A/N: Ok, promised you folks I'd have the second part uploaded shortly. Here's part two.
A Promise Kept
Zorro crouched on the balcony outside Father's room. Rain was driving down in sheets, making it hard to see. Below, close to the rock wall, Tornado pawed the mud nervously. He wanted nothing more than to get out of the rain but, loyal to Zorro, he stayed where he was.
He was going after her, carefully planning this mission down to the last detail. After convincing Bernardo that he wouldn't cross the arroyo, Diego decided to go warn Father as Zorro. Varga would use Esperanza as bait to lure Father and the other dons into a trap. That and he had to reassure him that somebody was looking for Esperanza.
Father had his bedside lamp burning brightly. Kneeling before the bed, he ran the black rosary beads across his fingers. Zorro recognized it. It had belonged to Alejandro's late wife and Diego's mother, Elena. Father only prayed with it when he was troubled. Tonight was no exception.
When he finished, Father crossed himself and kissed the beads. He stood up and turned around to put the beads back in the keepsake box. Zorro stood up and opened the balcony door. It opened silently, allowing him to slip inside. Father closed the box lid and paused. Did he know the outlaw was there? "Zorro, what are you doing here?" He asked, turning around. "The Devil himself wouldn't be out in this weather." His face and voice were neutral. He was trying to stay calm. What was he feeling? Anger? Desperation? Fear?
"I'm here to warn you, Don Alejandro. Somebody knows about the list of fifty men and wants to destroy all of you."
"But why?" Father asked.
Zorro held up his hand to stop him. "I don't have time to explain. They will try and use her as bait to lure you and the other dons to your deaths. If you get such a demand, don't obey it and make sure the other dons know not to either."
"And leave Esperanza to those wolves?!" Father began to raise his voice.
"I'll find her. But everything counts on you doing as I say. The future of California hangs in the balance along with Señorita Montoya. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I do. Vaya con Dios. Good luck." Father said, looking at Zorro confidently. That helped the outlaw feel slightly better. At least his father believed in him. And he would get her back home. Zorro nodded and began walking out the balcony. Father stopped him. "Don't blame yourself for what happened, Señor Zorro. You can't be everywhere at once."
Zorro paused. Did he know the truth? Or did he guess his self-blame? No matter. He had to leave. Zorro slipped into the shadows, climbing over the wall and down the ivy covered trellis. Father didn't step out, probably to avoid getting wet. Instead, Zorro heard him close the balcony door.
"Come on, old boy, time to get you nice and dry." Zorro grabbed Tornado and led him back to the cave. It was dark out; nobody could see the outlaw and his horse as they walked along the rock wall back to the cave.
Bernardo was waiting with a few towels. He gave a couple to Zorro and took Tornado's reins. "Gracias, mi amigo. I don't know what I'd do without you." Zorro said gratefully, drying his face. Bernardo smiled and pointed upstairs, silently telling him to go to bed.
A thunderbolt sounded close by. Esperanza tried getting loose, trying desperately to escape. Her wrists and ankles had been bound so tightly that she couldn't feel anything in her fingers and toes anymore. She wriggled them anyway, trying to get blood and feeling into them. Her lips were cracked, made worse by the gag pulled tight between her teeth. At least she was grateful for the blindfold; it kept her in the dark. Any light would've made her painful headache worse.
She shivered, curling up tighter for warmth. The stable roof kept the rain off of her but that was all it did. Papa's cloak and her warm dress had gotten soaked by the rain, making her all the more miserable.
But her discomfort was nothing compared to her fear. The fear that Papa and Diego were gone forever and nobody knew where she was. Esperanza tried taking her mind off it by trying to focus on her escape. Once she got loose, where was she going to go? Bernardo once taught her how to undo a knot without cutting it, what was the first step? What could she use to defend herself?
Footsteps coming closer stopped her thoughts. She froze, who was it? What would they do when they see her trying to escape? Maybe if she pretended to be asleep, maybe then they'd go away. The feet stopped next to her. Esperanza could feel the toes touching her back. She tried to keep her breathing slow and even, but she was convinced that he would hear her heart pounding.
There was more noise as the person knelt next to her. Now what? Something heavy draped over her. It felt like a serape. "Don't try escaping; it'll only make things worse." The person draping her spoke in a low voice. It was not Varga or Greco, thank God. It was the bandit leader; she tried to remember who it was. A gloved hand touched her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry. Don Alejandro is alive. I only told Varga he was dead so he wouldn't go looking for him. He was the target, not you." There was a pause as he took off his glove and moved his cool hand to her forehead. "Madre de Dios, you're burning up." He took his hand away. "As soon as the rains subside, I'll get some medicine from Señora Marcella. Get some sleep, it's the only thing you can do now."
Sleep. That seemed like a wonderful idea. The day's events caught up to her and she remembered how exhausted she was. As she drifted off, the last memory was of Zorro's battered and broken blade clattering over the floorboards.
Diego slept in, far later than he usually did. When Bernardo finally shook him awake from a dreamless sleep, it was nearly time for dinner. It was still raining, but the worst of the storm had passed. Best of all, the arroyo outside his window had gone down significantly. It was finally safe to go out looking for Esperanza. "Get a light meal from downstairs and have Cook pack some more into a saddlebag. I'm going out to look for Esperanza." Diego ordered Bernardo once he finished getting dressed.
Bernardo held up the eagle's feather Father had given Zorro the night before. "Yes, I'm convinced Varga has her and I'm also convinced our bandits are in league with him." But there was a problem. "Where would they be keeping her? No doubt Varga would want to keep her near him." Bernardo drew himself up like a lancer and then pointed to his eye and to Father's room. "Yes, the soldiers would definitely become suspicious if all the dons suddenly showed up in the pueblo at once."
He heard the front door open. "Ah, buenos tardes, Señora Marcella." Father said. "Come in and get out of the rain for a little bit."
Well that was one place to start. Diego left, Bernardo closely behind, tugging on his sleeve and holding his palms up. "Esperanza and Tía Marcella were together most of the day yesterday. Maybe she knows something that could give us an idea as to where to look next."
Diego hurried downstairs and into the sala to get out of the rain. Father and Marcella were sitting in the comfortable chairs, chatting politely. Diego studied Father. He was acting very calm, almost as if nothing had happened. He had taken the fox's words to heart.
"Buenos tardes, Tía Marcella." Diego bowed politely. "What brings you out here in this foul weather?"
Marcella smiled. "I was out on my rounds and stopped by to give Esperanza some herbs. She had complained about feeling unwell the day before."
"Yes, we'll make sure she gets them." Father said, looking at Diego cautiously, warning him to not say anything. "Pobrecita, she's still asleep."
"The sooner she takes them, the faster she'll get back on her feet. I must get going now. Alejandro Murrieta came to my house early this morning, saying their little son had a fever and wanted some herbs to soothe it. I insisted on accompanying him, Anna Murrieta had just given birth and I wanted to make sure all was well. But he refused, just asking for the herbs. I was on my way to deliver some more and see how he was feeling."
Alejandro Murrieta…that name sounded so familiar…of course, he lived not too far from where Father and Esperanza were attacked…maybe he had seen or heard something. "How about I'll take the herbs for you?" Diego volunteered. "I have to go that way anyway."
"Why's that?" Father asked, curious. "You're not one to go riding in the rain."
Diego came up with an excuse quickly. "I was planning on seeing if the vaqueros need help with anything. I think it'd be best that you were here with Esperanza."
Father nodded, saying no more. Diego was relieved his father had believed it or rather chose not to ask anymore. "That certainly makes it much easier for me." Marcella smiled. "Thank you so much, Diego. I can see why Esperanza speaks fondly of you."
Diego smiled, but his heart hurt a little bit. It was strange, smiling while feeling upset. How did Esperanza manage to do it while Varga was first under their roof? "Thank you, Tía Marcella."
"Is everything ready to go?" Varga asked, putting the final touches on the note that would go to Diego de la Vega. Hopefully, the fools would go riding right into their trap. Not at the house, of course. Somewhere far out there. Where it would be a long time before they would be found…dead of course.
"Sí, Señor Varga." Greco said.
"Have one of the mercenaries take it. Tell him to take great pains to not get caught." Varga passed the note to Greco. "I'm going to pay our little…guest…a visit and cheer her up." He smiled. It was a good thing Murrieta made that little mistake…it had been far too long since the last time he had toyed with his pet.
Varga stepped outside. It was still raining but not too terribly. He still had to run to the stable in order to get out of the rain. But that was nothing. He would savor this moment for as long as he could. After all, it was just the beginning…
The first thing Esperanza heard when she came to were the footsteps. At first she thought it was the leader coming back with the herbs he had promised to get her. It was high time too, she thought as she shuddered under the blanket he had left for her. The cold and wet night in the stable had made things worse. She had trouble breathing, only able to take short and shallow breaths. Her head now felt like it was being crushed in a vise. And she was still cold.
But there was something different about the footsteps. They were slow. Methodical. And loud. Like Varga's…was that him? Was he coming to torment her further? Like before, Esperanza pretended to be asleep. But her heart was pounding so loud. She wanted to get out. But this time, he had her cornered and unable to run.
"What's this?" It was Varga alright. "Who covered you?" She felt the serape being pulled off her. Her skin was hit by a blast of cold air. Moaning, she curled up tighter. "Answer me!" Varga ripped her gag out of her mouth. That would be the only thing she was grateful to him for. "Who covered you?!"
"Don't know…must've been asleep…" Esperanza whispered. It hurt to talk too.
"You're lying." She felt Varga grab the knot of Papa's cloak and pull her up. Esperanza was glad she couldn't see the no doubt furious glare on his face. "I can hear it in your voice! Answer me!"
"Don't know…swear it…" Esperanza trembled. It wasn't a complete lie. She didn't know who it was.
Varga didn't respond. The seconds that passed by felt like hours. All Esperanza could hear was the rain falling and Varga's angry breathing. Oh God, somebody come help me, she begged.
Finally, he spoke. "I had come to take you inside. Get you warm and fed. But since you need additional breaking…" He dropped her. Pain shot through her. Every nerve in her body screamed. He re-tied the gag; it was now tighter. She yelped in pain.
She listened as Varga began to walk away. Thank God, he's finally leaving me alone. "Oh, before I forget." He stopped. "If you're still holding onto hopes that the fox will come, they're in vain. I saw his body. Charred and broken. It was so bad that his identity died with him. Do you know what flesh and hair smells like when it's been burned? I can still smell it. It's something you never forget."
Varga stepped away, Esperanza let herself cry. It was true then. Or was he toying with her? But what about the proof of his broken sword the night before? Oh God…what do I do now? Esperanza silently cried.
Diego knocked on the Murrieta's cottage door. It was small and quiet. Alejandro and his wife, Anna, made a cozy home. He remembered how proud the farmer was when his oldest son was born. What was his name? Joaquin…that it was…but the cottage looked a little desolate. Everyone knew his crops had suffered tremendously from the drought.
The door opened. Anna stood before Diego, smiling widely, carrying a bundle in her arms. She looked tired but other than that, looked fine. "Hello Don Diego. What brings you out here?" She asked sweetly.
"Good afternoon, Señora Murrieta. I happened to be in the area and decided to offer my congratulations for the birth of a healthy baby and drop off some herbs Señora Marcella made for little Joaquin's fever."
Anna looked at him, confused. "But Joaquin doesn't have a fever. None of us have been sick in a very long time."
This was confusing and made Diego a little nervous. "That doesn't make sense though. Marcella told me that your husband came to her house early this morning, saying your son had a fever."
"But Alejandro hasn't been home since dinner yesterday. He told me he had to work on the Domingo's farm and would stay with them. Now would you like to come in for a little bit and get out of the rain?"
This confirmed it. Murrieta knew more than he was telling. The pieces were falling into place quickly. He had to talk to him. "Thank you for the offer, but I need to run several more errands today. Since you don't need the herbs, is it all right if I have them?"
"Of course." Anna smiled. "You have a good rest of your day." She closed the door. Diego mounted his horse and turned the horse to the hacienda. Zorro needed to speak to Murrieta and find out why he lied to Tía Marcella about wanting the herbs.
But Bernardo caught up to him before he could get there. He was riding Tornado. This was urgent, then. "Did anyone see you?" The manservant shook his head and pointed up to the rain. "Yes, who in their right minds would be out in this weather? So what is wrong?" Bernardo passed Diego a piece of paper. Father's handwriting was scrawled on it.
The caballero read it out loud. "Diego, the ransom note for Esperanza was delivered this afternoon. I didn't mention this because Marcella was there, but Zorro visited me last night and warned me to not tell anyone or the dons. He's convinced any ransom is a trap. I know you're really out looking for Esperanza but I'm writing to tell you to be very careful and not mention a word to anyone. Father."
"Well that makes things interesting." Diego said, slapping the letter over and over in his hands. "And I just learned that Murrieta lied about his son, Joaquin, being sick." Bernardo pointed to the basket of herbs and pointed to Esperanza's name on the letter. "Yes, I'm convinced the herbs were really for Esperanza." Bernardo smiled and pointed to Tornado's saddlebags. "You figured out the fox would be needed." Diego laughed, the first time he had felt like laughing in a while. A goofy grin on his face, Bernardo drew the Z in the air.
Zorro hid in the shade of trees, waiting for Murrieta to leave the Domingo family farm. Tornado pawed nervously. They had been watching for what seemed like a long time. The Domingo family wasn't as sympathetic to the fox as the rest of Los Angeles. He needed to get Murrieta alone. Fortunately it had stopped raining some hours ago. But the clouds didn't leave, leaving doubt that the storms were finally over.
The sun was low in the sky when Alejandro Murrieta rode off. He was heading to Los Angeles. "Come on, boy." Zorro whispered to Tornado, commanding him to go into gallop. They had to cut him off in the fields. He finally got ahead of him and hid behind a boulder, watching him come closer and closer. When he was close enough, Zorro stepped out.
"Zorro!" Murrieta's shouted. His brown eyes were wide, like he was staring at a ghost.
"We need to talk." Zorro ordered, holding out his pistol. Murrieta spurred his horse into a gallop to get away. "After him, Tornado!" Zorro ordered. Tornado took off, only too happy to run. A rush filled Zorro; he had forgotten how much he and Esperanza loved to race when they were children. The thrill of the chase…
Murrieta was an excellent rider, that was certain. But his horse couldn't outrun Tornado and his dedicated master. Finally, Zorro had caught up to him, reaching out to grab the reins on Murrieta's horse, stopping both of them. When they finally came to a halt, Murrieta was breathing heavily, looking at the outlaw fearfully before he finally was able to talk. "He said you were dead."
"Who did?" Zorro asked in a low voice.
"Administrado Varga."
"Was he the one who ordered the kidnapping of Esperanza Montoya?"
"She wasn't the target!" Murrieta shook. "Don Alejandro was! We grabbed her, and told Varga that Don Alejandro was dead!"
"Why?" Zorro held up his pistol menacingly.
"I didn't want Don Alejandro to get hurt! I suspected Varga had something terrible planned for him! I was hoping he'd be a gentleman to her and let me deal with Señorita Montoya! I was going to drop her off, safe and sound, back at the de la Vega hacienda! I swear!"
"But that wasn't what happened." Zorro stated, holding back his anger.
"No. It wasn't." Murrieta said, dejected. "She's being held hostage at his house in the pueblo."
"Where?"
"In the stables connected to the courtyard. We have her put in the back. But I don't know how you could get in, there's too many soldiers."
"Soldiers…?" This gave him an idea. "When and where is the ransom drop-off?"
"It's in Rattlesnake Creek just after sundown, but whoever goes that way will be marching right into an ambush. Varga's hired mercenaries will be waiting in the trees and shrubs. Varga wants the dons to die, I don't know why he does but he hates them so."
A plan began forming. "If I can get the soldiers to chase you, can you lead them to Rattlesnake Creek and help them take them out?"
"Of course, but why would they be chasing me?"
Zorro allowed a smile. "Because I think I know how to get Senorita Montoya out. But it requires you to do as I say and put your life in danger."
"Anything…" Murrieta said solemnly. "It's my fault she's in trouble and I'd do anything to get her out."
Zorro described his plan very carefully. Murrieta listened eagerly, agreeing to the terms. Partially as a bribe and partially because of the financial trouble that led Murrieta to become an outlaw, Zorro threw him a small bag of gold pesos. "Here. There'll be more once this is all over."
Murrieta looked at the contents in shock and awe. "Dios te bendiga, Señor Zorro. God bless you. But may I ask you something?" Zorro nodded. "Why are you so interested in helping Señorita Montoya?"
Zorro thought his answer carefully. "It doesn't matter who she is. Anyone's in danger, I do my best to help them. Now go! Watch for the lantern light in Don Diego's window!"
Murrieta rode off, Zorro watched him disappear before turning to the hacienda. He had one more thing to do before going to ask for help from an unlikely ally.
It was almost seven in the evening by the time Zorro crept into Monastario's old office, now Sergeant Garcia's. The once richly decorated office was almost Spartan in décor. Garcia hardly spent time in there, so it was to be expected. But he had Bernardo deliver a large basket of food along with a bottle of fine wine to the office along with a note from Don Diego, telling him to enjoy the fine meal but tell no one.
Sometimes, I wonder if Garcia's only concern in life is how full his stomach is. Esperanza's words rang in Zorro's ears. He bit back a laugh. To be so close…Zorro's thoughts were interrupted by Garcia opening the door and closing it hurriedly behind him.
He watched as Garcia took out a little dining set for one. Setting up his desk as a table, he slowly took out a whole roasted chicken, a stack of tortillas and a big bowl of roasted corn. He shook his head with a smile as Garcia carefully poured the wine into a large mug.
Garcia was about to take a large bite out of the chicken was when the fox made his move. Zorro clapped a hand over Garcia's mouth, gently touching the tip of his blade to his back. "I'll let you go if you promise to not attract attention and to listen. Do you agree?"
Garcia nodded. Zorro took his hand off and sheathed his rapier. Garcia turned around and looked at him, his face full of nervous awe and fearsome respect. "Uh, what can I do for you tonight?" Garcia offered a weak smile.
"I need your help, sargento." Zorro decided to keep it short and to the point.
"Me…? It doesn't involve me doing anything…bad…does it?" Garcia was shaking nervously.
"No, Señorita Montoya's life is in grave danger…"
Garcia's face went pale. "Señorita Montoya?! Is she hurt?!"
"Not yet. But the bandits that are holding her hostage now might. They abducted her late last night and are setting up an ambush in Rattlesnake Creek for Don Diego…"
"Don Diego?! We've got to warn him!" Garcia ran to the door.
Zorro was faster and pushed against the door before he could open it. "I've warned Don Diego and he's agreed to stay away. But that's where I need your help. I will lead you and the other lancers to the ambush party. It's the only way to save Señorita Montoya."
"But what about the administrado? We're supposed to be guarding him at all times…"
"Not a word to him or anybody else! Do you understand?" Zorro snapped, finally losing his patience. Garcia's face scrunched up, unsure. "Garcia? Please?" Zorro was now begging. "I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't believe you could help me…"
"I am a soldier, Señor Zorro. It's my duty to be loyal. But…since you and Señorita Montoya need my help, I will do it." Garcia said firmly.
Zorro was relieved. "Muchas gracias, sargento. Many thanks. Get ready. We'll be leaving soon."
"Now?" Garcia looked unhappy. "But…can't I just have a little bite to eat and drink? Please?" Zorro touched his sword threateningly. "I'm going! I'm going!" Garcia abandoned his meal and was out the door quickly.
Zorro climbed out the window and rode Tornado through the deserted streets to the alley across the way from the townhouse. It was now sundown. The sun had painted the blue skies with pinks, oranges, reds and purples. He watched as Bernardo pushed the curtains aside and set the lamp on the windowsill. Murrieta was no doubt waiting.
Don't lose hope just yet, Esperanza. Zorro silently prayed.
I'm coming.
Varga was relaxing with a good book when he heard Sergeant Garcia's cries. "Lancers! To horse! It's Zorro!"
"Zorro?!" Greco ran into the room. "How is this possible?!"
"Don't worry about it." Varga said confidently, turning the page. "Zorro's dead and Murrieta has the dons taken care of. Let them go after the copycat. We might actually get a little peace and quiet around here at last."
Zorro stopped Tornado along the back wall of the Eagle's compound. The wall was higher than expected. But the fox had come prepared. Swinging a grappling hook, he threw it up. It landed with a clang. A couple of tugs confirmed that it was secure. "Stay here, boy." Zorro whispered to Tornado as he climbed up and over the wall to the stable roof. The compound seemed deserted; Zorro thought as he pulled up the rope and rested it on the wall so the grappling hook wouldn't get pulled loose.
The roof was tiled but there was a couple of planks of wood. Zorro tugged on it. It sprung open, a trapdoor. He entered quietly and slowed the fall of the trapdoor so it wouldn't make a sound and attract attention. He was up in the loft, packed with sweet smelling hay. She wasn't here; she had to be downstairs then.
Sounds of footsteps woke Esperanza from her doze. Now what? Who was it now? Was it the leader with the herbs he promised? She doubted it; Varga had no doubt discovered the identity of the man who covered her with that blanket. But it was too quiet and quick to be Varga.
Exhausted from pain, hunger and thirst, she fell back into the doze, not really caring what happened to her anymore.
Zorro's stomach turned when he found Esperanza. Lying in a pile of hay. Covered in Father's damp black cloak. Ankles and wrists bound. A cloth pulled tightly across her teeth. Blindfolded.
If he had hurt her, Varga would pay. Zorro promised himself as he untied Father's cloak and threw it off.
"Esperanza?" A voice whispered. Cold air hit her skin as Papa's cloak was removed. She squeaked, the sound muffled by the gag. "It's going to be all right. I'm here now."
His voice was so familiar. Why? Esperanza asked herself as the ropes binding her were cut off and tossed aside. The gag was removed; blood began rushing back into her limbs and lips. It felt good even if it stung. The blindfold was the last to be removed. Even though it was dark outside, her eyes squinted, adjusting slowly.
"It's going to be all right." The voice said. "I'm here now." It sounded like Zorro. But it couldn't be…unless she was…no, she realized. If she were dead, then why does she still hurt all over?
Unless…her eyes finally adjusted to the light. Zorro was looking down at her, smiling.
"You came." Esperanza weakly hugged him.
Zorro returned the hug, rocking her back and forth. It was hard to believe that he was actually holding her again. Part of him feared that she'd disappear if he let go. "I made a promise, remember?" He kissed her temple. It was hot and wet, tasting slightly of salt. "You're burning up." No wonder she sounded so weak. No wonder she was as limp as a rag doll. He had to get her home. He had to get her home now. "Hold on, Esperanza. We're going home." Bracing her legs and back, he scooped her up. She linked her hands behind his neck.
The sound of a door slamming in the courtyard got his attention. Footsteps were coming closer. Zorro hurried up the stairs to hide in the loft. Somebody was coming.
Varga was confident as he entered the stable. It was now dark. The dons were most likely all dead and gone now.
Now she was truly alone. Varga thought as he walked to the black cloak huddled in the corner. She has no other options now.
She heard his voice as it entered the downstairs earlier. "Esperanza…?" Oh no. It was Varga. Esperanza began shaking. No. No more. Not again. Zorro stroked her scalp, trying to comfort her. But how could one be comforted when he was so close to them? "Wake up…we need to talk."
Zorro pushed up a corner of the stable roof. Fresh air hit her face. It smelled faintly of rain and salt water, so delicious… "I'm going to put you out first and then climb out. I can't climb out of here while carrying you." Esperanza was set on the tiled roof; she crawled a few feet away to give Zorro room to get out onto the roof.
Varga had finally lost patience with Esperanza's silence. "Esperanza!" He kicked at the cloak. It rolled over, revealing the remnants of rope and cloth. "What?!"
"Señor Varga! They're on the roof!" Greco screamed from the courtyard. Varga ran outside. Greco's face was white, his eyes wide, like he was seeing a ghost. He pointed to the roof. There was Esperanza, lying on the roof. Standing behind her, protectively, was a figure in black. His cloak was billowing in the wind. Eyes staring down coldly.
"Zorro!" Varga shrieked. How had he survived? How did he find her? How did he lure the soldiers away? No matter. Varga drew his sword. "Greco! Find the soldiers! I'll take care of this wolf's head!" Greco ran off, presumably to find Sergeant Garcia.
Only one way to make sure he was dead and gone for good.
Zorro was getting angry. Varga had harmed too many people and gotten away with it for too long. The only way to make sure everyone was safe was if the Eagle was dead and cold. Otherwise, he'd keep hurting and killing innocents until he was killed.
The fox grabbed the rope resting on the wall and jumped off the roof, using the rope as a rappel line. Landing on the ground, he drew his sword. Wordlessly, they began dueling. Varga was a ferocious fencer, cutting and swiping almost at random. Zorro kept his anger back, knowing that by keeping a cool head, he'll find a weakness and destroy the Eagle once and for all.
So this is the famous El Zorro, champion of the fencing blade. Varga thought as he parried and lunged. Secretly, he had been waiting for the day they'd cross swords. The stories about him were true then, Varga decided as they danced around the courtyard. He was different than the other men Varga had dispatched with his sword. They were timid, weak, cowardly even. Not Zorro. He was determined. He was strong. And he was bold.
But there was something missing. Varga could just taste it in his blade. He was holding back his anger. Varga wanted to see it unleashed. Come on, El Zorro. Be a man and give me a challenge!
Esperanza lay on the roof, watching the duel down below. While she had seen Zorro duel and even sparred with him on occasion, it always amazed her. She watched with baited breath, finally excited.
The sound of an adjacent window opening got her attention. It was Count Kolinko, climbing out of the house and onto the roof of the stable. What was he doing? Esperanza watched as he walked across the roof and took something out of his coat pocket. By the glint of lamp light, she could see the pistol.
No! He'd kill Zorro! She couldn't let that happen! Finding strength she didn't know she possessed, she got up and lunged at him. "Zorro! Look out!" She struggled with Kolinko. The pistol flew out of their hands, clattering to the courtyard below. But it wasn't over yet. She had to make sure he wouldn't hurt Zorro. But it was so hard. Kolinko was much stronger and the tiled roof was very slick from the rain. Esperanza felt her shoes and knees fight to hold on.
The sound of metal clicking together stopped. "Señorita Montoya! Look out!" Zorro screamed. Her leg slipped, she caught herself as it neared the edge. But she couldn't stop Kolinko's kick to her leg.
Zorro watched in horror as Esperanza lost her balance and fell off the roof. She landed, her head made a sickening smack as it hit the packed down earth. She didn't move. He couldn't see if she were breathing.
No.
No.
Something deep inside Zorro's heart snapped. No more mercy. No more justice. Varga would get the full vengeance of the Fox. Zorro wasn't going to stop until the Eagle was sliced to ribbons. He should've done it long ago.
Yes! Yes! Varga wanted to shout for joy. Zorro was now attacking him with viciousness. So this was the angry lion hiding beneath the skin of the sly fox…a challenge at last!
But Varga quickly began to tire. Zorro was now lunging far more than parrying and was relentless. The fox drove him into a corner of the courtyard. Fear began running up Varga's spine. There was no escape. No tricks he can use to get away.
Zorro finally disarmed him, kicking the blade well out of Varga's reach. The Eagle couldn't breathe or move. He had never been afraid like this in a very long time. Zorro looked down at him; the dark brown eyes scared the mighty Eagle.
Cold.
Grim.
Vengeful.
Varga realized that there would be no mercy for him. No hope of escaping his wrath.
BANG! Zorro was distracted by a gunshot and the sound of a body landing on the ground. He looked over and saw another man dressed in black. It was Murrieta. He had shot Kolinko. The count was lying on the ground. From the sight of the gunshot wound to the back, it had killed him instantly.
"Zorro! The soldiers are coming back! Hurry!" He pointed to Esperanza lying on the courtyard ground. She was breathing. She was alive. Thank God.
But there was one last thing he needed to do. Zorro picked up Varga by the collar of his coat. The man whimpered slightly, the fear in his stony eyes was very satisfying. "If she dies…I'll chase you right into the bowels of Hell itself." Varga was too frightened to respond. Zorro dropped him, slamming the butt of his pistol into his head to make sure he couldn't follow them.
He nodded his thanks to Murrieta before heading over to Esperanza. She was still unconscious, probably a good thing. Varga had probably put her through Hell. "Hold on, Esperanza. We're going home." He carefully picked her up, rappelled up the rope and back to Tornado on the other side of the wall. He put Esperanza in the saddle first before jumping on behind her.
Tornado galloped away, back to the hacienda. He seemed to sense the urgency of the situation, running faster than Zorro had remembered. Zorro kept one hand on the reins and the other around Esperanza's waist to keep her from falling off.
After what felt like hours, the de la Vega hacienda finally came into sight. It seemed that every candle and lamp was burning; the house was bathed in light against the black California night. "Esperanza, we're almost there. Hold on."
He decided to climb into Esperanza's room and avoid making a scene. The Fox worked best in secrecy. Zorro stopped Tornado underneath Esperanza's balcony. It was a short climb up the trellis, made easier by the grappling hook.
To Zorro's surprise, Father was in her room, sitting on the bed, fingering Mother's rosary beads. The balcony doors were unlocked. Had he been waiting for them? He looked up when Zorro pushed open the balcony doors. "Esperanza…is she…?"
Zorro shook his head. "She just needs some of Señora Marcella's herbs and to rest." Father stepped aside, allowing Zorro to put Esperanza down on the bed. She looked so fragile there…a far cry from his best friend…
For a couple of moments, they stood in silence. Father lovingly tucked some blankets around Esperanza. Zorro decided to leave, time to become Diego de la Vega again, tiredly hobbling home after fruitlessly searching for Esperanza. Father stopped him as he was about to climb over the railing. "Thank you for saving her. But it's strange…I never doubted you'd find her. Something deep told me that you'd bring her back."
Zorro didn't answer. He climbed over the railing, taking the grappling hook and riding away into the blackness.
Esperanza smelled the familiar poppies and Marcella's strong mustard plaster. Where was she? She opened her eyes, nearly blinded by the sunlight creeping through her window. She was back in her bed. Her fever had long broken and her sore throat was gone. She still felt very tired and it hurt to breathe but she knew she'd be alright. How did she get here…did Zorro bring her home? Yes…she remembered the events of the night before. He found her and she fell off…
A hand was resting on hers, a very familiar one. Diego was sitting on a chair next to her. His hand was on hers. How long had he been there?
"Hey." Diego said, his voice and eyes looked very tired. He rubbed her black hair pooling on the pillows.
"Hey. How long have I been out?"
"It's about ten in the morning." Diego rubbed his eyes. "I sent Father off to bed hours ago. Bernardo is probably still asleep as well."
Esperanza finally remembered the voice of the bandit leader. "Alejandro…Alejandro Murrieta was the one who took me. He tried to help me…"
Diego sighed; he obviously didn't have good news. "He's dead. His body was found in Varga's compound this morning. Little wonder why he was killed. The official story is that Señor Varga shot a man prowling in the stable yard, thinking him to be Zorro."
"Poor Anna." Esperanza shook her head. "I know they'd been struggling, no wonder he turned to stealing."
"But they don't have to worry. This morning, a very large bag of pesos was found on their doorstep."
"Courtesy of one Mr. Fox?" Esperanza grinned.
Diego chuckled. "Yes, that's right. It won't bring him back, but at least the family won't have to worry about money for a very long time. But there's something I've got to say, Esperanza. And that was I'm sorry for yelling at you…"
"Haven't we apologized enough for one day?" Esperanza asked. Of course she'd forgiven him.
"No, let me finish. Bernardo told me what you did, distracting Garcia and helping get the cannonball…"
"So that's what was in that vase? I suppose he has a full working cannon?" Esperanza shook her head.
"He did…until Bernardo and I blew it up. Nearly got both of us killed."
"Varga said you were dead…he had your sword and even described your burned body. I was afraid that…" her voice cracked off. The last two days were a torment.
"It's over now." Diego embraced her. "I promised that I wasn't going to let him hurt you…and I have every intention of keeping that still."
Secretly though, Esperanza feared that their days were numbered.
A/N: Whew! Finally! Two chapters in the span of four days. I'm good! Yeah, I think this chapter is better and I know I mangled the episode, but I wanted to get to the action much faster. I originally was going to do Bernardo Faces Death as its own chapter and the damsel in distress as a separate one. But I wanted to get the Eagle's Flight story plot as fast as I could so I meshed them.
Yeah, this is when Esperanza is a damsel in distress. I tried to keep her a strong character and so hard to not make her a Mary Sue. I hope I succeeded but I doubt it. That and I'm afraid I went way overboard with Varga.
Anyway, on to the grand finale!
