Chapter 3 [Southern Road from San Diego—Twenty Minutes Later]
[A/N: Again there are some changes. One a certain villain's going to know about Zorro before he gets to Los Angeles. Two he also knows about certain residents' help to our masked hero.]
Luna ascended high over the night sky. A few stars twinkled through Overcast's gaps. A breeze wafted across the grass.
Barely five miles south of Los Angeles, a pair of campfires smoldered in the damp conditions. Several soldiers dressed in white uniforms trimmed in blue sat close to stay warm. Others patrolled close by. A dozen horses grazed just to the camp's west. Beef browned over the fire. A few potatoes warmed in the glowing embers.
And in a large command tent just north of the fires, Schemes were afoot….
A fit yet not overly muscular man brooded over his recent conversations with San Diego's Alcalde, Carlos Lezcano. Experience taught him that the frontera fanned Insolence's fire. His eyes narrowed.
From Lezcano's account, Los Angeles resisted authority. De Soto, the Alcalde, was barely able to collect taxes and keep his prerogative. The lancers could barely shoot straight. The local Don, Don Alejandro de la Vega, openly opposed De Soto on several fronts. The local tavern harbored Rebellion in Conversation and Sentiment. Rumor also spoke of a masked bandit dressed in black.
The bandito…
He ground his teeth. Priority would not allow the ingrate to interfere in either King Ferdinand's business or his own. Both exhorted to seize control. Both wanted their due. And then there was his own due….
Rancho de la Vega…
Revenge for his mother's sake.
He raised a goblet to his lips. Brandy eased his mind ever so slightly. Memoria recalled his mother's account. He heard once more how Don Alejandro had rejected him at birth because of a supposed deformity. Then the Don had thrown her out of his own hacienda for no reason. Her years of service spat upon for no reason.
Reckoning would be swift and brutal…for both the King and Mother….
He anticipated that the pueblo would put their best face forward. Welcomes would cascade like petals across his path. Invitations would be issued for showy dinners with entertainment to follow. Cooperation would seem to be apparent at least at first.
Lies stank like week-old manure in July…
Politics would weave Deception's web. Hypocrisy would spin a double standard. A knife would be raised to hamstring him as Ramon and De Soto.
Not him…Not Gilberto Riscendo…
No. Subtlety would make the first impression. He wouldn't enter through the front door. He wouldn't allow Pomp and Circumstance to entangle him. He'd make the first move. He would mingle with the rabble. The guardsmen would be positioned in the right spots. If Afront smacked at him, he'd crush it under his boot.
"LIEUTENANT!" Riscendo barked.
A younger man with light brown/dirty blonde hair hustled into the room. He stood smart in his white and blue trim. His blue eyes fixed upon his superior. "¿Si, Emisario?"
"At ease, Lieutenant Hidalgo." Riscendo looked to him. "Have the scouts come back?"
"They have." Hidalgo cleared his throat. "The pueblo lacks fortifications. The armory has walls surrounding it but that is all."
Riscendo nodded. He produced the brandy bottle and a second glass. "Gracias, Hidalgo." He refilled both glasses. Then he handed one to his subordinate. "And this bandito? Was there any sight of him?"
"They saw no such thing. There were the peasants. The Alcalde drilled his lancers." Hidalgo frowned. "Begging your pardon, Emisario, they were most undisciplined. They will give us little trouble." He raised his glass. "To your success."
"Si. Gracias." Riscendo raised his glass in turn. Then he drank it down. "We will leave at First Light. You will position the guardsmen around the plaza. Take the best vantage points, Lieutenant. I want that entire area covered by our muskets." He curled his lip. "They think they can do what they wish? We shall show them. Inform the guardsmen. I would be in position at the appointed time."
"I shall." Hidalgo bowed at the waist to Risendo. He turned and left the area.
Riscendo nodded. If any resist, I will make examples of them. Let that draw out our fox. I am ready for him as well. A shark's grin spread across his face. Let this Zorro think he can dictate the rules. He is but a peasant! I will treat him like the animal he is.
Anticipation stewed in him like a child prior to Christmas morning. The day would be his….