grandmother had died when Magdalena was three, and she therefore had no memories of her either. She had grown up in a man's world and that had made girls shy of her. She was too pretty, too good at riding, too at ease with boys. Bonita had visited frequently but all her visits had been mind numbingly dull and though Magdalena had been grateful for her company, she had always been relieved when the girl took her leave.

As it was the first evening, everyone had worn their best. Anna Maria's gown was by far the fanciest there. Lupe was charming in a pink gown, Lolita in a purple and Rafaela in red, as was Magdalena, but Rafaela's dress was brighter. Magdalena wore her best dress, an orangeish red gown, with long tight sleeves, a tight bodice and a full skirt. Though her skirt was fuller, as her gown was meant for dancing and Anna Maria's wasn't, the other girl's gown was undeniably grander.

But Anna Maria was friendly and honest. It was obvious to everyone that the Verdugos were very close, and Anna Maria obviously loved her father very much and he took great pride in his elegant daughter. "Father has a grand plan," Anna Maria was saying. "We are always so short of things in California, and soon he will be going straight to the King to get more supplies. Of course, we need donations and nothing is finalized but my father plans to help all of California get their fair due of supplies. We plan to go in the next year." Her eyes shone with excitement. "Of course, I will go with him to meet the King."

She squeezed her father's hand and Magdalena felt the sting of jealousy. Why hadn't her father taken her with him when he returned to Los Angeles? Surely it made more sense than leaving her. If only his health had prevailed or he hadn't chosen for her to have such a grand upbringing, she would still have no secrets from him, nothing to feel bitter about.

The other senoritas, especially Rafaela, hung around their table after the meal ended. Magdalena found herself liking Rafaela. She had certain fierceness, boldness, about her and it showed. She was outspoken and unafraid. She challenged the men's ideas on things. Why is that she is merely dubbed outspoken, yet I am 'loose'? Magdalena wondered. The evening was wonderful for Magdalena. She couldn't remember ever smiling more or laughing in the company of women. The girls seemed to like her in return, and everything was lovely until the end of the evening.

"So you are Magdalena Herrera?" Anna Maria asked. The other girls had departed and only the Verdugos were at their table now. They too were getting ready to return to their cabins.

"No, I am Magdalena Montes. My father is Francisco."

"Francisco?" Don Gregorio queried. "I don't think I've personally met him but I have heard mention of him. I believe Alejandro de la Vega has mentioned him. You know the de la Vegas, si?" He asked. Magdalena was happy to say she did.

"Si, Alejandro and my father are great friends." Magdalena assured him.

Inez added, "They are hopeful of a match between her and Diego." Gregorio's eyes twinkled. "Ah. Alejandro is a good man. We fought many battles together during the war."

Magdalena nodded, only then noticing how still Anna Maria had become since she had named herself as Magdalena Montes, not Herrera.

She and Inez excused themselves and were going to their cabin when Inez realized she'd left her gloves at the table and sent

Magdalena back for them. As Magdalena walked, she accidentally overheard the Verdugos speaking.
"Father, that was Magdalena Montes." Anna Maria hissed.
"Si, daughter of Francisco."
"I heard many rumors of her when we were in Mexico City. It is said she is…loose."
"She was very well mannered tonight."
"Still, father, we would not want to be associated with a woman of her…questionable reputation."
"All right, Anna Maria. We will not speak with her again."

The very next day, Rafaela was approaching her, when Anna Maria darted out and told her something. Magdalena had watched, out of the corner of her eye, as Rafaela considered this bit of news that Anna Maria had given. She silently cheered when Rafaela brushed past Anna Maria and sat down next to Magdalena.

"I hear you do not have the most sterling of reputations," she said matter-of-factly. "I would just like to know—are these rumors based at all in fact?"

"Some of them are," Magdalena returned. Rafaela looked surprised at her honesty.

"Do you care to say which ones?"

"Not really," Magdalena ducked her head, pretending the sun was too bright.

Rafaela tipped her head, considering. "I don't like to do this. I like you. But Lupe is a very fragile girl and Lolita is on the verge of being proposed to. For their sakes, I won't keep company with you. If I were alone, none of these things would matter, but they are like sisters to me." She stood again. "I would say to not take it personally, but I don't suppose there is any other way to take it."

Magdalena also stood. "I greatly appreciate you telling me why you will avoid me from hereon."

Rafaela smiled and turned to look at the sun, some bitterness showing in her expression. "I've done silly things also."


Days passed in blurs of gazes skating away Magdalena and Inez. The vaqueros still made their way to her side, but she rebuffed them firmly, unconsciously trying to prove herself to Rafaela.

But still, the women avoided her, and only Senor Mendoza sat at their table. As much as Magdalena pretended it didn't bother her, the pitying glances Lupe shot at her, the scandalized peeks Lolita made and the complete avoidance of eye contact from Rafaela overwhelmed her one night and Magdalena couldn't stand it anymore and excused herself, going up on deck and choking back the tears that threatened as she paced in the moonlight.

"Senorita Montes, are you all right?" It was Senor Mendoza who had sought her out. Magdalena stiffened. She turned; ready to lash out at him but…he held an eagle feather.

"Is this the source of your troubles?" He asked, twirling it.

She only nodded, shaken. Mendoza smiled slightly. "I thought so. I was sent by the Viceroy to spy on you; he knows you are an agent of the Eagle. I saw the reluctance in you; you do not wish to follow him any longer. I offer you safety. Tell me what you know and I shall protect you from Alenez's wrath."

He must be telling the truth, he even knew of Alenez, one of the Eagle's best agents because he was believed to be unknown by the Eagle's enemies.

Her whole world stopped spinning. Was there truly a way out? "Si, si!" She exclaimed, reaching for his hand to seal the deal.
Anna Maria and Don Gregorio chose that moment to emerge on deck just as her hand touched Mendoza's. Both looked at her in shock and Magdalena felt simply frozen, unable to pull her hand from Mendoza's. Anna Maria raised her nose in the air and pulled her father along with her as they hurried away.
Tears again stinging, but this time from anger, Magdalena ripped her hand from Mendoza's grasp and fled to her room.


In the morning, though, Magdalena sought him out and handed him a letter she had spent all night writing. Mendoza seemed surprised she had kept her word and took the missive silently. Magdalena returned to Inez's side and spent the day waiting on her now very seasick aunt, who again bemoaned how strange it was for her to be seasick.

When night fell, Mendoza handed her a missive under the guise of taking off his hat. When she finally reached her room, she read it slowly. "Senorita Montes, it is imperative you give false word to the Magistrado. You described to me what the feather was like, and I believe by altering it we could deal a severe blow to the Eagle's plans. The boat is docking tomorrow; it is best if I tell you the rest in person. I too will be continuing on to Los Angeles. Under your aunt's eye, we won't be able to speak. It will have to be after we have reached Los Angeles but before you hand it over to the Magistrado. Do no contact me in Los Angeles until the morning after your arrival there. I will explain everything when we speak then, and help you alter the feather. Sebastian Mendoza."
Magdalena finished the letter and felt as though a great load had been lifted from her. When she said her prayers that night, she said a whole Rosary for Sebastian Mendoza.


The ship indeed docked the next morning. To Rafaela's credit, she sought Magdalena out to say goodbye.

"So you are going to Los Angeles?" She asked, leaning in the doorway while Magdalena knelt by her trunk, digging through it for her gold shawl.

"Si, that is where my father's rancho is," Magdalena told her, uncovering a silk stocking without a pair but no shawl.

"You are lucky," Rafaela said.

"To be going to Los Angeles?" Magdalena stood, giving up on finding the shawl.

"Of course! Who wouldn't wish to go there?"

"What is the attraction that Los Angeles holds?" Magdalena asked, completely confused. "Isn't it very small and boring?"
Rafaela's eyes twinkled. "Probably, but the inhabitants aren't." Seeing that Magdalena was still confused, she laughed and continued.

"I am speaking of El Zorro!"

"What is so important about the foxes in Los Angeles?"

Rafaela smiled. "You truly have no idea."

Magdalena raised an eyebrow. Rafaela simply laughed again. "Take this," she said, giving her a handkerchief. "Something to remember me by. A handkerchief is a most pitiful parting gift, but I don't have anything else."

In return, Magdalena handed her the stocking she had found with no pair and both women burst out laughing. "I now regret even more that I avoided you," Rafaela said seriously. "I shouldn't have cared about those things."

Magdalena shook her head. "You were thinking of your friends."

"That was no excuse." Still holding the stocking, Rafaela embraced her. "I live in San Francisco. Write to me sometime, invite me for a visit, eh?"

Magdalena nodded and Rafaela slipped away.


There was no coach leaving straight away to Los Angeles, due to some difficulty with the driver, and that was good, for Inez was not yet prepared to endure hours in an airless coach. The coach that would leave at the Angelus hour. This left them eight hours to spend in San Pedro. They spent it walking around before Inez decided she must rest before they left and they spent the rest of the day having a siesta at the inn there. At six, the coach left, with plans to stop for the night around ten o'clock.

When they boarded the coach to Los Angeles, Inez's lips pursed to see Mendoza join them. No other passengers were on the coach. Magdalena momentarily wondered what coaches the other passengers had taken but that was driven from her mind when the coach started.

They traveled into the night and finally stopped at the inn, later than planned. It had the most uncomfortable beds Magdalena had ever felt and she gave up trying to sleep around two in the morning, getting up and walking to the window. The moon's light shone down on her, comforting her. She felt tears slip down her cheeks and suddenly found herself sobbing violently, albeit without a sound.

She wasn't sure why exactly she cried. Maybe it was for herself and her lost innocence. She had been exposed to the world too suddenly, beginning with her mother's death as a result of a knifing, and her subsequent short childhood that soon turned to unhappy teenage years in the heart of Mexico City. Maybe it was for the loss of a promising friendship with Rafaela.
Maybe it was for her father, and all the things he did—could never—know about his only, beloved child.
Magdalena slid down against the wall, letting her body relax. She would just stay here a moment more, basking in the moonlight.


When she woke it was just dawn. The sun shone red beams through the window. Magdalena stood with the knowledge they would reach Los Angeles today. She would meet her father, and, most likely, the de la Vegas. Her father was not one to waste time.
Magdalena felt unsurprisingly stiff and sleepy as she dressed in a plain gown suitable for hours of riding in a coach, and yet she felt a sense of calm wash over her. Tomorrow Senor Mendoza would help her alter the feather. Maybe they could even change it to read that Magdalena would no longer work for the Eagle. With this thought, she smiled at her reflection. All would be well.


A/N: I sort of feel like I made the girls in Mexico City be too harsh, but I also feel like rumors would not swirl to the extreme that they would reach Los Angeles if she were well liked there and if she were well liked there, she would have been that much less likely to get involved with the Eagle. Happy people generally don't do stupid things like that. Plus, when I wrote this, I found myself remembering the part in the Music Man, when Marian is confronting Harold Hill

"One hears rumors about traveling salesmen."

"Oh, now, you mustn't believe everything you hear. After all, one even hears rumors about librarians." And then later,

"And as you say, if a salesman or somebody were jealous...they could be downright lies, now, couldn't they?"

Rafaela won't show up again. I know that it was a bit silly to add the Verdugos but Magdalena does seem to tense up when Diego mentions fellow passengers and then relax when she realizes he meant Mendoza. So what else happened on the boat? A flirtation is more likely but it would have been less fun to write.