Don Carlos met Don Armando at the edge of Don Rafael's property. The two men nodded in greeting and continued to their friend's hacienda. Rafael greeted the two Dons at the door and ushered them in. "Come, breakfast is ready. Carlita has made her famous sweet bread."

The men looked at each other across the table as Carlita placed a loaf of sweet bread on the table and a platter of fruit and cheese. Even after the cook had left, the men remained silent. After a moment, Rafael rose and peered down the hall. He quietly shut the door and returned to his seat. "I think we have a lot to discuss and I would prefer that no one outside this room hears what is said." The other men nodded in agreement. Don Rafael picked up a slice of bread and placed it on his plate, along with some grapes and a thick slice of cheese. The others followed suite and the room was again quiet as the men ate.

"Before we say anything, I think it is important that we all agree that what is said here, shall stay here." Don Armando advised.

"Sí, I agree." Don Carlos answered and Don Rafael echoed his statement.

"Do you know who Zorro is?" Armando asked, catching Carlos and Rafael by surprise. The two dons looked at each other and Don Armando realized that they did. That knowledge lifted a weight from his chest he had not realized was there. He could see that both Armando and Carlos were also relieved of the burden and that it too had been weighing heavily on their minds. "Diego will need our help. Capitán Monastario has been after Zorro since he first appeared. Now, with Ignacio promising him the chance, he has grown overly eager. Today, he will tax the peons on all the goods they have brought into the pueblo, no matter the reason. Zorro will face him and Monastario will spring his trap. He has been talking to Ignacio and I have no doubt that impudent scoundrel has told him he believes Zorro is Diego."
Don Carlos spoke next, "Monastario has all ready accused Diego of being Zorro. He will need little proof to arrest Diego again. Even if he was wrong, I doubt he will let Diego go free. He has put too much effort in capturing Zorro. If Zorro fights Ignacio and Diego is not there he will see that as proof that Diego is Zorro. If Diego shows up and there is no Zorro…well the same thing happens. What we need are two Zorros."

Rafael's features brightened. "Why not have two Zorros? Carlos, your nephew is the same age as Diego and they are both of similar size. He is an excellent horseman and swordsman. Perhaps…perhaps we can use him to draw Monastario and the others away. That would leave Ignacio for Diego to handle without Zorro around. And if Monastario sees Zorro riding off with his men chasing after him, then he would be forced to admit that Diego is not Zorro."

Don Carlos thought over the solution for a moment. "Sí," he agreed, "it may very well work. I am sure Ramiro will help. On our way to Alejandro's we shall ask him. If he is willing, we will talk to Alejandro and Diego about it."

"What if he isn't willing to take the risk. I will not pressure him into doing something potentially dangerous." Rafael stated.

"Then we pray Alejandro and the others have come up with something." Carlos answered

"And if they haven't…"Armando asked, not finishing his sentence. The others said nothing as they finished breakfast. The night chill had just begun to lift when they three dons mounted and headed West toward Don Ramiro's hacienda.

ZZZ

The call of a bird woke Alejandro and he peered at the light seeping in through his window. It was still early and the sun had barely risen. Slipping into his robe and slippers, he padded across the floor and down the stairs. He found Diego sitting in the library talking quietly to Bernardo. The two men did not seem to notice him as he entered his slippers light on the wooden floor. "Be careful Bernardo. Avoid Ignacio if you can. He is dangerous and would not hesitate to use you against me."
Bernardo nodded in agreement and stood. He started when he saw Alejandro at the door. He placed a hand over his heart and opened his eyes wide as an exaggerated image of him frightened. "Sorry Bernardo," Alejandro apologized. Bernardo shrugged it was okay and turned to leave. Alejandro stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Be careful Bernardo." Bernardo nodded and left.

Diego stood. He stretched his tall frame before stepping away from the chair. "Fernando will be up soon. When Bernardo returns we will make our plans. I have a feeling Don Carlos, Rafael, and Armando will be stopping by after breakfast." Diego paused for a moment and he smiled. "It is nice to have such friends, is it not Father."
"Sí, mí hijo. It is always good to have friends." Without another word the two men left the library. Alejandro returned to his room to change and freshen up. He met Fernando as he was leaving his room and the two walked to the breakfast table. Diego was all ready seated when the older men entered. Breakfast was eaten quickly and quietly, and when it was finished the three men stood and walked out to the plaza. They were still seated on the benches when Don Carlos arrived. Alejandro was not surprised to see Rafael and Armando dismount beside him.

Alejandro stood and walked across the plaza to greet the four men. He felt Diego and Fernando behind him as he reached the gate. "Buenos dias," Alejandro greeted. A round of good mornings echoed throughout the group. "Would you like to come inside?" Alejandro asked.

"It is a beautiful day. Perhaps we could sit in the garden." Don Carlos suggested. The Dons moved to the gardens and sat around a large table tucked in the corner. The de la Vega garden was always lovely, and this year had been no different. Carlos admired a pale yellow rose before he took his seat. Carlos, Rafael, and Armando had discussed how to handle the situation during the ride here. They were glad that Ramiro readily agreed to help Diego. Now that they had a decisive plan of action, they felt comfortable enough to tell Diego they knew he was Zorro.

Don Carlos peered around the garden and when he saw it was empty he began to speak. He and his two friends had decided on a direct approach. They had discussed the fact that Alejandro and Fernando may not have known, but dismissed the notion. If they had figured it out surely the other two had. And if they hadn't…well, they would worry about that later. "Diego, we know that you are Zorro," Don Carlos whispered, fear of eavesdroppers keeping his voice low.

Diego did not look surprised at the news. Don Fernando and Alejandro seemed more surprised at the bluntness of the remark than at was actually said. Armando picked up the conversation, "We have been discussing how to help you, Diego. If you fight Ignacio as Zorro, Monastario will assume it is you, if you fight as Diego he will decide that Zorro could not come because he was all ready fighting Ignacio."

Armando paused and Rafael spoke. He explained their plan of using Ramiro as a deception so that Monastario would see both Zorro and Diego at the same time. After Ramiro leads Monastario and his men on a chase through the hills, Diego could face Ignacio and finally rid the pueblo of the cold-blooded man. Even if Monastario stays to watch Diego's fight, he could not deny that Zorro was in the pueblo and he would have no reason to arrest Diego.

"How did you explain your plan to Ramiro without telling him Diego is Zorro?" Fernando asked.

Don Carlos smiled, "I simply told him that it was to thwart Ignacio's plan to falsely incriminate Diego as Zorro. I led him to believe that Zorro could not be here because he was chasing some bandits to the south and would not return for a few days and by then it could be too late. No one has seen Zorro for a while, so it was believable and Ramiro did not seem to doubt my word. He agreed that Ignacio would say anything to get even with Diego, even lying outright to the Commandante, and that in Monastario's crazed need to capture Zorro, he would believe anything. And even if he doubted what I told him and suspected Diego was Zorro, he would never breathe a word. He is a good friend of yours Diego and he values your life too much to give away your secret. Do not fear…Ramiro will come through for you."

"I know Don Carlos. But I do not want to risk his life to help me. It could be dangerous for him. I do not want him injured or worse…" Diego did not finish his thought. Instead, he sat heavily on the wooden bench. He could see no other way to defeat both Ignacio and Monastario. There was only so much power that the Dons held over the Commandante, and though they may keep him from arresting Diego for a while, if he truly believed Diego was Zorro he would eventually gather enough courage to face the Dons and arrest Diego. If that happened Diego was not certain he would regain his freedom. Despite his better judgement, he looked into the hopeful faces of the men surrounding him and nodded his agreement. "Bernardo should be here soon, and then we will work out the details. I will send someone for Ramiro later in the day."

Several hours later, Diego paced the library floor waiting for Bernardo to return. As the hours stretched on a dark feeling began to settle in Diego's stomach. Something was wrong. He was sure of it. The other Dons were talking quietly in the corner and Diego was surprised the men had not yet asked to see Tornado, but Diego was thankful. Although these men now knew his secret, he was not sure he wanted so many to know the location of Zorro's den – it was still after all a safe haven.

"Diego, will you please stop pacing. It is doing you no good. You will only wear yourself out. It is not late yet, Bernardo will be here soon." Alejandro assured his son. Reluctantly, Diego had told the Dons that Bernardo could actually hear. They were surprised at the revelation, and Don Carlos had even laughed. "So that is how Zorro always seems to know what is going on. He has spies," Carlos had said.

"I know Father. But something is wrong. I can feel it." Alejandro did not doubt his son.

"I will have Juan send a vaquero to the pueblo to check on Bernardo. He can deliver a message to Ramiro as well." Alejandro stood to leave, but Diego shook his head.

"No, I will take care of it." Diego stepped into the warm afternoon. He found Juan by the stables. "Could you send someone to the pueblo to look for Bernardo? He is late returning home and I want to make sure nothing has happened." Diego handed Juan a letter. "Could you also have him deliver this to Don Ramiro Suarez for me."

"Sí," Juan said as he turned to find Felipe. The young vaquero had been injured a few days earlier and Juan thought a short ride could be good for the boy. Juan found the young man tending the garden. Juan gave the boy his instructions and smiled at the joy in Felipe's face. He watched as Felipe scurried away before bending to finish pulling the few weeds Felipe had left.

Diego returned to the library to continue his pacing. Alejandro looked at his son and shook his head. How could he not have noticed Diego's energy? The man could barely sit still and was now walking back and forth, his long stride covering the width of the library quickly. As a child, Diego was always full of boundless energy, running through the orchards, chasing after some small animal or insect, anything that kept his body in motion. Perhaps, that is why he was so puzzled, and he had to admit disappointed, when Diego returned from Spain. He was no longer the son he had remembered. Still, that was no excuse for his blindness.

Diego's normally light steps were heavy on the floor. He is worried about Bernardo, Alejandro thought. Diego would never forgive himself if Bernardo was injured because of his secret. Alejandro was suddenly hit with a dreadful feeling and he felt his heart clench. He clearly remembered Diego's dream the night before. The words he had heard resounded in his head. Don't hurt my father. How long had his son carried this fear? Oh, mi hijo. I could have helped you carry this burden, Alejandro thought, his eyes shining with regret He could not imagine carrying such a weight…to fear everyday that your actions could bring harm to the ones you loved. And now, Diego paced the library floor, his head bowed and his face cast in shadows, waiting for his friend to return. If something happened to Bernardo or him, would Diego ever forgive himself? Alejandro suspected he knew the answer. He silently prayed that Bernardo would return shortly, but a feeling in the back of his mind told him he wouldn't.

The other dons had grown silent and only Diego's footfall could be heard in the library. Alejandro could no longer take the tension so he stood. Addressing the dons he asked, "Would you like a glass of wine. We could sit in the sala."

The Dons stood. "Sí." Carlos answered. The men followed Alejandro through the door. Diego watched them leave and after a moment he to followed. Just as he entered the sala an urgent knock shook the oak door. Striding swiftly to the door, Diego threw it open. A breathless Juan stood at the door, a grim expression on his face.

Alejandro and the others had inched toward the door. "What is wrong, Juan?" Diego asked, all ready knowing the answer. Juan wrung his hands for a moment before looking at Diego. His face was flushed and smears of dirt streaked his cheek.

"Felipe has returned." Juan held out his hand to Diego. A crumbled note sat in his palm and Diego took it. Juan continued, "Felipe said that he could not find Bernardo. Pilar said he was at the tavern for a little while and then he left. No one has seen his since. He should have been back at least an hour ago, yet Felipe did not find him on the road. He even walked off the path, looking for him in case he was thrown. Felipe is upset because he did not find Bernardo."

"It is okay Juan. Tell Felipe he did fine and it wasn't his fault." Diego said sincerely.

Juan nodded in reply and turned, walking across the plaza and through the gate. Diego stared out the door for a minute, his eyes following the vaquero past the gateway. He scrunched the note in his hand, afraid to read it. The flowing script of his name on the outside let him know it was from Ignacio. Monastario did not have very eloquent writing and he would have simply sent Garcia or another soldier to deliver his message. Diego realized he did not ask Juan how Felipe came by the letter, but he could ask later if he thought it was important.

Diego shut the door. The sound reverberated around the room and one of the Dons started at the noise. Diego did not know who and did not care. "What is it?" Alejandro asked.

"A letter from Ignacio." Diego took three long steps and sat heavily on the closest chair. He smoothed out the letter and read the neatly flowing words inside.

Diego,

I have waited years for this day. Benicio was dear to me and I have mourned his death since you wrongly took his life. You took more from me that day than simply my brother. You took my honor and my pride. I had never been bested until you left me the scar – you humiliated me. I swore that day that you would suffer, Diego. I told you to mark my words all those years ago. I have something of yours Diego. If you wish it back, meet me at the plaza, beside the well this evening. And do not worry, Bernardo and I will keep each other company until then.

Ignacio Fuentes

Diego frowned at the words. What would he do to Bernardo? The young don felt renewed hate toward Ignacio. Silently, he vowed he would stop Ignacio today. The man had hurt too many all ready. He would not make any more suffer. Diego faced the waiting men, "When Ramiro arrives, we must move. I will have everything ready. No matter what happens, do not interfere. Help Ramiro as much as you can. Slow down the soldiers if at all possible. But do not put yourselves into danger. Ramiro should not be doing this, but I can see no other way."

Alejandro and the others watched as Diego yanked the door open and stepped outside. When the door closed Diego sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. He leaned against the wall and tried to think. Where is Ignacio hiding? He must be close to town. He would not have taken Bernardo far. I doubt he is staying with anyone. An abandoned shack? Diego felt his hopes rise and he pushed away from the wall. He would find Bernardo before he met with Ignacio. And maybe he could confront Ignacio away from the pueblo and he wouldn't have to endanger Ramiro or the other Dons.

Striding inside he noticed the dons were no longer in the sala. Thankful they had moved out of the room, he quietly slipped into the cave. He grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote a quick letter to his father and after he was dressed he placed it on the small table in the sala. Sneaking back into the cave he saddled Tornado and mounted. The stallion shifted under his weight and Zorro could feel the excitement in Tornado. "Let's run boy." Diego felt the muscles of the black horse quiver and in a powerful motion the stallion fled the cave, his long mane swaying in the wind. There were several abandoned shacks around the pueblo de los Angeles, and Diego did not have the time to search them all. If Ignacio was not with Bernardo, Diego still had to meet him in a couple of hours. Turning his mount west, Zorro crossed the orchard and followed a small path toward the pueblo. There were several shacks along this route that used to belong to the Indians before they moved to the monastery. Zorro had a feeling he would find Ignacio or Bernardo in one of them.

TBC