Chapter 1
.
When Tessa came to California she had her mission, to avenge the murder of her father and end the oppression of Colonel Montoya. Towards that end she had adopted this persona, the queen of swords, and made others believe that Tessa Alvarado was nothing more than a spoiled aristocrat. But certain things had happened which Tessa had not expected. She told her secrets only to Marta, an old nun who had helped her father with certain charity work. Perhaps Tessa could have trusted a priest with the seal of the confessional, but Marta was one of the few people in this world that she trusted. One day, Tessa shared another secret with Marta, and Marta would confess her own secret.
.
Tessa: Do you know Vera?
Marta: Don Hidalgo's wife?
Tessa: Yes. I tried to deny it, but I will tell you, I've fallen in love with her.
Marta; My child, do you know what would happen if it were known that you are a homosexual?
Tessa: Colonel Montoya would use this as an excuse to take my land. And I would be unable to continue my work as the queen of swords. But maybe, after Montoya is defeated...
Marta: Even if he is replaced by a more benevolent governor, you and Vera will never be accepted. Some would say you are both damned if you love each other.
Tessa: Based on what? The Bible has maybe twelve verses condemning homosexuality, it has hundreds saying we have a duty to the poor.
Marta: Yes, and Colonel Montoya will face God's judgement some day for his crimes. But I do fear for your soul, for better or worse I fear for you.
Tessa: Thank you, you've been as close to a mother as I've ever known.
Marta; What do you know of your mother?
Tessa: My father says she died in childbirth. I tried asking him about her a few times, but he always said it was too painful to talk about.
Marta: Perhaps it was painful, perhaps it brought up things that he wanted to forget. I can tell you the truth if you like, but it might not be pleasant to hear.
Tessa: I want to know.
Marta: Very well. In his youth your father was known as quite the ladies man. He seduced many women, but not all consented. He raped at least one woman, and she became pregnant. He knew it was his, and he forced her to give the baby to him after she, after you, were born.
Tessa: My father was a rapist? But, he always seemed like such a good man.
Marta; In his final years he tried to make amends. I helped convince him to give to charity, I didn't want any of his money.
Tessa: Why would you want his money.
.
Suddenly Tessa realized the truth, why she and Marta had such a bond, they even looked a bit similar.
.
Tessa: You are my mother?
Marta; Yes Tessa.
Tessa: Why did you not tell me?
Marta: I was ashamed that I gave him to you. At first I just wanted to forget the whole thing, forget that you were my daughter. But as I saw you grow up, I wanted to protect you. Can you ever forgive me for abandoning you?
Tessa: Of course I can. You have been a mother to me, as best you could. I'd like to get to know you better.
Marta: I'd like that too. And I will keep your secrets. And if God does send you to Hell, I will abandon my seat in Heaven and join you there.