"Destiny" is the first episode and origin story of the syndicated television series Queen of Swords, airing October 7, 2000.

Unbeknown to Tessa her father had been chased by soldiers, wounded and finally killed by a rifle shot by Captain Grisham.

Arriving by ship, Tessa, Marta, and their luggage are being transported by carriage and wagon inland to the Alvarado Hacienda.

Tessa recognizes the voice of the main robber as her father's manservant, Carlos, and when she confronts him, he takes off his mask, confessing his family is starving.

Entering the rose garden, Tessa and Marta find Montoya entertaining the Dons and their wives by playing the violin.

At the same time, Colonel Montoya visits Captain Grisham, who is in bed with unfaithful Vera, his lover.

Montoya, concerned about Tessa, wants to ensure control of her land by having Grisham propose marriage.

Within, they find Don Alvarado's hidden valuables including gold and a sword, a rapier in the family for generations, for the son he never had.

Looking in a mirror with the tarot card of the Queen of Swords, Marta asks what she sees, and Tessa replies ”My destiny!” Further into the night, Tessa dressed as the Queen of Swords goes to the jail in Santa Helena and, by surprise, overpowers two guards and frees the boy.

A sword fight ensues with much toing and froing and the Queen retreats into the narrow cell corridor where she is at a disadvantage against a stronger opponent.

In Montoya's office, he is surprised when Tessa pays her back taxes but offers her a front row seat at the hanging.