Chapter 10

Madrid, Spain

Ramiro Lopes de Toledo sat on the balcony of his third floor apartment, twisting his family ring around his finger in annoyance. Word had reached him that Vargas had not only failed in his task but had been killed by a lancer and that the de la Vegas had just arrived in Madrid and would soon be crowned Marqués. He fumed as he realised that he would have to take care of it himself; he knew that he should not have left it to some incompetent fool who couldn't do a simply task as eliminating one man. No doubt Vargas had talked before he died for even now there was talk that the authorities were searching for him, although how they could have linked his name to Vargas was a mystery as he had been careful not to reveal his identity but thankfully he still had friends in Madrid who were willing to aid him.

With their help, he had arranged passage from Italy, where he had taken refuge after he had been exiled for his role in the Risendo scandal; a scandal that had all but ruined him politically although not financially, he had retained his wealth including a number of downtown properties and if Risendo wasn't already dead, he would have killed him himself for deceiving him about his true parentage. He knew now that if Risendo had been successful in gaining control over the de la Vega estates, he would not have been satisfied with just the estates in the colonies but it was highly probable that he would then get the idea that the title belonged to him and would cause him problems.

But Risendo had died and he had been exiled and he promised himself that he would return to Spain for one thing and one thing only; to regain his family title. He knew there was only one way for him to do that was for him to eliminate de la Vega and align himself with the republicans to force the King out and in returned for his support, he would demand the title of Marqués of Villafranca to be re-instated to his family. He had already made tentative contact with various members of the Liberals, through an intermediary of course, and even at this early stage, it was looking favourable to succeed. He knew which way the political wind was blowing and it was blowing in the favour of the Liberals but he didn't think it odd that he would seek his title with the help of a group of people wanting to reduce the authority of the Spanish throne; it was just a means to an end.

But first he had to deal with de la Vega and his family and he had an idea of how to do that.

Once the de la Vegas had arrived in Madrid, they hired a carriage to take them to the home of Don Alejandro's former brother-in-law, Salvador de la Crúz and his wife Maribel, where they would stay until Diego was officially the Marqués of Villafranca and had their own residence, while Teo went home to a happy reunion with his wife Teresa, where he told her that he had been offered the position of aide de camp and after much discussion for and against, he decided to accept the honourable post of aide to the new Marqués.

Ignacio had returned to his lodgings but not before Diego had asked him if he would like to stay on with them as head of security; both men knew that protection was needed while de Toledo was still a threat and Ignacio had been humbled by this request but as Diego had told him, there was no-one else he trusted to help protect his family. He had accepted as long as it was approved by the Foreign Office as he was due to leave Spain immediately after the ceremony to resume his posting at the Spanish Embassy.

Salvador had just stepped out of his large two storey home when he heard a carriage coming up the driveway and when he saw who it was, he grinned. "Well, well, well. Look what the cat has dragged in." he said as the carriage stopped in front of him.

"It's good to see you too Salvador, you old buzzard." Alejandro grinned as he alighted from the carriage.

"Old! You're older than me Alejandro." Salvador replied.

"Only by four years." Don Alejandro replied as they embraced warmly, while Diego helped Victoria down from the carriage with Felipe behind her. He was pleased that his father seemed more at ease with himself over the last couple of days, it was as though he had finally accepted what had happened with Señora Risendo and Gilberto and had laid the ghosts to rest.

Salvador turned to his nephew and grinned. "Diego or perhaps I should say, my Most Illustrious Lord, it's wonderful to see you again." he teased.

Diego chuckled as he embraced his uncle. "It's good to see you too again uncle." He replied before he turned to Victoria and Felipe. "Let me introduce you to my wife Victoria and my son Felipe. Victoria, Felipe, this is my uncle Salvador." he introduced them.

Salvador smiled warmly and flashed the same blue eyes that Diego had. "Welcome to our family Victoria, I always believed that there was some young lady back in Los Angeles while he was studying at the university, for he was always moping around, pining for his lost love and I'm glad to be proven right. You're a lucky man Diego." he teased as he pulled her into a warm embrace.

She smiled as she hugged him. "I'm the one that's lucky." she replied as she pulled back.

He nodded and then turned to the young man and smiled warmly. "So you are Felipe. You know, your father couldn't stop talking about you when he was here, so much so that it feels that you have been part of the family for years, which it has." He said as he pulled the young man into a warm embrace. "Come, let's get inside and get you settled in and then we can catch up on news. Maribel is visiting our daughter but she'll be home soon." He said as he led the way inside his home.

Over the following week, Don Alejandro spent time catching up with his old friends and remaining family members, mostly ended up with having celebratory drinks for the news of his son's honour had become widely known, while Diego showed his wife and son around the great city including parts of the University that was open to the public and both Victoria and Felipe were amazed by the size of the place and Felipe was able to see for himself what it would be like for him if he decided to take up law. He still wasn't sure about his speech; he was able to say several more words now but he only spoke them in private for he was somewhat embarrassed by the stutter he had developed, which his father had re-assured him, would go once he became more confident about speaking.

It was just over a week since they arrived when Teo came with news.

"I'm glad that I caught you all here together." he said as they settled down in the sala while Salvador and Maribel left them alone to discuss things in private. "I've just come from the King and let me say that he is pleased that you will be accepting the title, although he was deeply concerned when I confirmed the attempt on your life. He also granted you your request to have de Soto as head of your security for as long as he's needed and that it won't affect his own career."

Diego nodded. "That is good news Teo, Ignacio will be pleased to hear it. I think he sees his future in the diplomatic arena and I would hate to see him suffer because of me."

Teo smiled as he settled back in his chair. "I can now also tell you about the task that the King wants you to do."

Don Alejandro frowned slightly. "You know I almost forgot about that."

Diego shook his head; he hadn't forgotten. "So what does this job entail. I don't think it will be political or military, I don't have any knowledge in that area." he said.

Teo grinned. "No, it's nothing like that but you already have the knowledge and expertise for the job."

Victoria shifted in her seat. "Just tell us already." she muttered in exasperation.

Diego smiled; his wife wasn't known for her patience. "What expertise could I have that no-one else in Spain have?"

"Horses." Teo said simply.

Don Alejandro frowned. "Horses? Victoria is right, just tell us straight Teo."

Teo nodded and leant forward. "Spain is known for many things but one of the most famous is for our Andalusian horses. For many centuries the Andalusian has been known as a fierce but sturdy and intelligent war horse and were prized by not only by our Nobility but by other Royal houses across Europe; they regarded them as the best breed of horse one could own and were often traded in diplomatic treaties. But now, we are in danger of losing our most famous horse, in fact it's become so bad that they are in danger of becoming extinct as a breed."

Don Alejandro exchanged a glance Diego. "What do you mean extinct, how can that be? Isn't some of the large Monasteries responsible for breeding and keeping detailed records?"

Teo nodded again. "Normally yes, but unfortunately there has been much political and religious unrest in and around those monasteries in the last twenty years or so and being at war for many years meant the requisitioning of ALL horses regardless of whether they were breeding animals or not and along with some dubious crossbreeding that has been occurring lately and the outright theft of pure blood mares and foals from the pastures by the invading armies, has reduced the numbers of Andalusians dramatically.

What the King wants from you Diego, is for you to travel the country to see exactly where and how many Andalusians Spain has left. In essence, he wants a detailed census but not only that, he also wants you to bring any excellent breeding stock that you discover, both stallions and fillies and even mares with foals, back to the main three or four monasteries in the south to re-establish them as stud farms. The King wants to make sure that our great Andalusians survive as a breed and he has given you complete authority over this and since the horses are all under royal protection, you have every right to move them without any kind of interference from anyone."

"Madre de dios." Don Alejandro muttered as he stared at Teo. "That could take months or even years."

Diego was dumbfounded, whatever he had been expecting, it was most definitely not this; it was a huge undertaking. "But...but why me? Surely there are others more experienced for this job." he said as he felt Victoria's hand on his arm. He turned and found the same stunned expression on her face that was on his.

Teo smiled. "There probably is but there are two main reasons why he wants you. First, your family has built up a well respected reputation for breeding horses of good stock, including Andalusians and secondly but most importantly, the King wanted someone who was independent from the political infighting that has been going on ever since his return. You have no political agenda of your own, so he can trust you to do this important job for the country without you lining your own pockets by selling the horses to or lie about how many there are. Can you imagine Spain without the Andalusians?" he added.

Diego took a deep breath and slowly released it. "Actually I can't imagine it." He turned his gaze to his father. "I'll need help."

Don Alejandro knew what his son was asking him but he shook his head. "I'm flattered that you want me to help but you have as much knowledge as I do about horses. You already know what to look for when selecting the best breeding stock from the main herd, you know the signs of any weakness in an animal and as you have handled our stock books for a couple of years, you know how to keep detailed records. Son, this is the job for you, just as the ranch is mine and I have complete faith in your abilities to do it."

Diego felt a rush of pride at his father's words. "Gracias father."

"How will Diego do this job? Can Felipe and I go with him." Victoria spoke up.

"When do we begin?" Diego added his own question.

Teo smiled at the questions. "There should be no reason why you can't go with him Victoria but there are some areas of the country that are more dangerous than others and it would be best for you to stay behind. You won't begin until after the round of parties is over, perhaps another month or so." He shook his head. "The details don't have to be worked out right now, we can plan it all out later."

"Pa...par..parties?" Felipe stuttered.

Teo chuckled. "Yes, that's right young man, there will be several parties after your father is crowned as Marqués and I'm sure there will be several young women who would like to meet the heir apparent."

Don Alejandro chuckled at the strange expression on his grandson's face; a mixture of panic and eagerness; it was a feeling he too felt when he was Felipe's age and had found the fairer sex irresistible.

"I'm sure that Felipe will be fine." Victoria said with a warm smile on her face; she just hoped that the young ladies would not make fun of his speech. "Once they see this handsome young man, they will be asking him for dances."

Felipe felt his ears burn at the teasing, he didn't feel the same confidence that Victoria had in him; it wasn't going to be like the parties that they had held in Los Angeles, where all the women knew him and it was easy enough for them to understand his sign for dancing. It would be a very formal party and he just couldn't make signs at princesses without getting thrown out. Or perhaps he should just be himself and that meant signing. He remembered what his father once told him about how to act around young women; just to be himself and if a young lady didn't like that, then she wasn't the one for him.

"Now that we're on the subject, the King has requested your presence in three days; it's just to meet all of you before the ceremony in two weeks. It probably won't last longer the five minutes but if you have any questions, Diego, this might be the time to ask it."

Victoria's jaw dropped. "The...King...wants to meet us?"

Diego swallowed hard. "I guess we should have expected this."

"Yes, you should have son." Don Alejandro said with amusement in his voice. He was amazed that they didn't think that the King would want to meet them first.

Three days later the four de la Vegas and Teo were in a waiting room off the great hall of the Royal Palace for their audience with the King.

Victoria smiled. "So, father, when was the first time you meet the King?"

Don Alejandro snorted but the words that followed weren't his voice.

"Lieutenant de la Vega was the only officer who ever had the courage to tell a rather young prince that he was being a pain in the backside." said a slightly amused but a rather authoritarian voice from behind them.

They all turned as one and saw King Ferdinand walking into the room with an aide behind him.

"Your Majesty." Don Alejandro said as he bowed low from the waist, followed by Diego, Felipe and Teo while Victoria curtsied as she had been taught.

King Ferdinand smiled. "It's been a long time Alejandro." he said as he held out his hand. "Did you have a good trip from the Americas?"

Don Alejandro smiled back. "Well let's just say it wasn't a boring voyage Sire." he replied as he shook the King's hand. "May I present my son Diego."

The King turned his gaze to his newest Marqués. "I'm pleased to finally meet you Diego and under such wonderful terms. I hope it wasn't too much of a surprise for you." he said with a smile.

Diego bowed his head slightly. "Not so much as a surprise, more like a bombshell, your Majesty." he replied with a small smile.

King Ferdinand chuckled. "There wasn't much I could do about the shock but at least the news came from someone you know."

Diego's smile widened; he never expected the King to be pleasant after what he had heard about him. "Yes, I don't think I would have believed it if it came a stranger." He turned slightly to his left. "May I present to you my wife Victoria Escalante and my son Felipe de la Vega." he introduced them.

Victoria felt her throat constrict at meeting the King of Spain; a man who only seemed to be five or ten years older than Diego. She curtsied again. "Your Majesty. It's an honour to meet you."

King Ferdinand smiled warmly at the young woman. "It's my honour, Doña Victoria to meet such a lovely lady. I understand that this is your first time not only to Spain but to Europe as well." he said.

She smiled nervously and nodded. "Yes that's right."

"Well I hope your husband is showing you the sights of our great city, there is plenty to see." he said.

Victoria flickered a glance Diego, who smiled re-assuringly. "Yes, he is."

"That's good." He turned to the younger man he knew was Diego's adopted son who had the misfortune of not being able to speak.

Felipe bowed his head and signed which his father immediately interpreted. "My son is honoured to meet you, Sire."

King Ferdinand nodded and smiled. "I'm pleased to meet you, young man." He turned to face them all. "I'm sure that you have plenty of questions but unfortunately I don't have time to answer them." he paused as he gazed at Diego. "Take a walk with me, kinsman."

Diego nodded. "Of course Sire." he replied as he followed his distant relation out of the room, leaving behind his curious family.

"I understand that you wish to make your home in California and not here in Spain. Do you think that's somewhat inappropriate considering the honour I am bestowing on your family?" King Ferdinand asked calmly as they walked along the hallway towards the doorway that led to a garden.

Diego knew instantly that this was the King speaking not the pleasant man who had greeted his family. "I am fully aware of the great honour you have granted us and I mean no disrespect to you." He paused for a moment. "May I speak frankly Sire?"

King Ferdinand nodded.

"I did not ask for this..." he started to say.

"So you're saying that this is my fault, kinsman?" he said with annoyance in his voice.

Diego bit his tongue on what he was going to say. "Of course not Sire. I will, of course, spend time here in Madrid but I wish to spend time in California too."

The King stopped and gazed intently at the younger man beside him. "Just what is so special about California?"

Many thoughts went through Diego's mind but he summed it up in two words. "Its home."

"Home." The King muttered. "You are as direct and honest as your father, others would have said something to appease me."

Diego wisely said nothing.

"I will consider it." The King finally said. "Now, I understand that your aide has informed you of what I want you to do."

Diego nodded. "Yes, he has and I will do my best to see the Andalusians survive as a breed." he promised.

"See that you do." The king paused as he saw his private secretary walking towards him with a slight frown on his face. "What is it Louis?"

Louis bowed his head. "The Prime Minister is here to see you, Sire."

The King sighed. "I wish I had more time to speak with you and hear your opinion on that masked bandit that frustrated the local administration, what was he called...?"

Diego swallowed hard and schooled his face into a neutral expression. "Do you mean El Zorro, Sire?"

King Ferdinand nodded. "Yes that's the name but unfortunately duty calls. I will see you at the ceremony in two weeks, kinsman."

Diego bowed from the waist at the obvious dismissal. "Of course, Sire." he replied as he stepped back several paces before he turned and left King Ferdinand with his secretary.

He walked down the corridor with a frown on his face; just what did the King mean by that remark? He knew that reports of Zorro had reached Madrid in the official reports from both Ramone and de Soto as well the private letters from the citizens to their family and friends in Spain and from what his aunt had told him, Zorro had become something of a folk legend amongst the working class almost like the English legend of Robin Hood. But now he wondered if the King knew anything about the identity of Zorro or was it just an innocent question? Whichever it was, he would have to be on guard; he didn't want the risk of Zorro's identity becoming public knowledge.