Diego was resting on the patio, in a light sleep with a book face down on his lap. He stirred as the noise of voices in the library disturbed an interesting dream, and he turned his head to try to gauge what was happening inside. Who were their visitors? He hadn't realised they were planning to entertain other dons, but he could recognise some of their voices through the open window.
He yawned and stretched a little, and considered joining his father as the host. His father was not calling him, although he knew where he was. Diego frowned a little, and shrugged.
He moved his chair a little closer to the open window. His curiosity had woken, but not enough to move very far if not necessary. He still felt washed out from the loss of blood even though he was recovering well.
Zzz
Alejandro welcomed Don Miguel, Don Sebastian, Don Marcos, and Don Roderigo into the library, and served them all a small drink.
"I am sure you are wondering why I have invited you here this afternoon," Don Alejandro said.
"I was wondering," Don Marcos said, sniffing appreciatively at his drink. He sipped it and savoured the flavour.
"I feel like it is quite easy to guess your motives," Don Sebastian said, putting his drink untouched on a nearby sideboard.
Don Miguel was studying the room with curiosity. "I appreciate the invitation, Don Alejandro, but I really don't see any reason that I should have been included. My father may have been the better guest."
"We need young and old people in this," Don Alejandro said softly.
"And when you say 'in this' what exactly do you mean?" Don Roderigo asked cautiously. He had known the de la Vega family for many years. "I take it this meeting could be momentous."
"Alejandro?" Sebastian said, turning to face his friend.
"As you may have heard, Zorro has disappeared. Along with that vaquero calling himself a caballero, MacKay."
"I heard that they found MacKay with a missing leg, on the beach. They say the sharks got to him. A lot of the pueblo say that Zorro fell victim to the sharks as well."
"The lancers have not found a body. They did find the mask and hat, and the torn cape."
"That could be enough evidence to suggest he is no longer with us."
"Unfortunate," Miguel said with feeling. "I don't quite see how this applies to us."
"Someone has to take Zorro's mantle. Something has to be done. The alcalde is starting to act with impunity," Alejandro said softly. His eyes flickered to the window, aware that his son was reading outside. He was almost concerned that his son was yet to make an appearance, but shook his head. Diego had done more than enough. It was time for others to risk their lives. His only child could be spared, hopefully.
"Politically you mean?" Sebastian said thoughtfully.
"I mean in every way possible," Alejandro said firmly.
"Zorro was an exception to a normal man," Sebastian responded. "We aren't going to be enough. We are too old, too untrained."
"You and I are old soldiers. That gives us an advantage that the alcalde may not have. We have experience. If we could recruit enough young blood to help us, we would be able to take a stand."
"Most are scholars, like Diego."
"Diego is a very intelligent man," Alejandro said. "Everyone has skills that could be used to effect."
"Diego is not a man of action, and with his latest falls and injuries, even less able than he was," Miguel said. "His courage is mild at best…"
"Miguel, Diego is a man of many talents, and has ample courage when required," Roderigo said. "You have noticed the theme of most of the newspaper editorials since the newspaper started. Some are more incidendary than others, but most are condemning of the powers that be."
"Yes, I have noticed some fire in your young man at times, Alejandro," Sebastian said, glancing towards his host.
"Well, the latest fall was when he tried to race to my rescue. He took a bad fall, worse than most of the others. He injured his arm again, and bruised a few ribs. Hernandez was quite worried for a few days."
"I am glad he is recovering," Marcos said, dismissing Diego completely. "We are not young, and we have busy lives, Alejandro. If the alcalde finds out that we are planning anything at all, our lives and estates will be forfeit. Our heirs will inherit wind and dust. We have wives and children."
"This is just the start of something, Marcos. We all think the same way, we all want justice for the district. The people of the pueblo need decent governance," Alejandro said. He glanced at each man's face, and sighed.
He was slowly realising that the dons were all reluctant to act. Cowardly even. Excuses were quick to the lips, and self interest too strong to talk around. For all their talk of Diego's cowardice, their own cowardice spoke louder.
Zzz
Diego had heard every word that the dons discussed. He felt for his father, he could hear the frustration in his voice. Diego sighed.
He was tired. His memory was coming back, slowly. His strength was coming back, day by day. Zorro could stay dead at the bottom of the sea, if he wanted. Would the pueblo survive? Surely there was another way? A way to encourage some of these dons to see the reasoning of teamwork and cooperation?
What would he have been expected to do on his return? What would he have done with his father, if Alejandro's expectations had been met? Leading the dons together, going forward into rebellion? Writing to the governor? The King?
Would Zorro ever prevail anyway? If he took back the role, if he worked as he had before, would he ever see the end of it? He wanted Victoria in his arms, he wanted children of his own. He wanted his family safe. If Zorro existed would that ever be possible?
Zzz
Alejandro farewelled his guests, disappointed that they were as reluctant as ever to do anything. He was growing impatient and frustrated, and when Diego decided to enter the library he cast his son a dark frown.
Diego held up his arms with a dry chuckle. "Not my fault," he said softly. "Those men...lack incentive. If the alcalde hurt them personally you would have your team. And only if the alcalde acted in that way."
"Is that why you…?"
"One of the reasons, the most pressing one," Diego admitted, putting his hands down. "And my temper at seeing so much oppression. My de la Vega temper won out, but a mask was very helpful. Perhaps these men need masks?"
"These men need a shot of raw courage," Alejandro said with annoyance. "I was ashamed of myself when I called you a coward that day, that word burned my tongue as soon as it was uttered."
"De la Vega pride...Apologies are hard. I have done and said things that haven't sat well with me as well," Diego said with a wry smile. "I deserved it. I should have told you years ago."
"Yes, you should have told me."
"Would you have wanted me to stop?"
Alejandro grew thoughtful.
"Perhaps. You are my only son," he said. "Maybe it would have brought more men into the fold, maybe we could have used it to build a bigger force."
"Zorro has returned from the dead before," Diego said with a serious glint in his eyes. "He could well do it again."
"You are still unwell," Alejandro said firmly. "You could be killed. I would lose my son."
"Father," Diego said calmly, his voice low. "I could have been killed any time over the last few years. A lancer's rifle could have found its mark. I could have met my match with the sword."
"If Thackery couldn't best you, who would have?"
"Thackery…" Diego searched his growing memory, and chuckled at the image that came to mind. "Thackery was a braggart and a pompous fool of a man. Arrogance does not make for a great swordsman."
"Something Zorro would do well to keep in mind," Alejandro said, giving his son a meaningful glance.
"Of course."
Alejandro sighed and sat down on a chair. His face was concerned, and a heavy frown had set on his features.
"What is your plan, Father? I will help in any way possible. If these men need a visit from their dead hero, it can be arranged," Diego said, his voice softening. "If they need a commander, Zorro may well fit the role."
"It could be the only way to get them to see reason," Alejandro said softly. "I do not want to lose you to this or any cause. Be careful, my son."