Alejandro was relaxing under the patio, when the black stallion approached him. The horse snorted and stamped his front hoof as if impatient. Alejandro rose quietly and slowly, approaching the stallion with an outstretched palm, and the soothing sounds of an expert horseman.
He ran his hands over the horse's muzzle, talking softly, and moved his right hand over the rest of the horse's body. Muscles quivered, and Toronado's front legs shifted nervously, but otherwise the stallion settled at Alejandro's touch.
"No blood on you," Alejandro said softly. "You're not hurt, boy." Alejandro's attentions went to the harness and saddle, curious about the missing rider.
Alejandro gazed at the magnificent Andalusian. What had made him bolt? Why was he standing in the de la Vega yard, as if Toronado expected something from him? Where had he come from? Where was his rider?
Toronado nudged his hand that held the bridle, impatiently. "You want me to follow you? Go with you?"
Alejandro felt strange talking out loud to a horse, and he would look like a stupid old fool if he mounted a strange horse and landed on his butt. He shook his head with a smile.
"Easy boy," he soothed, as he swung up into the saddle. The horse snorted and fussed a little, but calmed with a firm hand on the reins. "Show me where your rider is."
Zzz
Pablo and Luke studied the rocks that had fallen, blocking the cave entrance. Some were small enough to lift and move aside, others were massive and heavy - impossible to move with just two men.
"We might be able to get some access to them," Pablo said, wiping his brow. He glanced at the horizon. "It's getting darker, we might run out of daylight soon."
"Is there a way we can move this rock? If we try together…"
"Luke, we'd need a team of men and a rope. Maybe if Don Diego was around, he could think up one of his machines or inventions…"
"We can't just sit here and do nothing," Luke said, clenching his fists. "There must be something we can do."
"Move some more of the smaller rocks, but take care. It won't do to have another rock fall."
Pablo took a swig of his canteen, before helping once more.
Zzz
Zorro noticed the chink of light first. He startled out of his half doze, squinting a little. There was light, and could he make out voices?
"Hey," he called out. Victoria stirred from her doze, and blinked at him in confusion. Her eyes widened as she saw the light.
"Hey," she said, moving towards where the light was coming from. She turned back to Zorro with growing excitement.
"If the space gets big enough we can get out," she said. The smile on her face was worth the ache in his head and shoulder, and Zorro found himself smiling as well. He was glad the light hadn't really reached the corner yet, as he had decided that the blood from his head must be everywhere. Knowing Victoria's tendency to faint under stress, he was glad the darkness had helped prevent one issue.
"Senorita Escalante!" A man's voice said with relief. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Zorro...he's bleeding," Victoria said, concern making her voice tremble.
"I'm fine for now, Victoria," Zorro assured her. He was aware of the weakness in his voice, and he hated it. He needed to be strong for a bit longer, and find a way out of this mess. How he would explain the mess to his father, he had no idea. When Diego appeared with the same injuries as Zorro, would life as he knew it be over?
"We'll get to you soon, Senorita," the man's voice assured her. "Are you thirsty? I can share my canteen with you and Zorro."
"I'm sure he needs it more than I do," Zorro said dismissively. He made no move to get closer to the light, aware that every time he moved, his whole body hurt.
Victoria turned back towards him, and could just make out pain in his eyes. She snuggled where she had been, letting him embrace her again.
"It's going to be alright now, Zorro. You'll see," she murmured into his chest. He smiled despite the pain in his head, and stroked her hair. If it wasn't for the uncertainty that fluttered inside him like a damned butterfly he could believe her. Instead he'd have to let her believe for the both of them for now. Until he could think clearly at least.
Zzz
Luke was pleased that he had made contact with the pair underground. Pablo was busy making a fire, and spreading out blankets nearby. It was going to be a long night.
"Should we pass blankets to them?" Luke said thoughtfully, glancing at the busy older man.
"Hmm?"
Luke breathed deeply, wondering about the older man's hesitancy.
"They will be alright for a while in there," Pablo said softly. "They have each other."
"And we only have our own supplies."
Pablo glanced at the young man kindly. "That too. I think we can spare some beans and some coffee though."
"I could keep moving rocks for a while."
"In this light? No, go and get some water for the coffee and beans. Before the light goes completely," Pablo said, glancing up at the sky. "They've got air and a friendly helping hand. They'll be fine for now."
Luke nodded, and grabbed the offered bucket. Then he raced towards the bend in the river not far from their new campsite.