Isabel was sitting in her room sobbing hysterically, clutching a pistol and staring at the blood splattered on her dress. The previous night was a complete blur. Unfortunately, the end result of that evening was not.

What happened? What have I done?

Suddenly, her brother Theodoro barged into the room.

"Hola, mi cariña hermana." His voice mocked fraternal affection.

"Theodoro!" Isabel gasped. "Why are you here?"

"Would you believe that Montoya pardoned me? No, I can see you wouldn't... actually, papa's dead. I killed him."

"You what!? How could you?"

"He was going to let Montoya execute me! How's Ramon?"

"He is visiting a brothel. So much for true love."

"No. Our little Aguilera is with the angels now. I just killed him."

"Diablo! What have I done to deserve a brother like you!"

The sounds of footsteps gathered outside the hotel room, and heavy pounding threatened to rip the door off its hinges as a voice shouted out, "Isabel Salivera! You are under arrest for the murder of the Governor-General. Surrender or we will use force!"

Isabel paled as Theodoro studied his sister with a reptilian smirk.

"So my gentle Isabel has taken a life? What happened?"

"I went to the Governor-General's hacienda and we had dinner. Afterwards, we drank and talked. I do not remember what happened after, but the next thing I knew Mingenes-Diaz was lying on the floor with a bullet wound in his forehead... and I was holding the gun."

"A lover's quarrel perhaps?" Theodoro smiled cruelly.

"We can not stay here. We must go!"

"Where can we go? Mexico? Cuba? Back to Spain?"

"You two are not going anywhere," an alto voice interrupted them.

The two siblings turned and saw the Queen of Swords standing near the window, her mouth set in a grim line. With her icy glare and drawn sword, she was indeed the image of an Avenging Angel.

"Why are you here?" Isabel asked, curious that her benefactress had appeared.

"I am correcting a wrong I commited. I let criminals escape unpunished."

"But Ramon and I did not kill Don Federico. My brother did."

"You two were just as responsible. You also robbed many people."

"You need not worry about Aguilera." Theodoro smiled. "I killed him."

Poor foolish Ramon! Your deeds have found you out at last. May God forgive you for your crimes. A tear stung the Queen's eye at the news, but she brusquely brushed it away. She pointed her sword at Theodoro. "Then you shall be the first to die."

"Why are you doing this?" Isabel gasped. "You helped us."

"You must pay for your actions. If you wish to leave, you must go through me."

"So be it. You can join us in Hell!" Theodoro growled savagely

Theodoro attacked the Queen with his sword drawn, but she executed a beautiful counter, knocking Salivera over. He got up and attacked again like a raging bull, but the Queen again sidestepped him like a champion matador. The fight was furious and brutal, with Isabel sobbing and begging them to stop. Suddenly, the door broke down and the soldiers barged in with weapons drawn.

"Basta!" The captain ordered, firing his pistol in the air.

The Queen of Swords stopped, distracted by the soldiers. However, Theodoro charged her and was met with a viscious slice across the throat. He clutched his bleeding throat and collapsed blubbering incoherently, dying almost instantly.

Isabel dropped to her knees by her brother's body, sobbing. "You murdering bruja! You killed Teo!"

"Señorita Reina de Espadas," the captain bowed in greeting. "We have heard of you."

"I am honored, Captain."

"We have no quarrel with you. Surrender Señorita Salivera and you may go."

Isabel immediately threw herself at the Queen's feet, clutching her shirt and blubbering like an infant.

"Please!" she sobbed. "You can not let them execute me! I did not intend for Don Federico to die! I did not intend anyone to get hurt! Mercy!"

"You must account for your actions, Isabel. Your father cannot help you now."

"Please! Anything you want! Name it!"

"Justice cannot be bought. You must face the consequences."

The Queen embraced the kneeling Isabel and kissed her forehead with a sad smile. "I can longer help you. Vaya con dios. May the Holy Father have mercy on your soul."

The Queen released Isabel and walked toward the window. Turning back to the soldiers who were holding a dispondent and frightened Isabel, she said, "She is yours, Captain. Do not let her suffer."

With that, the Queen of Swords disappeared into the morning.

That evening, Isabel Salivera was brought to the center of Migenes-Diaz Square to die by firing squad. As the soldiers prepared their guns, Isabel was tearfully praying to the Holy Father that the Queen of Swords would come to her rescue. The captain called the men to arms.

"Escuarda! Preparar!"

The squad raised their rifles. Isabel prayed silently for intervention from the Queen.

"Apuntar!"

Six rifles pointed at the frightened Isabel, who looked up at the rooftops and saw the Queen of Swords watching the proceedings. Gracias, Dios! The Queen of Swords will save me! Then her heart sank as she saw the Queen kneel and cross herself. After saying a brief prayer, the Queen got up and disappeared over the rooftops. No! She abandoned me! I am going to die! Help me please! Dear God! Forgive m—

"Dispara!"

Six rifles ripped Isabel Salivera's body with bullets. She fell to the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks and features frozen in disbelief.

The Queen of Swords flinched when she heard the rifles fire. Fighting back tears, she got on her stallion and headed for Santa Helena. Justice is finally served. My padrino's death is avenged, as are the other victims. So why do I feel guilty? The Queen began sobbing softly. Why, Ramon? How could you disgrace your family? I loved you like a brother. Rest in peace, Ramon. May Our Holy Father forgive you, Theodoro and Isabel.

Then the Queen wiped away her tears and composed herself. It was going to be a long ride back home.