The Mark of the Sire
Chapter 1
The de la Vega Hacienda, 1808
Don Alejandro de la Vega walked through the elegant whitewashed rooms of his hacienda. Three generations of de la Vegas had owned this hacienda, and worked the rancho, the largest in California. He carried the heritage of his family's service to the royal family of Spain with honor. Though of advanced years, he walked with his back straight, pride and energy in every step. He had silver hair, neatly brushed back, dark eyes and aristocratic features with a carefully manicured mustache. He sang to himself, his melodious voice rising and falling with emphasis as he shuffled through the papers in his hands. He paused in his singing only to glance in a room and call "Diego?" His face had the lines of one who smiled easily and often. Indeed, laugher was a welcome guest of the de la Vega hacienda. He finally stopped in front of the huge fireplace, placing the papers on the stone mantle.
"Diego!... He is never around when I NEED him!" He exclaimed throwing up his hands in exasperation. He had more letters for Diego to carry with him to Madrid, where he would study at the university. Don Alejandro had many friends and family in Madrid, and important people at court for Diego to become acquainted with. He had to be sure Diego didn't spend all his time with his books! They would expect a lot from a de la Vega. He shook his head, "Diego, always sneaking off to read some book, or write poetry, or conduct some smelly experiment!" He self-consciously smoothed the front of his dark brown vest. This was a new suit, commissioned from the seamstress to replace his favorite one that Diego ruined trying to demonstrate some 'special' ink that would disappear when heat was applied. What he succeeded in creating was a compound that turned brown cloth to a splotchy gray-green. He had exacted a promise from Diego to never experiment with his clothes again. "Always wasting time with those useless experiments." He muttered to himself. He tilted his head to one side lifting his eyebrows. "And I suppose I should stop talking to myself." He grinned and walked into the entry hall singing.
The front door opened, and Felipe came in. The dark eyed, handsome lad had been staying with the de la Vegas for a couple of years now. Diego had been to Mexico City for a family funeral, when he came upon a battle between rebel forces and the military. He found Felipe on the battlefield beside his dead parents, deafened by the noise and speechless with shock. All attempts to find his family had met with failure, so he had brought him home. Since then they had tried every doctor in the territory, but his deafness and lack of speech seemed to be permanent. Smiling at Felipe, Don Alejandro spoke carefully so he could read his lips.
"Do you know where Diego is?" Felipe pointed to the door he had come in.
"He is outside?"
Felipe nodded, smiling. Patting the boy on the shoulder in thanks, Don Alejandro went out the beautiful carved wood and glass door. He walked around the courtyard to the back gate. Spotting his son by the stables, he swiftly strode over there.
"Diego! I have told you before to stay away from that colt. He is too unpredictable, and dangerous!"
He walked to where his tall, slender son leaned on the fence, watching the black colt raging inside. The colt was lathered with sweat in the oppressive heat of the Californian summer. His thick unruly forelock, bleached tan on the ends by the sun, hung down in front of his eyes. He shook his elegant black head at them and reared shrilling his defiance. Suddenly he plunged toward the fence where they stood, stopping only inches away to whirl and run away. Don Alejandro had stepped back, but Diego had not moved. Some of the lather from the colt's neck hit his cheek, and he wiped it away without taking his eyes off the colt.
"You see what I mean!" Don Alejandro threw his hands up in the air in disgust.
"What will you do with him Father?" Diego asked quietly. His dark blue eyes studying the animal. Don Alejandro in turn studied his son. He was handsome, this son of his, with his dark hair, expressive face, and caballero's mustache. He had his Grandfather's blue eyes, and his mother's intelligence and temperament. He has also inherited her love of music and books, her gift of languages, and her compassion. But he didn't see any of himself in Diego. Perhaps it was to the best, he seemed to have not inherited some traits, such as the infamous de la Vega temper, for the most part. That temper had gotten Don Alejandro into many a duel in his turbulent youth. Diego was sensitive, even-tempered despite occasional moodiness, content to read, play the piano, or write all day. This worried his father, though. It was not a perfect world, and a man needed a strong arm as well as a strong heart to survive. Diego needed to see more of the world, the good and the bad. That is why he was sending his son to the University at Madrid. He had convinced Diego to go talking about the sciences and other knowledge available, but he had arranged with his old friend Sir Edmund Kendall, the well-known European saber master, for a different sort of education.
Diego glanced at his father, puzzled at his unusual silence. "I don't know, Diego" he finally answered "He is the last son of Furioso, a gift from the royal family! He was to be a breeding stallion, and to improve my bloodlines. But if he cannot be handled...I don't want to be breeding that temperament, no matter how good his lineage."
"Furioso was reputed to be a spirited horse."
"I know, but he could be handled!" Don Alejandro paced back and forth for a moment thinking. "You know, Diego, every sire marks his offspring with a part of himself. Furioso gave his foals his spirit, his excellent confirmation, his stamina. By the time this colt is three, he will be dapple gray, like his father." Passion for his subject caused him to gesture with every statement "Do you know that everyone of his foals has his swirls, in the fur on his neck? You cannot see them now, but little Diablo there has them." He paused, and shrugged "Ahh, but perhaps there is too much of his sire in him."
"Maybe he just needs time." Diego said thoughtfully. Don Alejandro was not sure if his son was speaking of the colt, or himself. He sighed and shook his head. He acknowledged that Diego was intelligent and clever, he had a gift for studies, and the sciences. He was an excellent musician and chess player, and a dutiful son. But at his age, Don Alejandro was already the victor of many a duel. No challenge he would not take, or flashing eyed señorita he would not pursue! (And no trouble he would avoid, if he was strictly honest!) Diego, it seemed, was content to sit with his nose in a book while the world passed him by. 'Where in MY mark on my son' Don Alejandro wondered wistfully. It did not occur to him that the restless energy that propelled him to action in his youth, was expressed in Diego by his relentless pursuit of knowledge. He had often found Diego staying up all night and skipping meals because of some intriguing bit of research. As a man of action, he found this bewildering.
"Come, there is only a week before you leave for Spain, I have much yet to tell you."
That evening, Don Alejandro looked up from his letters to see Diego was no longer seated in the library. Taking the letters he had written, he went in search of his son. He looked in on the sleeping Felipe, a tender smile crossing his face. The young deaf boy had quickly become very dear to him, he had agreed completely with Diego bringing him home. They would keep each other company while Diego was away.
He went next to Diego's room, with his books, and drawings and 'things'..experiments he called them. All Don Alejandro knew is that they usually were messy. Diego's bed, however, was empty. this was not surprising, he had often found Diego, wandering the house, or out in the garden at night. He just checked on him and left him alone. He had a feeling he knew where Diego was tonight. Quietly he opened the garden door and slipped out. He could see Diego at the corral where the colt was. He walked closer, stopping to watch. When he saw Diego open the gate and go in the corral, his first instinct was to shout 'no!' Even a yearling colt can use his hooves to dangerous effect. He stilled himself with an effort..."Well, let him try." he muttered to himself.
Gleaming in the moonlight, the colt moved closer step by step. Diego stood motionless, Don Alejandro could hear him talking softly to the colt. The colt stretched his neck out and touched Diego on the arm, immediately whirling and running to the far side of the corral, snorting in fear and defiance. Diego stood motionless, still talking in that low voice. Step by step the colt cautiously returned to run his nose up Diego's shirt. Feeling bolder, he crowded up to Diego, who slowly brought one hand up to scratch his neck. At the first touch, the colt jerked away, but was soon back leaning into the scratching with ecstasy. Don Alejandro watched the colt grow bolder. Finally, he gave Diego a sharp nip, just as he would another horse he wanted to dominate. Diego immediately said "No" firmly, and turned and walked away, stopping with his back to the colt. Surprised, the colt looked after him, then slowly, with head lowered, walked over to Diego. He tried once more to nip, and after receiving the same treatment, accepted his place in this herd of two. And so the colt's training began, without rope, without fight, and in the language of signs the horses themselves use. "Excellent, my son." Don Alejandro murmured.
Don Alejandro watched Diego work with the colt for a few more minutes before walking to the fence. By then Diego had the colt following and stopping on command, his only reward the praise in Diego's voice and a scratch on the neck. Seeing Diego's father at the fence, the colt laid his ears back. Moving between the two of them he turned and aimed a kick at Don Alejandro.
Don Alejandro chuckled softly, "he has a lot of spirit for a yearling colt, I don't think he wants me near you."
"Father, What are you doing out here at this time of night?" Diego asked, amusement in his voice.
"I could ask you the same thing, except that I see you have been taming our black devil here." His pride in his son was obvious. Don Alejandro had once been known as the best horseman in the King's army, had been riding since he was big enough to sit in the saddle, and had trained his own horses all his life. Here was something his son had inherited from him!
Diego smiled at the colt, "He's no devil, he just demands the 'choice' to obey. Like any thinking, reasoning being." he walked to his father at the fence, the colt following. Diego scratched little Diablo's neck as the colt eyed Don Alejandro warily, snorting softly.
"Give me your hand father." Diego said quietly. Don Alejandro raised an eyebrow, but slowly extended his hand. Diego covered his hand with his own, then brought them both to the nose of the colt. He sniffed loudly, his ears working back and forth as he sorted out the two different scents. He had bonded with Diego, but he wasn't sure about the other. The colt could recognize the similarity between the scents. Finally the colt decided Don Alejandro was, after all, a member of the herd. The colt stepped closer, sniffing Don Alejandro's coat. Diego placed his father's hand on the colt's neck, and Don Alejandro started scratching.
"Well, you are not such a little devil, are you?" he said, pleased. At the musical sound of his voice, the colt extended his nose up to Don Alejandro's face with such a comical expression that he had to laugh. The colt jumped back with a snort, but his curiosity won out and he was soon back nosing the buttons on his jacket. "I think that's enough, young man." Don Alejandro scolded the colt. "And you too Diego, it's getting late."
"Yes, Father." Diego gave a final scratch to the colt, and hopped over the fence. As they walked back to the house, the colt whinnied after them.
Don Alejandro watched Diego's nightly sessions with the colt over the next week. When he had questioned Diego as to why he worked with the colt at night, he had simply said it was cooler then, and fewer distractions. The colt would allow him to rub him everywhere, pick his feet up, followed him without halter or rope. Diego carved a bit from dried remolacha, and with a horsehair headstall and cart reins soon had the colt turning stopping and backing at the lightest touch. When Diego was there, the colt was a perfect gentleman and much admired by their fellow Californians. Should anyone approach when Diego was not there, bared teeth and a pair of well-aimed heels greeted them.
Two days after Diego left for Spain, the colt disappeared, the evidence of his going left in hair and blood on the top rail of the fence.
Los Angeles, 1821
The hot California sun blazed down on the streets of Los Angeles. Don Diego de la Vega and his father Don Alejandro de la Vega stood facing each other in front of Victoria's Tavern. Despite the activity of the plaza around them, there seemed to be a silence around them. Don Alejandro glared at his tall son. He had endured much in the last week with the Emissary Resendo. From outrageous demands for taxes, to being turned out of the hacienda his father and grandfather before him had owned. This had culminated in the discovery that Emissary Gilberto Resendo was actually Gilberto de la Vega, and Diego's twin brother. He had attempted to kill Don Alejandro and Don Diego believing the lies told to him by the woman who had stolen him at birth. That his father, seeing him as less than perfect, had cast him out. He almost succeeded in killing his father, but was defeated by Diego in a duel that even now Don Alejandro did not believe he had seen. Never had he seen such swordplay! And Diego had defeated Gilberto with his left hand, after his right had been injured! Gilberto then pulled a small pistol from his boot, and would have killed Diego there and then if not for the Alcalde De Soto shooting him in the back. Yes, he had many questions to ask this secretive son of his!
"Before he died, Gilberto said 'when I kill Diego de la Vega, I will also kill..?' then he never finished...What do you suppose he was going to say?"
The note in his father's voice told Diego he was going to insist on this answer, but still he hesitated . . . he had tried to tell them all his secret, Victoria included, but had instead told them of his decision to adopt Felipe into the family. Could he bring himself to tell his father now?
"Well Diego? what have you to say? And do not tell me you do not know, because I could tell by your face that you did! "
" Father, I.." Diego paused, then noticed the weariness in his father's face, the strain of the past few days. He could not bear it right now, if his father was angry at him . . . so he still hesitated, agonizing the decision.
Don Alejandro watched his son's face as he thought, and felt his usual flash of exasperation. Diego always thought first, he never could just go ahead and do, or say something! Suddenly, he realized Diego was truly upset by what he was about to say. His irritation vanished beneath his concern for his son.
"Diego, " his father said, his voice suddenly gentle, "Whatever it is, it cannot be so bad that we could not handle it together." And suddenly Diego wanted to tell him, to truly share what he had been doing, whatever the remonstrations he would receive for deceiving his father for so long.
Anxiously, Felipe watched their conversation; his large, expressive brown eyes easily reading their lips. He was not sure whether he thought Diego should tell anyone his secret. That he was Zorro, the masked avenger that had been the people's defender for nine long years now. Since Diego had returned from school in Spain, they had fought corruption and tyranny. The two of them had worked so hard to keep this secret, for the safety of those they loved. Telling it now could mean the end of Zorro, and he did know how much Zorro was still needed.
"What is wrong with Diego, " Victoria asked, "he looks like he is admitting to a crime." Amusement at the thought of Diego EVER doing anything . . . underhanded or scandalous showed on her lovely face. Felipe shrugged and shook his head. Victoria glanced for a moment at the young man next to her. She had to look up to him now, and with his quiet good looks, he has more than his share of pueblo girls sighing. Diego had just announced his intention to adopt Felipe, although it seemed to her that was not what he was originally going to say. She was glad, however, that Diego had decided to do it. Some might think it strange him adopting someone as old as Felipe. But Diego had been a father to Felipe for most of his life, and she thought no one could have a better or more loving father. . . and grandfather she added glancing at the older man. Don Alejandro had been her closest friend and supporter since she lost her mother and father. He had been like another father to her all her life, teaching her to ride, including her in all the social functions, as if she were a member of his family. The de la Vegas were noblemen, while her father had been a commoner. But never once, had Don Alejandro treated her or her family with anything but respect. Her expressions played on her face as her thoughts ran their course. Felipe watched her from the corner of his eye, as he watched Diego and Alejandro. She was considered the beauty of the pueblo, her dark flashing eyes and ready smile conquering many hearts. But she was strong willed, spirited and outspoken, which kept many potential suitors at bay, all but one.
There was shouting at the other end of the street, but Diego paid no attention. "Father.." he put his hand on Don Alejandro's arm . . . suddenly the incongruency of telling the secret he had fought so hard for so long to conceal in the middle of the plaza struck him, and he smiled to himself. He ignored the sound of horses galloping towards them.
Don Alejandro noted the familiar self-depreciating smile, and knew Diego was laughing at himself again. He relaxed somewhat, "I am listening Diego"
Diego took a deep breath, and said "I am Zorro" his voice lost in the sudden outbreak of musket fire.
"What?" Don Alejandro exclaimed.
Then the musket fire and horses were upon them. "Father, Look out!" Diego darted to safety, pulling Don Alejandro after him. He quickly looked to see where Victoria and Felipe were, they were safe in the stables.
"What the Devil is going on here?" Don Alejandro exclaimed angrily.
Several of the townspeople ran up to them. "Don Alejandro, Don Diego, they have just robbed the church!! they took the sacraments! They struck down Father Benitez and the Alcalde as they stood!"
No one thought it unusual that not 10 yards from the barracks full of soldiers, the people went first to the de la Vegas. It had long been known that they were the true leaders in the Pueblo, the first to stand up for justice, often to their own detriment. The people had learned not to trust to the government for answers.
"Lancers!" they heard De Soto bellow from the steps of the church. "After them!"
Victoria and Felipe joined them as they hurried to the church.
"Are you all right Alcalde?" Victoria asked.
Alcalde Ignacio De Soto glared at her, as if her question was an accusation. He was tall, with blond hair turned white, and the wiry build of the professional soldier. Indeed, he had worked his way through the ranks, earning a scholarship to the university, and his officer stripes. Because of his humble beginnings, he seemed to feel the need to prove himself a 'gentleman' at every turn, with his affected dress and manners. His goal was to return to Madrid in triumph, and he did not care who or what was in the way of his goal.
"Yes, yes, I am fine . . . but Father Benitez has a cut. What kind of men are these to rob a church!' He stalked off across the plaza, fastidiously brushing dust from his elaborate clothes, not noticing the look Victoria and Don Alejandro exchanged at his words.
"What kind of man indeed." Don Alejandro muttered as they went in the church.
Chapter 2
Diego was already tending to Father Benitez, who had a cut on his forehead.
"Lie still Father Benitez, it doesn't look serious, but Felipe will have the doctor here in a moment."
"I'm quite all right Diego, the church has taken the greater wound."
The kindly Padre was seated on one of the benches. They heard lancers galloping out of the pueblo outside.
Dr. Hernandez arrived grumbling. "You are lucky you caught me here. I’m traveling from hacienda to hacienda these days." A brief look at the cut and he announced it quite superficial. "You are lucky Father, a little lower and it would be your eye." he quickly wrapped a bandage around Father Benitez's head.
"What is going on that keeps you so busy, Señor, is there illness?" Don Alejandro asked.
"Only if you call spring and hot blood an illness." Dr. Hernandaz said with a laugh "You have no idea how lucky you are to have the one sensible son in the territory. I think Diego is the only young caballero I have not bandaged up in the last month with their 'affairs of honor'."
"And then they end up in my tavern telling wild tales of how they were injured." Victoria said with a lifted brow. "I do notice that none of them come in with the ladies in question though." This brought a chuckle from all of them.
"Come Diego, let us go see what is being done about this outrage." Don Alejandro turned to go.
Diego stood, lost in thought. How to slip away so Zorro could chase the thieves? Suddenly he thought of the musket wound he received rescuing Tornado. His father would think Gilberto wounded him in the duel, and it would give him an excuse to slip away later.
"Actually, Father, and with apologies to your good opinion Dr. Hernandaz, I thought I would have the good Doctor look at this scratch of mine." Diego indicated the blood on his right arm, which he held stiffly before him. "It is nothing, father." he said quickly, at Don Alejandro's concerned look.
"Humph!" Dr. Hernandaz glared at him "Makes a liar out of me, well show me this scratch."
Diego glanced quickly at Victoria and his father, both of whom would
recognize a bullet wound. "Perhaps later Dr. Hernandez, if you happen to pass by the Hacienda."
"Nonsense, you are here now, let me see it. If it is just a scratch, it won't take long. Take off your shirt."
Assuming an embarrassed air, Diego protested "Dr. Hernandez, there is a lady present."
"Diego! What is wrong with you?" Don Alejandro paused as a sudden thought hit him. He turned to Victoria, who stood beside him looking worried and annoyed.
"What is wrong with Diego? why won't he let the doctor look at his arm?" she asked the elegant silver haired caballero.
"Don't worry, " he assured her with a smile," he will, as soon as we leave." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Diego look at him sharply. he took Victoria's arm "You see, he won't take his shirt off as long as you are here."
"Don Alejandro, I grew up with 2 brothers, I have seen men with out their shirts before!"
"Yes, well, you know Diego.." he glanced quickly at his tall son, who watched them bemused. "all I know is he won't take his shirt off until we leave."
"Very well, but he is being very silly." she took Don Alejandro's arm, and turned to leave, but glanced back at Diego with an impish smile, very much amused. Diego stood there looking abashed and shy.
"Felipe and I will meet you at the tavern when we are through father."
"Humph" Don Alejandro chuckled and shook his head. "Diego and his secrets." They walked across the plaza.
"Secrets?" Victoria asked puzzled "Diego has no secrets, he is the most uncomplicated man in the pueblo."
"How little you know him, Victoria." Don Alejandro bowed and indicated Victoria to precede him.
Victoria said nothing more, but walked with Don Alejandro into the tavern. She stored that comment away, though, for later thought. For although the people of the pueblo saw only her beauty, and perhaps her sense of justice, she also had a quick intelligence that everyone except for Diego seemed to ignore. To their own detriment if they caught the sharp edge of her tongue. Indeed, it was often the cause of her loss of temper, to be treated as if she was a pretty face, and not capable of thinking and deciding for herself.
As they walked in, a group of people immediately surrounded Don Alejandro, expressing their outrage about the theft. Victoria knew it would be thirsty work, and went to make lemonade.
"The Doctor was most impressed with how you bandaged my arm Felipe, I think he was hinting he would like you as an apprentice." Diego sat next to Felipe in the wooden cart, his arm in a sling, trying not to wince at each bump. Felipe put down the reins to gesture, the mare plodding on towards home without even noticing.
"Yes, I think we can rely on the Doctor's discretion, and of course Padre Benitez as well. They both assume it was an 'affair of honor.'" Diego gestured grandly with a grin, but then sobered. "As it was, in a way."
Felipe made the sign for Don Alejandro.
"He wanted to stay in the pueblo to talk to the other caballero's about the robbery, which of course makes it much easier for me to return home to 'rest'." He winked at Felipe. "And he also wished to arrange for Gilberto to be buried." He added soberly. "And to see what will be done with Señora Resendo."
Felipe nodded, then gestured again impatiently.
Diego looked out over the fields and sighed. "You were watching." It was not a question. He sat in silence for a while, finally looking back at Felipe. His son, he realized suddenly. The son of his heart, if not of his body. That was one good thing that had come out of his inability to say what he had intended at the pueblo. As he had spoken the words, only then had he realized how true they were. He and his father had discussed Felipe's future, had assumed he would always be a part of their family. But he knew his father had always felt it was his decision about adoption. He had asked Felipe about adoption when he was younger, and he had seemed uncomfortable with it then. But not now, fortunately.
Felipe tapped his arm to get his attention. 'Did he hear you?' he signed.
"I don't know Felipe, with the musket fire and the horses, he may have not been able to understand me. But I will tell him, I will have no more secrets between us! We were all almost killed, because of a secret kept for 32 years. We were caught in a web of silence, secrets and lies, and it will not happen again." Diego paused, thinking "I also think it is time we told him you could hear," He quickly raised his hand to forestall any arguments. "Father will understand why we kept it from him." Diego could tell Felipe had his doubts about revealing any of their secrets. He was quite the worrier. "I will let you tell him in your own time. But as you are of an age to follow my footsteps to the University of Madrid, it should be soon."
Felipe gathered up the reins again, then let them sag. 'what about Señorita Escalanté?' He signed.
Diego shook his head in exasperation, "You would make an excellent lawyer, you already know how to badger the witness. . . too much time spent with my father, I imagine." Diego spoke lightly, trying to avoid the question.
Felipe scowled at him.
"I am going to tell her, I am just not sure how." He thought of the moment a short while back when, after saving her from bandits, he had almost told her everything. But, he did not, afraid that the bandits would harm her to get the information. He had then given her his mother's ring as a promise that someday they would be together, and asked her to marry him. He had not even told Felipe about that. Recent events had made him realize how precious time was. "I will not allow both of us to waste our lives hiding from the truth!" He clenched his fist for emphasis. "Even if the truth is that she finds Diego de la Vega boring and ordinary." He gestured towards his face "Not at all whom she imagines behind the mask."
Felipe gestured, smiling.
"I know she loves me, or rather Zorro.." he paused "don't you see, Felipe, that is the problem.. she is not in love with me. I am caught by my own deception, by pretending to be the useless lazy son, to protect my secret, I have ruined any chance of Victoria loving me for myself." He spoke wistfully, "Zorro is what I do to fight injustice, and of course there is much of me in Zorro; but Diego is who I am, and if she cannot love that, what hope is there for us?"
Felipe gestured emphatically, pointing at Diego, and acting as if he was pulling on a mask, then putting his hand on his heart.
"You think I wear a mask as Diego as much as Zorro? As Zorro to hide my features, as Diego to hide my heart." Surprised, Diego thought a moment. Felipe was correct, of course, he hid behind the mask of the personality he had created. While the mask he wore as Zorro protected him, and freed him to do his work; the mask he wore as Diego confined him as much as it protected him. Who was the real Diego? He glanced at Felipe, who was looking at the road ahead, letting him think in peace. He had often been surprised by Felipe's insight into people and their motives. "You see into my heart so clearly, Felipe, I wish that others did as well."
Felipe grinned and gestured, his expressive eyes speaking as much as his hands.
"Oh, you think she does love me, she just doesn't know it, well, that's not very helpful." Diego spoke wryly " Meanwhile, Zorro has to ride after some thieves. And since the Doctor was rather firm about not using this arm, that means I will have to take them without a fight." He grinned at Felipe as they stopped in front of the hacienda.
Chapter 3
Alcalde De Soto walked into his office. Looking around he could see the evidence of Emissary Recindo's occupancy. Papers were everywhere, dust was thick on his desk. With a sigh he settled into his chair, leaning back and closing his eyes. The last week had been one of stress, and even terror for him. He would be dead now if not for Sergeant Mendosa's refusal to execute him. He also owed his life, he had to admit, to Zorro's intervention. He leaned forward, putting his elbow on the desk and his chin in his hand. That masked bandit had been the bane of his existence since he arrived here. Without Zorro he would have a quiet, obedient pueblo. If the people did not resist him at every turn, he would not have to take such stern measures. A career military man, he expected a town to be run the same as a military post. Clean, orderly, and with strict obedience! He sincerely did not understand WHY the people of the pueblo objected to that. He gazed at his portrait of Macheaveli.
"They just do not appreciate what we do." He spoke to it.
He let his gaze drop to his desk. "Emissary Recindo was such an untidy person." He started to gather the papers on his desk.
A knock sounded on his door. "Come in." he said absently, sorting through the papers. Sergeant Mendosa came to attention in front of his desk. He held his hat under his arm, and his thin black hair was neatly brushed back. He hoped that whatever his Alcalde wanted him to do, it would not take long. Lunch would soon be served at the tavern.
"Reporting as ordered, Mi Alcalde"
"Hmm? Oh, yes. Relax Sergeant, I just want you to be sure that Señorita Recindo leaves with the guardsman tomorrow morning. Gilberto..uh de la Vega will be buried here, at Don Alejandro's request." He paused, his light blue eyes intent on the paper he was reading. He fingered his beard thoughtfully. "Sergeant Mendosa, I want you to find an excuse to search all the belongings of the guardsmen, and bring to me any and all official reports of the events that have happened here."
"Alcalde? Search all their belongings..but, they are Royal Guardsmen!" Sergeant Mendosa said nervously.
"You will think of something, I am sure. Dismissed, Sergeant." Sergeant Mendosa opened his mouth to speak, but De Soto merely looked at him.
"Si, Mi Alcalde!" Sergeant Mendosa hurried out. Gone was the camaraderie he had felt with his commanding officer over the last few days. All De Soto had to do was look at him, with that stare, and his knees turned to jelly. He could understand why he had been such a good commander in battle. He himself would gladly face death at the hands of the French rather than face that stare. He was so unnerved, he didn't even feel hungry.
A huge black stallion carefully picked his way down a dry canyon. His rider, dressed in black silk, with a flowing cape, black mask and hat, studied the steep walls. Turning his head to the side a bit, he could hear riders. They were just around the bend. Finally, he spotted what he was looking for, a narrow cattle trail, weaving its way up the steep wall. From the ground it looked impassable, but he had faith in his stallion. He urged the mighty black on, the silver on his saddle and bridle glinting in the sun. Without pausing, the stallion surged up the trail, his rider could feel the horse's muscles bunching, the mighty thrust of his hindquarters. He leaned forward, grabbing a handful of thick mane to make the climb easier.
To any observer, it would seem the big black horse had run straight up a sheer cliff. Near the top, however, it looked as if his luck, and the trail had run out. Turning to the right the trail ended in a sheer drop where a landslide had carried it away. The rider raised his hand, about to signal the horse to a stop, when he felt the stallion's muscles surge, and with a determined snort, he launched himself into the air. He spotted the bit of a ledge the horse was aiming for. His heart sinking, he realized they would fall short. "It was a valiant try, my friend" he muttered to the horse, avoiding looking down at the rocks they would soon be crashing on. At the arc of his leap, the powerful horse gave a odd twisting surge, and to his rider's amazement, seemed to go higher and farther. They made the ledge with only one hoof dangling over the air. Two more strides, and they were at the top. He paused to look back over the cliff. They would have not survived the fall. "You never cease to amaze me, my friend" He patted the arched neck, then wheeled him after the fleeing men. The stallion snorted, shook his head, and took a couple of playful bouncing leaps before settling down to business again.
Quickly passing the riders, they followed a dry stream bed back into the canyon, ahead of them. Dismounting, the masked rider examined the area. The trail ran between several large boulders, shadowed by scrubby trees. Moving quickly, he tied ropes at eye level between the trees, being sure to point them out to the horse. He pulled an overhanging branch back and tied it with a slip knot, placed several small clay pots with fuses on a boulder and started a small fire on the boulder with kindling. A quick gesture sent the horse hiding on the opposite side, and the slender dark figure ducked behind the boulder. After a moment three men appeared around the curve and rode up the trail towards him. They were a surly looking trio, lean and hardened from time spent in the saddle. Their clothes had at one time been expensive, but now were ragged and dirty, a testament to the luck they had been having.
"I don't see what the rush is, those soldiers will not be able to track us on these stones." one of them complained. He removed his broad brimmed hat and wiped his bald head with a bright cloth. He had a curved scar running across his cheek. "It's too hot here in California."
"I want to be well on our way to San Diego, the sooner we sell this stuff, the sooner we will be off to Mexico city again. We can live well on the money for a long time." The leader was an older, heavier man, the years of harsh living etched in his face.
The youngest looked up at the cliffs nervously. "I'll be glad when we get back to Mexico City." The others agreed, remembering some very pleasant times in the taverns there.
"The pickings here have neither been as rich, or as easy as you promised." The leader commented to the scar-faced man.
"Well, it have been some years since I have been here."
"Señores, surely you will not leave without saying goodbye, I'm crushed!" The black caped figure stepped from behind his rock, a cheerful grin showing below the mask.
"It's Zorro!" the leader exclaimed, rather unnecessarily, since he was rather obvious.
With an elegant gesture, Zorro bowed.
"Get him!" the leader ordered, pulling his pistol and firing in one motion. Zorro ducked back behind his rock, lit a string attached to a small clay pot, and tossed it to the middle of the group.
"Look out!" the young one yelled, trying to pull his horse away. Seeing a gap in the trees, he kicked his horse towards it, to be swept off onto his back by the chest high rope. The pot exploded with sparks and smoke, causing one horse to rear, dumping his rider. The third backed up into a branch, just as Zorro threw a knife, cutting the rope that held it back. The branch sprang forward flipping the rider head over heels into a tree on the other side of the trail.
Zorro sprang over the rock, catching the leader on the ground with a quick left to the jaw, felling him instantly. The bandit knocked off by the rope rushed him, Zorro stood his ground until the he was almost upon him, then gracefully danced to the side and assisted the bandit's head in it's contact with the boulder he had been standing in front of. He casually walked to the last one, hanging upside down in the flowering tree, trying to free himself from the thorns.
"Señor, you have excellent taste in trees, the blossoms of the Black Walnut are exquisite, are they not?" He reached out to one of the blossoms, held it to his face.
The trapped man growled something incoherent.
"A wonderful idea, señor, I will take some to to a special Señorita." He gave a sharp whistle, which was answered immediately by a loud neigh. The black stallion leaped over a boulder, and ducking under the rope, trotted over. "Toronado," Zorro patted the horse's neck "our guests horses seemed to have strayed." holding his hand at eye level for the horse, he made a curious circling gesture with one hand. With a snort, Toronado galloped off, showing his enthusiasm for the task with each bounding stride. Zorro shook his head, smiling. Toronado always enjoyed herding things, cattle, horses, people..even a bunch of chickens once. His keenness for that, as well as his athletic ability and intelligence had long ago convinced him he was of almost pure Andalusian blood. It had always been a mystery to him that such a horse would be running wild, as he was when he found him. He looked up into the tree, where the scar-faced bandit gazed at him with fury, "Señor, I think the best way out for you would be to fall."
Hearing the others stir, Zorro quickly tied them. As Toronado herded the other horses up, gleefully nipping them in the flanks; the man in the tree finally freed himself enough to fall to the ground. In a flash he was up on his feet and running, but his escape was blocked by Toronado. He stopped, watching the stallion warily. Then to the masked man's amazement, Toronado lunged at the man with a scream of anger, teeth bared.
"Toronado! No!" Zorro yelled. The bandit threw himself backwards falling on the ground. For a moment Zorro thought Toronado would continue his attack, but he simply stood over him, pinning his ears at the thief's slightest move. Zorro tied the man, then pulled him out of reach of the stallion, who stood trembling with rage.
As he walked towards his horse, he noticed Toronado never let the man on the ground out of his sight, even peering around his rider sideways.
"What is it boy?" Zorro murmured, stroking his neck. Toronado responded with a loud snort, and shoved him hard with his head. Zorro turned to look at the bandit.
"Señor, I don't know why he has taken such a dislike to you, but I certainly wouldn't try his patience. I invite you all to return with me to Los Angeles for a.." he paused, tilting his head to the side and grinning, "proper farewell."
The three bandits, tied on their horses, caused quite a stir when they rode into Los Angeles. The Z marked on each of their backs left no doubt as to who their captor was.
Don Alejandro and the other caballeros came out of the tavern when they heard the cries of the people in the marketplace. "Well, it seems Zorro has taken care of things, yet again. And now I must go home and take care of my son..my sons! Adios, Victoria"
"Adios, Don Alejandro" Victoria smiled warmly at him. She noticed everyone coming outside to see the captured bandits. Well, she would have a little time before they all came back to the tavern. Victoria went inside and started clearing up. Suddenly she realized she was not alone in the tavern. The curtain that hung in the doorway to the kitchen was moving! She was about to call for the lancers, when she realized it was moving in a pattern . . . as if someone was writing a Z on the other side.
"Zorro!" she whispered to herself, and heart fluttering, she quickly went into the kitchen carefully pulling the curtain closed behind her. He stood there, slim and elegant in his black silk; casually leaning against her counter, a branch of white flowers in his hand. Looking at her with that roguish grin. As if this visit were an everyday occurrence, and he was not risking his freedom and very life being there to see her.
"Zorro." She said happily, and stepped towards him. He quickly placed the flowers on the counter and took her into his arms, his face suddenly serious.
She had no idea how she looked to him then, eyes shining, cheeks flushed, her every move showing how much she wanted to be with him. His chest felt like a giant fist clenched around his heart. For a brief moment he wished it was Diego that she looked at this way, then all was forgotten in the wonder of kissing her.
Suddenly the curtain was pulled aside and Sergeant Mendosa walked in. He had a smile on his open, honest face, and his girth showed a passing acquaintance with Señorita Escalanté's cooking.
"Señorita Escalanté, we need....Zorro!"
"Whatever for, Sergeant? I have already caught the thieves." He gracefully stepped away and slightly in front of Victoria.
"Oh. No..I meant..." Mendosa sputtered through his thick mustache.
"To apologize, no doubt, for your usual bad timing." Zorro spoke cheerfully.
"Yes, I mean no.."
"You don't apologize? Sergeant, really, how would you feel if once you finally managed to be alone with..." He paused, he had been about to say 'with a lovely señorita', but thought of where Sergeant Mendosa's true passions were. "A plate of Victoria's enchiladas, and I interrupted you?" He heard Victoria chuckle, she knew what he had been going to say, and why he changed it.
Sgt. Mendosa considered it seriously for a moment. "I would be very upset! Excuse me, I will leave you two alone." He left, carefully pulling the curtain behind him.
Zorro laughed quietly shaking his head. Victoria smiled at him, her eyes dancing with laughter. Victoria raised an eyebrow at the tall figure in black.
"So, you compare me to a plate of enchiladas?"
"To each man his own passions." Zorro answered her, making plain where his were by kissing her. He kissed her lips, then her cheek, but paused concerned when she shivered. "Is something wrong?"
"Um..no" She said nervously. She put her hand on his cheek, looking into his dark blue eyes, then ran her fingers lightly over his mustache. Thinking quickly, she said "It's your mustache...it tickles." Relieved, he kissed her fingers, then he leaned forward and trailed kisses down her cheek and neck, deliberately tickling her. Laughing, Victoria put her hands on his chest and pulled back a little.
"That is unfair, Señor Zorro! Surely you did not come here just to tickle me."
"That would certainly be a worthy goal, but actually, I did come to talk to you about something.."
"I am listening." Victoria said demurely, sliding her hands around his neck and playing with the hair that stuck out from under his mask.
"But I keep getting distracted.." he started to kiss her, when he heard a voice yelling "Lancers!" outside.
They looked at each other, "Mendoza" they both said.
"I must leave, but before I go.." He picked up the flowers, and handed them to Victoria.
"To remind you of me."
"I need no reminder, you are in my every thought, but thank you. I'll put them in my room tonight and dream of our future." She said pointedly, looking at him sideways from the corner of her lovely eyes.
The promise in her eyes caused his heart to race for a moment, and left him breathless. Unable to speak, he took her hand and kissed it. Taking a blossom from the bouquet, she handed it to him.
"So you will dream of me tonight." She said somewhat wistfully, with a question in her voice. He smiled, and brought the blossom to his nose.
"I always do, Victoria!" Hearing the soldiers coming in the tavern, he went quickly to the back door, turned, and bowed gracefully. "Adios, Mi Amada." He said quietly, and ducked out the door as the soldiers rushed into the kitchen.
"Sergeant Mendosa!" Victoria said sharply, "What is the meaning of this?" She spoke loudly to cover the sound of Toronado galloping away.
"Zorro! Where is he?" Alcalde De Soto stomped into the kitchen, resplendent in a gray silk suit, peach cravat and matching sash, his white hair perfectly combed, mustache and goatee clipped. If not for the cold malice in his ice blue eyes, he would be a handsome man.
"Gone where you will never find him!" Victoria said smugly.
"He's escaped again! After him!" De Soto gestured angrily at Sergeant Mendoza.
"Lancers! After him! Vaminos!" The soldiers hurried to obey, almost knocking each other over trying to get out the door. De Soto rolled his eyes heavenward. "A quintessence of inadequacy. I will be trapped in this miserable pueblo forever." Then, seeing Victoria smiling behind her hand, he glared at her, growled in disgust, whirled on his heel and left.
De Soto stalked into his office, slamming the door behind him. "Zorro, always it is Zorro!" He muttered to himself. He stopped before his portrait of Macheveli. "Even if I am able to confiscate all the documents regarding Recindo's death, there will still be questions. I must do something . . . outstanding . . . to stifle those questions. I must capture Zorro somehow." He was standing there, deep in thought, when one of the lancers tapped on his door.
"Yes, what is it." He said irritably.
The lancer stepped in hesitantly. "Your pardon, Alcalde, but one of the prisoners, he wishes to speak to you. He says it is very important."
"I don't have time for common thieves and cutthroats!" De Soto snapped, glaring at the lancer.
The man paled and stepped back. "I'm sorry Alcalde, it is just that he mentioned he knew a way to stop Zorro."
De Soto whirled so quickly the Lancer flinched. "Well, what are you waiting for, bring him here Corporal." De Soto seated himself behind his recently cleaned desk, and tapped his fingers impatiently until the Lancer returned with a wiry, bald man with a scar on his face. He gestured the lancer out of the room.
"You wished to speak to me?" He asked the bandit.
"Si, Alcalde, what would it be worth to you, to stop this Zorro?"
"Tell who you are, and what you know, and I will tell you what it is worth to me."
"I am Pancheco Barquilla. The horse señor Zorro rides, it is stolen."
"Zorro is no horse thief!" De Soto scoffed.
"That may be, but the horse he rides does not belong to him, it belongs to me. I can prove it!"
"How does this stop Zorro?"
"Suppose it were to become known that Zorro rides a stolen horse? This Zorro claims he is no bandit! In order to keep the people behind him, he will have to answer the charges!"
"Yes, go on." The alcalde listened intently.
"Suppose you were to insist he turn over this horse, and have the ownership decided by an objective party. I will prove I am the owner of the horse, and Zorro would lose the one thing which has kept your soldiers from catching him."
"And if he refuses, or attempts to steal Toronado back, he will lose the people. They would see him as the common outlaw he is." De Soto smiled thoughtfully.
"What do you want for your part in all this?" He asked Barquilla suspiciously.
"Freedom for myself, and my compadres, a fair share of the reward, and my horse, of course."
"Of Course.." De Soto fingered his beard. "I'll let you know my decision. "Corporal! Take him back to his cell."
De Soto leaned back thoughtfully as they left the office. He knew Zorro was not a horse thief, it was believed Toronado was a wild horse he had captured. But if the horse did belong to someone else, he knew Zorro would turn it over.
"Honorable to the point of idiocy." He muttered.
He fingered his beard as he thought. He had to do something, however the report to Madrid was worded, the fact was he had shot the King's Emissary in the back. Not only that, a de la Vega! Any hope he had of being received well at court was well and truly gone. It was well known that the de la Vega family were close friends of the royal family, Diego's familiarity with the King's seal and signature had brought that home recently. All his plans and ambitions were dust, all he had left was duty. And he had not been discharging that duty as he should, he knew. He had been more concerned with glorifying himself, than running Los Angeles. He couldn't remember when his soldiers had actually captured a bandit. All the true lawbreakers in his jail had Z's on their clothes.
Coming to a decision, De Soto stood up, and nodded to his portrait of Macheveli. "Things will be different around here! I will make this a military post to be proud of!" He marched to the door of his office, yanking it open.
"Private!" He barked.
"Si, Mi Alcalde!" He snapped to attention.
"Get me Sargent Mendosa."
The soldier saluted "Si, Mi Alcalde!" and ran hastily off.
De Soto walked back to his desk, and sat down. He pulled a clean sheet of paper out of a drawer, picked up a quill, and started to write. He paused for a moment to read what he had written.
"Finally, I will be free of Zorro..forever." He began to laugh.
Mendosa, pausing outside the Alcalde's office door to straighten his uniform, felt a chill go up his spine at the deep, harsh sound.
"Madre de Dios," he said nervously "that doesn't sound so good for 'Somebody.'" While fervently hoping that 'somebody' wasn't himself.
The exhilaration the masked rider felt after his visit with Victoria faded quickly as he carefully rode home. Even as he doubled his tracks, and rode through streams to evade pursuit, he worried about this strange new behavior of Toronado's.
Felipé was waiting in the cave when Zorro returned. He quickly moved to help untack Toronado after the injured masked man carefully dismounted.
"Thank you Felipé." As he changed clothes he related his capture of the bandits, and Toronado's subsequent alarming behavior.
Felipé gestured with one of the brushes he was cleaning Toronado with.
"I don't know, Amigo, he acted as if he considered the man dangerous. Do you remember the time the rattlesnake got in the cave, and Toronado wouldn't let us past him to where the snake was?"
Felipé nodded.
"He stood there the same way, watching him like he did that snake. It was if he knew him, and knew he was dangerous."
Diego walked to where Toronado calmly munched hay, and placed his hand on his neck. The tall stallion looked at him inquiringly, pausing in his meal.
"What was it about him, boy?" Diego asked as he rubbed Toronado's neck. "Why did you act that way?"
Toronado knew he was being addressed, he recognized the word 'boy' as referring to him, but the rest of the words meant nothing to him except that his human wanted something. Ears pricked, he put his nose into Diego's chest and nudged him.
Diego laughed, "He knows I want something, and he wants to help. It's all right Toronado." With a final pat, he continued getting dressed.
Felipé gestured to Toronado, then pointed to his head.
"Yes, Toronado is very smart, Zorro would not have been able to do his work without him. I have always been amazed that he allowed me to capture him that day, when we found him. He had just gone to all the trouble to steal my father's broodmare and foal, and yet when I put a rope on him and led him away, he didn't resist. And he learned so quickly! He still does."
Toronado watched the two humans for a while, just in case they did something interesting, but when it looked like they were just going to stand there and talk he turned back to his hay. He had learned a long time ago that humans, especially his human, tend to talk a lot. He always listened, with one ear cocked back in case they mentioned a word he knew, like oats, or saddle, he knew what those words meant. He also listened for the sound of glass clinking on the table, which meant his human was going to make a loud noise, or horrible smell, and he needed to be prepared to duck to the back of the cave.
"Come Felipé, I need to be in bed 'resting' before Father gets back from Los Angeles." As Diego passed the table, he casually picked up a sprig of flowers, hiding his action from the young man following him.
Felipé followed him with a grin. He knew Diego was hoping he hadn't noticed the flower, and he knew it had something to do with Senorita Escalanté. Diego's secret passion for the lovely tavern owner has long been a source of amusement and frustration for him. Amusement, because as intelligent, educated, and confident Diego was, he was unable to face Victoria with his feelings. Frustration, because he loved both of them, and wanted them to be happy. He followed Diego up the stairs.
Chapter 4
Victoria Escalanté opened the door to her tavern, and stepped outside. The sun was not yet up, but it's promise was on the horizon. She paused a moment to breathe in the cool morning air. There were days she wished she didn't have to get up early, to prepare breakfast for her guests. It would be pleasant to lie in bed some mornings and have some one bring her fruit and tea. But on mornings like this, she loved being up early, the only one awake in the entire Pueblo.
Her reverie was interrupted by the loud rap of a mallet. Following the sound with her eyes, she saw Sgt. Mendosa putting up sheets of paper on a doorway lintel across the street.
She frowned and started across the street. "Only one person could stir Mendosa out of the barracks THIS early. That means somebody else is in for a very unpleasant day."
Don Alejandro was seated in the parlor, a steaming cup of tea beside him. He was writing notes, referring to a book in his lap. He looked up with surprise when his son came into the room.
"Diego! You are up early this morning. How is your arm?"
"I am fine, Father." Diego walked past Don Alejandro to stand by the fireplace. Diego stood by the fireplace, idly tapping his fingers on the mantle, looking off into the distance.
Don Alejandro closed his book, and put it aside, but as he did he noticed something on the floor.
"What is this?" He asked as he picked it up.
"What did you say, Father?" Diego said, coming out of his reverie.
Don Alejendro examined the twig he had picked up. There were dried flowers attached, and he could still smell their fragrance.
With a start, Diego reached for the twig, and Don Alejandro realized Diego had dropped it. Suddenly his son's distracted air was explained. He hid a smile, then asked casually "Do you have something to discuss with me Diego?"
"No, Father, the flower is just one I gathered for an experiment." Diego hastily explained. Searching for a way to change the subject, he quickly asked "What are you working on?"
"I am looking into the best way to arrange for Felipé's adoption into our family."
"I assumed I would just adopt him myself, no one could ask for a better son."
"Yes, well, I agree with you there, BUT, you will not use him to get out of providing me with grandchildren!"
"But Father.."
"No, Diego! If you adopt him as your heir, then you will say your duty is done, and then where would I be?" The silver haired Don was smiling, but he was quite serious.
"I do intend to marry ...."
"But when, Diego? I want babies! This house should be filled with laughter and little feet, Felipé is closer to getting married than you are!"
"I am working on it Father! One does not just run off and marry some girl, it takes some serious thought."
"Then you have someone in mind? Who is it?"
"I would rather not say, the lady in question does not feel the same way I'm afraid." Diego looked at the flower in his hand and sighed.
"Have you told her how you feel?" Don Alejandro was elated. At least he was admitting he had feelings for someone.
"No."
"Diego! How can you get anywhere if you don't tell her how you feel! Show some passion! Court her! Stop dreaming and start doing!"
Diego looked at his father, unable to explain why he had such difficulty doing just that. A knock on the door gave him a welcome reprieve.
Don Alejandro threw his hands up in exasperation. "Diego, Diego, What am I going to do with you?" Setting his papers aside, he went to answer the door shaking his head. As soon as he opened the door, Victoria Escalanté was inside.
"Don Alejandro.." she began urgently.
"Victoria, what can I do for you?"
"Good morning Victoria." Diego came to the hall to greet her.
"Good morning Diego. I'm sorry to come so early....."
"That is quite all right Victoria, as you can see for once even Diego is up, awake before noon certainly a red letter day!" He glanced at Diego with a grin. As usual, Diego was taking his teasing with good humor. As he turned to escort Victoria into the parlor, he caught a familiar scent. "Is that a new perfume, Victoria?" he asked.
Distracted from her mission for a moment, Victoria blushed a little. "No, Don Alejandro, I sprinkled flowers on my sheets last night, accidentally, that is, it must be their scent."
"It is lovely, I hope it brought you pleasant dreams." He said gallantly, kissing her hand. "You know Diego has a twig..."
Diego cleared his throat, then began coughing. His face slightly red, he waved off their offers of help.
Don Alejandro looked at his son thoughtfully for a moment. Then turned to his guest. "What did you wish to see us about Victoria."
"Oh!" Victoria exclaimed, suddenly reminded of her mission. "Zorro is in trouble!"
"Zorro?" She had Diego's complete attention. He had recovered from his coughing fit, but still looked a little flushed.
"Yes, a man has come forward claiming to be Toronado's owner! He is saying that Zorro stole him!"
Don Alejandro frowned "That is ridiculous, Zorro is no horse thief! And he has had Toronado for years. Why would the owner come forward now?"
"The notice just said that there is proof of his ownership, and says that if Zorro was an honest man he would turn Toronado over to his owner."
"It's just another one of the Alcalde's tricks!" Furious, Don Alejandro paced back and forth. As always, in a crisis, he itched for action.
"That may well be true Father, but the law is plain. Perhaps we should go and talk to the Alcalde and this 'owner' and see what proof they have." Diego spoke thoughtfully.
"Excellent!" Don Alejandro snapped his fingers. "I will have the horse saddled." He left them with a purposeful stride, glad to be Doing something!
Diego stood lost in thought, he had always assumed Toronado was wild when he found him, but it would explain much if he did belong to this man. Suddenly he realized he may very well have to turn Toronado over to this man, should he prove to be his owner.
"Diego?"
At Victoria's touch on his arm he looked up, he had forgotten she was there!
"What were you thinking? Your face was so sad." She looked into his face with concern, and the scent of the flowers was dizzying. He had a sudden vision of her sprinkling the flowers he gave her in her bed and sleeping with their soft petals caressing her skin. With a wrench he bought himself back to the present, and the problem at hand.
"If this man proves to be Toronado's owner, Zorro will have to turn him over to him. Toronado will never understand why he has been betrayed, why the man he has trusted and obeyed for 8 years suddenly turns him over to a stranger. A horse knows nothing of man's law, a horse only knows who he has given his heart to. Zorro and Toronado have been companions and partners for a long time, it would be cruel to separate them."
Surprised at the passion in his voice, Victoria protested "But he is just a horse, a wonderful horse, to be sure..but.."
Diego frowned at her, "He is more than 'just a horse' Victoria! He is an intelligent, thinking being with feelings and a will of his own. He could not be forced to do what he does for Zorro, he chooses to. I'm not saying horses, or any animal, are the same as we are, but they do have thought, and emotions, and can show affection and attachment just like we do. Someday we will be called to account for how we have treated our animals."
Felipé opened the door, and motioned that the horses were ready. As they followed him out, Victoria studied Diego. He had surprised her with his statements. When she had read the notice, her first thought was without Toronado, how would Zorro out run the Lancers? She had not even thought about how Zorro, or Toronado would feel about it. As she approached the horses, she looked at them with new eyes. Don Alejandro had the reins of Dulcenea, and the lovely gray mare put her nose to his cheek in greeting. Felipé quickly swung up on his pinto Gitano, expertly sitting the buck the gelding gave and grinning. Diego was examining the tack on his stallion, a golden bay. As he took the reins, the horse danced a bit, but at a quiet word from Diego stood for him to mount. Once Diego was in the saddle, he immediately began to prance, ears pricked. But rather than jerk the reins, as Victoria had seen other cabellero's do, Diego simply stroked his neck, and the horse settled at his touch. Manuel held the reins of the mare she had borrowed from the pueblo stable. While she had her own cart, she usually just rented a horse. Perhaps if she owned a horse it would be different.
As they rode to the pueblo, Victoria reined her mare over to Diego. She noticed that while the stallion was perfectly behaved, he eyed her mare and arched his neck a bit more.
"What is his name?" She asked Diego.
"Bailarin del Sol." Diego patted his neck, and smiled as the stallion pranced a bit.
"Why do you always ride a stallion, and your father a mare?" She was genuinely curious.
"Well, it is preference, I suppose. My father believes mares are more courageous, and more sensitive, but then he has always had a way with women." Diego grinned at his father, who was listening.
"Yes, well, what Diego is not telling you is that he enjoys the challenge of the stallions! He likes dealing with someone who is going to argue with you about everything for no other reason than for the sake of arguing itself! Which is good, since that describes our Alcalde perfectly." Don Alejandro saluted with two fingers, then cantered on, with Victoria following.
Felipé gestured one handed at Diego, with an impudent grin on his face.
"This must be why I enjoy Victoria's company so much?" Diego grinned, and took a half-hearted swipe at Felipé. He then quickly sobered. "I may need your help more than ever in, Amigo." They cantered on following the others.
"Alcalde, what is the meaning of this...outrage?" Don Alejandro waved one of the notices that littered the pueblo walls.
"The meaning is quite plain, Don Alejandro." De Soto answered calmly. He sat at ease behind his desk, and had not even moved when they had come storming into his office. It was obvious he had been expecting them. "Señor Barquilla has claimed that he is the owner of the horse Zorro rides, and says he can prove it. All I am asking it that Zorro turn the horse over to the authorities and let an impartial third party decide."
"And who will that third party be, you?" Don Alejandro pointed at the Alcalde.
"Actually, before you came storming in here I was going to nominate you, Don Alejandro, since your knowledge of horses is well known. But now I do have my doubts about your impartiality. So I thought Don Pedro may be convinced to preside in this matter. I think you will agree he will be fair and impartial to all parties."
"Well, yes, Don Pedro will be fair..but how do we know it is not all a trick to capture Zorro?"
"The law is the law, Don Alejandro, if Zorro turns the horse over, and agrees to submit to the decision of the judge, I will give amnesty for the duration of the proceedings. Sargent Mendosa is posting notices to that effect right now. I have also sent riders to Don Pedro to see if he will come."
Don Alejandro was still not pleased, but he could find no fault in the proposal. And this worried him. He turned to his tall son. "Diego?" Victoria looked to him with hope as well, if anyone could find a legal way out of this it was Don Diego!
"Where is this Señor Barquilla? I would like to see these proof, and speak to him. In the interest of truth, of course"
"Ahh, well unfortunately Señor Barquilla is not here, but he will be here tomorrow for the hearing, I can assure you." The Alcalde leaned back in his chair and smiled.
"The arrangement seems quite fair, Alcalde, if you will excuse us?" Diego motioned with his hands for them to follow him. When they reached the street, Don Alejandro started to speak, but Diego motioned back to the Cuartel. Smiling, the silver haired cabellero led the way back to the tavern. He should have known his son would already have some plan.
"All right Diego, out with it!" He said as soon as they were safely in the tavern with the door closed. "You have something in mind." He looked at Diego expectantly.
Diego looked around, they all looked at him as if they expected him to be able to talk Zorro out of this problem. He noticed Felipé smirking, and raised an eyebrow at him. "Unfortunately, the Alcalde is right this time, the law is very clear. There are two problems here," Diego started to pace as he spoke. "The first one is determining who owns the horse, if this man is proved to be the owner, then it must be determined by the courts whether the horse was stolen or not."
Immediately they all began to protest. Diego raised his hand to silence them. "I know Zorro did not steal Toronado, but that has to be proven as well. If this man does own Toronado, the only hope we have is that once Zorro is proven innocent, perhaps the man can be persuaded to sell him."
Felipé gestured urgently at Diego. "You are right Felipé, even if Zorro had the money to purchase Toronado, he would not be allowed to by the Alcalde, plus it might raise doubts as to his honesty." At their puzzled looks, he elaborated. "They would suspect where he got the funds to purchase Toronado. Does anyone know this Señor Barquilla?"
"There is no one new in the pueblo now that the Royal Guardsmen have left, except for the three bandits Zorro brought in." Victoria explained
"Indeed" Diego stood lost in thought for a moment
"Well, Diego, what do you propose we do now?" His father interrupted his thoughts.
"I think the best thing we can do is to wait. I think I will head back home, it was an early morning for me." Diego politely yawned behind his hand, and gesturing to Felipé, left the tavern.
"I thought he had some plan!" Victoria exclaimed, gesturing after the tall cabellero.
"I don't know Victoria, just when I think Diego is finally going to do something, he does this! Sometimes I don't think Diego will ever change." The silver haired cabellero stared after his son for a moment. He thought earlier that day he had seen a spark . . . of something in his son's eyes. He shook his head, Diego was..Diego.
"Do you think Zorro will give Toronado to this Señor Barquilla?"
"Zorro is a man of honor, Victoria. If this man really is Toronado's owner, what else can he do? If you will excuse me, I have some business to attend to." He saluted the beautiful señorita with his gloves, and left.
Diego looked up from the books he had spread around him when Felipé returned from the pueblo. His dark eyes flashing, he began to gesture urgently.
"Slow down Felipé, you say this Barquilla is one of the bandits I bought in?" At the handsome young man's nod, he motioned for him to continue. "So, he made a deal with the Alcalde for his release and that of his men, if he can prove he owns Toronado. But you were unable to find out what this proof is." Felipé shrugged apologetically. "It's alright Felipé, we know much more than we did. And I have also put my time to good use. Proof of ownership requires some documentation, a bill of sale, a certificate from the breeder, something. So he will have to produce some tangible proof. As soon as it is dark, I will pay the Alcalde a visit."
Alcalde De Soto sat at his desk, holding a sheet of paper in front of him. He was not reading it however, he sat lost in thought. Finally a deep-throated chuckle escaped him.
"Something amusing Alcalde? Perhaps you would like to share the joke?"
"Zorro." The man seated at the desk said without surprise. He looked up at the masked man standing over him. A momentary flash of irritation showed on his face at the way the slender figure towered over him. As a military man, it went against his very being to have an enemy standing over him. "I don't think you will find it so amusing."
"Oh, try me." The masked man said with a charming smile.
"All in good time. You have seen the notices, I presume? The hearing is tomorrow, and whether you cooperate or not, the issue will be decided. Unless you have stolen the horse, and will try to evade justice."
"I have no need to worry about 'Justice,' Alcalde, she has always been my ally. But if you will guarantee the amnesty you promised, I will be there, with Toronado."
"You have my word, as a gentleman." De Soto said graciously.
"I would rather have your word as a King's officer."
De Soto's head jerked as if he had been slapped. Glaring at the masked man, he growled "I give you my word, as an officer of the King of Spain."
"I see we understand each other. Until tomorrow, Alcalde." With a graceful bow, the figure in black leaped up to the beams overhead, and quickly swung through the open window on the roof.
Furious, De Soto considered calling for his lancers, but they would not catch Zorro now anyway. He would have his revenge on that arrogant outlaw! Still seething from the insult, he stalked into the garrison rooms, shouting for Sargent Mendoza as he went.
The subject of all this ill will, was standing undecided on the rooftop of the tavern. He had felt his wound open again as he leaped up the beam. As he climbed out on the roof he could feel a small trickle of blood. He should go straight back to the cave, but the chance to see Victoria was not to be passed up. Especially since all of the lancers were in the barracks, getting instructions for the trap they were setting for him. He grinned, he knew the Alcalde's amnesty would only last until the issue was decided, then they would be free to try to capture him. He would have to make a few preparations of his own. Yet another reason to go to the tavern tonight. He crept quietly on the tiles of the roof, one wrong step would cause noise that was sure to be noticed. The tavern was quiet tonight. He swung easily in the window of the kitchen, dropping lightly to the floor. He peered through the curtain in the doorway. He would not have long to wait, Victoria was seldom out of her kitchen for long. He spotted her with a tray, collecting dishes. While he waited, he studied the kitchen, noting the door to the storeroom in the corner. He opened the door, and glanced inside. It was packed to the ceiling, but there was room inside, and the lock on the door was a simple one. That mission accomplished, he moved to glance through the curtain again. As he did he became aware of the blood trickling down his arm, and into his glove. It was not visible on his black silk shirt, but he would have to be cautious, perhaps he should leave. As he turned to go the curtain parted, and Victoria bumped into him with the tray of dishes. Whirling quickly, he caught a dish as it slid off the tray. He handed it to the lovely woman, then while she put the dishes on the counter, he furtively scrubbed his foot over the drops of blood his quick movement had scattered on the floor.
"Thank you." she smiled at him.
"You are most welcome, and thank you for carrying the warning so quickly about the Alcalde's plans." He reached out and brushed the hair back from her face.
"I am glad to help, you know that, but what can we do? We can't let them take Toronado away!"
"I may have to. I found Toronado running wild, eight years ago. I assumed he had no owner but if this señor Barquilla has proof, I must turn him over and betray the trust he has put in me."
"Diego said something like that as well, he said it is cruel to take the horse away from the master his heart had chosen. He is researching the law to see what we can do."
"Yes, I appreciate his help." He smiled wryly. He could feel the blood pooling in his glove. "I must go Victoria, I just wanted to thank you."
"Surely you can think of better thanks that that!" She challenged him, lifting one eyebrow.
"Surely, I can." He smiled, taking her into his arms for a brief kiss. He had not, however, taken in to account her enthusiasm, and the effect of the clinging smell of the flowers in her hair. He trailed kisses across her cheek, and buried his face in her hair. "How I envy those flowers, spending the night caressing your skin!" he murmured. Greatly daring, he pressed a gentle kiss to the hollow of her throat, and she shivered. She placed her hands around his neck and pulled his lips to hers. She melted against him, and while he found the contact delightful, it posed an embarrassing problem if continued. His silk clothing did nothing to hide his own growing response, and his cheeks flushed with the thought of her noticing. Reluctantly, he pulled away.
"I really must go Victoria."
She nodded, wordlessly, her cheeks flushed and eyes glowing. Suddenly Diego noticed a stain on her skirt, and realized the blood that had pooled in his glove had soaked into her skirt. He thought furiously for a moment, he had to hide the blood somehow. He glanced at the dishes on the counter, they were all empty, a testament to Victoria's excellent cooking. There was one with some stew left. Smiling down at Victoria, he took her in his arms. As he kissed her, he slowly pressed her against the counter. He could feel her surprise at this bold action. But before he could really enjoy the encounter, he flipped the dish with his hand, spilling stew down her skirt and covering up the tell tale stain. The plate hit the floor with a crash, shattering instantly, and they jumped apart glancing at the curtained doorway.
"Please forgive my clumsiness, Victoria! But I must go before someone comes." Kissing her quickly on the cheek, he vaulted up to the window, and out into the night.
A man's head poked through the curtain. "Are you all right, Señorita?"
"Yes, I am fine." Victoria answered, breathless and flushed. "I dropped a dish, that is all." She bent to begin cleaning it up, her body still tingling from the feel of his body pressing against her. She paused to savor the encounter. It seemed it was getting harder for the masked man to leave her every time. She smiled to herself as she stood up with the shards of the dish in her hands. While she understood his reasons for keeping apart from her and waiting, she still vowed to do everything in her power to shorten that wait. She only wished she saw him more often. A sudden thought occurred to her, how had Zorro known she had scattered the flowers in her bed? She set the broken plate on the counter and absently brushed her hands on her skirt, encountering the wet stain on her side. Surprised, she looked at the stew plastered on her. "That's not like Zorro," she muttered, "that's more like something Diego would do!" She sighed and went upstairs to rinse the stew out before it could stain.
The next morning, the streets of Los Angeles were busy with people. News of the hearing had spread, and it seemed as if everyone in the territory was here to see the outcome. The noise of so many people was like a market day. Don Alejandro and Felipé rode up to the tavern and dismounted.
"Don Alejandro, where is Diego?" Victoria asked with out preamble, worry creasing her brow.
"He said he had more research to do, Victoria. He will be here, never fear. My son would not let Zorro down! Please excuse me, Victoria, there is something I must do before the hearing." The elegant silver haired Don strode off down the street.
Victoria sighed impatiently, they had an hour before the hearing was to start.
Precisely at twelve noon, the Alcalde stepped out of his office, and walked to the center of the plaza. His uniform was perfect, the silver gleaming in the sun. His hair perfectly combed, his beard and mustache trimmed precisely. He smiled with excellent good humor at the man who walked beside him.
"Ah, Don Pedro! So good of you to agree to rule in this matter." He affably greeted the older Don. "Señorita Escalanté has generously offered her tavern for the hearing, so if you will come with me?"
The tavern was set up with all of the chairs and benches facing a table with one chair behind it. De Soto indicated the chair to Don Pedro, then stood to the side watching.
"This hearing is to determine the ownership on the black stallion commonly known as 'Toronado.' Señor Barquilla, you may present your claim."
The man who approached the Don was medium height, with long brown hair swept back into greasy locks. The type of life he had lead was easily read by his face and clothing. Both showed weather-beaten shabbiness. The half-circle scar on his face showed white against his tan. He placed a paper in Don Pedro's hand and stood silently.
"This is a statement of ownership from the royal stud in Spain!" Don Pedro exclaimed. He glanced at the man standing beside him, doubt in his face that this man could possibly own a horse of such bloodlines.
"May I?" a deep voice came from the balcony of the tavern, and Zorro vaulted lightly over the rail to the floor below. He held his hand out for the document. After reading it, he looked at Don Pedro. "This could be a forgery, I suggest Don Alejandro examine the document, for surely he has seen the seal from the royal stud."
"Very well, Don Alejandro, por favor?"
"Certainly, Don Pedro!" He examined the paper intently. "It looks in order, but this statement names a gray yearling colt, and Toronado is black."
Señor Barquilla had turned away as Don Alejandro had taken the paper, but now he turned back. "Surely a horseman such as yourself knows you cannot tell the color of a colt until well into his second year." He sneered. "All grays are born black, it was just assumed he would turn gray, but he did not. It does not matter, the statement proves my ownership, and I can also name his markings."
"Toronado has no markings, he is solid black." Don Alejandro protested.
"He has a small white spot, on his belly where the girth goes."
All eyes turned to Zorro. He nodded slowly, "Toronado does have a white spot there."
Victoria twisted a towel in her hands as she stood behind the counter. Glancing around the room, she muttered to herself. "Where is Diego, that is what I would like to know!"
"Señor Barquilla, can you explain how you lost your horse?"
The man scowled, "I was training him, teaching him to respect his master, when he jumped the fence and ran loose. I was not able to find him. Now of course I know why." He glared at the masked man.
Don Alejandro stared at the man claiming to be Torornado's owner. There was something...familiar about his tone and expression. He knew he had heard those words and seen that face before.
"Zorro?" Don Pedro said quietly.
"I found Toronado running wild, eight years ago. I assumed he was a feral horse."
"According to these documents, he would have been five years old then." Don Pedro sighed. "I am afraid, Señor Zorro, that I will have to rule in Señor Barquilla's favor. He is the owner of the horse. You are requested to turn him over to his owner now."
The tavern was filled with indignant murmuring.
Zorro looked as if he wanted to protest further, but instead he went to the door of the tavern, and let loose a piercing whistle. It was answered immediately with a neigh, and Toronado galloped around the corner to halt beside the masked man. He wore nothing but a plain rope halter. As the crowd came out of the tavern, the stallion reared.
The masked man spoke a quiet word, and the stallion froze. But he knew something was up, his bright intelligent eyes going from the crowd to the man beside him. He snorted and nudged his master. Zorro stroked his neck, then taking his halter, he turned to the waiting group. At the sight of Señor Barquilla, the stallion's ears went flat against his head. His teeth snapped as the man reached for the halter. The man jerked his hand back, but grinned evilly. It was obvious he was looking forward to breaking this proud spirit.
Chapter 5
Zorro frowned, "Don Alejandro, will you take Toronado to the pueblo stables for Señor Barquilla. It will be safer that way, I think."
Don Alejandro wanted to refuse. It was unthinkable, that such a man would have possession of a horse such as this. He knew he had seen that evil expression before. The man simply wanted to break the horse, to punish it for defying his will. But Zorro looked at him with such despair in his eyes, as was in all the eyes of the true horsemen there. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He stepped forward to take the stallion's halter. The tall horse flung his head up and tensed, ready to rear. For a moment Don Alejandro wondered if he was being foolish, he had seen this horse hold off a crowd of lancers on his own with his hooves and teeth. But Zorro placed his hand on the horse's neck and murmured a soft word. Toronado lowered his head and went with him quietly. Halfway across the plaza, the horse stopped, and looked back with a throaty whicker. But Zorro was nowhere to be seen. Lancers poured into the plaza from all directions, searching for him. Don Alejandro put Toronado in one of the stalls in the stable, tying him to a rope that hung there. He made sure there was hay, and fresh water. The stallion watched his every move. As he turned to leave, the horse nudged him, giving that low whicker again. Automatically, he rubbed the muscled neck under the thick mane. Ruffled fur caught in his fingers, curious, he flipped the mane over to look at what kind of scar would cause such hair growth. Whorls of hair growing in ridges and circles patterned the stallion's neck. He traced the patterns with a finger, then looked at the stallion's face. He stepped back and examined every part of the horse, only his eyes betraying his excitement.
"Toronado! Right in front of my eyes all this time." He shook his head, and with a grin, started back to the tavern at a run.
"Where is Felipé?" He asked Victoria. When she shook her head, he made a quick decision. He took the young woman by the shoulders. "Victoria, get to Don Pedro! Tell him to do nothing until I get back!" He saluted her with his gloves, and before she could protest, he was on Dulcenea, and galloping out of the plaza.
"Where did my father go?" Diego asked from beside her.
"He didn't say. Where have you been! Zorro needed you, and you weren't there!" Her dark eyes flashing with anger, she poked the tall cabellero in the chest with a finger to emphasize her words. As she did several things came to her attention. Diego was out of breath, his hair disordered. His shirt collar was turned under, and the chest she poked was firmer than she expected.
Diego smoothed his disordered hair, looking around the plaza with a distracted air. "I was here, Victoria, there was nothing I could do, THEN." Abruptly he turned and walked away from her, leaving her looking after him in surprise.
The sight of Don Pedro reminded her of Don Alejandro's admonition. She pushed her way through the crowd to the older Don.
"Don Pedro! Don Alejandro asked me to tell you to do nothing until he comes back!" She said urgently.
"Why? The Hearing is over, there is nothing more to be done, except for Señor Barquilla to claim his horse. Where did Don Alejandro go?"
"I don't know, but he must have meant for you NOT to turn Toronado over to him! Maybe he has discovered something."
"It is too late for him to do anything, Señorita." De Soto seemed irked his lancers had found no sign of Zorro. "Señor Barquilla?" He gestured toward the pueblo stables.
The crowd followed the two men as they walked across the plaza. They were joined by the other two bandits, now freed. Toronado stood uneasily in the stall, he turned his head to the limit of the rope to see them men behind him. Catching sight of Barquilla, he reared, jerking against the rope and screaming in anger. Barquilla smiled grimly. After a brief discussion, the three men separated. One climbing through the stall next to the raging stallion, the other passing him a rope with a loop on the end. Barquilla stood next to a stout post set in the corral, with the other end of the rope in one hand, and in the other a whip.
At his nod, the stallion was released, and the rope dropped around his neck in the same moment. Toronado backed out of the stall, and whirled. When he spotted the man standing confidently in the corral, he immediately lunged. Barquilla stood his ground until the stallion was almost upon him, then jumped aside, putting the post between himself and the furious animal. Quickly he ducked around the post, winding the rope around it. When he was finished, he casually walked away from the horse and watched him. Toronado immediately realized he was tied, and did not test the rope, but stood, ears back watching Barquilla's every more. When the whip cracked over his head, he did not move or flinch. The tall stallion had heard that sound many times, never had it harmed him. Barquilla moved closer, to the limit of the rope.
"Now we will see who is the master here." he grinned. Throwing his arm back for momentum, he brought the whip down in a stinging slash across the stallion's back. The stallion jumped in shock, and backed away snorting in alarm. Laughing the scar-faced man brought the whip down across the horse again and again. Toronado whirled from one side to another trying in vain to escape the cutting lash.
Cries of protest were heard from the watching crowd.
"Can't you put a stop to this Alcalde?" Diego asked.
Even the Alcalde was disgusted with the man's actions. "Unfortunately, no. There are no laws against abusing animals Don Diego."
"Perhaps I can reason with him." Diego leaped over the corral fence.
"Señor Barquilla!" he called. "It is surely not wise to mark up the back of an animal you could sell quite easily, and for a good price."
"Indeed, Don Diego de la Vega." He sneered, never pausing in his whip strokes.
"I would pay you 5,000 pesos." Diego said quietly.
Barquilla paused to look at Diego, them threw his head back in laughter. "I suppose you would." He grinned, and resumed his punishment.
"6,000" Diego said quietly.
Barquilla chuckled, but never paused. Toronado was maddened by the pain, his back a latticework of welts and blood. He charged at Barquilla, and when the noose tightened on his neck, he reared, screaming his frustration. Barquilla reversed his stoke and snapped the whip into the soft belly. Toronado reared again, reaching for his tormentor. The rope was so taunt that his harsh breathing was painful to hear. Every time the stallion reared, the scarred man slashed the whip into his belly. He raised his arm for another blow, but was stopped by a hand made of iron.
"Name your price." Diego said quietly. The watching crowd was silent.
Barquilla shook his hand off, and turned to face him. "20,000 pesos." he said slowly.
The crowd gasped. That was a King's ransom! Cries of disbelief rang out, no one could ever pay so much for a horse, even the de la Vegas!
"Done."
That one quiet word silenced the crowd instantly.
Incredulous, Barquilla looked up at the handsome cabellero. "You would pay that much, for a HORSE?"
"I would pay that much for this horse, but only if you turn him over to me now. He is no use to me if he is injured so badly he cannot be handled."
Diego risked a quick glance at Toronado. The stallion was beaten, but not defeated. Lather ran down his sides and between his legs, colored pink with his blood. He panted, his teeth bared and eyes ringed in white. His gaze never leaving his enemy standing in front of him.
Diego watched the expressions of the man in front of him, greed was warring with hate on his face.
"Where is this money?" he asked finally.
"My father was going to be here with the money, but I can have it released from the bank."
"Unless you have money to show me, you are wasting my time." He prepared for another stroke.
Diego blocked his arm. "I will get the money, but you must stop."
"Get the money, and I will think about it." He snapped his hand back, striking Deigo on the cheek with the heavy braided handle of the whip, then in the same motion snapped it towards the face of the stallion. Toronado shrieked in pain, and launched himself at his tormentor. Deigo grabbed the whip as it came back for another stroke and jerked the scarred man back just as Toronado reached the height of his leap. The rope parted with a sound like a musket shot.
Toronado leaped past knocking Barquilla to the ground, then whirled to find his enemy. Realizing the man could not escape the stallion's hooves, Diego stepped over the prone man as the stallion leaped towards him. Toronado reared over Diego, and the watching crowd gasped. Diego could hear Victoria's voice call out his name.
Squealing in frustration, Toronado twisted to the side and landed beside Diego. The tall cabellero never moved as the stallion reared and plunged, flinging sand and dirt everywhere in his fury. But as he raged, he never touched the man in front of him. Finally he snorted in disgust and trotted to the back of the corral, where he turned his back on them.
"Diego!"
He turned at his father's call.
"Don Pedro! I think we have some evidence that should have been presented at the hearing." Don Alejandro handed a set of documents to Don Pedro.
The elder Don read the papers carefully. "Alcalde, where are the papers Señor Barquilla presented to prove his ownership?"
"Right here, Don Pedro." He handed them over, puzzled. "I thought you had determined them to be genuine, on Don Alejandro's recommendation."
"It seems we have a bit of a problem, there are two sets of papers. Don Alejandro, do you have an explanation for this?"
"Yes, I do, and you will forgive me if it is a long one, but I did not put it all together myself until a short while ago. Twelve years ago, I received as a gift from the Royal family a colt by Furioso. It was his last son foaled. These are his papers, the breeders certificate, travel orders, transfer of ownership."
"What has this to do with anything?" The Alcalde growled bad-temperedly.
"Patience, Alcalde, patience..I said it was a long tale. Well, when the colt got here, he was wild! No one could control him! The man charged with bringing him to me said he was like that the whole passage, and offered to buy him. But, he was a gift, and I thought I would give him some time to get over the voyage. Well, one night I come out to find Diego training him. Under Diego's hand, he was well mannered and obedient."
"I remember that colt, I think everyone in the territory tried to buy him from you!" Someone in the crowd called out.
"Yes, well, when Diego had left for Spain, the man who had brought him came and tried to buy him again. When I refused, he got furious! And threatened that if he couldn't have the colt, no one could. I had him thrown off my property. But...two days later, the colt was gone, jumped the fence. I thought he was lost for good, until now."
Realizing what he was implying, the Alcalde snorted. "You don't really expect us to believe that this is your horse? That all this time he has been right here under your nose?"
"Well, sometimes you can be blinded by what you want to believe, Alcalde. I had always believed he would be a gray, and that he was lost for good. I had no idea that Zorro would find him and complete his training."
"Can you prove this is the same horse?" Don Pedro asked.
Don Alejandro pulled a sheet from the pile of papers. On the sheet was a drawing of a horse's neck, with odd markings. "This is the breeder's certificate. The Horsemaster of the Royal Stud is a most meticulous man. Furioso marked all his offspring with the swirls on their necks, and here they are drawn in detail. Toronado has these exact markings. It is that which finally made me realize that Toronado was my little Diablo. When I put him in the stable for Zorro I found the swirls, realized who he was, and rode home for the documents to prove it. And the white spot on his belly is from his jump out of my corral that night, he left a patch of his hide behind."
"I will need to see these swirls." Don Pedro stepped through the fence, with Don Alejandro following.
"Diego, hold him." Don Alejandro ordered.
Diego walked to Toronado, and grasping his halter, stroked his nose soothingly. With out a thought that only a short while ago this horse was trying to kill someone, Don Alejandro walked up to the stallion and flipped his mane over. He held up the drawing of the swirls, and traced the ones on Toronado's neck with a finger.
After a moment, Don Pedro sighed. "This proves that this is indeed the horse, but what about the identical papers?"
"You could check the watermark." Diego commented casually.
"Watermark?" Don Pedro asked.
"Surely the Royal Stud has the King's crest as a watermark in the paper."
Don Alejandro held his paper up to the light, and Don Pedro held up Señor Barquilla's.
Don Pedro pointed out the plain paper he held, then the obvious crest in the paper of the one Don Alejandro had.
"Then the decision of this hearing, is that Don Alejandro is the owner if this horse!"
Diego sighed with relief, as the crowd clapped with delight.
"Just one moment." The Alcalde walked up with Barquilla beside him. "That may be, but the horse is dangerous! If he can't be controlled, he must be destroyed! In the interests of public safety."
Catching sight of Barquilla, Toronado surged towards him squealing, knocking everyone aside.
"Alcalde," Diego protested, as he held on to the plunging horse. "that man was torturing this horse, you must expect he will react to him."
"This man is the one who wanted to buy him from me twelve years ago. I would bet he tried to steal him the night he jumped out of my corral and ran away. Is that where you got that pretty mark on your face 'Señor Barquilla?'" Don Alejandro gestured with his gloves at the hoof shaped scar on the man's face. "What kind of proof do you need that this horse can be handled safely?"
The Alcalde grinned, "Oh, something simple, just that the owner ride him."
They looked at each other in stunned silence. Ride Toronado? Zorro's horse?
The Alcalde laughed, a deep evil sound. "What is the matter Don Alejandro, doubt your riding ability?"
"My father is the greatest horseman in California," Diego said angrily, bringing a pleased smile from his father, "but Toronado is injured, he wouldn't let anyone ride him, even Zorro. It would be torture."
"Well then.." the Alcalde shrugged.
"Um...Diego," Don Alejandro spoke quietly to his son "while I do appreciate the compliment on my riding..there is one problem. Diablo isn't mine."
Diego looked at his father in dismay.
His father made a quieting gesture with his hand, "When you left for Spain, I had papers made up giving him to you, I had planned on presenting him to you upon your return. Diablo..er Toronado belongs to you."
Diego was unable to comprehend what his father was saying at first. The probability of having to give Toronado up had ruled his thoughts and emotions, the sudden relief was almost more than he could handle. Toronado was his, legally! He was not only the pure Andalusian he had always suspected he was, but the son of Furioso. His father's dream of breeding the best horses in California had centered on this horse, and he had given his dream . . . to his son. He stroked the black stallion's face gently.
His eyes bright with unshed tears, he turned to his father. "Thank you." He said simply.
The silver haired Don put his hand on his son's arm and nodded. "But," He said briskly "you should not thank me yet, you have to ride him to keep him." He lifted an eyebrow at his son.
Diego noticed he didn't show any doubt that he COULD ride Toronado. He looked at Toronado's back. Welts were everywhere, with blood and sweat streaking his hide. This was going to take a lot of trust on Toronado's part..trust that the pain was necessary. He had already betrayed Toronado's trust once that day by turning him over to Barquilla. He thought about getting a saddle and bridle, but that would irritate his wounds even more. He would ride him bareback, with just the halter. He would have to trust Toronado.
The murmuring behind him let him know the Alcalde's demand was known. He looked over the crowd, and saw Victoria looking worried and irritated. He smiled..how typical! He was sure he would hear her opinion on his foolishness later.
He patted Toronado on his neck to warn him, then grasping his mane he vaulted lightly to his back. He could hear gasps from the townspeople watching, he knew they expected him to be flung off immediately. Toronado half reared in surprise and pain, and Diego realized his mistake at once. While he had ridden bareback many times, never in silk pantalóns. The combination of the slick material, sweat and blood and Toronado's short sleek coat almost caused him to slide right off the other side. He sat up slowly, patting Toronado reassuringly. He could feel the horse's muscles stop quivering and relax as he realized who was riding him.
Using his legs lightly to guide him, Diego rode Toronado over to the Alcalde. The slightest weight shift stopped the stallion right in front of him.
"Is this proof enough, Alcalde?"
The Alcalde's ice blue eyes glinted as he scowled. He knew that if the de la Vegas kept the stallion, Zorro would have use of him again. He stroked his beard in thought. "It hardly proves anything to ride him in a corral, Don Diego. What needs to be proved is that he is not a danger to the good people of this pueblo."
"Very well, Alcalde." Diego turned Toronado towards the gate. He realized the Alcalde would try something, to make Toronado react and throw him off. It was only the very real possibility of his sliding off the slick back of the stallion that kept him from showing the Alcalde just how well trained the horse was. He set his seat firmly on the stallion's back, and grasping the thick mane in his hand, he reined Toronado out into the plaza just as if he had a bridle. As he walked the stallion down the street, the crowd parted respectfully. Toronado was alert, but calm. As Diego turned him back, several musket shots rang out over the pueblo. Toronado walked calmly on.
"Lancers, after Zorro!" De Soto bellowed at the top of his lungs. The soldiers looked at him in bewilderment, Zorro was nowhere to be seen.
Toronado immediately tensed, and waited for the signal to whirl and gallop away. Diego realized that De Soto had correctly guessed that the stallion would recognize the shout that had started so many chases. Diego spoke soothingly to the horse, and though his muscles quivered, he walked on. As they drew abreast of the Alcalde, Diego saw he had a whip in his hand. Toronado saw it as well, and kept his eye on the whip. With a snap of his hand the Alcalde cracked the whip. Toronado leaped in the air, almost unseating Diego. He realized he had to do something, or the Alcalde would get what he wanted.
Gripping the horse's sides with his legs, he leaned back and pulled the thick mane firmly to the side. Obediently Toronado spun on his haunches, and Diego signaled for a leap forward. When the stallion realized he was heading right towards the whip, he hesitated, but a firm leg pressure had him on top of the dodging man in two strides. Diego locked his knee against Toronado's withers, and leaned down to snatch the whip out of the Alcalde's hand. He started to slip off and used the Alcalde to push himself back on the horse, knocking the fastidious man sprawling into a fresh pile of horse manure.
Diego brought Toronado to a stop at the far end of the plaza, and walked him slowly back. As he reached the furious man, he tossed the whip at his feet. "I think I have met all your conditions, Alcalde."
De Soto was sputtering with anger. Fragrant green smears stained his immaculate clothing. "I will have you put in irons for this, Don Diego! And that horse will be impounded! Lancers! Arrest him!"
"Hold it!" Don Pedro halted the soldiers advance. "Alcalde, you asked me to rule in this matter, YOU put this hearing in my hands. Now it is the ruling of this hearing that the horse belongs to Diego de la Vega. Now are you a man of your word, or not?"
De Soto glared down at the older Don. "Mendoza!" He roared.
"Si, mi Alcalde?" Sergeant Mendoza saluted with an expression of dismay. He truly didn't want to be ordered to arrest Don Diego. The handsome cabellero had been a good friend to him, to all of the pueblo.
"Sergeant Mendosa, round up Señor Barquilla, and his compadres. I suspect they have taken advantage of our distraction to sneak away."
"Oh, no, Alcalde, they are here!" He gestured and the three bandits were brought into view, accompanied by several of the largest lancers.
De Soto grunted sourly.
Encouraged, Sergeant Mendoza preceded to explain how this had come to be. "You see Alcalde, I never figured this Barquilla really had a claim to Zorro's horse. So I told the lancers to keep an eye on them, because as soon as they were ruled against by Don Pedro, I knew they would try to sneak away."
"Very good Sergeant." De Soto started to walk back to his office, with the earnest Mendoza following.
"Because if they didn't prove their claim, they would not get the reward and amnesty YOU promised them.."
"Mendosa!" De Soto spun to glare at his Sergeant.
"Si, Alcalde?" Mendosa gulped.
"Shut UP!" he hissed.
"Si Alcalde." Mendosa said unhappily, not know just what he had done this time to anger his superior officer.
"That was amazing, Son, well done! Bravo!" Don Alejandro smiled up at his son in pride. Here at last was his mark on HIS son! He had always known his son had an affinity for horses, but only the most skilled of horsemen could have done what Diego had done. The way he had stood over that bandit when Toronado had attacked! Never again would he doubt his son's bravery.
Several others crowded around to congratulate Diego. He saw Victoria looking at him with a most peculiar expression, then noticed De Soto also looking back at him with a speculative look. Suddenly he realized the danger he was in! He had just ridden the horse that everyone knew could only be approached by Zorro! Thinking quickly he let his legs relax, and tilting to one side he slid off Toronado with a cry of dismay. Landing in a heap under the stallion's feet, he laid there with a dazed look on his face.
Victoria pushed immediately to his side. "Diego, are you all right." She kneeled beside him, putting her hand on his face in concern.
"Diego, what happened? " his father asked.
"I guess in all the excitement, I just fainted." Diego said with a shrug. With their help he climbed to his feet.
De Soto turned and walked towards his office. "Fainted!" he snorted.
Don Alejandro was bewildered, how could his son in one moment display some of the finest horsemanship he had ever seen, and in the next moment fall off a standing horse?
Victoria faced the tall cabellero. "Deigo de la Vega! Do you know how dangerous that was?" Diego started to speak, but before he opened his mouth, the lovely tavern owner went on. "What ever possessed you to believe you could ride Zorro's horse?" she continued to scold him, as he turned to the tall black stallion.
Felipé stood at the stallion's head, his missions to recover Zorro's clothes from the tavern store room, and to be sure the soldiers found Barquilla and his friends were accomplished. He grinned at the scolding Diego was receiving from the pretty Señorita. Don Alejandro saw Felipé gesture, and saw Diego's answering wink and quick smile. He noticed that Diego's eyes were remarkably clear for someone who has supposedly fainted and had a hard fall from a horse. Diego turned and saw his father's thoughtful expression as he watched him.
"Diego," Victoria touched his arm to get his attention. "What will you do with Toronado? Will you let Zorro continue to ride him?"
"Well, Victoria, Toronado has some important duties to perform." He grinned at his father. "But as I think there will be no problem arranging that, I feel that the horse should be ridden by the man he has given his heart to." With that, he took the halter off Toronado's head. The stallion stood there for a moment, looking at Diego. "Go home, Toronado." Diego said quietly.
The stallion put his nose into Diego's chest for a moment, then with a ringing neigh, galloped out of the pueblo. Cries of astonishment rang out from the plaza. Deigo put a hand on Felipé's shoulder, and they walked to where their horses were tethered.
"Don Alejandro, why did Diego turn Toronado loose? He is his horse." Victoria watched Diego walk away.
The elegant Don thought for a moment before replying. He had seen his son's face when he revealed the horse was his. He knew how much it had cost Diego to turn the horse loose. "Victoria, love is not about possession. You cannot own a heart. Sometimes the greatest love is shown, by letting what you love choose their own way." He smiled down at the lovely young woman, and saluting her with his gloves, followed after his son.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This entire story came about because of a hole in the story line of the first episode that I, as a horseman just could not ignore. But rather than complain about inaccuracies, I decided to explain how it COULD have happened the way the series writers said it did. I hope I have done just that!
Cheers!
Susan
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