Chapter 7: Introduction

A/N: This was previously published as the free-standing story "Encounter".

Evening was drawing on into night. The hacienda patio now lay completely in shadow, and a cooling breeze was blowing up from the valley. Don Diego had retired from the sala a little earlier, pleading the need for solitude to concentrate on his book of philosophy. Her father and Don Alejandro remained locked in a game of chess. Given their frequent exchanges of optimistic murmurs and irritated scowls, the contest would continue for some time.

Maggie put aside her sewing, picked up her shawl, and stepped out into the patio. It was her custom to walk briefly in the garden each evening before going up to bed. She always marveled at how dusk seemed to bring out the flowers' headiest scents. She wondered if the roses were breathing a collective sigh of relief now that the heat of the day was gone for good.

She strolled along the path that edged the plantings. She stopped in front of the Abuela Rose — the bush that started life as a small cutting brought by Diego's grandmother from Spain. She had pulled down a particularly large bloom and was just inhaling its fragrance when she sensed a presence behind her. Before she could react, she felt a small pressure point in the middle of her back and a silken voice said, "Buenos noches, Señora. I swear I mean you no harm. Turn around slowly, and, por favor, do not cry out."

She turned. A man stood there, dressed in black —black hat, black mask, black cloak pulled across the front of his body and held by his left hand at his right shoulder. And in his right hand, pointed directly at her, a sword. There was only one possibility. "You are Señor Zorro," she said.

"At your service, he replied, inclining his head and bowing slightly.

"What do you want?" she asked. "Why are you here?"

"Well," he replied, smiling now, "I heard that you would like to meet me, and since I was unable to attend Don Alejandro's reception the other evening I thought I would introduce myself and welcome you to California." As he spoke the word "California" he swept the sword down and let the cloak fall away from his body revealing in his left hand a large bunch of flowers. These he held out to her.

Startled by his gesture, she hesitated. Then, since she could think of nothing else to do, she took the bouquet and breathed in its aroma. "These are beautiful!" she said with a small smile. And you are a very unusual outlaw! Or did you help yourself to these flowers from someone's garden?" she asked, half in jest.

"I take nothing," he replied, turning serious again. "I return to the weak what has been taken from them by men of great power against whom they have no defense."

"But couldn't you do that within the law? Some of Don Alejandro's guests spoke of you with...with... with admiration, almost. They described you as the friend of the peons and the protector of the poor. Although everyone was careful to avoid speaking of you once the comandante showed up.

"Unfortunately, Señora, the law can be corrupted and bent to evil purposes by evil men..You must not trust Comandante Monastario," was the masked man's reply. "His greed and his arrogance know no bounds. Rancho Flores is somewhat smaller than its neighbors and therefore it does not interest him at present. But make no mistake, he covets every acre in southern California and will not stop until he owns all of it. Beware of him especially when he puts on the guise of friendship. That is when he is the most dangerous."

"Maggie! Are you out here?" came her father's voice across the patio. His tone suggested the chess game had resolved itself in his favor.

"Yes, I'm here," she answered, turning toward the doorway. "I was just going up". Knowing they were hidden by the darkness and the greenery, she turned again to Zorro. "Thank you for your advice about the comandante. I'll keep it in mind, but having actually met him I'm not surprised at your warning. And... thank you for the flowers." She sniffed the blooms again and her expression became distant. "It's been a long time since anyone brought me ... flowers..." her voice trailed off.

"Then I must bring more again soon!" he offered, smiling at her. "Until we meet again, Señora". He saluted her with his sword, pulled his cloak about him, turned, and was gone into the darkness. A few moments later she heard hoofbeats fading away into the night.

The rider was not Zorro, but Bernado. Diego's servant galloped half a mile down the road, then slowed the horse to a walk and turned off into a side trail. Fifty yards later the trail ended at the back of one of the De La Vega stable corrals. Bernardo unsaddled the horse and let it back into the corral, then restored the saddle and bridle to their places among the ordinary gear. No one would ever realize that one of the mounts had been ridden that night. Zorro, meanwhile, made his way around the hacienda wall and entered through the window of his father's study. Crossing the room quickly, he pressed the hidden trigger and slipped into secret passageway. He climbed the stairs up to the entrance to Diego's room and changed out of his Zorro garb. A short while later Bernardo joined him in the bedroom.

"Did you return the horse?" Diego asked.

Bernardo nodded firmly.

"Did anyone see you?"

Bernardo shook his head equally firmly.

"Well, we have done some good, my friend. I believe I actually saw the Señora Emerson smile. And your choice of flowers was excellent! I'm curious as to where you got them, but —" he raised his eyebrows, "I really don't think I want to know."

Bernardo just smiled.

The Señora Emerson is a woman who carries a great sadness," said Diego thoughtfully. "I think Zorro should bring her flowers again."

Bernardo looked askance at his patròn. He pointed at Diego, drew a "Z" in the air and then a heart shape, all the while slowly shaking his head.

"No, Bernardo," laughed Diego, "nothing like that will come of this, I promise you. I merely want to lift the young señora's spirits a little."

Bernardo wasn't exactly sure that was true.