Chapter 11
Don Alejandro fidgeted as he lay in his bed. It was incredibly embarrassing as well as frustrating for him to be confined to bed. If only he had been more careful riding Dulcinea, he would not be in his current situation. Felipe stood beside by the old don's bed, slightly amused by the man's antics. He really is not a good patient, he thought. Almost as bad as Diego…
Victoria carried in a tray holding a goblet of water and a napkin-covered plate. She smiled as she entered the room followed by Diego. "What's this? Is Don Alejandro being a good patient, Felipe," the taverness teased. She knew that Don Alejandro was upset by the fall off Dulcinea and the ankle sprain and broken ribs that had resulted. She was well aware that the older man was being difficult…
'He won't lie still, the lad signed, 'he won't take his medicine either.' I thought Diego was a bad patient but his father is much worse, Felipe thought.
Diego shook his head at the look on the lad's face. He knew his father and that the man was positively aching to get out of that bed. "Father, I cannot believe that Dulcinea threw you. She is ill-tempered certainly but…"
"If I had not been so distracted, none of this would have ever happened, son. Now, I will have to postpone my trip to Santa Paula to see the Emissary."
"That is a pity, Don Alejandro. This pueblo needs someone who will speak against the alcalde. Your name carries a lot of weight. What about one of the other caballeros? Surely, one of them would speak out," Victoria was hoping against hope that one of the caballeros would speak for the pueblo…They had counted on Zorro to deal with the problems of the pueblo…It was time for them to stand up and be the men their forefathers were…
"Many of them are afraid to take a stand. They are only thinking of their own concerns, my dear. They are all afraid of what would happen if the alcalde found out….afraid of losing their land and afraid of spending time in the alcalde's jail," he sighed as his eyes began to close, "Somebody's going to have to stand up for this pueblo or we'll lose it."
"Don't worry, Father. Rest easy. Someone will step forward," Diego said as he laid his hand on his father's shoulder.
Someone needs to step forward. Why couldn't Diego in his place, Victoria thought. The tall man was certainly intelligent…maybe, he could go on behalf of his father…"Perhaps, you could…."
"Perhaps, I could…what, Victoria, go in my father's place," he stated. Maybe, she will suggest that I go…Diego watched as a doubtful look came over her face. He knew that Victoria was disgusted by his supposed lack of courage. The tall caballero was hurt by Victoria's remarks but was too much of a gentleman to say so. "Is…Is that what you were going to say, Victoria?"
"I…I…I don't know what I was going to say, Diego," she said as she placed her hand on his arm. "You would do well at speechmaking but…."
"I suppose speechmaking is very different from action. Isn't it?" Diego interrupted, "I am not exactly the man of action that Zorro is."
"My father wants me to be a man of action. You once said Zorro is a lion amongst a lot of frightened sheep. I am not as charismatic and demonstrative as Zorro."
"No one expects you to be, Diego. We can't count on Zorro to solve all of our problems. Someone else will step forward, Diego. Take care of your father. I will be back to check on Don Alejandro. Adios."
"Adios, Victoria," the taller man watched as she left the hacienda. He clenched his fists tightly in frustration. At times like this, I wish I could show more of my true personality. Diego walked towards the hidden passageway. He needed time to think…
Felipe saw his mentor's frustration. Someday she will see you for the man you are, Diego. Have faith…
ZZZ
Diego walked past his father's room to check on him before he retired for the evening. The younger man was surprised to see that his father was still awake. "Are you alright, Father. Can I get you something to make you more comfortable? Perhaps some of my herbal tea?"
"That would be fine, Diego but I want to talk to you first. Son, I noticed your reaction this evening to what Victoria said…I know that it hurt you…I am sorry about that."
"I care for this pueblo…I have a different way of showing it…I don't go around brandishing a sword but I fight for justice just the same."
"I am guilty of sometimes wanting you to be someone that you are not but you are my son. Your talents are not as flamboyant as brandishing a sword or saving damsels in distress but I am proud of you, Diego. Not many fathers can say that."
"Thank you, Father. I want you to be proud of me not ashamed of the man that I have become."
"You are not just my son but Elena's as well. I see so much of her in you. She would tell me to love the son I have. I have something that I would like to ask of you, Diego. I want you to go speak to the Emissary on my behalf...You have a way with words, my son. You are editor of The Guardian that in itself makes you a good representative for this pueblo. You care about this pueblo…I trust you to go in my stead. Will you do that for me, son?"
"I will, Father. I will not let you down."
"I know you will make me proud," the older man said sincerely.
The taller man hugged his father tightly. "Thank you, Father."
"I love you, son. How about some of that tea you promised me…"
Diego stood and went to get the tea. Perhaps, something good will come of this visit after all….
