The three Sisters of Dorotea gather mushrooms at the base of trees, near mossy rocks, and edible berries from a hillside of flowers. They are deep in the state of Nuevo Leon, trying to find the stronghold where Pancho Villa is entrenched. Xavier was busying hunting food when his US Army, uniform got the attention of Soldadera snipers, women from the country side who took up the Revolutionary flag.
It was by a coincidence of a Bee Sting on the female marksman’s thighs. The same moment a dust devil appeared at his feet, made Xavier stumble on loose rocks that saved his life. Just as the shot rings out, he loses his footing and tumbles 70 feet into a dry ravine. The enraged Soldadera was too busy swatting off an angry Bee to take his head off. As she regains composure Xavi has vanished. Giving chase the Soldadera runs right into his trap. Eating an apple Xavier steps from behind a large oak tree to address his pursuer.
“Per miso Usted. Detente y suelta tu arma. Por favor.” She scowls and says, “I speak English, Gringo dog.” He laughs, “I am no Gringo, I am from Matamoros. I was conscripted into the Americano Army by General Pershing while trading goods one day in Texas 3 months ago.” She does not lower her weapon. She says, “I am Maritza Osiorio, I command this territory for the Northern Revolutionary Army of General Pancho Villa!”
He smiles and says, “My brothers fought for Pancho Villa, as soon as I could escape i went home to find my family farm burning. My sisters and I came to join the Villaista forces in Chihuahua.” She raises her eyebrow amused, “What were your brothers names?” He says, “Ernesto and Julian.” She relies, “Im sorry to tell you they were shot down, a week ago in Veracruz when Pershing ‘Hijo de Puta Madre’ occupied the port. You were likely there fighting where they died. They were polite boys, we will miss their guitar and songs. If you want to find the Villaista camp in Zacatecas, I will take you, but you could be a spy so i must take your rifle and tie your hands.” Still smiling, “As you wish, but who will carry the deer I just shot over the rise?”
After collecting the sisters and Dorotea, still unconscious, they come to a series of dry washes. A maze of dark creases in eroded sand stone. An ancient stronghold, used long before the Revolution as a sanctuary for Indios fleeing the Spanish, and later for Rebels against the French and Americanos. Deep in the heart of this place is a secluded spring where trees and fertile crops surround an island in the middle of a river that has no name.
Pancho Villa’s Northern Army hides in place full of trees long cultivated from the first Europeans brought seeds, stolen by a Mescalero raid long before the end of the Aztec empire. Everywhere Apples, Avocados, Cherries, Peaches and Citrus trees line the banks of the river. Hundreds of caves with watching gunman loyal to Pancho Villa look down on the new arrivals. Given food and drink the sisters and Xavier are put under guard. Dorotea is brought to their medicine woman.
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Dorotea wakes in a cool cavern. Light plays off the ceiling. Confused she wonders which world she has awakened into. Having been torn back and forth from one reality to another, she feels as if all the anguish and struggle of her journeys could have been a dream. But what is this place? In all her life she has never been in a underground pool. As much as she has slept, she still feels so tired.
She closes her eyes but hears the shuffling of bare feet. Healers come to offer her broth to drink and a plate of fruit. She drinks water and its coolness makes her feel truly alive again. Seeing a beautiful woman sitting nearby she feels familiar. Thinking back to the day she was kidnapped by H.T. Barstowe, she remembers this was the kind Medium who watched over her. This woman was the mother of the girl she met, the unwilling bride of Barstowe. Dorotea tries to speak but her voice croaks from a dry throat. The Medium speaks, “Don’t talk yet. Rest until you are well. Drink this tea and sleep.”
Now at night the Villa camp is alive with smells of food and drink. Like a king, Pancho and his Generals preside over a rowdy group of Rebels, Bandits, Horse Thieves and Mercenaries willing to hide out with this bunch to avoid their own date with the hangman. Xavier and his sisters are seated at a table, hands tied behind their backs. Trying to laugh and nod in agreement to wild stories of great battles and feats of daring.
“El General Caballero” Pancho loves to hear stories of his own deeds. Red in the face from howling in laughter he listens to one of his Generals detailing how Pancho met with the leader of the Constitutional forces, Huerta. In a brawl amongst the dry intellectual brass of the provisional Government. Pancho started a riot by slapping the stoic Huerta across the face. Nearly dying after being sentenced to death. Escaping the Hangman’s noose only after his Generals rode into town and fought back Huerta’s forces. At this point Pancho lowers his collar to show a deep red mark of a Hangman’s rope around his neck. Shooting their way out and turning one time allies to enemies. More roaring with laughter and spilled drinks.
The topic of the US invasion comes up and the ‘Soldadera’ sniper Maritza interjects. “We have a Gringo from Pershing’s Expedition.” Pancho’s eyes turn harsh, his face curls into a snarl. Now sitting silently with a glare of hate, he waits for more information. Xavier speaks up, “No Señor, I was a captive of the Americano’s. They burned my home and I brought my sisters who blew up the train in Brownsville, my younger brothers Ernesto and Julian rode with you.”
A smile crosses Don Pancho’s face, “Set them free. We now have more Compañeros for the fight ahead. Any one who has lost brothers to the Revolution is welcome at my table.”
Villa is showered with gifts by the locals. A series of large cages are dragged by horse cart with several Lions. Villa is ecstatic, “Yes. Bien, bien. We will feed them well, the “Pinche Gringo” President Wilson and General Pershing’s head will be first on the menu!” More exotic smaller cages with Birds and Monkeys are presented. Pancho frees them, 2 Peacocks and a Howler Monkey promptly jump on his table to pick at the feast. Pancho is laughing so hard now, he grabs his heart and sits heavily down.
Now focused on the sisters. He says, “Now, who are these lovely creatures?” Xavier stands and says, “General Villa, allow me to introduce my sisters Carolota Isabel, Carmen Concepcion, Rosa Maria…” Pancho is quick to kiss their hands and whisper jokes in their ears. The girls thrive on the attention of Pancho and his Officers. Pancho sweeps his arms in a regal fashion, “Allow me to introduce our honored guests, General Emiliano Zapata of the Southern Revolutionary Cavalry and our American friend and compatriot Mr. Ambrose Bierce, American Civil War Veteran and writer of wide renowned.” The girls are impressed.