Chapter 2
Months later...
"Men. We have him at last! He's inside a church in my jurisdiction, so the bounty is mine! Lancers," Luis Ramon gloated rubbing his hands together. At last, I will claim the reward that is rightfully mine…
"Not so fast, Alcalde! Sir Edmund Kendall claims sanctuary," Don Alejandro stepped out of the church, "Rite of the church."
"Nonsense! The man is a wanted criminal."
"But Alcalde, to go inside the church," Mendoza protested, "that would be an illegal arrest.,"
"And no bounty would be paid," Figueroa stated.
"Arrest Don Alejandro then. He is harboring a known criminal. Put him in the tavern until I have Kendall. That's an order, Mendoza!"
Interior of the church….
"It was an excellent shot, Diego," his mentor breathed, "there is nothing you can do."
"Not nearly good enough. Hold on." I have to get a doctor, Diego worried. Maybe, the alcalde's compassion will overrule his greed, for once...I doubt it but it's worth a try...anything to save Sir Edmund's life...
Luis Ramon heard the church door open…Now, I can claim the bounty...
"Alcalde, Sir Edmund needs a doctor," Diego stated.
"I will send for Doctor Hernandez when Kendall surrenders. Until then…Soldiers, arrest Don Diego!"
Ramón and several lancers chased after him, but Victoria blocked their way. "Senorita…get out of my way…I am warning you."
The young woman stepped aside…There is nothing you can do, alcalde, Mendoza is right, she thought, I hope Zorro gets here before it is too late…Please…don't let it be too late…for Diego's sake….
Diego placed his folded jacket behind Sir Edmund's head and inspected the heavily bleeding wound. I must get help before it is too late. The sound of a carriage interrupted his thoughts. Diego went to the window and retrieved his Zorro outfit…Gracias, Felipe.
Minutes later…
Zorro dismounted in front of the church and helped Doctor Hernandez get out of his carriage. "The doctor is here to help a man in need. We don't have time to waste."
"No one goes inside that church," Ramone shouted.
"Who's going to stop him," the masked man threatened as several lancers also rushed at him. Zorro twirled his whip through the air, cracking it at the soldiers. Ramón unsheathed his sword and attempted to stop Zorro who parried Ramon's thrust. Victoria shook her head as the masked man humiliated the alcalde and his men.
Doctor Hernandez helped Sir Edmund to the church door so he could watch Zorro use his whip and sword to repel the lancers. The Englishman instantly recognized the swordsmanship of his star pupil as well as the sword that he carried…Sir Edmund collapsed as Doctor Hernandez took him back inside the church…
"I really don't have time for your nonsense, Alcalde. A man needs my help," the masked man replied as he ran into the church…
"Mendoza, get the men and get him!"
"Alcalde, that's a church."
"Don Diego's in there. Zorro might kill him!"
Inside the church….
"It's too late. There's nothing I can do now," Doctor Hernandez shook his head sadly, "if I had gotten here earlier, perhaps…"
"Thank you, Doctor. You'd better go before the Alcalde's men come," Zorro took off his hat before knelt down beside his mentor, "Sir Kendall..."
"No one else could have shown those combinations I just saw, Diego. I taught you well...I...I...I'm glad you put my sword to good use."
"I found my calling," Diego said brokenly. What good has it done? I can't save you…He is dying...
"Never hesitate to use your gifts in the cause of justice."
"I owe so much to you."
"I am proud of you, son… Now go out there and fight the good fight," the Englishman took his last breath as a single tear fell down Diego's cheek…
Felipe came around to the front of the church as Toronado rode off, effectively distracting the soldiers who thought it was Zorro riding away….
"Let the horse go, Mendoza. I've got Kendall. Where is the Englishman, de la Vega," the alclade taunted the younger man who stood at the entrance of the church.
"Sir Edmund is with God," Diego watched the alcalde and the bounty hunter argue over the body and the reward money. A man I love and admire is dead...They stand there arguing like two vultures...
"The reward will be a gift to the people," Ramon stated apprehensively. He had never seen the younger de la Vega so angry before...
Mendoza approached Diego and placed a supportive hand on his back. The caballero sighed as his friend guided him into the church to say his last goodbyes to Sir Edmund. Victoria watched sadly as the two men passed by. Diego is going to need support, she thought as she returned to the tavern. Maybe, I can prepare something for him and Don Alejandro. It is not much, but I need to do something…
Sometime later…
"Thank you, Sergeant. You are a good friend," Diego sighed as he glanced at the now empty church. Don Alejandro would finalize arrangements for Sir Edmund with Padre Benitez. I can't handle it right now. I can't believe that Edmund is gone...It all seems so unreal…
"Come away, son," Don Alejandro placed a supportive hand on his son's shoulder, "you need to rest. There is nothing more we can do here…Thank you, Sergeant….for your help."
"De nada…I have to get back to the barracks…"
"We understand. I am surprised that he let you stay this long. I don't want you to get in any trouble," Diego stated, "thank you, Sergeant…You are a real friend…Good night."
"Good night…Don Diego." The sergeant watched his friend and his father drive off. One day, the alcalde will pay for his deeds….