Laughter reached the two men and they turned to see Carlos, Rafael, Armando, and Fernando standing. The four men moved toward Diego and Alejandro, but Fernando hung back a moment, looking thoughtfully at Diego. There was more to Diego than anyone knew. Fernando suspected Alejandro was realizing that now. Fernando had seen what Alejandro had. Diego and Zorro had merged into one as Diego fought his imaginary foe. It took a while for Fernando to realize what he saw, but like Alejandro, once he had it was blatantly obvious. He too wondered how no one else noticed. He did not think Don Carlos, Don Rafael and Don Armando had yet made the connection, although Fernando suspected even they would in time. It is far too easy to miss that which is in front of you, Fernando mused. Most people never look past what they think they know. Fernando did not know what to do with his new knowledge. He shrugged his lean shoulders and followed the other three dons who had now caught up with Alejandro and Diego.
Fernando had been mistaken about the other three men. Last night on the ride home, they had discussed the recent events surrounding Diego. Zorro was never mentioned, and perhaps none of them had thought Diego was Zorro, but they had slowly come to realize that Diego was still hiding something. Today, they had discovered Diego's secret. Like Alejandro and Fernando, they had seen Zorro behind Diego's moves. They had watched the masked man countless times and knew his swordplay. None of the men voiced their findings, unsure if the others had discovered the masquerade. Each man resolved to keep quiet. Perhaps tomorrow, after they had time to think everything through, they would divulge their secret too each other. Yet for now, they guarded the secret of Zorro.
Diego was nodding politely when Fernando reached his side. Alejandro turned, "I have invited Carlos, Armando, and Rafael to stay for lunch, but Diego has promised Sergeant Garcia that he would treat him to lunch. Would you care to go into the pueblo again today? We could look at Carlos' horses after we have lunch."
Fernando nodded his assent. "That sounds fine." He looked at Diego and noted the strain in his eyes. He is tired, Don Fernando thought. Everything he has done could be ruined by Ignacio. Don Carlos made a silent vow that he would help Alejandro watch Diego's back. He had barely spoken to Ignacio, but he sensed a mean spirit in the man. He had no doubt in his mind that Ignacio would kill Diego if he could.
It was Diego's calm voice that broke Fernando's line of thought. "I will tell Maria we are leaving and won't be eating lunch. I am going to find Bernardo to let him know where we are going and then I will meet you at the stables."
Diego left the other men in the plaza and headed into the cool air of the hacienda. He knew where Bernardo was so he set out to find Maria first. He found the long-time servant in the kitchen. Diego let her know that the Dons would be going into the pueblo. After finishing his first task, Diego went to the library. He preferred entering the cave through the library because it offered the most protection. The sala always seemed occupied. Diego felt the cool darkness brush his skin as the secret passage swung open. He hurried down the passage, calling Bernardo's name when he rounded the first bend, passing his desk and his cape and hat that hung on the wall. He found Bernardo cleaning Tornado's stall. The horse whinnied as Diego approached and he walked over to the beautiful black stallion.
"Sorry boy. I have been neglecting you of late. Don't worry. Tonight, Zorro is going to take a ride. I want to find where Ignacio is hiding. He has been here for a better part of a month. I am sure of it. I know he was here when I took the beating." Tornado stamped his hoof and shook his head at the mention of Ignacio. "You feel it too, huh boy. Don't worry my friend. I will take care of everything."
Diego wished he felt the confidence he tried to project to Tornado and Bernardo, who stood listening to Diego. "Bernardo, we are going to the pueblo. I promised to buy Sergeant Garcia lunch. No…I want you to keep an eye on things here. Let me know if any strangers come by." Bernardo made a few hand gestures that Diego easily read. "I will be careful. Do not worry. My father and the other Dons are going with me. I think they had the same idea you did. I will be fine."
Diego turned back to Tornado and gave the horse a quick rub down with a nearby brush. "I must go, my friend. Don't let Bernardo hoard the apples." Diego smiled at the surprised look on Bernardo's face. Bernardo frowned and crossed his arms. Diego laughed and crossed the few steps that separated the two men. He patted Bernardo's shoulder before telling him to be careful and promising him he would do the same.
Diego left the cave the same way he entered. A feeling of dread had slowly begun to settle in his stomach and any thought of food fled Diego's mind. He couldn't shake the sudden feeling that something was about to happen. Shrugging the feeling off, Diego crossed the sala and stepped into the plaza. He could see Alejandro and the others by the gate, Esperanza stood saddled and waiting, her golden coat shining in the sun. With quick strides he walked to Esperanza and mounted swiftly. With a nod of his head, the group of men all turned their mounts toward the pueblo de Los Angeles.
The trip into town was quiet. The men sat huddled in their own thoughts. All save Diego, wondered what to do about the knowledge they held. Alejandro knew he must confront Diego, that he had to tell him how proud he was, yet he could not figure out how. Sometimes, he mused, it is better to simply come out with something rather than tenderfoot around it. Tonight, when the Dons had left he would talk to Diego. It was long past time he filled the rift that had formed in their relationship. With a small shake of his head and a subtle squaring of his shoulders, Alejandro set his mind to the task ahead of him. It would be hard he knew, but he had never backed down from a challenge.
Fernando had a similar conversation to himself. Only, he was not planning on confronting Diego, but Alejandro. First, he would give Alejandro time to talk to Diego, and then, Fernando would let his friend know he had too discovered Diego's alter ego. After that, he would talk to Diego. When, he was not certain, but he knew Diego had a right to know that he knew his secret.
The other three Dons wondered if they should tell anyone at all. They trusted each other with their life, but was it fair to trust another man's life with each other? And perhaps, they concluded, that is what they would be doing. For every man who knew the face behind the mask, the chance of someone slipping, of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time grew, and they all knew that could easily cost Diego his freedom and his life. Yet if they could figure out the secret, the others could and must have as well. Should they trust each other with this secret? All three twirled the idea in their head for some time, setting it aside only when they reached the pueblo.
Don Diego did not care about what the other men were musing over. Perhaps, it would have been best if he had, for he would have noticed the subtle glances the men threw at him. But Diego was wrapped to tightly in his own thoughts to notice. For his life, he could not figure out how to escape Ignacio's trap unscathed. If he fought Ignacio those who witnessed it, and Ignacio would ensure that there were witnesses, would surely suspect him as Zorro. And if Ignacio told Monastario that he thought he was Zorro, if he had proof that Diego was completely different in Spain, Diego feared he would not last through the duel. Monastario would not hesitate to condemn him. The feeling of dread grew in Diego's chest and he could feel his heart beating a little wildly. He could not help but feel a chain of events were about to be triggered that would change his life forever. For good or bad he did not know, and he did not care to find out.
The men dismounted beside the tavern. It was not quite two but Diego suspected the Sergeant had all ready made it to the tavern. Diego turned to the Dons, his hazel eyes bright in the afternoon sun, "Shall we?" he said indicating the cool tavern with a quick swipe of his blue-coated arm, "I would hate to keep the good Sergeant waiting for his tamales."
The other men nodded and moved toward the dark interior of the tavern. Even the thought of the innocent Sergeant and his great love of tamales could not bring a smile to the Dons' faces. After recent events, the tavern did not seem as welcoming. Still, the older men followed Diego into the tavern. Those gathered around the wooden tables looked up with curious eyes as Diego entered. They eyed him suspiciously, as if they could see the truth behind Ignacio's words if they only looked long enough. Diego ignored the stares as he moved to a large corner table. Much to his surprise, Garcia was not in the tavern.
Don Alejandro looked around the bustling room, his brown eyes searching for Ignacio. Alejandro hoped he could stem any further confrontations between Diego and the dark caballero. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he turned back to Diego and his friends. "It seems something has kept Sergeant Garcia. Certainly nothing of his making. I am sure the good Sergeant would not mind if we ordered for him."
Diego nodded and smiled at his father's suggestion. "I am sure Sergeant Garcia would not care Father…so long as you ordered wine along with the meal."
Alejandro laughed, "Yes, you are right Diego. We mustn't forget the wine." Alejandro was grateful for what Sergeant Garcia had done when Diego was injured. Garcia may not have captured the bandits, but he certainly tried. Alejandro decided that today, Garcia had free reign over the midday meal. If he felt like an extra bottle of wine, then so be it. Alejandro was going to make sure that Sergeant Garcia knew that what he did meant a great deal to the de la Vega's.
Alejandro saw Diego smile and turned to the tavern door. Sergeant Garcia stood silhouetted in the doorway, his large frame nearly blocking out the light. He stopped on the threshold for a moment as his eyes scanned the tavern. When he saw Diego he smiled, his mouth turned up sharply and his eyes crinkled with delight. He paused another moment as he inhaled the aroma of chilies, tomatoes, tortillas, and beef. With a satisfied nodded, he moved his large frame through the tavern, barely missing a Don who had just pushed his chair back from his table. Arriving safely, Garcia greeted the men warmly. "Buenas dias, Señores."
A round of welcomes moved swiftly across the table and Sergeant Garcia pulled up a chair and sat. "What has kept you my friend?" Diego asked bemused, "you have never been late to lunch."
Sergeant Garcia looked around the room before speaking. "It wasn't my idea. Capitán Monastario has been plotting against Zorro again. Why he wastes his time, I will never know. Not while there are other more pleasurable things to do." The sergeant finished his sentence just as the wine appeared from the slim hand of Pilar. Garcia smiled at the pretty senorita as thanks for the wine. He waited a moment until she had departed before he continued his story. First however, he expertly emptied his cup of wine and reached for the bottle Pilar had left. He poured himself another cup when Diego nodded his approval.
"You were saying that Monastario is trying to trap the fox…" Diego asked, hoping the sergeant would give him the details of the plan.
"Sí. He thinks that he can draw Zorro out so that he will have to fight. Monastario seems to think someone can beat Zorro and unmask him. I tried to tell him his plan would not work, but he never listens to me. Just like I assured him that you were not Zorro."
The other Dons stiffened slightly at Garcia's words. Never before had they feared for Zorro. He was a legend to them, more than mortal. But now they knew Zorro was indeed a man, and a man they knew well. Doubt and fear crept into their thoughts. Before Ignacio came into their lives, they were certain Zorro could not be touched, but now…now they knew he bled; now they knew he could die. And it was unsettling.
All the men, including Alejandro, suddenly thought they knew why Diego had never told anyone he was Zorro. These men could no longer act the same around Zorro; they could not watch unflinching as he threw himself into danger. Now they feared for Zorro's safety, and that fear would, without doubt, show on their faces.
Diego was mulling over what the friendly Sergeant was saying and missed the looks on his companions' faces. Alejandro sucked in a quiet breath when he saw the expression on Fernando's face. Had he looked at the other Dons, he would have seen identical expressions. As it was, he stared slightly dumbfounded at Fernando. Alejandro knew that his longtime friend had discovered Diego's well-kept secret as well. Alejandro felt the muscles in his neck relax slightly. At least he had an ally now. He would talk to Fernando as soon as he could. The two men had much to discuss before he confronted Diego.
Alejandro's musings were cut short as he heard Diego's smooth voice. "What is Monastario planning now Sergeant? I hope it is more successful than his last attempts."
"I hope not. I like Zorro even though I chase him when he comes to the pueblo." Sergeant Garcia frowned suddenly, "do you think Zorro takes it personally. I hope he knows there is no chance I will ever catch him."
Diego patted the arm of his friend, a mysterious smile danced across his lips and his eyes were bright with merriment, "Oh…do not be worried Sergeant. I am certain Zorro does not hold it against you."
Sergeant Garcia's brown eyes lit up, "You really think so, Diego. I would hate for Zorro to be mad at me."
"I am certain Sergeant. Now tell us of the Commandante's new scheme." Diego laughed silently, a moment of relief washed over him as Garcia told them Monastario's plan. The Sergeant paused in his telling only to take a bite of the warm tamales Pilar had brought to the table or to take another drink of the cool wine. The men occasionally shook their heads in disbelief—the Commandante, it seemed, would do anything to unearth the legend. Monastario was going to tax farm goods brought to the pueblo market. The injustice, he hoped, would bring Zorro to him. And it would. No matter the threat, Zorro would never sit idle and safe while innocent men suffered. Diego knew that he would indeed ride Tornado tonight. Perhaps Zorro could also uncover something about Ignacio. Diego was tired of waiting on Ignacio's next move. He would no longer be a pawn in Ignacio's dark game of vengeance.
By the time Sergeant Garcia had finished his meal and wine, the afternoon had worn nearly into evening. Sergeant Garcia had left several minutes before with the urging of a young corporal and a long glance at the half-empty wine bottle on the table. Alejandro was the first to stand and move away from the table. "I would still love to get a look at your horses before you take them to the auction," Alejandro said. Diego and Fernando nodded in agreement. The tavern was momentarily filled with the soft screech of the chairs against the dark wooden planks of the floor. The tavern was mostly empty at the odd hour and only a few men sat around a table in one corner. Diego left several coins on the table before leaving.
The men stepped onto the dusty street and started toward their horses. A commotion by the water fountain caught their attentions and they turned toward the noise. "What now?" Alejandro asked as he stepped further into the street.
TBC