Diego raced his palomino across the rocky ground. Bernardo had fallen back several minutes ago, but Diego, his mind occupied, failed to notice. The wind rushed through Diego's black hair, twirling it wildly around his forehead. Diego could not tell you where he was riding, he just rode. His mind was in shock. Everything he had built in the years after his return from Spain, may have just crumbled. A dark thought wound its way into Diego's mind, but he pushed it away as quickly as it came. No, leaving Ignacio alive was the right thing to do, but Diego knew if he would have finished what he started, his world would not be threatened now.

What has he done, Diego thought. What have I done? If only I could have stopped Benicio and Arturo from dueling. It was pointless anyway. If only Benicio was honorable. If only…, Diego thought. There were too many 'if onlys'.

Diego spurred his horse faster, trying to outdistance the thoughts that plagued him. Diego raced over the hills of California. He could smell the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks reached Diego's ears, the sound muffled by distance.

Diego turned his horse around, away from the ocean. He rode back the way he had come. His horse's long stride covered the ground quickly. It was getting dark and Diego knew his father did not need anything more to worry about. He had caused him enough grief this past month...no these past six years.

Diego stopped in a small patch of trees, their arms stretched toward the sun, their leaves green from the spring rains. He let his horse drink from the small brook and wiped the white lather off her neck with his handkerchief. He knew he had ridden her hard today. Her lungs swelled with each deep breath she took.

"I will walk you home," He told her as he continued to rub her down. After a few minutes, Diego mounted and headed toward the hacienda. Although Diego would never admit it, he was afraid to face his father and the pueblo. What will they think of me? Will they still trust me? Will they connect me to Zorro? Diego let his thoughts wander as he slowly made his way to the hacienda.

ZZZ

Alejandro and Fernando rode in silence. Their thoughts were jumbled, and they both needed time to sort out what had happened today. Alejandro could not shake the feeling that he had seen the stranger before, but from where he did not know? Alejandro swiped a shaky hand through his hair and sighed. Things were moving too quickly and to erratically for his preference. All these years he thought he had known his son, but after today he wasn't sure. It was painfully obvious that Diego was not what everyone believed him to be. There was more to his son then most had thought.

Alejandro knew that if he, and everyone else, would have looked harder they would have seen something more in Diego. Yes, Diego never fought, not with the blade, but he never backed down. Diego fought in a different way, a peaceful way. Alejandro assumed his son was cowardly, but he knew deep down that was not true, even before this new information was revealed. He was just disappointed that his son would not stand up like he did, like a de la Vega should.

Alejandro silently added up everything Diego had done for the pueblo and the mission. Diego may have never yelled and threatened Monastario about his persecution of the peons and his high taxes, but Diego did what was really needed. He gave the people hope, food, and the occasional peso. In Alejandro's mind, Diego had done more than any of them.

Alejandro heard a slight chuckle from his left. He looked at his old friend and noticed a slight smile on his face. Alejandro considered asking him what was amusing, but decided not to. He already had an idea of who the man was thinking about. Alejandro had a suspicion that Diego was on the minds and tongues of most of the people in the pueblo by now.

Don Carlos and his two companions, Don Rafael and Don Armando, rode slowly toward Don Alejandro's hacienda. Dark clouds followed closely behind, their mood reflecting that of the men. The three talked quietly as they rode, guiding their horses across the muddy road.

It was Don Carlos who spoke first, his voice contemplative. "There is more to Diego than we gave him credit for, isn't there?" The question hung in the air a moment, its weight felt by all three dons.

"Yes, I suppose there is. I never would have thought Diego could hate someone that much. At one point I was sure Diego was going to punch him. This man, Fuentes, must have done something terrible. There is more to his story. If it is even true." Don Rafael commented.

Don Armando nodded thoughtfully, "Sí, but why would Diego hide his ability to fight? There must be some reason." Armando looked at the other two men, but was met with shrugs.

"Maybe we should ask Diego. I am sure he has an explanation for all this." Don Carlos suggested. His thoughts once again drifting to the scene in the tavern. The three men continued there ride quietly, each pondering what they had witnessed less than half an hour ago.

Don Alejandro and Don Fernando sat in the sala, each sipping slowly on a glass of wine. Both men were waiting for Diego to return. Bernardo had returned home only minutes after them, but he did not know when Diego would be home. Alejandro and Fernando both hoped Diego would explain what had happened in the tavern that afternoon.

The sounds of hoof beats brought the two men out of their stupor. They both rose as a knock sounded on the heavy oak door. Alejandro opened the door to see three of his dear friends. He stood there for a moment, wondering why they were here. From the solemn looks on their faces, Alejandro briefly wondered if something had happened to Diego. Finding his voice Alejandro asked the question he was dreading, "Has something happened to Diego?"

The men looked at Alejandro and smiled. "We are sorry for worrying you. We have not seen Diego. We just came to lend our support. To both you and Diego." Looking around at the two men beside him, Don Carlos continued, "We were also hoping for an explanation."

"Sí, I understand. So are we. So are we." Alejandro motioned for the three guests to take a seat, "Can I get you something to drink. The wine is excellent this year."

Don Armando spoke for the other two Dons, as well as himself, "Gracias. I think we could all use a drink after this afternoon."

Alejandro forced a laugh, "I have to agree." He poured the three guests a glass of wine and filled his and Fernando's glass before sitting down on one of the leather backed chairs that lined the dining table.

The men sat in silence enjoying their wine. The day had been confusing and the five Dons took this time to gather their wits. Half an hour passed before the silence was broken by the sound of a horse. The sound was soft. Someone had walked the horse in. Alejandro stood and walked to the window. He could see the tall frame of his son guiding his beautiful palomino to the stalls. Alejandro watched for a moment, then turned and sat back down. He looked at the men around him and smiled. These four dons represented the power in Los Angeles, and with them backing Diego, Alejandro knew his son would be safe.

TBC