From falling for Risendo's fake truce to confessing Zorro's secret to his father, Diego reflected how this was the strangest day of his life.
In pain from his wound, he agonized how to tell Victoria everything, when pounding on the hacienda's front door startled him.
Victoria was at the door, breathlessly exclaiming, "Mexico has declared its independence! The Mexican army is in charge of the pueblo, de Soto is under arrest, and…"
"Slow down, Victoria."
"Zorro has been pardoned!"
"Pardoned?"
"You have a promise to keep, Señor."
Victoria tenderly embraced him as his life's strangest day became the best.