Zorro meets his Match
Chapter 54 – Angels and Demons
Boudica de la Vega was sitting in the secret room waiting for Diego to return. He had gone as Zorro to see what had been done about the messenger. She had seen her daughter to bed, humming a soft lullaby to her.
Bernardo joined her with a smile seeing his mistress was in her nightdress and wearing her dressing gown. He also noticed that Bo was a little pale looking.
She, however, smiled at him and then they heard Diego coming up.
Diego was still dressed as Zorro, but he had his sombrero in his hand, mask, bandana, and gloves all in his hand. He smiled seeing them there. He also held another feather in his other hand, but he set his gloves, bandana, and mask inside his sombrero which he set on the table before he turned to his wife. He sighed, gathering her to him, he hugged her and then bent, lifting her chin with his finger, he kissed her lightly.
He then pulled her closer and kissed her brow as he wrapped an arm about her. Her arms wrapped about his tall lithe frame under his cape.
She reached and lifted the feather she saw in his hand. He smiled at her.
"Si, beloved, another feather for our collection. The messenger said the magistrate gave it to him to take back to Monterey." Diego said pulling off his cape. "Which means our self-righteous friend is more mixed up in this than I imagined." He looked at the feather in her hand. "What is this all about? This Eagle's brood are up to something. They are trying to turn the soldiers against one another and who knows what else they will do." He looked at her.
She nodded. "He has said, with us listening he wants to rule California, Diego. But his influence is far reaching."
Bernardo took the cape and hung it up before returning to the pair.
Boudica cocked her head and lifted the feather to the light of the lantern. "Diego?" She asked.
"Oh! Wait a moment. You are right, Bo. Look at these notches." He said holding it to the light. He moved his arm from around her to let his finger trace it. "So these are even more of a communication tool than we thought. They are not just a marker."
"I am sure this has a meaning, Diego, and if we could find out what it was, perhaps we could be ahead of the Eagle and spoil his game."
"Si. We are already taking down his lieutenants one at a time."
She nodded and hugged him a little tighter. "Zorro will have his work cut out for him."
"And perhaps he will learn of the mysterious Coyote who has been helping him and everyone thinks is his mate." Diego smiled looking at her. He dipped his head down and stole a kiss as she looked up at him smiling.
"I might be a little jealous of this woman." She said, beaming.
He chuckled. "Never fear my little Zorra, you know where Zorro and my heart belongs."
She nodded. "Si, I do."
He nodded. "For now we will have to wait." He dipped the end of the feather into his ink pot and then lifted it. "You, me, Bernardo, the Coyote, and…Zorro." He said drawing a Z on a paper with it.
She looked down at it and nodded. She then moved her hand to his sword. "Come my darling, we should go to sleep. Pilar has promised a lovely breakfast for us." She stepped back from him and he looked at her in the lantern light.
He looked at her as he removed his sword and handed it to Bernardo. "Has she decided to stay on then?" He asked as his hands went to his sash.
She shook her head. "She has decided to go to be with Agnes."
"Ah, the two of them have become quite good friends, have they not." He cocked his head. "Can Agnes afford a servant?"
Boudica shrugged. "I am not sure, it depends if she can curb her husband's drinking and eating some."
He chuckled a little as he unbuttoned his shirt.
"If not, she has a cousin who will see them both right."
He looked up at her and smiled. He stepped to her. "Indeed." He said kissing her softly.
She smiled pulling back just enough to speak. "I did not think you would object."
"Hardly. It will be good for them both and Agnes should not be alone there. Even with the hacienda so close, having another set of hands to help her will be invaluable." He kissed her again and straightened. "I would just offer to pay Pilar's salary."
"Diego, at least let Agnes try. She wants to make you proud and show she can be a good housewife, even on the frontier."
He nodded and pulled off the rest of his clothing as she turned and walked back into their room. He looked back at Bernardo who smiled and took the clothing to hang up as Diego pulled on his dressing gown and walked into the room and shut the door behind him.
Boudica was softly rocking the cradle that held their daughter. Diego came up behind her and wrapped his arms about her, sighing into her hair. "I love you." He murmured.
"I know, Diego. I have never been so loved in my life. I treasure it." She turned in his arms. His hands wet to her hips as she kissed him, deepening the kiss.
He smiled and pulled her to the bed gently.
ZzZ
The next morning, Diego, Boudica, and Bernardo rode into the hills together.
Diego and Bernardo fenced together, Diego teaching Bernardo some work. He then faced off against his wife who had been learning from observation as well as training sessions such as these with her husband and Bernardo.
She sat on a rock in her slit skirt watching the pair as she sipped some wine, amused as her husband stood in his shirt without his jacket or vest, his sombrero at his back.
Diego then called her down to allow Bernardo to rest a moment. She smiled as he lifted a hand to her, but she shook her head and flipped over his head and landed in a crouch behind him. Diego turned, and she smiled as she then backflipped twice and lifted the sword Bernardo had left on the earth and stood, putting the blade before her face. She then turned, rapier before her, free hand on her hip.
"En Guarde." She said smiling playfully.
Bernardo and Diego were both startled at this show of athleticism. She was like a willow almost, bending and contorting in ways neither of them could hope to do.
Anyone seeing her would think her a master by that stance and she was very good, but still not up to the caliber of Diego yet, though she was quickly learning to surpass Bernardo. However, she lacked the stamina for a true master. Diego, however, had to yield to her ability to outshoot him with a bow, however, as she demonstrated quite often.
Diego shook his head at her antics. "Always a performer, then my love?"
"Once an acrobat, always an acrobat, my darling."
He chuckled. "Advance." She did. "Good. Advance again." He smiled at her. "Now, lounge."
She did so.
"Again."
She did again.
He shook his head. "You aren't reaching, Bo."
"I have short arms Diego. You have far more reach than I."
"Step closer and really go for me this time."
She cocked her head and she did. He parried it to the side, but nodded and smiled. "Well done, beloved." He told her stepping to her.
Bernardo clapped.
Diego whistled. "Come we try the horse again."
Bernardo looked at him as Tornado rode up to them.
Boudica smiled and lifted a hand to scratch the velvety nose. "Hello, old boy." She said.
Diego had Bernardo jump into the saddle a couple of times, which mainly made Bernardo bruised as Boudica watched. Diego did not want her to try it, but even still, Bo wanted to try something.
She whistled, a different whistle. She whistled sucking her breath in. She lifted her bow and arrow, the recurve made from mountain yew that she still had never told Diego had she had gotten it other than she had won it.
Tornado came to her and she mounted. He trotted about and she looked rather small upon him. She then ducked against his neck and had him gallop and leap over a log.
Diego watched in amazement as Bo fearlessly held onto the stallion who had thrown her once. Tornado came back and Boudica beamed as she, while the stallion was riding passed, flipped around and she waved at the men as they went by as she faced the wrong way.
She then holding on with her thighs, notched an arrow and shot it at them, the arrow landing in a stump only a foot to Diego's right. He looked to the side and then back. He whistled and Tornado came back to him. Boudica had shifted back to the correct way to ride, the bow about her shoulders.
Diego shook his head. "Now you are just showing off."
She smiled at him as he lifted her down.
"No, just proving I am not just a silly woman who can do nothing."
"Oh you can do many things beloved. I well know." He said.
She smiled as Diego hugged her, kissing her brow.
"Come then, let us enjoy our picnic then, eh?" Diego asked. "I would say you both deserved it."
Bernardo and Boudica both beamed and nodded as Bernardo took the rapiers and went to bring the basket that had been packed for them.
ZzZ
It was only two days to the wedding.
Diego sighed as he rode out to the small land holding with Sargent Garcia. Boudica had asked if he wanted her and Agnes as well, but he had declined, telling her he needed time alone to explain some things to the Sargent, chief among them, how to make love to a woman.
The Sargent was clueless and Diego felt it was both his duty as a friend and his duty as her guardian to inform the man so she was not brutalized by Garcia's first attempt. If he could make it more into a learning experience for them both, unhurried, and just a love expression, the pair would be content, even willing to do it again.
Boudica was going to do the same later that day as she prepared Agnes to be a lovely bride. The pair were going to be wed at the mission church by Padre Felipe who had been very happy to marry them, especially after hearing the recommendation and donation from the de la Vegas.
Diego smiled as Sargent Garcia rode up to him. "Ah, Sargent."
"Don Diego." Garcia greeted.
"A wonderful day for you. You will be a landowner, finally."
"Indeed." Garcia smiled. "Don Diego, were you aware there is a new tax collector in town?"
"No. I did not know this."
"Si. He is making a high tax. I worry the peons will not be happy."
"He is taxing the peons?"
"Si."
Diego nodded. "I will go to the pueblo with you after I show you, your new lands, Sargent."
The pair rode to where the farm house was being working on by the de la Vega vaqueros. Diego nodded to them as he dismounted and tied Phantom to a post. Garcia did likewise as he walked with Diego into the home.
The house had three rooms, a large common room, a kitchen, and a bedroom, and the roof extended out to provide shelter and shade to the animals in the corral beside it. There was a small barn nearby and the recently well that had been redug for water. The outhouse was in the scrub trees down a small trail. There was a small creek that flowed from the hills behind the home, spring fed, that would provide water for the animals as well. Behind the house, the vaqueros had turned the earth to make a small garden and were even now making a chicken coop.
Garcia looked about and was impressed. "This is more than I ever hoped to have, Don Diego. Gracias to you and your father."
Diego smiled at him. "For one who has served Spain as long as you have, you deserve it."
They mounted and rode to the edge of the property. The land was surrounded on all sides by de la Vega lands. This offered protection to them and also assured the de la Vega vaqueros would be riding about checking on herds and near. The hacienda was only a mile from them, an easy walk if needed to make sure that Agnes would be within call if she needed help.
Diego let his horse drink from the stream and Garcia did likewise as he looked over at the Sargent. "Sargent…you told me that you were a virgin." He said tying to ease into the topic without success.
"Si, Don Diego." Garcia said shifting and blushing a little.
"No need to be embarrassed, Sargent, we all have to start somewhere, but do you have the slightest clue what you are doing?"
"I know I have to bed her to make our marriage legal."
"Si. But making love to a woman is more complicated than that." Diego took a breath. "They are fragile creatures and often temperamental. Love making is an art my friend, and given time you will master it."
"How did you master it, Don Diego?"
"Like anything, practice." Diego smiled.
"But how do you know if a woman is willing?"
Diego smiled. "You know." He smiled. "They act different. Like a mare, they start to touch you in ways you only dreamed about." He chuckled. "Bo has this twinkle to her eye."
"I understand the mechanics of how it is supposed to work, Don Diego, but you say it is an art…"
Diego nodded and looked across the stream at some shade. "Come, we will talk and have some wine. Bo was kind enough to pack some in my saddle bags."
"Very kind and thoughtful." Garcia agreed as they crossed the creek and then tied their mounts to a stump and sat down in the shade of the trees growing beside the creek.
Diego spent the next hour explaining and asking questions. Sargent Garcia clearly had no idea how much was involved. Diego was open and honest with him, explaining different ways, and how even to charm a woman.
Garcia listened intently, clearly wanting to learn how to please his young wife.
After they rode back to the hacienda. Boudica was there waiting for them. She explained that Agnes had a headache and was resting, but she rode with them back to the pueblo riding Domino.
The gelding liked his small rider and he trotted beside the other two as Boudica watched the two men.
ZzZ
In the pueblo, the de la Vegas said their goodbyes to the Sargent. They did a little shopping before going to the tavern to cool off from the sun and to have a cool drink.
Bernardo was moving about rather gingerly, feeling the bumps and scrapes from their escapades up in the hills.
Maria nodded to a table. Diego pulled out the chair for his wife as Maria pulled one out for him. She smiled. "Shall I fetch a chair from the kitchen for your servant, Don Diego."
"No, I am sure he would prefer to stand. He has been sitting on and off all day." Diego said.
Boudica kicked his shin under the table. Diego winced as Bernardo looked at him quizzically. Diego grinned at his servant as he took his wife's hand. He looked back at her and smiled as he kissed her hand as she glared at him.
"Come with me!" Garcia was saying loudly outside.
"What was that?" Diego asked turning and craning his head to look outside.
"They are arresting someone I think." Maria said.
"I am sorry, but you will have to come with me." Garcia said. The man before him stepped around him, looking at him.
"It's my brother!" Maria cried out and ran out.
Diego looked at Boudica and then moved to follow her, curious. Boudica rose more slowly to her feet and sighed looking at Bernardo. She was a little light headed and she took a moment to get her bearings.
Bernardo gently touched her in concern and she waved him off.
"I'm all right." She said moving to walk out.
"Leave him alone!" Maria said pushing the lancer off her brother. "Take your hands off him!"
"I have to arrest him, Maria." Garcia said.
"No you don't!" Maria countered.
"Maria! Stay out of this!" Eusebio, her brother told her.
Diego came to them. "Wait a moment. You must not bully the acting commandante." He said to Maria.
"Don Diego, make them let him go!" Maria protested.
"What is this all about, Eusebio?" Diego asked.
"He would not pay his tax for the magistrato ordered us to put him in jail." Garcia said.
"Would not pay it? I could not pay it!" Eusebio protested.
"You see he could not pay it, so he has to let him go." Maria said looking up at Diego.
Boudica walked to them, watching, but saying nothing.
"Now look, Maria. I can do nothing unless you quiet down." Diego said. "The Sargent is merely doing his duty."
"Gracias, Don Diego." Garcia said.
"Now will you behave?" Diego asked her softly.
Maria nodded and stepped to him. "Si, Don Diego." She said quietly.
He took her arm and pulled her to his side. "Very well." He then looked up at Garcia. "Take him away Sargent." He said softly.
"Come with me, please." Garcia said leading his prisoner to the cuartel.
Maria and Diego watched them go. Boudica stood to the side as Bernardo came to her side.
"You see Maria. There have always been taxes and those who cannot pay them." Diego said gently.
"But, Don Diego! He is my brother." Maria said turning to him.
"I know. And now I shall go over and see what I can do." Diego promised her.
"Oh! Gracias Don Diego. Gracias." Maria said looking up at him with hope in her eyes.
Diego smiled down at her and then lifted a hand to his wife. She took it and walked with him.
"Always such a caring heart to ladies in distress Diego."
He looked at her. "You are not jealous of Maria are you?"
"No." She smiled at him. "I know where your heart is, Diego, but you are a gentleman to a fault."
He smiled at her and kissed her lightly before they continued to the cuartel.
Sargent Garcia had Eusebio step into the cell with more than a dozen other men. He locked the door and then turned to the tax collector Senor Antonio Azuela. "This is the last one I put into my jail. Until you let somebody out, you cannot put anymore in."
"You wish for me to tell the magistrato, that you refused to obey his orders?" Azuela countered.
Garcia flinched. "Oh no, Senor, I do not refuse, it is just that I thought…well the jail is so crowded…" He sighed. "It sounds so good the way I think it and so bad the way you say it.
The tax collector grunted and walked away.
Diego walked up with Boudica. "All these people here in jail because they could not pay their tax?" Diego asked looking at the full jail.
Boudica stepped forward.
"Si, Don Diego." Sargent Garcia said softly. "Never before was there a tax like this."
Diego walked also the cells. His wife was watching closely. Diego walked to where Eusebio Crespo was standing against the bars.
"Eusebio. How much is your tax?" Diego asked.
"Sixty-five pesos."
Boudica looked at her husband shocked. None of these peons could afford that. None of them.
"Sixty-five pesos!" Diego gasped.
"What do they want me to do?" Eusebio asked him. "Sell the few cattle that I have and the house that I built with my own two hands and go in debt and work for another man?" His voice was rising. "Shall I let my wife and my children go without food so that I can pay a tax like this."
Diego looked at him. "But Eusebio, if you needed money, why did you not come to my father or to me?" He looked at his wife. "Even my wife would see you right."
"I cannot beg from a woman, Don Diego. But there comes a time when a man must stand on his own two feet or he's not a man."
Boudica took a breath. "But your wife, Senor. Your children. What will happen to them now that you are in jail and unable to work." She looked at him. "Will you allow me to bring them money or at least food?" She asked.
He looked at her. "You have always had such a gentle way about you Senora." He took a breath. "I will allow it, but only until I am free." He then caught her arm lightly. "And I will pay it back to you, you have my word."
Diego nodded.
Senor Antonio Azuela came from the office he was using in the cuartel. "Sargent Garcia!" He yelled.
Everyone looked over at him.
"Either get that young man out of here or put him in a cell." He yelled. "He is starting unrest among the prisoners."
Sargent Garcia rolled his eyes a little. "Oh no, Senor, this is not a young man…" He paused as Diego stepped to his side, watching.
Boudica stepped around the Sargent. Senor Azuela seemed surprised to see a woman there.
"I mean, this is Don Diego, son of Don Alejandro de la Vega." Garcia said.
"And the Senorita? His sister no doubt." Azuela said looking at the woman up and down. "She is rather unusual for a Spaniard. Is she perhaps a half-sister?" He wondered half to himself.
Garcia looked at his future in-law and looked back ready to speak on her behalf.
She took a breath to answer, but Diego lifted a hand to stop her. "Senora." Diego said. "Boudica is my wife, Senor."
"Ah!" The tax collector growled and turned to walk back into the office.
"One moment Senor." Diego said stepping forward.
Azuela turned around and looked at Diego as Diego walked to him and stepped up on the first step.
"Is it your contention that I am causing the unrest among the prisoners?" Diego asked.
"Si." The other man smiled.
Diego chuckled a little. "Well that is like accusing the owl for causing darkness merely because he appears after sundown."
"If you have not more business here Senor, I suggest that you leave. And at once!"
Diego shook his head. "But I do have business here, Senor." He looked at the man and reached for his coin purse. He tossed it in the air and caught with his other hand playfully. "I have come to pay the tax for Eusebio Crespo. Sixty-five pesos I believe."
Boudica smiled proudly and smiled at Eusebio who touched her arm in gratitude through the bars. She came forward. Diego met her gaze and looked at all the men there and then back to his wife and nodded at seeing her expression.
"Oh, the devil take it!" He said smiling a little turning back. "I had better pay for everyone." He opened his coin purse and Boudica came forward, lifting hers to him.
The men cheered a little looking at each other.
The tax collector looked something between shocked and affronted. "It is not as easy as that de la Vega. Even with a pretty wife whose eyes a man can lose himself in."
"What is wrong?" Diego asked, ignoring the last comment. "You levy a tax to raise money, I come with the money to pay it. What more do you want than that?"
"It is too late. The prisoners are being punished for refusing to pay the King's tax." Azuela cocked his head. "It is not a punishment if wealthy young men and women like you and your pretty wife pay it for them."
Diego shook his head a moment and then shook it, chuckling a little. "Still, money is money and I am yet to see a tax collector who can refuse it."
"You see it now!" the tax collector said turning and walking into the office and slamming the door.
Diego was baffled by that.
Boudica gasped and looked at her husband. "Diego…" She whispered.
Garcia joined them. "I am sorry Don Diego. I was ready to release them all."
"Sargent? Who actually gave the order to put those men in prison?" Diego asked looking at the door.
"The magistrato. The tax collector, he just says this man, he has not paid his tax."
"So it is the magistrato who can give the order to release them." Diego said putting his coin purse away as he handed Boudica's to her without looking at her.
"Si."
"So why am I standing here, wasting my time, talking to you." Diego asked as he put on his sombrero and took hold of his wife's arm and pulled her with him toward the inn.
"I don't know, Don Diego. Why?" Garcia asked after him.
"Diego!" She gasped, trying to gain her footing as he half dragged half pulled her along at his pace.
Halfway there he noticed he was holding her tightly and she would barely keep up with him, her smaller legs taking nearly two steps to his large stride.
He pulled up short. "Apologies Bo." He said softly. "But…we must see to these poor men."
"I agree, but…" she rubbed her arm. "I would have come. There was no need to drag me."
"You are right. I am sorry." He looked at her. "Can you forgive me?"
She nodded. "Si." She smiled. "Go ahead. I will catch up."
"Are you unwell?"
"No, just out of breath."
He nodded. "Very well I will see you at the tavern." He said and moved quickly as she stood, panting a moment.
Why was she out of breath? She sighed and stood there a moment before she continued at a much slower pace to cross the plaza. Her husband had already reached the inn steps and trotted up and opened the door.
Don Carlos had been near the door, walking with another gentleman.
Diego looked at him. "Your excellency! May I have a word with you?"
Don Carlos cocked his head. "Oh, you appear upset, Don Diego. Is something wrong?"
"It is about the men that are in prison."
"Oh Si!" Don Carlos said. "The men who refused to pay their lawful taxes." He then nodded to the other man. "This is Senor Vasquez. He is from Sonora."
"Your servant, sir…" Diego said bowing a little before he looked back at Don Carlos, but the magistrate cut him off.
"Senor de la Vega, one of our most respected citizens. His father owns the largest rancho in California. His pretty wife is an Americano."
"I spoke with the tax collector." Diego said. "And I offered to pay the tax for every man in prison." He cocked his head a little.
"How very kind of you Don Diego." Don Carlos said nodding. He smiled then and dipped his head as the other man did as well as Boudica walked into the tavern. "Ah, Senora de la Vega. You honor us." He reached and took her hand. He kissed it and smiled at her.
She allowed it. "Don Carlos."
He nodded to the other man. "Senor Vasquez of Sonora."
She dipped her head. "Senor."
Senor Vasquez took her hand and kissed it in a slightly less refined fashion than Don Carlos. "Senor Galindo does not do you justice Senora. You are not only pretty, but strikingly beautiful." He smiled.
She blushed a little as Don Carlos chuckled.
"Indeed, Senor Vasquez. Pretty and Intelligent. A rare combination. We are all rather jealous of young de la Vega and his choice in bride."
Vasquez nodded.
"As I was saying." Diego cut in.
Don Carlos nodded as Boudica stepped beside her husband. "Si, Don Diego. That was very kind of you, but sadly, just five minutes too late." He moved to walk passed them.
"What do you mean, five minutes too late?" Diego asked turning.
Don Carlos paused as did Vasquez. "You understand the men who refuse their taxes represent a loss to the king. It is the duty of his servants to recompense this loss in any way they can."
"Now just what are you trying to say?" Diego asked as his wife came to his side.
Behind them, Maria was watching, quietly.
"Senor Vasquez is a labor contractor. The men in jail have been sold to him as indentured peons." Don Carlos said explaining. Both Diego and Boudica stiffened at this. "Tomorrow they leave for the mines of Sonora." He spread his hands. "This you cannot change. Senora." He nodded to Vasquez and the pair walked out.
Diego looked at his wife and she looked down.
Maria came to them. "Is there nothing to be done?" She asked.
"There is nothing more I can do." Diego said. "Perhaps Zorro will catch word of this and come to help."
Boudica nodded. "I hope he does. These people need him. This is not fair."
He shook his head. "No." He agreed and then led her to a table.
ZzZ
Later that evening the tax collector had several men talking to them, but they were distracted by singing. One of the prisoners had a guitar and was playing as the men were singing with Eusebio leading them.
Diego, Bernardo, and Boudica were listening as they sat near the cuartel on a bench.
"Tonight! Tonight! Zorro the swift, Zorro the brave, Zorro the kind, his people to save. Zorro the swift, Zorro the brave, Zorro will ride his amigos to save…"
Sargent Garcia was ordered to try to stop them, but he instead found he could not, though secretly he was encouraging them.
"His anger will blaze like a brush fire, his steed Tornado will carry him on the wind…" They continued.
"Those poor fellows actually believe that Zorro will come and save them." Garcia said coming to stand with Diego and his small group. Diego was smoking a cigar thoughtfully, listening. His wife was softly humming along as she worked on embroidering something.
"So I hear." Diego said.
"Don Diego?" Garcia said turning to them. "Do you want to hear something very wicked?"
"Si." Diego smiled.
"I hope he saves them too." Garcia said and walked off.
Diego smiled. He looked at Bernardo and his wife. His wife was looked up at him. "What is that you are making, Boudica?" He asked.
"Just a sampler." She said. "Keeps my hands occupied when I have nerves."
"Why are you nervous?" He asked her. "This is not your fight."
"These poor men are suffering and will die in the mines if they are not helped."
He nodded. "Si."
Bernardo nodded at her and signed a Z.
"Oh. Not you too!" Diego said.
Bernardo nodded.
"But do you two not realize that Zorro only fights against evil and tyranny. He cannot fight against the evil acts of his own government." Diego said. "And whether we like it or not, it is perfectly legal the labor of men who have been imprisoned and send them to the mines."
Boudica growled. "It isn't fair and you know it Diego."
"Much of life isn't fair, beloved. This is one I am not sure I can be involved in."
She shook her head and rolled up her sampler and walked toward where her horse was tied up.
"Boudica…" He called after her, but she did not even pause. He looked over and smiled. "Buenas Noches, Senor tax collector." He said as he watched Azuela walk from the cuartel to the inn where he was staying. He took a breath. "Tell me something, Bernardo. Why did the viceroy appoint a man like that like tax collector? And why did he impose such an unjust tax?"
Bernardo shook his head.
Diego looked over as his wife put her sampler in her saddle bag and then looked upwards at the stars above them. He followed her gaze and then looked back at Bernardo. "Wait a minute. Can we be so sure it was the viceroy? That man is very close to our traitorous friend Don Carlos and so close to the Eagle."
Bernardo lifted an eagle feather that he had.
"That's right Bernardo. This evil brood that uses the eagle's feather as a sign. Suppose he is one of them." He took a breath. "Watch over my wife and wait for me. Make sure she does not leave the plaza without me."
Bernardo nodded and hopped down to go to Boudica.
Diego walked to the inn and walked in. The tavern was closing. The tax collector was seated at a table with light, looking at the books.
"Senor." Diego said walking to him.
Azuela looked up. "Oh, it is you again de la Vega. I have nothing to say to you."
"I should like to discuss the de la Vega tax with you."
"I do not see that there is anything to discuss."
"Do you mind looking up the tax we paid a few months ago?"
"It is completely irrelevant, but I will look it up." He found the line in the book. "There you are."
Diego nodded and used an eagle feather to point. "Ah, notice here, this item." He said. "Our tax is about double that of the Santanos." He said. "And here, we are paying tax on the same cattle that you already taxed us on."
The tax collector looked up at him. "You paid the tax once, it is due again."
"But it is exorbitant." Diego said. "The calculations in our records would make it seem to be much lower." He flicked the feather. "Are you sure there as not been some kind of mistake?"
Azuela looked at the books. "I do not know de la Vega…I…could be wrong perhaps." He said.
"I am sure you're wrong."
He checked the lines. "My apologies Senor. Ah, I see now there is a mistake." He said. "The tax is paid."
"And we owe nothing at all."
"Si."
"I notice you are looking at my eagle's feather." Diego said tucking it back into his pocket. "My wife gave it to me. She told me it would bring me good luck if I carried it on my person."
"How would she know about such things?" Azuela asked curiously.
"She was raised by Indians part of her life, Senor. There is much of the natural world she knows, and I am but a poor student, but it would appear she is correct. I have never before have I gained a concession from a tax collector." He said smiling. "Buenas Noches, Senor."
"Buenas Noches Senor de la Vega." The tax collector said.
Diego left him and walked to where his wife was mounted, but Bernardo was holding her reins. She was glaring at the servant and then looked down at her husband.
"Diego, he will not let me ride home."
"With good reason. El Carmino Real can be a dangerous place at night alone as a woman of wealth, beloved." He looked up at her. "I ordered him to keep you here."
She growled at him.
He smiled and patted her thigh. "You have your wish, my love. Zorro will ride tonight."
She looked down. "He will save them?"
"He will try his best." Diego said as he mounted Phantom and came to her side.
"That is all I ask." She nodded. She then rode off.
He smiled and shook his head looking at Bernardo as they both followed her.
ZzZ
Zorro rode to the cuartel, but found an imposter there trying to help, but Garcia, clearly by his rotund size, was caught. Don Carlos was there and ordered the whole garrison on duty to prevent the real Zorro from coming.
Zorro watched and then backed away angrily. He could not help these men because of Sargent Garcia trying to be a hero.
He came into the secret room where Boudica was waiting. She had just seen Buena off and rocked Easperanza to sleep. Buena had Romaldo with her this night to see Tomas. She would return in the morning to collect Esperanza for her morning feeding.
Zorro tossed his gloves angrily onto the table as Bernardo followed him. "What could I do? A dozen Zorro's would have been helpless after the commotion our fat friend created!" He growled as Bernardo helped him out of his cape.
Bernardo looked at him and shook his finger.
Diego pulled off his mask and looked at him. "What is the matter with you? I told you, there is nothing I can do!"
Boudica looked at him. "Diego!" She said.
He looked at her, panting in his anger. He looked at her. She was standing back from him, slightly nervous at his temper and clearly not wanting it aimed at her.
His look softened marginally.
"What happened?" She asked him.
He turned away and lifted his hand. "Garcia dressed as me and tried to release the prisoners, but forgot one needs stealth and cunning to do that. He was caught by everyone!"
She looked down and looked at Bernardo who looked down.
Diego took a breath and turned back seeing both of them worried and sad. This really was bothering them both, he could see it plainly on their faces. Boudica was a woman and thus more prone to having something pull at her heartstrings, but Bernardo's face held the pain that he had seen on the men in the jail cell.
He could not let them down. Not to be sent to the mines.
He stepped to Bernardo. "Well, maybe there is something I can do." He leaned down a little. "Tomorrow." He patted Bernardo's shoulder lightly. "With a little help." He said softly, anger gone.
Bernardo looked up at him and nodded.
Diego nodded and looked over. "Now to settle with my wife."
Bernardo looked over and took a breath.
Diego nodded. "Si. Hell hath no fury…"
Boudica had turned away and walked back in the room to hide her tears. She knew Zorro had tried his best, but it still wasn't fair. Diego giving up was not like him and that angered her as well. She had closed the door.
Diego quickly changed and walked into the room holding his jacket. He closed the door behind him and looked at her. She stood near the hearth, coiled like a rattlesnake, ready to strike. He looked at her. She was very pretty when she was angry. When she challenged him with her knife, he had found it strangely attractive and all he wanted to do was press her to the wall and have his way with her. Thankfully at that time his father had been there.
She was so angry in fact she had tears in her eyes. "How can you not help them?!"
He looked at her in half amusement. "That is an interesting look for you. I am not a fan of those dagger eyes on me, beloved, but you are very beautiful angry."
She growled as he turned to see to getting his bedclothing. She grabbed his arm and pulled him back to her and slapped him. They both were stunned by that, perhaps she more than him as he looked at her startled.
She looked horrified.
"Oh! Diego! I…" She backed away from him.
He moved his jaw a little. He always forgot how much power that small body could manage. He looked at her ruefully. "Well now that that is out of your system, are you ready for bed?"
She looked at him and fell back into the chair.
He moved then suddenly realizing her anger at him had turned to white fear at him retaliating. He went to her and his hands shot out, grabbing her arms and pulling her bodily up to him. "Boudica!" He said urgently. He shook her a little to get her to look at him as she stiffened in his arms. "Boudica look at me!"
She looked at him hyperventilating. She looked like she would faint at any moment. He propped her bodily upright.
"Boudica. I will never, ever, strike you, especially in anger!" He said fiercely. "You know that, don't you?"
"But…I…"
"It is all right I forgive you." He said, voice lowering. "Oh, sweetheart, I love you so much. Can you not understand that?" He asked dipping his head down. "Any man who strikes a woman is no longer a man."
"But…" She had struck him. She hadn't meant to. He was well within his rights to hit her back. In fact, had she been a man, his honor would have demanded it.
He pulled her into his embrace. She was still stiff, but then she began to relax as his hand pressed her head to his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
He shook his head. "Shall I prove it to you?" He asked.
She looked up at him.
He smiled a little and then dipped, pressing his mouth to hers. His kiss was soft, gentle, but had the emotions he felt. He then let his hands go to her dress. He pushed it down to her waist. He bent his dark head down and his mouth found her full breast.
She gasped and arched a little. "Diego…" She whispered.
"Hummm?" He murmured as her hands found his hair. His own hands were making quick work of her clothing, pressing it to the floor. The hands then went and cupped her full round bottom, pressing her closer as his head lifted and kissed her again.
This time she responded.
After, Diego smiled as she lay there, looking up at the canopy in the dark. She was so sorry for her anger at him. She was sorrier at the look she had seen in his eyes. The look of a man hurt by her hurt.
She turned her head a little to look at him. "Diego, I'm…"
He pressed a finger to her lips. "Hush." He murmured. The finger dropped to trace a nipple softly. Her breath caught at the feeling.
Still she had to say something. "But…"
He shook his head and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. He then let his hand caress her body as she lay there. He was propped on his elbow as she reclined still looking upwards. "We should sleep. I ride early with Bernardo in the morning."
"What?" She asked.
He smiled at her tenderly. "Zorro will save them, my love. You have my word."
She gasped happily. She reached for him as she kissed him, pulling him to her. He allowed it, allowing himself to lose himself within her for now. He had to be awake in only a few short hours, but showing his love for his spouse took priority, at least at this second.
He could sleep later in the day after his work was done.
ZzZ
The prisoners were marched to the pass.
Diego and Bernardo, both dressed as Zorro, waited for them.
There Zorro made himself known before he rode away. He went behind a large rock and then had Bernardo ride on.
Most of the men followed, but four remained with the prisoners. Zorro defeated those who remained. He freed the prisoners, allowing them to return home. He, however, chained the tax collector and the other men sent by Don Carlos.
That was how Vasquez found them when he returned from checking the entrance to the pass. He then took them instead to the mines.
Zorro remained on the outskirts of the pueblo as the men were reunited with their families. He smiled as he turned and rode back to the cave. Bernardo was there seeing to the animals.
Zorro patted his shoulder and then looked up seeing Boudica there.
He pulled down his mask and went to her. "They are free, Bo." He said.
He had a minor cut on his side. He sat, naked to his waist as she stitched it for him as he sat at his desk holding Esperanza in his arms. Boudica sighed softly. The cut was small, near his ribs, but it pained him a little.
After, he sighed, watching his child sleep in his arms as his wife cleaned up. He smiled at her as he rocked the baby.
"She is a beautiful thing we made, Bo."
She nodded. "Si."
He lifted his free arm and gently pulled his wife to him. She bent and kissed him, keeping her hands from him since she still had his blood on them.
He smiled as she walked to wash her hands in a water basin.
His family.
This was why he was Zorro. The peons needed him for justice, California needed him for peace, but it was his family he fought for.
ZzZ
Boudica nodded to Agnes to go to the bed and hold a post so she could tie the corset. Though Boudica no longer wore them, much to Diego's pleasure, Agnes did every day. She was so used to them she felt strange not wearing one.
Boudica tied the corset and then began to tighten it. Not too tight, but tight enough that Agnes remembered she was wearing one. She then walked around and saw Agnes was crying.
"Oh! Agnes! What is the matter?" She asked.
"You and Diego have been so kind to me." Agnes wept.
"We are not going to be far from you. You can come visit any time you like." Boudica said smiling.
Agnes nodded. She took a breath. "Is it a burden being married?"
"How so?"
"Being there for your husband in all things?"
"I keep Diego grounded. He is a good man with high ideals, but having a wife reminds him he cannot do everything.
Agnes nodded. "And in bed?"
"That isn't a chore, but it will not be very pleasant your first time." Boudica said. She smiled at her cousin. "You are a virgin and you have a maidenhead." She said.
"Yes. I know that."
"When your husband takes you, you will not longer have it. You bleed a little and it hurts a little."
Agnes nodded.
"But after, it can be enjoyable." Boudica said. "You will learn together what feels good and right." Boudica smiled. "There are many ways to go about it."
"Do you have a favorite?"
"Si. Two." Bo smiled as she lifted a hair brush and began to comb Agnes's hair.
"What are they?"
Bo took a breath. "I normally do not talk about it, but since you are my cousin…" Bo smiled at her in the mirror. "I love when Diego uses his tongue."
"A man will put his face there?!" Agnes gasped.
Boudica lifted a hand to quiet her. "Si and it is very pleasant when he does."
Agnes blinked. "But…"
"I know. I always thought that it was dirty as well, but Diego enjoys it almost as much as I do."
"Really?"
"Si."
"And what is the second."
Bo turned a little and smiled before turning back. "He has me on all fours and takes me from behind."
"He puts himself in your…"
"Oh no!" Bo said flushing. "Bent so a man can enter your womanhood and thrust also. It is very scandalous and like a stallion taking a mare." She leaned closer. "They like to play with your breasts also."
Agnes blinked. "So much to learn."
"You will learn together as Diego and I have."
Agnes nodded as Boudica set her veil on her head. "I may have more questions later, cousin."
"I am always here." Boudica said smiling as she moved and lifted the sleepy young Esperanza into her arms.
ZzZ
The wedding was very short and to the point. Then everyone was whisked to the de la Vega hacienda where there was music, dancing, and food galore.
Diego stood beside his wife who was gently playing with Esperanza as the newlyweds danced together. After, Garcia went for wine and Agnes came to them.
"You look happy, Agnes." Diego smiled at her. He lifted her hand and kissed it.
"This would not have been possible without you, Diego. Gracias." She said hugging him.
He hugged her back and then she stepped back and bent lifting Esperanza and her rattle.
"You two need to dance as well. Go on! I will watch Esperanza a moment."
Diego bowed to her and then lifted his hand to his wife and moved to dance with her.
Alejandro came to Agnes and smiled seeing her holding his granddaughter. "That is a good look on you, my dear."
"I hope to have my own soon."
"God willing you will."
She beamed at him.
He bent and kissed the tiny hand of Esperanza before he straightened. "I do, however, require two things for paying for all this."
She paled. "What is that, Don Alejandro?"
"One, you call me by my proper name."
"Senor de la Vega."
He laughed. "No, my child. Uncle Alejandro."
She beamed at him. "And the second, dear uncle."
"That I have a kiss and a dance before the night is out."
She smiled. "Of course Don…Uncle Alejandro."
He nodded and turned to join some other Dons who were there.
Boudica smiled at her husband as the song ended. She bowed to him and he to her. He took her hand with both his and kissed it tenderly.
"I love you." He told her.
"I love you too." She said looking up at him.
Garcia came to them. "Gracias for the party, Don Diego. You and your father have been most kind."
Diego smiled as he looked over at Agnes. "Treat her well, Garcia. She is a rare one, that one."
Garcia nodded. "Indeed, Don Diego."
Boudica went and reclaimed her daughter as she sat down. Diego brought her some punch as Alejandro moved and danced with Agnes in a lively dance that belayed the de la Vega patriarch's age.
Diego smiled at his wife and nodded to them.
Boudica nodded.
Another good marriage match for California.
