The Price of Freedom

by Illaesazaikashana

Disclaimer: I don't hold any rights to anything found here except for maybe the plot I came up with. Anything recognizable is a) part of the show and therefore definitely not mine or b) actual historical fact used fictionally. Didn't make any money writing this either.

Summary: Diego knew that his double life as Zorro would always have consequences from the government in power. He didn't expect to deal with an arrest and possible execution as the editor of the Guardian.

Author's Note: A single liberty was taken with both the background of the show and a bit with history, but it will make sense and lead to a far happier ending. I have no idea if I'll write another Zorro based fic after this one but I can tell you I've been enjoying the others found on this site. Almost voraciously so...

Prologue

May 2nd, 1824
Madrid, Spain

The man was not a tall man, but he held himself like he was much taller. "You are quite sure it's him?" asked King Ferdinand, once exiled but since returned. "I have heard too many conflicting reports."

The other man, a noble by birth and by his bearing he was proud of that fact. While he deferred, as was expected, to his King he had trained for years to serve him in the same manner. "I cannot see it being anyone else. The coincidences are too plentiful, and obvious, to ignore. I just cannot fathom the why."

"When I chose the five of you, I distinctly remember stating that the purpose of your new order was to protect Spain and her interests, and by extension—if I must remind you that I am Spain's King—that means my interests," pointed out Ferdinand, and when the other man stopped to speak he smiled and waved off the apology that he knew was coming. "No, no, my good man. You have done that—all of you have. To the very letter. I have no doubt that he does as well. I just would like him to keep me updated occasionally, so long as it does not compromise whatever mission he has taken on."

"You believe, then, that he has not gone rogue as some think?" asked the other man. "I realize we allowed him an early retirement when he was called back home by his father…"

"No," answered Ferdinand. "His methods have always been as his new chosen codename suggests."

The other man chortled at this as Ferdinand gave a short bark of laughter. "Cunning as always," agreed the other man. "I just hope he hasn't bitten off more than he can chew."

"If Alta California wasn't a territory of Mexico, I would send another of my Left Hands there, but I am not sure how he would react," said Ferdinand, and then he stopped again, making the other man skip a step to stop as he had been mid-step. "But perhaps I should."

"Your Majesty?" asked the other man.

"If he has gone rogue, then he needs to be eliminated. No capture, no anything. He disappears. Let the people think what they will," said Ferdinand. "If he has not gone rogue, as others suggest, then this second Left Hand is to take his report and return back here."

"Not aid him?" asked the other man.

"No," answered Ferdinand. "I know him too well. He would not welcome the help and worrying about someone else stepping on his toes would only cause him to make errors in judgement while trying to be responsible for both. No, the man works alone. Always has. Always will. But… perhaps… it is time for him to actually retire and stay retired. How old is he now?"

"I understand he will be thirty, sire."

"And when did the others retire and choose their successors?"

"Shortly before they turned thirty—if they hadn't been killed in the line of duty," answered the other man. "All of the first Left Hands have retired, accepted your accolades—and we are honoured by them, as we were honoured to serve you—and now serve in other ways."

"Then it is time he was told he is released—retired again. That can be the third part of the mission," said Ferdinand. "And then I want him to answer directly to me. I would know, from his lips, what has been happening in California. I would know why the dons and rancheros are under the impression that these 'emissaries' are from me when we no longer have control of the territory and he is to answer that. I would know why he has chosen to pull himself out of his retirement."

"Then you intend on sending another?" asked the other man.

"I believe I stated so before," answered Ferdinand. "Send one of the juniors—it can be their first real test in the field. If I know my Left Hand, he will be more likely to see this apprentice as a new challenge to sink his teeth into, someone to teach and hone into a fine edged blade rather than a nuisance."

"It shall be done, my liege," said the other man, bowing low. "I have just the apprentice in for the task."