Chapter 1 [Three Days Earlier]

Spring warmed the pueblo with Breeze and Bloom. Birds sang in the trees along the streams. Farmers plowed and tilled their fields. A few people hustled about the pueblo on their affairs.

Certain caballeros were on their own affairs….

[Tavern Victoria]

Diego rode his horse under the pueblo's sign. Inspiration had occupied him on that morning. Its spark urged him before Sol's rise in the east. He'd granted his stomach a small breakfast. Don Alejandro merited a quick greeting.

Alas Meadows and Fields beckoned. Muse stirred.

He'd observed Natura in her waking state. His ears picked up on the sounds. Scents wafted into his nose. Pen scratched Observation on rag paper. Contemplation would bring about another poem. After the chill and rain, it's getting warmer. Finally! He huffed to himself.

Chill stabbed him in the back. That was the reminder of sorts….

Hopefully Victoria has some soup on hand! His eye sparkled. His heart skipped a beat. Hunger for her culinary skill gnawed at his stomach. His smile spread across his face. With his free hand, he raised a bunch of wildflowers to his nostrils.

Scent coaxed him toward the Tavern Victoria.

He tied his companion's reins to the post out front. He removed a few pieces of rag paper, pen and sealed ink jar from the saddle bag. He strolled into the tavern and to the front counter. Greetings escaped his lips for each person along the way. His eye alighted upon her at that point.

Victoria wiped her brow with a cloth. Even Hustle could not diminish her appearance. Her crimson blouse and dark skirt had nary a drop of sweat or an extra wrinkle to mar their quality. Not a hair strayed out of place. A calming breath exhaled forth from her lips. "Good morning, Diego! You are here early. No?"

He said nothing. His mind floated between the meadow and her eyes.

"Diego?" She smirked. "Diego." She rubbed his hand.

"Hmm?" He stirred himself back. "Oh I am terribly sorry, Victoria. My mind wandered."

She put her hand on her hip. "I would say so. Need I ask where you've been?"

"I went to the meadow beside Rancho Heche. The warmth and early flowers inspired me. I took notes. I feel the urge to compose." He offered her the wildflowers. "I know they are not from Zorro but perhaps…."

"Gracias, Diego." She smelled the blooms. "I appreciate the gesture. Such things make life worth living. Some day that special woman will come in. You and I will both know her." She looked deeply into his eyes. "I will welcome her myself when you bring her in here."

We do both know her. He nodded. "As you said, such sentiments warm the heart and make life worth living indeed. Perhaps you might have something to warm a man's stomach against the chill?"

Her eyebrow raised. "I do hope you did not catch cold, Diego. ¡Ay caramba! I have just the thing." She motioned toward his usual table. "Seguir. Siêntate. I will bring it out to you." She shook her head at him. She disappeared into the back.

His shoulders hung. This poem will be worth it. He straightened himself. Victoria cares. That is why she scolds you. He set his possessions on the table next to himself.

"You should be more careful, Don Diego." Mendoza turned from the adjoining table. "It is still really cold."

"Yes. I suppose it is. Still nature's beauty called. I listened and spent some time. I brought some flowers on Father's behalf to Señora Villero's cross." Diego turned to his friend. "And your morning, Sergeant?"

Mendoza shrugged. "Just more drills. The Alcalde said there's an emissary coming directly from the King! Is this not exciting?"

"Madrid is a wonderful city, Sergeant. I'm sure the emissary will be very cultured and esteemed." Diego rubbed his chin. Why would the King send an emissary? Foreboding nudged at his mind.

"We will welcome him, Sergeant Mendoza." She set a hot bowl of stewed meat and beans in front of Diego. "You can be the first to try this." She stepped back. Expectation arched an eyebrow.

Mendoza licked his lips. Spice tingled in his nostrils. "I can try some too."

"En un minuto." She kept her eyes fixed on Diego. "I wish for you to have the first spoon."

"This is quite an honor." Diego spooned out some of the stew. He blew on it. The spices tingled in his mouth. He nodded. "This is very good. It's called chili, I believe."

"That is right." Astonishment widened her eyes. "Cómo sabes eso?"

"Comí chile en Madrid. Esto es mucho mejor." Diego took another spoonful. "Gracias."

"De nada." Relief eased her mind and heart over the new dish. "I am glad you like it. Perhaps some coffee or tea as well?"

"Tea would be splendid." Diego raised an eyebrow.

Satisfaction and a touch of Mischief warmed her eyes. "I wanted to surprise you. I told you my trip to San Diego was a good one." She hustled to the back.

Diego ate a couple more spoonfuls of the spicy chili. It eased the tightness in his throat. He noticed Mendoza watching him. "Would you care to try some, Sergeant?"

"Gracias, Don Diego!" Before Diego could spoon some into his empty cup, Mendoza stuck his own fork into the bowl. He savored the taste. "That is so good!"

"Well I'm glad you like it, Mendoza." She set a smaller bowl in front of the Sergeant. She placed a cup of tea at Diego's side. "I remember you like it with lemon?"

"Yes. I do." Diego nodded. Graitude offered another warm smile. "I shall be doubly inspired now."

"As long as you take care of yourself." She raised her eyebrow again. "Mendoza, you have your own bowl. Leave Diego to his work por favor."

"It is all right, Sergeant. I'd just like some time to myself," Diego assured him.

"That's okay. I need to eat this before I return to the barracks. Those drills. Ugh!" Mendoza set to eating his bowl.

Diego glanced toward the counter once more. Perhaps the meadow and food inspired him. However he and Zorro both only needed their common inspiration.

Her eyes and smile could move mountains…and a hero's heart. That was for sure….