[https://i.imgur.com/n1FnE3g.jpg]

Nochebuena is a wonderful horse. We fly towards the quarry at an amazing speed. My eye stings as the wind hits me in the face, but I don’t blink. I have to do my best to get Nochebuena to slow down as we approach the presidio near the edge of the quarry.

It has been years since I had ridden a horse, especially as fast as Rocio’s. If I had still been a peacekeeper, I’d have purchased the horse from her. If only I had a horse as trained and as fast back when I lost my beautiful Lucero. I can’t think of that now, though. I need to press on. The presidio is not as fortified as the Commandante claims it to be. Which is probably a reason why he is trying to get as much money from the villagers and from Spain. He wants to overhaul the building and add more men. The guards on lookout are easily visible from afar and, on a moonless night, would be easy to evade. Yet, it is just past noon and the sun is still high in the sky. I can only hope that the guards are distracted by the pompous Commandante inside. I also do not want to be late.

I stick by the few trees, rocks and overgrowth to remain out of view, for the most part. I hold Rocio’s whip at the ready. Not a bad name for a whip actually. Back in the day, I could take out men with but a flick of my wrist. Even armed men. But that was then. And this is now. I hope my skills rush back to me as quickly as the memories.

[https://i.imgur.com/JHM6vBH.jpg]

“It has come to my attention…”

Clearly the Commandante talking to his men from somewhere on high. Probably a balcony.

“…that my men were threatened and provoked today in the marketplace."

I draw closer to the presidio. The lookout posts are empty. Surely, the Commandante did not ask them to be part of his audience? What an ego! Hopefully it will work to my advantage.

“I cannot nor will I not forgive such an infraction upon my men, upon my station as your leader. For all I know, you savages have been coerced by the rebels. to cause a large disturbance in the pueblo."

Rebels? I haven’t heard about a rebellion in these parts in years. It is from my understanding that the Spanish military destroyed the rebels years ago. Although I have heard Sister Romina’s lavish tales about the heroes many times. They were about the poor vanquishing evil from their collective lives. Or maybe not tales, but more like poetry.

“Or perhaps you are willing to begin a revolution? I pray not, for you will be destroyed. Every single one of you will be hunted. You will be more than ostracized. You will be destroyed. From the oldest to the youngest. You as a people will serve as an example. Out of the goodness of my heart, I could always allow you to walk back to your meager lives, but what lesson would be learned? For all the commotion, a simple slap on the wrist?”

As the Commandante continues to relish in the sound of his own voice I slowly push the heavy gate doors to the fortress and walk in. The soldier’s stationed at the entry way have their back turned towards me.

[https://i.imgur.com/N1tYscl.jpg]

I look at them carefully. Their uniforms are misaligned, dirty, and worn incorrectly. Either the military is not what it used to be, or the Commandante is using hired goons to impersonate officers. If I make it out alive I’ll have to ask my old friend Lieutenant Lavina.

“Please! Let us go! I want to be with my papá!”

I recognize the voice immediately.

[https://i.imgur.com/WaMpbJT.png]

“You!” The Commandante screams. “A child! How did you fall into with this group?”

I can see an officer step up to the Commandante’s ear.

“Oh! So you had a hand in inciting the riot? Well then, we have to make short work of you. Captain?” The Commandante keeps his eyes on my little girl. Even when he speaks to his subordinates, he does so without looking them in the eyes. In this case, he refuses to turn away from the people held captive below.

Lavina steps into view. She averts her eyes from Milagros. There is no way that she had forgotten her face since last we spoke.

“You may begin with the execution.” The Commandante takes a handkerchief out of his inner coat pocket and waves it around as he speaks.

“Permission to speak, Sir.” Lavina’s voice sounds strict and stern. She was always a tomboy as we grew up together. She’s lost all her personality and just keeps her voice at a base monotone level.

“Permission granted.” The Commandante does not even turn to look at Lavina.

“I ask that you reconsider the execution. I know several of these individuals personally. Either through family history or interactions with them in public. They are not the criminals that the men claim them to be."

The Commandante finally turns to face Lavina with a sneer on his lips. “It looks to me that you are a bit biased.”

“No sir. I just do not want to met out punishment when it is unnecessary and perhaps a waste of time and resources.”

He steps closer to her face. Obviously feeling threatened by Lavina’s lack of complete devotion to his cause. “I decide when it is necessary. And at the moment, it is necessary. Do you have a problem with the orders?”

“No sir.” Lavina takes a step back.

“Then proceed. Or you will find yourself amongst the traitors, and in front of the firing squad.” He turned his attention back to what is below his balcony. Nonetheless, he shook his finger at her.

“Yes, sir.”

I can’t believe that Lavina is going along with this outrage. I can no longer remain still, not with my daughter’s life at stake.

“You have any last words…” The Commandante gives the most unpleasant of smiles.

I run as fast as I can, stumbling along the way, towards Milagros. She is tied to tall wooden post in front of the firing squad. I take out my bowie knife and swing at the ropes.

“What are you doing? Fire on that man!” I can still hear the Commandante screaming his orders over the rifle fire.

I take out my whip and lash out at the nearest soldiers and attempt to draw their attention away from Milagros. My shoulder burns in agony as a musket ball tears through the flesh and lodges itself against the bone. I drop the whip to the ground but not before cutting Milagros loose.

“Milagros! Run! Don’t look back!” I yell. “Run mija, for your mother’s sake, run!"

I pummel a soldier with the hilt of my knife and take his rapier. I free as many of the hostages as possible as Milagros breaks for the exit.

“Leave her. Take the cripple down!” The Commandante’s men immediately turn their attention to me.

I tackle as many men as I can. I catch sight of Milagros running out of the presidio and out into the wilderness. I pray that she finds the horse and her way home.

[https://i.imgur.com/8EeASLS.png]

I lose consciousnesses shortly after being hit in the head with the stock of a musket.

“Alvaro…Gael…why now?”

“Lavina…?” It’s all I can say in response before the darkness takes me.

...