Conclusion [A Few Hours Later]

[Rancho Montoya]

Sebastian sat behind his desk. His practiced eye combed his ledger's most recent reports. A deep frown creased his face. He beheld losses far greater than expected. The assumed couple of cows, as he'd put it to both Manolito and John, actually numbered in the dozens per incident. How can this be? He shook his head.

A slender man with a meticulously-trimmed dark beard stood before him. Emotion failed to penetrate his eyes or poker-faced expression. "Is there something wrong, Padron?"

"Wrong? WRONG?" Sebastian slammed the ledger shut. "¡Idiota! We've lost hundreds of cattle to raids! You told me the losses were minimal!" He sucked in a ragged breath. "You were to have surveyed the entire rancho! You're responsible for my stock and holdings! How could you miss these oversights, Eduardo? HOW?"

Eduardo frowned. "The banditos were clever. They…they moved the cattle a few from each of our herds. I do not know. I will investigate."

Sebastian's eyes blazed. Rage leapt from them. "You do that. The cattle will not be found. You find who's been taking them. Report back to me! IMMEDIATELY!"

"Si, Padron." Eduardo bowed. Before he could respond, a knocking came from the door.

"¿Si?" Sebastian called.

Pepe opened the door. "Excuse me, Padron. Rafael has returned. He wishes to speak with you."

"Gracias, Pepe. Please show him in." Sebastian nodded. Necessity demanded good news of some kind from the High Chaparral or elsewhere. Perhaps this would be such an accounting. "Leave me, Eduardo. You have your task. I have other matters."

"As you wish, Padron." Eduardo turned and walked down the hall. He considered the returning vaquero. What news do you have? He knew Pepe would be watching the door. Accordingly he pressed on toward his own quarters.

Rafael gave the other man little regard. His thoughts focused on the best report for his Padron. He marched up to the door. "Pepe, is he in?"

"He will see you." Pepe opened the door. "You may enter."

Rafael nodded to the chief servant. He strode into the chamber. Then, he shut the door behind himself. He bowed. "Padron."

Sebastian gulped a big mouthful from his brandy glass. "Please tell me you have good news."

"I do. I have just come from the High Chaparral. Señorita Vega de la Granada is safe there. The other vaqueros drive the herd here. Manolito carried himself well. His injuries hardly slowed him down at all," Rafael reported.

Sebastian closed his eyes. Relief brought a smile to his face. "And the Comancheros?"

"Sanchez and three of his men are in the Tucson jail. They will either go to Yuma or be hanged," Rafael added.

"Hanging's too good for them." Sebastian scowled. "Gracias. And the girl? How did she seem?"

"I did not see her, Padron. Buck Cannon and the ranch hand, Pedro, told me that she recovers. I could go back," Rafael clarified.

"Perhaps at some other point. I wish for you to rest. You will leave at first light. Meet up with the others driving our herds back. I want them guarded, Rafael. ¿Entiendes me?" Sebastian instructed.

"Si, Padron." Rafael bowed again.

"You may go. Have Pepe bring Padre Miguel," Sebastian told him.

Rafael left. He stopped to pass along the instructions to Pepe. Then they both headed down the hall.

Sebastian paced about the chamber. His eyes focused on the map behind his desk. He considered Tucson once more. "Everything has been set right in that regard. Excellent, Manolito and Victoria. And you both have brought Mercedes back there. As long as she is safe, let them have their time together. It has been too long. Besides John Cannon helped secure our missing cattle and horses. I suspect you have earned this opportunity." He exhaled. "She is the key to my hopes. May she convince you to take on this life, Manolito." He raised his glass. "To Ricardo's daughter. May she bring Manolito to his senses." He took another sip.

Another knock came from the door.

Pepe stuck his head in again. "Padron, the priest as you directed."

Miguel walked in. He smoothed his robes. "Don Sebastian, you wish to see me?"

"Si, Miguel. I have news. Please sit down," Sebastian offered.

"News? Have you heard about Mercedes?' Miguel stiffened.

"Si. She recovers at the High Chaparral. Manolito and the others are with her there. Meantime the missing herd is being brought back here," Sebastian informed him.

"That is great news indeed! I am so glad. At least our parents will have that news. Besides, Manolito proves himself further in Papa's eyes," Miguel supposed.

"Indeed so. I suspect your father may visit. We will deal with his feelings at that point. I pray he can handle your sister's choice," Sebastian declared.

"I hope so as well. Gracias, Don Sebastian. I do not wish to keep you. I know you are very busy. You are a most gracious host," Miguel concluded.

"And you are ever the polite guest. I believe dinner should be ready soon. I have had fish prepared. It is very good," Sebastian replied.

"Gracias." Miguel nodded to his host. Then, he departed.

Si. Let us hope all of our hopes are met. Sebastian took another draught from the glass. He balanced the good with the bad.

Quandaries persisted….

[High Chaparral]

Mercedes rocked in the chair. Her eyes surveyed the stars in their ebony backdrop. She felt none of Nocturne's chill. Rather, Amor warmed her. She admired Luna and her gentle light caressing the landscape.

Off in the distance, Natura serenaded her ears. A nightingale warbled its notes. A lonely coyote howled.

She sighed. Understanding and Contentment brought a smile to her face. "I can understand why you would like it here, Manolo. I can see now why you would want to spend one day after another in this land. Perhaps…"

Something soft draped itself across her shoulders.

"Perhaps what?" Manolito whispered into her ear. His lips whispered more of Amor's song across her cheek. "I have brought your shawl. I would not see you with a chill."

"That is so sweet, Manolo. Gracias." She smiled. Her eyes sparkled into his.

He grinned. "That is my duty. Is it not? It is also my pleasure." He added an exaggerated bow.

She chuckled. "Mano, you never change!"

"I am who I am. Why would I change in that regard at least?" He followed her eyes toward the night sky. "It is beautiful. Is it not? One day, we shall have our own place like this."

"Our own place? Oh, Manolo! I dream of that! When the right opportunity comes, we shall consider it. Meantime, I am enjoying working with Victoria and the others. It offers perspective," she told him.

"It will make you a better Donna one day, Mercedes. You already excel as the Queen of my Heart." He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it.

She snuggled close to him. Their eyes focused on Luna overhead. They only knew each other.

And in such ways, Amor does bond those who believe….

THE END (for now)