Chapter 1

The de la Vegas and their guests, Don Miguel Herrera and his daughter Amanda, chatted easily about a variety of subjects. Don Alejandro and Don Miguel enjoyed the lively conversation. Thankfully, his father had not resorted to trying to play matchmaker tonight. Amanda was a little older than Victoria but Diego had eyes for only one woman...Victoria Escalante.

"Dinner was wonderful, Don Alejandro," Amanda smiled. "My father and I rarely get to socialize since he is so busy with his business endeavors…"

"Maria is a wonderful cook and loves to get the opportunity to ply her trade."

"Are you enjoying your stay in Los Angeles, Senorita Herrera?"

"Very much Don Diego. Los Angeles has its own charms." The young don is very handsome…I wonder why he is not married….

"Los Angeles is very dear to us. One day this little pueblo will be a major part of California."

"Do you really believe that Don Diego?"

"Yes, I do. Its location will be a great asset one day...In terms of trade and commerce."

"Don Diego, we have heard a great this bandit called Zorro. I am interested in this masked man who is spoken of so highly."

"Who is this Zorro?" Amanda had heard tales of him and wanted to learn more about the masked outlaw.

"Zorro protects the people from the alcalde."

"People should not need protection from the government, Alejandro. The government is supposed to serve the people not oppress them," Don Miguel responded, "A real man would show his face ... he sounds like a brigand to me."

"More like the local folk hero…The people depend on him for so much…"

"One day, Zorro's fight will be over and we can live in peace."

"All this talk about politics is not my cup of tea. Father. Surely, you men can find something else to talk about..."

"I expected you to be bored with such talk, my dear. My daughter is more interested in the latest fashions..."

"If you will excuse me, Father. Don Alejandro. Diego. Good night."

"Good night, gentlemen. It was a wonderful evening," Don Miguel began, "I have to get up early to prepare for my journey to the northern territories."

"Your daughter will be in good hands until you return. Buenos tardes, my friend."

ZZZ

The soldiers laughed at Sergeant Mendoza's latest joke. "The camel whispered to the man, 'Not you again! Don Diego! Come! Join us!"

"Buenas tardes, Sergeant. It must be payday."

"My men can only have this kind of fun once a month."

"Then the coffee's on me."

"No, it will be my pleasure, Don Diego. Señorita Escalante, more coffee for the lancers, please."

"I will be right back, Sergeant Mendoza."

"Who. . . Who is that?" The sergeant stared at the beautiful newcomer with her striking features and green eyes.

"That's Amanda Herrera. She's staying with us while her father surveys rangeland for a new cattle ranch."

"She is a princess...a dream..."

Luis Ramon who stared pointedly at Amanda. The alcalde was also taken with the lovely newcomer. "Well, who do we have here? Don Diego, will you introduce us?"

"Alcalde Luis Ramon, May I present Senorita Amanda Herrera, a guest in our home?"

"Welcome to Los Angeles, Senorita Herrera. This pueblo is graced by your presence." I am surprised that Diego has such a lovely and charming houseguest.

"Thank you, Senor. You have a charming pueblo."

"Señorita. I am Sergeant Jaime Mendoza of the Royal Brigade."

"Senorita," the alcalde interrupted, "I hope that you enjoy your stay. I would be honored to give you a tour of our little pueblo, at your convenience, of course."

"I would be delighted."

"Would now be too soon, Senorita Herrera? With your permission, Don Diego...Sergeant, I will see you later at the barracks for inspection…"

"She's so beautiful," Mendoza watched them leave.

"Perhaps some fresh tamales would help you feel better?"

"No thank you, Senorita Victoria. I have lost my appetite."

"Persistence is the key to genius, Sergeant. Try again," Diego patted him on the shoulder.

"The alcalde is a man of power and position. I am a humble sergeant...I have to go back to the barracks for inspection...You know how the alcalde is..."

"Don't worry, Sergeant. He may have won the battle but…"

"He was not won the war," Mendoza interrupted. "I hope that is true, Don Diego."

ZZZ

Sergeant Mendoza watched as Amanda returned to the tavern. Now is my opportunity. Before he could begin Pedro Sánchez intercepted him.

"I am Pedro Sánchez, your humble servant. May I?"

Amanda took Sanchez's offered arm, smiling at him. Diego came over to stand by his friend. But he's only a private, Mendoza thought.

ZZZ

"Private Sánchez, aren't you done yet?"

"Si, finally," the younger man wiped his sweaty brow glad to be finished with the tiresome task and ready for a break.

"Good. Now the latrines need cleaning."

"But Sergeant. . ."

"That's an order. Now."

Diego watched as the exhausted soldier left to do begin another task. "The garrison's state of readiness seems to have you on edge, Sergeant."

"It's just a personal matter between Private Sánchez and me. He seemed rather friendly with Señorita Amanda earlier this afternoon…"

"Sergeant, they have just met…"

"After a week of that, he'll be asking for a transfer to another garrison."

"Even if Private Sánchez left Los Angeles, she would still have her pick of any man in the pueblo."

"You mean that there might still be someone else?"

"There is the alcalde and …Well, she is quite beautiful."

"Beauty is only part of it. I'm in love with her soul, her heart, her mind. . ."

"Well then, you must tell her."

"Tell her? I am just a sergeant. Words like that don't come easy tome. Maybe you can help me?"

"Me? No, I don't think so."

"Why not? You are a man of education, of breeding...class. You can help me to win the heart of my Amanda. Please, Don Diego. You are looking at a desperate man."

"Come to the hacienda tonight and I'll see what we can do."

"God bless you, Don Diego."