Way Back Home

by Clickgeniera

This story is more dramatic than the ones I usually write. An improvised plan has quite disastrous consequences. The main characters are not as perfect as in the series, which was aimed at a family audience, here they are more human and sometimes things go wrong for them.

21. January 17th

This chapter is the result of asking my husband what he thinks Don Alejandro would do. Many of the scenes of this character are suggested to me by him, I think that's why I imagine Don Alejandro as an Aragonese descendant.

January 17th.

Diego took advantage of a bright winter day to paint a landscape. He was concentrating on giving volume to some clouds when he heard footsteps behind him.

"Buenos días Diego."

"Buenos días father." he replied without turning to look.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Fine, thank you." he said as he applied some gray over the rounded shape.

"Great, just what I wanted to hear." Don Alejandro said cheerfully. Diego heard a clanking sound and turned to look. On the table in the front yard were two swords.

"What does this mean?" Diego asked.

"That I want to practice fencing. I've been waiting for months, and Victoria has gone to town with Gertru, so she won't be able to stop me."

"I don't know if that's a good idea."

"For years I thought you weren't interested in combat, and I resigned myself to having a son I couldn't share these things with, but it turns out you're the best swordsman in Nueva España."

Diego looked at the swords, trying to resist the temptation. "I still haven't fully regained the strength in my arms."

"Great, that means I might manage to defend myself for at least five minutes before you humiliate me." Don Alejandro said smiling.

Diego thought for a few moments. "I propose we go to the valley behind the cave. There it is much more difficult for her to find us."

"Who, Maria?"

"No, Victoria."

"Are you afraid of a woman?"

"Only of my wife."

"You seem to be developing common sense."

Diego shrugged his shoulders. Don Alejandro turned to him, excited.

"Why don't we go on horseback instead of going through the cave? When we finish the fight we could make a run to the Barranco del Diablo. Maybe Dulcinea will manage to keep up with Toronado for a league."

"Victoria is going to kill me." Diego said with conviction, but without dismissing the plan.

"We'll say it was my idea."

"And it was."

They both started walking toward the stables when Diego stopped in his tracks.

"What is it now?"

"Wait for me a moment." said Diego turning back toward the house.

"Where are you going?"

"To look for Felipe, I'm sure he's in."

"Sure, good idea."