A/N: Sorry but the episode of "The Hanged Man" didn't happen (I don't even
quite remember the ep. very much but thanks to Kali for pointing out the
minor boo-boo's for Marcus's tale.)Btw, I don't know why I didn't put this
in the previous chapter: The character of "The Hunter" or "El Cazador" is
my own. I came up with the concept, personality, and all his "evilness" so
please don't use him without permission! I don't think he would like it
very much and he might try to hurt you........badly. ;-)
The Captain's Tale
They had been traveling for some time. Tessa wasn't exactly sure where they were going since darkness had descended over an hour ago. She was tired and her body ached sitting atop of El Cazador's horse. Wearily she could feel the jagged pain of his big arms crushing her waist.
A mixture of emotions churned inside her.
She was angry, downright pissed that El Cazador managed to capture her, while she couldn't even figure out what he looked like, let alone where they were.
At the same time, Tessa was quite worried about Marta. Knowing her mentor, she half-expected Marta to come after El Cazador if she got the chance.
Tessa didn't want Marta in any more danger; this El Cazador was her problem and she would do anything she could to prevent El Cazador from getting to Marta.
El Cazador hadn't spoken since his first words to her when she was captured. Tessa was glad he hadn't tried to talk to her. The growl of his voice sent a chilling wave through her. It was the kind of voice she had heard numerous times from the murderers she had encountered. Differences in mannerisms, accents, or postures didn't' matter; the voice of malevolence always chilled her to the bone.
But not Grisham.
No, he never had that kind of voice. It was typically rude, arrogant, boyish, coy, and although Tessa would never admit it out loud, it was even.........seductive.
His words were often harsh but underlying those words a tone of playfulness would seep through his callous appearance. There were times in battles between the Queen and him when Tessa could see his eyes didn't mirror the obnoxious language he emitted from his mouth. She always wondered why he was trying to keep up a pretense. She thought that he truly hated the Queen.
Unless................???
As her thoughts drifted, Tessa turned slightly to peek at the worn down captain walking last behind the group of bandits. His hat was gone, his usual flawless hair was a mess of waves, and there was blood on his face. While there was no apparent damage to his uniform, Tessa could tell there were black bruises underneath it. His hands were tied behind his back while two bandits on foot took turns watching him. Unbeknownst to Tessa, El Cazador had something else planned for the captain. It was critical for him to seize Grisham as well as Tessa.
A wave of pity washed over her. All of sudden, it was replaced by the steel grip of El Cazador's hand on her face, her head was twisted towards him. This unexpected action caused Tessa to cry out at the pain.
"Didn't I tell you to stop moving your pretty head around?! Our dear captain doesn't need your prying eyes on him. That bastard doesn't deserve your concern, little lady," El Cazador whispered menacingly in her ear.
"I believe it's my prerogative to look at whomever I want, El Cazador. Lucky for you I don't have to see your face." Tessa lashed out in fury. She couldn't take anymore of his insults. And she hated being called a "little lady".
El Cazador suddenly raised his right palm flat out and was ready to strike her when a shout of the pandilleros up ahead told them that they had finally reached their destination. He quickly changed his mind; instead, in one swift motion, he lifted his handkerchief and hat to greet his comrades. His mouth curled into a wide smile as he bellowed out towards the several men that had gathered on top of the cliff.
Tessa couldn't believe it. Some of the rumors were true. The scar's pale flesh stood out blazingly against his tanned skin. His red hair was swept loose from the ride. Although El Cazador was only six feet tall, he still towered over almost everyone. Oddly, he could have been a handsome man. Besides the scar, his green eyes were frightening to look at. They were like green diamonds. Hard and cold, there were no emotions in them.
What shocked Tessa the most was that El Cazador wasn't of Spanish origin. He was an American like Grisham.
An American with a Spanish moniker. Tessa had always believed differently.
Looking up, she could see that they had finally arrived at the lair of El Cazador and his bandits.
It was situated between several cliffs with numerous caves scattered along the rock faces. They were quite far from Santa Helena, but not very far that a horse could not accomplish in several minutes. However Montoya's soldiers did not patrol this area. The colonel had discussed the posts earlier that night and Tessa had a mental image of where the soldiers would be for future reference. El Cazador and his bandidos could stay here for a long time and nobody would notice them.
Looking around Tessa could see that most of his henchmen were Spanish. With so many bandits gathered in one place, Tessa began to feel apprehensive of her chances getting out of this place alive.
Snatching her hand, El Cazador yanked her upwards to the large cave. While Grisham followed weakly behind by several pandilleros surrounding him.
A sense of familiarity struck her. It was where Grisham took her when Perez injured her that day on the cliffs. She had stayed in one of those caves. Tessa couldn't help but wonder what would happen if El Cazador had saw the wounded Queen instead of the Senorita Alvarado in front of him now. Images of her injury during the recent showdown with Grisham flashed through her mind.
Trapped. Injured. Grisham. Blood. Succumbed into the darkness...........
If El Cazador ever found out that she was the Queen of Swords her entire life would be in jeopardy. Her family and friends' lives would be in the hands of the El Cazador. Tessa's body tensed at the thought of the cruel slaughters El Cazador was capable of to take away people's lives. The weight of her immense responsibility towards the people of Santa Helena crept into her insecure thoughts. Exhaling sharply, Tessa shook away her fear for the moment; she turned to survey the crowd that greeted their returning leader.
Looking around Tessa could see that most of his henchmen were Spanish. So many bandits gathered in one place, Tessa began to feel apprehensive of her chances getting out of this place alive.
Snatching her hand, El Cazador yanked her upwards to the large cave. While Grisham followed weakly behind by several pandilleros surrounding him.
There were probably eleven men riding with El Cazador that night, and a few dozen stayed behind to guard their home base. Tessa could feel despair grip her heart. Montoya's men didn't measure up to these bandidos. Besides being outnumbered, she saw that some of them had skills that the average thief didn't have. She saw there was a mock sword fight in the far corner of the hideout where six men had gathered, and they could handle the weapon well. Tessa, to her surprise, found herself silently berating in her head Grisham and his lieutenants for not teaching their soldiers well enough to handle skilled swordsmen.
On the other hand, they didn't have Senor Torres as their teacher. The Queen of Swords could whip their butts in combat. She was a little less fearful at the boost of confidence in herself.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long.
Her head quickly turned toward the source of the catcalls that had started since their arrival. A groan of disgust escaped her lips. Tessa realized, too late, that she was the only woman in their presence. This was a nightmare. She was surrounded by dirty men whose only companionship was each other and one evil commander. Blatant leers appeared on every one of their faces. She felt totally trapped, like a rabbit in a foxhole.
Glancing behind her, she saw Grisham staring passively at the large crowd jeering at him. She was surprised. Usually Grisham was too proud to allow anyone to whisper behind his back. In a flash, she strangely felt her resentment flare up against those men.
Taking Tessa's wrist in a vice-like grip, El Cazador lifted her left arm in the air. He stood in the center of the ring to announce his recent capture.
"Gentlemen! I would like to have your attention at this beautiful trophy we have managed to take from Montoya's soldiers. The captain was just a slight inconvenience, but think of all the treasures we will rob tomorrow! Tonight we will prepare for the battle. Santa Helena won't know what act of hell has risen in its midst!" Gesturing Tessa at his side, El Cazador showcased her towards the group of men.
The feeling of exposure and repugnance overwhelmed her. Tessa had never been viewed as an object before and with some thirty men gawking at her she felt a tremendous wave of humiliation.
Roars of agreement erupted as El Cazador finished his speech.
Angrily, Tessa pulled her arm down from that demonstration. El Cazador glared down in surprise, then he called two of his henchmen to take Grisham to a cave far away from the gathering. Shoving Tessa in front of him, he forced her to follow the three men.
The cave was roomy and a roaring fire glowed brightly, throwing dancing shadows on the walls. After dropping Grisham to his knees before Tessa, the bandits left the cave. The Queen, the Hunter, and the Captain of the Guard waited in tense silence. El Cazador paced while Tessa warily considered the reasons of their being in the cave with the bandit leader. Unable to take anymore of his pacing, Tessa broke the silence.
"Who are you?" Tessa asked staring at El Cazador in the eye.
"My, my. Aren't you a brave little lady?" He was impressed with Tessa's outburst. "El Cazador, or if you prefer, The Hunter. Same difference."
"You don't want to know what I would prefer calling you right now." Tessa's reserve was quickly fading. It was no use in the middle of nowhere anyway. Although she wasn't sure if Grisham had ever heard Senorita Alvarado talk like that.
"Bitch!" El Cazador advanced angrily to her.
"Huntley! William Cody Huntley." Stopping in his tracks, El Cazador looked down at the worn out captain. Tessa was stunned to hear Grisham reveal El Cazador's true name.
"Well, well, Captain, you're finally talkin' thought you passed out a long time ago."
"Shove it. What do you want with me anyways?!"
"Not you, dimwit. Her." El Cazador's eyes traveled hungrily behind Grisham to focus on Tessa.
Still trying to process these new revelations between the two men, Tessa was unaware that Grisham had unsteadily stood up. Hands tied behind his back, he was still able to raise to his full height. Standing directly in front her, he blocked El Cazador's drifting eyes. Sickened by El Cazador's intentional meaning, Tessa tried to change the subject.
"How did you two know each other?"
At the same time Grisham asked a question of his own.
"Why her?"
Giving a sarcastic chuckle, El Cazador replied with another question.
"Why don't you ask Captain Grisham about that one?"
Turning toward Grisham, Tessa searched his face for an answer.
"We were in the army together." Grisham replied hesitantly.
"Hahahaaha.........I think there's more to it, Marcus." El Cazador's eyes gleamed in anticipation.
"Your turn." Grisham was tired of his provocations.
"Hmmmmmmm........heard the daughter of Don Alvarado lives here in Santa Helena. Thought I come to visit her in person, besides I need a vacation. And if I wish, take up new residence." He winked at Tessa's appalled reaction.
"No." Grisham dismissed it straight out.
"Oh, no?"
"You wanted to rob the Alvarado estate first. But you're curious and wanted to check out if Senorita Alvarado is pretty enough to suit your fancy. Either you marry her to gain her money and lands or just plainly take her. Bad guys think alike, Huntley. You ain't different." Grisham smirked as he revealed El Cazador's true intentions.
Scowling, he was about to insult Grisham when a thought came to him. Smiling widely, El Cazador knew a way to rip down the captain's sudden bravado.
"Well done. Now how are you going to entertain the lovely Senorita Alvarado about our adventures in the army? Fraud.......murder........" As El Cazador trailed off, Tessa noticed the tension in Grisham's body.
"Leave her out of it." Grisham gritted out.
There it was. Although El Cazador had noticed it earlier, it hadn't been as obvious before. Grisham really cared for this young woman. Grisham was the only one that came back for her during the ambush. He seemed very protective of her. El Cazador never expected Grisham to care for anything or anyone, let alone a woman! A small plan hatched in his head; he could definitely use this piece of information to his advantage.
"Naw. It would be fun. Or you would rather have me tell her myself?" El Cazador taunted Grisham's patience.
"No! I.....I'll....." Fear crept into the captain's voice.
"Fine. Tell her, tell her every damned thing. I already know what happens. I will leave you two alone, but don't try anything funny or else I'll have your heads. I'm going to check on my men and supervise the preparations for tomorrow's big day. My boys are getting too excited." Waving a careless salute, El Cazador left the cave.
Tessa was only too glad that El Cazador had finally left her alone, then turned to see Grisham staring at her. She figured she had jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
A nervous laugh came from the captain when Tessa peered at his face waiting for his "story" to begin.
"Well? Aren't you going to start?"
"You know I saved the Queen of Swords in one of these caves." Grisham tried to stall his confession.
"I doubt it. Because whatever actions you take there's always a motive behind it, Captain." Her quiet statement surprised Grisham. Something was different about Senorita Alvarado tonight. There was defiance and intelligence in her words. Definitely not the usual airhead that he saw everyday.
"Captain Grisham?" Tessa tried desperately to put on her delicate facade again but it was too late. He had seen something in her eyes that hadn't been there previously. There was passion in every word she had spoken to him. This was a strong woman with an awareness of her surroundings, a lady who could take care of herself. Strangely, Tessa reminded Grisham of someone he knew. Clearing his thoughts Grisham sighed inwardly at the admission he was about to make. There was no way out of it. Tessa was going to bother him until he relented and it was becoming a long night for both of them.
Taking a seat on one of stone slabs, Grisham indicated for Tessa to sit. She chose a seat across from him facing the fire. Both were quickly drawn to each other's eyes. Cerulean blaze and russet fire eyes reflected from the flames. A hypnotic trance took over the atmosphere.
After several false starts, Grisham uneasily looked away to stare into the fire. As he began speaking, his eyes took on a faraway look.
"Huntley and I were soldiers stationed at Fort Laramie. We were young and untrained. We thought that the world was in our control and nobody could harm us. Two cocky green horns. We did admire our lieutenant though, Brady Arnold, one of the few commanding officers to us like equals. During those times we were in charge of keeping the peace in Indian territories and our troop had acquired many Indian goods in the process. One night we encountered Arnold taking the Indian's stolen traded goods and buffalo hides to sell it to the highest bidder. Those treasures were in high demand back on the east coast. We wanted to report his actions to our captain, but Arnold was able to bribe us to help him. Posing as businessmen, we helped him sell the goods for a while, besides watching each other's back. However, one day we learned the goods weren't shipped to the new owners. People started to ask questions and demand answers. People somehow tracked us as the persons responsible. We were only subordinates, we had no idea. We found out that the goods couldn't be shipped because of their contents, Arnold already knew this but he took the money and ran away with it. We felt utterly betrayed by his act." Tessa noticed Grisham's voice started to waver at this point. Betrayal. She understood all too well. Many times before, her heart had been broken by the people she trusted most. Maybe they really did have something in common, after all.
Few seconds passed and Grisham glanced up to see Tessa's frown. He was quite on edge trying to tell a very secretive part of his past to a woman he barely knew much about.
"Do you still want me to continue?" Grisham asked warily.
"Yes." Tessa's whispered answer barely reached above the volume of the crackling fire.
"Arnold tried to get away but we managed to track him down. Days later we discovered that he was hiding in the forest. Huntley wanted to hunt and kill him right then and there. Our rage was evident and if you know Huntley well, he's the kind of guy you don't turn your back against. I had my doubts. Arnold was one of our closest comrades. But our lives were at stake so we took our pistols and waited for nightfall. We were in the middle of chasing Arnold down a path, when I took a shot at his leg. Huntley was able to shoot him in the back completely........killing him."
At the mention of Arnold's death, Grisham's voice turned into a whisper. His eyes penetrated Tessa's with grief.
"It was such a big commotion afterwards about Arnold's unresolved death that the fort was shut up for investigation. All the soldiers were assigned to different places across the country. What became of us was that they found out we killed Arnold a few days later during one of Huntley's drunken brawls. By then we were marked as murderers. Either way we were to be hanged or imprisoned. However, because of Arnold's under-handed business activities we got off with a dishonorable discharge. Eventually Huntley and I went our separate ways. I did know that he became a mercenary after our dismissal. Other than that I haven't heard from him for years."
The event was so personal for him. One of his friends betrayed him while another murdered for revenge. His cold attitude toward his soldiers suddenly made sense. It resulted from acts of treachery committed by his own friends. Trust was so easily broken and even harder to rebuild. For Grisham had learned long ago that keeping everyone far away from him was much safer than engaging in friendship or love.
For the third time that night, Tessa wanted to comfort Grisham. She had to remind herself that this was the same person that might have murdered her father. But she had to admit that she had never seen this side of the captain.
Just as Grisham finished his tale, one of El Cazador's men strode inside.
Instinctively Grisham stood up protectively, blocking the bandido's way to Tessa's side of the cave. Tessa's face scrunched up in annoyance. She was, on one hand, touched at Grisham's increasingly protective attitude towards her, but on the other, Tessa was even more irritated. The Queen could handle things herself without needing anyone............let alone Grisham.........to protect her. Except she couldn't be the Queen right now.
"Mi lider wanted to say that he regrets that he will not able to see you anymore tonight, senorita. But he will return tomorrow afternoon to declare his la conquista of Santa Helena. He would also like to ask you to join him with the celebrations afterwards." The bandido finished with mock flourish. "Not so fast you son of a........" A light touch immediately stopped Grisham in his tracks. Looking down he saw Tessa's slight shake of her head. The bandido was not worth taking his frustrations out on. Seeing the bandido's amused face at the private moment they were sharing, Grisham's anger rose again. But it was mixed with fear. It was too dangerous for anyone to see his concern over anyone, especially Senorita Alvarado. "Buenas noches senorita." The bandido left with a smirk on his face.
"Now what?!" Grisham's frustrated face stared at Tessa's concerned one.
"We have to get out of here."
"In case you didn't notice, there are about twenty men out there with swords and guns and another ten somewhere on horsebacks. I doubt we can just walk out and expect them not to see us. Even the Queen of Swords can't beat those stinky assholes." Grisham's snide remarks were wearing thin on Tessa and his last comment about the Queen snapped her restrain.
Charging up to him she took a punch at his face, aiming right at his nose.
"OWWW! What the hell is wrong with you?!" He bellowed, his face contorted in shock and fury.
"Sorry. But you asked for it." The Queen's trademark self-satisfied smirk couldn't keep from appearing on her face.
"I think you broke it." He fingered slowly over the bridge of the nose. Grisham peeked over his moving hand. Tessa was starting to fidget under his intent look. He was getting too constant in making her feel uncomfortable lately.
A flashback.
The mineshaft. Crumbling wall. Trapped. With the Queen. A punch. Bleeding nose.
This was all too familiar.
Grisham dismissed it from his mind. How was it possible to connect Tessa with the Queen in any way? True, both were about the same age, had same hair color, and now that he thought about it, both women had the same large doe eyes that could stare into his soul. But Tessa couldn't be the Queen of Swords! Could she?
The tension in the air caused goose bumps on Tessa's bare arms. Her hair rose at the nape of her neck. She regretted hitting Grisham. She was not Senorita Alvarado. This was not how a proper lady supposed to act, not at all. It was too late to turn back. Her facade, carefully constructed throughout the years was crumbling down right in front of her enemy. Of all people, it had to be Grisham!
Refusing to allow him to peruse her face any longer she turned around to glance blankly at the walls, the fire, anything to keep her countenance away from his inquisitive eyes. Grisham was intrigued. He never thought Tessa was anymore interesting beyond her pretty face. He silently vowed from now on to keep a closer eye on Senorita Alvarado. This woman was too fascinating to let him escape notice. Tessa was a mixture of sweet and tart. He craved for it. Compare to Vera, Tessa had the intelligent and wit to match the banter they were unconsciously developing. Besides Tessa reminded him of the Queen of Swords, an added bonus because the Queen was Grisham's guilty pleasure.
"Captain if we are to successfully escape we might as well decide who'll be the bait." Her voice drifted into his cloud of thoughts.
"Why don't you stand on that large boulder in front of those bandidos and striptease while I sneak out of here? I'll come back for you later when I gather my soldiers."
Tessa spun angrily around ready to hit him again, when she saw his laughing eyes.
"I'm serious, Captain."
"Well, so am I." "It wasn't funny either."
"I thought it was."
"Stop it! Why can't you see that we might not get out of here in time to help save our town from the danger of that mad man right outside?!?" Hurt and helplessness were written all over Tessa's face. His teasing was not helping.
Grisham's smile vanished. His heart broke at the sight of her unshed tears.
"Look no one's gonna be a bait, okay? We're not fishing. 'Sides we gotta get outta here together. I'm not gonna leave you behind. Your taxes pay my salary, remember?" His joke was an attempt to cover the rare concern he had showed toward her.
"We can't possibly do anything right now. Let's wait until early morning. He would take most of his men to the pueblo. Then, hopefully, I can take out some of the guards. The horses are located around the other side of the cave. So move quickly when I say so. Tonight we'll rest." His statement ended their argument.
Sighing in defeat, she realized there was nothing she could think of that would be better. She hoped Grisham could accomplish his plans without being more distracted. Although deep down inside, under the numerous insults she could think of, Tessa had to admit that he really cared for her safety. Whether she liked it or not, they must trust each other to get out of the mess they were in.
Stifling a yawn, she glanced from her place in the cave to Grisham's form lying on the ground of the cave nearest to the entrance; he was ready to be alerted in case someone decided to barge in. Tessa grinned at the sight of the boyish innocence from Grisham's tousled hair and slightly opened mouth in his sleep. She sighed inwardly at how things could've gone so complicated between them. They were mortal enemies destined to destroy the other's life. Yet, Tessa felt a sense of connection with him. As if in response to Tessa's ponderings a gust of wind blew in from the outside and the bonfire seemed to grow bigger as the flames caught on more logs. Staring at the bright embers Tessa was finally lulled to sleep.
Mi lider=my leader la conquista=conquest Buenas noches=good night
^So sorry that this chapter took so long to complete. But this was one of the pivotal points of Marcus and Tessa's relationship. And it's longer than my previous chapters, hopefully you guys won't mind too much of the wait. Thanks! And r&r please!
The Captain's Tale
They had been traveling for some time. Tessa wasn't exactly sure where they were going since darkness had descended over an hour ago. She was tired and her body ached sitting atop of El Cazador's horse. Wearily she could feel the jagged pain of his big arms crushing her waist.
A mixture of emotions churned inside her.
She was angry, downright pissed that El Cazador managed to capture her, while she couldn't even figure out what he looked like, let alone where they were.
At the same time, Tessa was quite worried about Marta. Knowing her mentor, she half-expected Marta to come after El Cazador if she got the chance.
Tessa didn't want Marta in any more danger; this El Cazador was her problem and she would do anything she could to prevent El Cazador from getting to Marta.
El Cazador hadn't spoken since his first words to her when she was captured. Tessa was glad he hadn't tried to talk to her. The growl of his voice sent a chilling wave through her. It was the kind of voice she had heard numerous times from the murderers she had encountered. Differences in mannerisms, accents, or postures didn't' matter; the voice of malevolence always chilled her to the bone.
But not Grisham.
No, he never had that kind of voice. It was typically rude, arrogant, boyish, coy, and although Tessa would never admit it out loud, it was even.........seductive.
His words were often harsh but underlying those words a tone of playfulness would seep through his callous appearance. There were times in battles between the Queen and him when Tessa could see his eyes didn't mirror the obnoxious language he emitted from his mouth. She always wondered why he was trying to keep up a pretense. She thought that he truly hated the Queen.
Unless................???
As her thoughts drifted, Tessa turned slightly to peek at the worn down captain walking last behind the group of bandits. His hat was gone, his usual flawless hair was a mess of waves, and there was blood on his face. While there was no apparent damage to his uniform, Tessa could tell there were black bruises underneath it. His hands were tied behind his back while two bandits on foot took turns watching him. Unbeknownst to Tessa, El Cazador had something else planned for the captain. It was critical for him to seize Grisham as well as Tessa.
A wave of pity washed over her. All of sudden, it was replaced by the steel grip of El Cazador's hand on her face, her head was twisted towards him. This unexpected action caused Tessa to cry out at the pain.
"Didn't I tell you to stop moving your pretty head around?! Our dear captain doesn't need your prying eyes on him. That bastard doesn't deserve your concern, little lady," El Cazador whispered menacingly in her ear.
"I believe it's my prerogative to look at whomever I want, El Cazador. Lucky for you I don't have to see your face." Tessa lashed out in fury. She couldn't take anymore of his insults. And she hated being called a "little lady".
El Cazador suddenly raised his right palm flat out and was ready to strike her when a shout of the pandilleros up ahead told them that they had finally reached their destination. He quickly changed his mind; instead, in one swift motion, he lifted his handkerchief and hat to greet his comrades. His mouth curled into a wide smile as he bellowed out towards the several men that had gathered on top of the cliff.
Tessa couldn't believe it. Some of the rumors were true. The scar's pale flesh stood out blazingly against his tanned skin. His red hair was swept loose from the ride. Although El Cazador was only six feet tall, he still towered over almost everyone. Oddly, he could have been a handsome man. Besides the scar, his green eyes were frightening to look at. They were like green diamonds. Hard and cold, there were no emotions in them.
What shocked Tessa the most was that El Cazador wasn't of Spanish origin. He was an American like Grisham.
An American with a Spanish moniker. Tessa had always believed differently.
Looking up, she could see that they had finally arrived at the lair of El Cazador and his bandits.
It was situated between several cliffs with numerous caves scattered along the rock faces. They were quite far from Santa Helena, but not very far that a horse could not accomplish in several minutes. However Montoya's soldiers did not patrol this area. The colonel had discussed the posts earlier that night and Tessa had a mental image of where the soldiers would be for future reference. El Cazador and his bandidos could stay here for a long time and nobody would notice them.
Looking around Tessa could see that most of his henchmen were Spanish. With so many bandits gathered in one place, Tessa began to feel apprehensive of her chances getting out of this place alive.
Snatching her hand, El Cazador yanked her upwards to the large cave. While Grisham followed weakly behind by several pandilleros surrounding him.
A sense of familiarity struck her. It was where Grisham took her when Perez injured her that day on the cliffs. She had stayed in one of those caves. Tessa couldn't help but wonder what would happen if El Cazador had saw the wounded Queen instead of the Senorita Alvarado in front of him now. Images of her injury during the recent showdown with Grisham flashed through her mind.
Trapped. Injured. Grisham. Blood. Succumbed into the darkness...........
If El Cazador ever found out that she was the Queen of Swords her entire life would be in jeopardy. Her family and friends' lives would be in the hands of the El Cazador. Tessa's body tensed at the thought of the cruel slaughters El Cazador was capable of to take away people's lives. The weight of her immense responsibility towards the people of Santa Helena crept into her insecure thoughts. Exhaling sharply, Tessa shook away her fear for the moment; she turned to survey the crowd that greeted their returning leader.
Looking around Tessa could see that most of his henchmen were Spanish. So many bandits gathered in one place, Tessa began to feel apprehensive of her chances getting out of this place alive.
Snatching her hand, El Cazador yanked her upwards to the large cave. While Grisham followed weakly behind by several pandilleros surrounding him.
There were probably eleven men riding with El Cazador that night, and a few dozen stayed behind to guard their home base. Tessa could feel despair grip her heart. Montoya's men didn't measure up to these bandidos. Besides being outnumbered, she saw that some of them had skills that the average thief didn't have. She saw there was a mock sword fight in the far corner of the hideout where six men had gathered, and they could handle the weapon well. Tessa, to her surprise, found herself silently berating in her head Grisham and his lieutenants for not teaching their soldiers well enough to handle skilled swordsmen.
On the other hand, they didn't have Senor Torres as their teacher. The Queen of Swords could whip their butts in combat. She was a little less fearful at the boost of confidence in herself.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long.
Her head quickly turned toward the source of the catcalls that had started since their arrival. A groan of disgust escaped her lips. Tessa realized, too late, that she was the only woman in their presence. This was a nightmare. She was surrounded by dirty men whose only companionship was each other and one evil commander. Blatant leers appeared on every one of their faces. She felt totally trapped, like a rabbit in a foxhole.
Glancing behind her, she saw Grisham staring passively at the large crowd jeering at him. She was surprised. Usually Grisham was too proud to allow anyone to whisper behind his back. In a flash, she strangely felt her resentment flare up against those men.
Taking Tessa's wrist in a vice-like grip, El Cazador lifted her left arm in the air. He stood in the center of the ring to announce his recent capture.
"Gentlemen! I would like to have your attention at this beautiful trophy we have managed to take from Montoya's soldiers. The captain was just a slight inconvenience, but think of all the treasures we will rob tomorrow! Tonight we will prepare for the battle. Santa Helena won't know what act of hell has risen in its midst!" Gesturing Tessa at his side, El Cazador showcased her towards the group of men.
The feeling of exposure and repugnance overwhelmed her. Tessa had never been viewed as an object before and with some thirty men gawking at her she felt a tremendous wave of humiliation.
Roars of agreement erupted as El Cazador finished his speech.
Angrily, Tessa pulled her arm down from that demonstration. El Cazador glared down in surprise, then he called two of his henchmen to take Grisham to a cave far away from the gathering. Shoving Tessa in front of him, he forced her to follow the three men.
The cave was roomy and a roaring fire glowed brightly, throwing dancing shadows on the walls. After dropping Grisham to his knees before Tessa, the bandits left the cave. The Queen, the Hunter, and the Captain of the Guard waited in tense silence. El Cazador paced while Tessa warily considered the reasons of their being in the cave with the bandit leader. Unable to take anymore of his pacing, Tessa broke the silence.
"Who are you?" Tessa asked staring at El Cazador in the eye.
"My, my. Aren't you a brave little lady?" He was impressed with Tessa's outburst. "El Cazador, or if you prefer, The Hunter. Same difference."
"You don't want to know what I would prefer calling you right now." Tessa's reserve was quickly fading. It was no use in the middle of nowhere anyway. Although she wasn't sure if Grisham had ever heard Senorita Alvarado talk like that.
"Bitch!" El Cazador advanced angrily to her.
"Huntley! William Cody Huntley." Stopping in his tracks, El Cazador looked down at the worn out captain. Tessa was stunned to hear Grisham reveal El Cazador's true name.
"Well, well, Captain, you're finally talkin' thought you passed out a long time ago."
"Shove it. What do you want with me anyways?!"
"Not you, dimwit. Her." El Cazador's eyes traveled hungrily behind Grisham to focus on Tessa.
Still trying to process these new revelations between the two men, Tessa was unaware that Grisham had unsteadily stood up. Hands tied behind his back, he was still able to raise to his full height. Standing directly in front her, he blocked El Cazador's drifting eyes. Sickened by El Cazador's intentional meaning, Tessa tried to change the subject.
"How did you two know each other?"
At the same time Grisham asked a question of his own.
"Why her?"
Giving a sarcastic chuckle, El Cazador replied with another question.
"Why don't you ask Captain Grisham about that one?"
Turning toward Grisham, Tessa searched his face for an answer.
"We were in the army together." Grisham replied hesitantly.
"Hahahaaha.........I think there's more to it, Marcus." El Cazador's eyes gleamed in anticipation.
"Your turn." Grisham was tired of his provocations.
"Hmmmmmmm........heard the daughter of Don Alvarado lives here in Santa Helena. Thought I come to visit her in person, besides I need a vacation. And if I wish, take up new residence." He winked at Tessa's appalled reaction.
"No." Grisham dismissed it straight out.
"Oh, no?"
"You wanted to rob the Alvarado estate first. But you're curious and wanted to check out if Senorita Alvarado is pretty enough to suit your fancy. Either you marry her to gain her money and lands or just plainly take her. Bad guys think alike, Huntley. You ain't different." Grisham smirked as he revealed El Cazador's true intentions.
Scowling, he was about to insult Grisham when a thought came to him. Smiling widely, El Cazador knew a way to rip down the captain's sudden bravado.
"Well done. Now how are you going to entertain the lovely Senorita Alvarado about our adventures in the army? Fraud.......murder........" As El Cazador trailed off, Tessa noticed the tension in Grisham's body.
"Leave her out of it." Grisham gritted out.
There it was. Although El Cazador had noticed it earlier, it hadn't been as obvious before. Grisham really cared for this young woman. Grisham was the only one that came back for her during the ambush. He seemed very protective of her. El Cazador never expected Grisham to care for anything or anyone, let alone a woman! A small plan hatched in his head; he could definitely use this piece of information to his advantage.
"Naw. It would be fun. Or you would rather have me tell her myself?" El Cazador taunted Grisham's patience.
"No! I.....I'll....." Fear crept into the captain's voice.
"Fine. Tell her, tell her every damned thing. I already know what happens. I will leave you two alone, but don't try anything funny or else I'll have your heads. I'm going to check on my men and supervise the preparations for tomorrow's big day. My boys are getting too excited." Waving a careless salute, El Cazador left the cave.
Tessa was only too glad that El Cazador had finally left her alone, then turned to see Grisham staring at her. She figured she had jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
A nervous laugh came from the captain when Tessa peered at his face waiting for his "story" to begin.
"Well? Aren't you going to start?"
"You know I saved the Queen of Swords in one of these caves." Grisham tried to stall his confession.
"I doubt it. Because whatever actions you take there's always a motive behind it, Captain." Her quiet statement surprised Grisham. Something was different about Senorita Alvarado tonight. There was defiance and intelligence in her words. Definitely not the usual airhead that he saw everyday.
"Captain Grisham?" Tessa tried desperately to put on her delicate facade again but it was too late. He had seen something in her eyes that hadn't been there previously. There was passion in every word she had spoken to him. This was a strong woman with an awareness of her surroundings, a lady who could take care of herself. Strangely, Tessa reminded Grisham of someone he knew. Clearing his thoughts Grisham sighed inwardly at the admission he was about to make. There was no way out of it. Tessa was going to bother him until he relented and it was becoming a long night for both of them.
Taking a seat on one of stone slabs, Grisham indicated for Tessa to sit. She chose a seat across from him facing the fire. Both were quickly drawn to each other's eyes. Cerulean blaze and russet fire eyes reflected from the flames. A hypnotic trance took over the atmosphere.
After several false starts, Grisham uneasily looked away to stare into the fire. As he began speaking, his eyes took on a faraway look.
"Huntley and I were soldiers stationed at Fort Laramie. We were young and untrained. We thought that the world was in our control and nobody could harm us. Two cocky green horns. We did admire our lieutenant though, Brady Arnold, one of the few commanding officers to us like equals. During those times we were in charge of keeping the peace in Indian territories and our troop had acquired many Indian goods in the process. One night we encountered Arnold taking the Indian's stolen traded goods and buffalo hides to sell it to the highest bidder. Those treasures were in high demand back on the east coast. We wanted to report his actions to our captain, but Arnold was able to bribe us to help him. Posing as businessmen, we helped him sell the goods for a while, besides watching each other's back. However, one day we learned the goods weren't shipped to the new owners. People started to ask questions and demand answers. People somehow tracked us as the persons responsible. We were only subordinates, we had no idea. We found out that the goods couldn't be shipped because of their contents, Arnold already knew this but he took the money and ran away with it. We felt utterly betrayed by his act." Tessa noticed Grisham's voice started to waver at this point. Betrayal. She understood all too well. Many times before, her heart had been broken by the people she trusted most. Maybe they really did have something in common, after all.
Few seconds passed and Grisham glanced up to see Tessa's frown. He was quite on edge trying to tell a very secretive part of his past to a woman he barely knew much about.
"Do you still want me to continue?" Grisham asked warily.
"Yes." Tessa's whispered answer barely reached above the volume of the crackling fire.
"Arnold tried to get away but we managed to track him down. Days later we discovered that he was hiding in the forest. Huntley wanted to hunt and kill him right then and there. Our rage was evident and if you know Huntley well, he's the kind of guy you don't turn your back against. I had my doubts. Arnold was one of our closest comrades. But our lives were at stake so we took our pistols and waited for nightfall. We were in the middle of chasing Arnold down a path, when I took a shot at his leg. Huntley was able to shoot him in the back completely........killing him."
At the mention of Arnold's death, Grisham's voice turned into a whisper. His eyes penetrated Tessa's with grief.
"It was such a big commotion afterwards about Arnold's unresolved death that the fort was shut up for investigation. All the soldiers were assigned to different places across the country. What became of us was that they found out we killed Arnold a few days later during one of Huntley's drunken brawls. By then we were marked as murderers. Either way we were to be hanged or imprisoned. However, because of Arnold's under-handed business activities we got off with a dishonorable discharge. Eventually Huntley and I went our separate ways. I did know that he became a mercenary after our dismissal. Other than that I haven't heard from him for years."
The event was so personal for him. One of his friends betrayed him while another murdered for revenge. His cold attitude toward his soldiers suddenly made sense. It resulted from acts of treachery committed by his own friends. Trust was so easily broken and even harder to rebuild. For Grisham had learned long ago that keeping everyone far away from him was much safer than engaging in friendship or love.
For the third time that night, Tessa wanted to comfort Grisham. She had to remind herself that this was the same person that might have murdered her father. But she had to admit that she had never seen this side of the captain.
Just as Grisham finished his tale, one of El Cazador's men strode inside.
Instinctively Grisham stood up protectively, blocking the bandido's way to Tessa's side of the cave. Tessa's face scrunched up in annoyance. She was, on one hand, touched at Grisham's increasingly protective attitude towards her, but on the other, Tessa was even more irritated. The Queen could handle things herself without needing anyone............let alone Grisham.........to protect her. Except she couldn't be the Queen right now.
"Mi lider wanted to say that he regrets that he will not able to see you anymore tonight, senorita. But he will return tomorrow afternoon to declare his la conquista of Santa Helena. He would also like to ask you to join him with the celebrations afterwards." The bandido finished with mock flourish. "Not so fast you son of a........" A light touch immediately stopped Grisham in his tracks. Looking down he saw Tessa's slight shake of her head. The bandido was not worth taking his frustrations out on. Seeing the bandido's amused face at the private moment they were sharing, Grisham's anger rose again. But it was mixed with fear. It was too dangerous for anyone to see his concern over anyone, especially Senorita Alvarado. "Buenas noches senorita." The bandido left with a smirk on his face.
"Now what?!" Grisham's frustrated face stared at Tessa's concerned one.
"We have to get out of here."
"In case you didn't notice, there are about twenty men out there with swords and guns and another ten somewhere on horsebacks. I doubt we can just walk out and expect them not to see us. Even the Queen of Swords can't beat those stinky assholes." Grisham's snide remarks were wearing thin on Tessa and his last comment about the Queen snapped her restrain.
Charging up to him she took a punch at his face, aiming right at his nose.
"OWWW! What the hell is wrong with you?!" He bellowed, his face contorted in shock and fury.
"Sorry. But you asked for it." The Queen's trademark self-satisfied smirk couldn't keep from appearing on her face.
"I think you broke it." He fingered slowly over the bridge of the nose. Grisham peeked over his moving hand. Tessa was starting to fidget under his intent look. He was getting too constant in making her feel uncomfortable lately.
A flashback.
The mineshaft. Crumbling wall. Trapped. With the Queen. A punch. Bleeding nose.
This was all too familiar.
Grisham dismissed it from his mind. How was it possible to connect Tessa with the Queen in any way? True, both were about the same age, had same hair color, and now that he thought about it, both women had the same large doe eyes that could stare into his soul. But Tessa couldn't be the Queen of Swords! Could she?
The tension in the air caused goose bumps on Tessa's bare arms. Her hair rose at the nape of her neck. She regretted hitting Grisham. She was not Senorita Alvarado. This was not how a proper lady supposed to act, not at all. It was too late to turn back. Her facade, carefully constructed throughout the years was crumbling down right in front of her enemy. Of all people, it had to be Grisham!
Refusing to allow him to peruse her face any longer she turned around to glance blankly at the walls, the fire, anything to keep her countenance away from his inquisitive eyes. Grisham was intrigued. He never thought Tessa was anymore interesting beyond her pretty face. He silently vowed from now on to keep a closer eye on Senorita Alvarado. This woman was too fascinating to let him escape notice. Tessa was a mixture of sweet and tart. He craved for it. Compare to Vera, Tessa had the intelligent and wit to match the banter they were unconsciously developing. Besides Tessa reminded him of the Queen of Swords, an added bonus because the Queen was Grisham's guilty pleasure.
"Captain if we are to successfully escape we might as well decide who'll be the bait." Her voice drifted into his cloud of thoughts.
"Why don't you stand on that large boulder in front of those bandidos and striptease while I sneak out of here? I'll come back for you later when I gather my soldiers."
Tessa spun angrily around ready to hit him again, when she saw his laughing eyes.
"I'm serious, Captain."
"Well, so am I." "It wasn't funny either."
"I thought it was."
"Stop it! Why can't you see that we might not get out of here in time to help save our town from the danger of that mad man right outside?!?" Hurt and helplessness were written all over Tessa's face. His teasing was not helping.
Grisham's smile vanished. His heart broke at the sight of her unshed tears.
"Look no one's gonna be a bait, okay? We're not fishing. 'Sides we gotta get outta here together. I'm not gonna leave you behind. Your taxes pay my salary, remember?" His joke was an attempt to cover the rare concern he had showed toward her.
"We can't possibly do anything right now. Let's wait until early morning. He would take most of his men to the pueblo. Then, hopefully, I can take out some of the guards. The horses are located around the other side of the cave. So move quickly when I say so. Tonight we'll rest." His statement ended their argument.
Sighing in defeat, she realized there was nothing she could think of that would be better. She hoped Grisham could accomplish his plans without being more distracted. Although deep down inside, under the numerous insults she could think of, Tessa had to admit that he really cared for her safety. Whether she liked it or not, they must trust each other to get out of the mess they were in.
Stifling a yawn, she glanced from her place in the cave to Grisham's form lying on the ground of the cave nearest to the entrance; he was ready to be alerted in case someone decided to barge in. Tessa grinned at the sight of the boyish innocence from Grisham's tousled hair and slightly opened mouth in his sleep. She sighed inwardly at how things could've gone so complicated between them. They were mortal enemies destined to destroy the other's life. Yet, Tessa felt a sense of connection with him. As if in response to Tessa's ponderings a gust of wind blew in from the outside and the bonfire seemed to grow bigger as the flames caught on more logs. Staring at the bright embers Tessa was finally lulled to sleep.
Mi lider=my leader la conquista=conquest Buenas noches=good night
^So sorry that this chapter took so long to complete. But this was one of the pivotal points of Marcus and Tessa's relationship. And it's longer than my previous chapters, hopefully you guys won't mind too much of the wait. Thanks! And r&r please!