As the gathered men rode toward the pueblo, Diego told the Dons what had happened in the shack. His voice deepened as he described the confrontation with Ignacio and Bernardo's injury. Ramiro smiled slightly to himself despite the situation. This was the man he remembered – a fiery spirit full of passion and protectiveness. Ramiro knew that Don Diego blamed himself for what happened, and in a small way Ramiro agreed with Diego, although he knew Ignacio would have done something to hurt Diego and his family soon. Ramiro quickly squelched his line of thinking, knowing that Diego did what he thought was right and that sometimes things simply went wrong. He, like the other Dons, would never blame Diego for what happened to Bernardo, yet he didn't know how he could convince Diego of that.
Ramiro turned slightly in his saddle and glanced at the face of Alejandro. The man rode several steps to his left and slightly behind him. Alejandro looked worried, as did the other Dons, and his brown eyes seemed unusually dark in the evening sun. Ramiro noticed that Alejandro kept glancing at Diego and he could tell the older man wished to say something but Diego was still telling his story, so the older Don stayed quiet. Ramiro's mind wandered again as his gloved hand slid to the saddlebag that contained the dark outfit and he felt a tiny shiver run up his spine. The idea of being Zorro - a legend - excited Ramiro even though he knew the dangers of the plan. He was brought back to awareness when Alejandro at last spoke.
"It was not your fault Diego. Bernardo knew what he was doing when he decided to help you years ago. Ignacio is the only one you should be blaming. He is an evil man who cares little about who he hurts. You were trying to force his hand and it didn't work. No one is perfect Diego. You made a mistake and misjudged the man, but you can set things right now. We will help you Diego." Alejandro had twisted in the saddle so he could see Diego's face better and now he stopped his horse and looked at his son. "Let it go Diego. He will use your doubts and fears against you. Ignacio is a ruthless man but he is cunning."
"I know. But…" Diego did not finish, his head was pounding against his skull and rubbed his temples in a vain gesture to ease the pain. The young don shook his head to dismiss the conversation and touched his heels to his horse. The young mare trotted ahead of the group.
Fifteen minutes later, Diego pulled up his reigns and stopped his mount. The group of men slowly spread out around him. Doctor Hernandez stayed on the edge of the group, his keen eyes roaming over the tired figure of Don Diego, and the doctor shook his head as Diego rubbed his temple again. Diego's voice was quieter than it had been and Doctor Hernandez had to strain to hear Diego.
"This is where we will part. Don Ramiro and Don Armando will circle around the pueblo," Diego looked at the two men, "but stay out of sight until the duel begins. If something goes wrong, don't stay. Just ride as hard as you can and get to the cave I told you about."
Diego met the eyes of the remaining men, "Don't interfere unless something happens. It shouldn't be needed, but distract the guards if you can. Give Ramiro as much time as possible to escape. Hopefully, Monastario will be too distracted to order the soldiers to follow you," Diego said focusing on Ramiro.
Ramiro nodded and without a word pulled his mount off the road. Don Armando clasped Diego's arm before following the young man, "Be careful." Don Carlos also bid his nephew good luck and he wished him a safe journey before the young man disappeared.
Diego idly watched the clouds as they turned from white to grey to purple, and he almost smiled when rose crept into the blushing sunset but he was drawn back to reality as dust obscured his vision. He had tried to quiet his wits but his thoughts were chaotic and rampaging and Diego had turned to nature to ease the drumming in his skull. He took several deep breaths as he attempted to reign in his discouraging thoughts. Doubt could not control his emotions. If he doubted he would lose. Ignacio would play on his fears and turn them against him. Diego knew he should ignore the thoughts that ran wild in his brain and he desperately tried to turn his thoughts elsewhere. The clouds brought little refuge, but Diego continued to focus on the changing hues.
Yet, Diego's heart was heavy as he entered the gates of the Pueblo de los Angeles and his mind kept replaying the last few hours, the mistake that nearly cost Bernardo his life. How foolish could I have been, he questioned. Diego knew that it was his fault Bernardo was now lying, wounded and in pain, at the hacienda. When the Fox was born, Diego knew there would be risks, but at the beginning he never truly considered that his actions would put others in danger. Thinking back, his mind conjured up images of villagers tied to posts awaiting a flogging or men forced into hard labor simply to draw out Zorro. Diego did not doubt that things would be worse without his actions, but a nagging feeling told him it may not have been worth it. His father suffered for his charade, Bernardo suffered now, and others were forced to carry Zorro's burden when they were used to bait him. Still, Diego knew he was needed and that he would continue to fight as long as he was able or as long as he was needed.
With great difficulty, Diego focused on the present, on the man he knew was waiting for him, and the duel that would shortly take place. Diego prayed Ramiro would not be injured and that the plan was successful. The young Don knew he could defeat Ignacio. He knew that there were few who could best him and that thought gave him some comfort. Diego had faced worse as Zorro and his wits, humour, and physical strength had always been triumphant. Diego had to become Zorro to win. Zorro had the traits Diego needed – he was confidant, unwavering, swift, and most importantly, he had a strength born from honor and courage. Diego felt a calm, self-assured feeling settle over him as the clouds turned to flame and the east lay bordered in darkness. Diego would take the strengths Zorro had and use them to defeat Ignacio.
Alejandro and the other men rode behind Diego, their horses stirring up a heavy dust that swirled around the group. The gathered Dons rode in silence, each wrapped in their own fears and worries. Dark eyes often turned to Diego, and Alejandro noticed the change in Diego as soon as it happened. His son had sat his horse slumped in the saddle as they first rode from the hacienda and his posture did not improve when they parted from Don Ramiro and Don Armando. But as they neared the pueblo Diego seemed to change. Now…now his son sat straight in the saddle, his once slumped shoulders lifted and his head held proud. Alejandro felt relieved to see Diego's mood improve. His only child would need strength and brains to defeat Ignacio and Monastario. Alejandro prayed as he rode – simple words that were repeated over and over, even as the dust lay heavy on his shoulders and fear burned dark in his eyes. Keep my son safe, Lord. He is my life and my joy. I have just found him; do not let me lose him now.
There was a subtle shift in the group as they passed through the dry streets of Los Angeles. Peasants, vaqueros, and Indians stopped to watch the men ride past. Children hid in the shadows, their eyes wide with wonder as they crept after the mounted Dons. Rumours flamed into existence by Ignacio had spread through the small pueblo and nearly every man, woman, and child knew of the impending duel. Diego stared in silent wonder at the dark faces that smiled encouragingly as he rode past or the brief word from a Don declaring his faith in the young man.
A crowd had gathered around the plaza, but the mass of people parted to let the six men through. Diego and the others dismounted in front of the tavern and walked the short distance to the plaza. Diego could see Ignacio and Monastario within the circle and Sergeant Garcia stood on the edge, as did a number of other soldiers who formed the inner layer of the circle. Doctor Hernandez clutched his bag as he followed Diego and Alejandro through the press of people and into the clearing. Don Fernando and Don Carlos flanked Diego and Alejandro and Don Rafael stood at the back. The men all wore swords and Monastario looked shocked as his eye caught the glint of the sun on steel.
"I thought perhaps you wouldn't come," Ignacio quipped, his words sharp and loud in the sudden quiet.
Diego took a step forward as he spoke, "Years ago, you thrust me into doing something I loathed, and because of it I laid my sword aside, but now, you have overstepped my patience and I will not regret the actions I shall take today. Before the sun rises, you will leave California, I will see to it."
Ignacio grinned and drew his sword, "I shall leave California, but only after your blood dances across my blade."
Monastario watched in awe as Diego took another step forward. The Don was clad in dark brown pants and a white shirt. His hat and coat were not in sight, and the Commandante doubted he had bothered to don them before leaving the hacienda. Monastario had heard about the incident with Bernardo and even he felt that Ignacio had sunk too low when he injured the deaf, mute servant. Monastario could clearly see the famous de la Vega temper displayed on Diego's face and Monastario smirked to himself. He always knew there was more to the man than the passive façade he wore. What a great disguise, Monastario admitted to himself. Zorro had hidden in plain sight and Monastario had missed it. Yes, he had suspected Don Diego in the past, but truthfully he had never really believed his accusations, not until now. Capítan Monastario knew that Diego de la Vega was indeed the cunning El Zorro.
Monastario could barely recognize the clumsy and ridiculously inept man that Diego had once portrayed. In its place, stood a proud and strong man, an individual who moved with grace and dignity. Ignacio's clear threat did not seem to faze Diego, even when the Capítan himself edged back from the vehemence in the words. Monastario was looking forward to this fight. If Diego lost, he would be rid of Zorro and he could return to his beloved Spain a hero. Even if Diego won, Monastario would arrest him for treason and the Don would hang from the gallows as a warning to anyone who would oppose rule of the Spanish military. Yes, this would be a good day, the Commandante decided as he sat back on his heels in anticipation of the fast approaching duel.
Don Carlos laid a supportive hand on Alejandro's arm. Diego had moved closer to Ignacio and Don Carlos gently pulled Alejandro from the circle. Doctor Hernandez, Don Fernando and Don Rafael were all ready huddled at the edge of the ring, their faces grey in the waning light. Alejandro could hear his son's words clearly and he shivered slightly at the deep voice and the light, almost mocking, tone his son adopted.
"You will leave California in disgrace, just as you left Spain. You will find no satisfaction here." Diego taunted as he took another step forward. His sword stayed in its scabbard, the silver hilt bright in the last vestiges of the evening sun.
Ignacio's reply was cut short when a voice echoed through the dust-filled air. "Ah…I see our friend has finally found the courage to face you Diego."
Monastario turned to see Zorro at the edge of the crowd. He sat easily in the saddle and his horse pranced beneath him. Monastario thought the voice was not quite right, but he dismissed the notion quickly. His mind was too occupied with surprise to order his soldiers to fire. Instead he gaped at the masked man and turned astonished eyes to Diego.
Diego spoke then, a smile on his previously serious face. "Yes. It has taken him quite a while, but here we are. Have you come to cheer me."
"Sí. I doubt you will need it, but I offer you my assistance." Zorro said as he nodded at Diego.
"Your offer is appreciated, but this is between me and Ignacio."
"As it should be. Still, I felt I should at least offer. Buenos suerte, mi amigo." Zorro said as he turned his horse and fled the pueblo.
Monastario watched the cloaked man disappear and it wasn't until the figure had faded into the shadows that the Capítan regained his senses. "Soldiers, after him. I want Zorro brought to me." Sergeant Garcia repeated the Commandante's orders then watched as his men moved slowly to their horses but he made no move to hurry them along. The Commandant could order them to go quicker if he wanted, but Garcia turned his attention back to his friend.
Ramiro cleared the pueblo quickly and he and Don Armando rode to the church where Ramiro discarded the dark clothing behind a tall bush. The two Dons were on their way back to the plaza when the soldiers passed them, their horses kicking up dust as they raced from the pueblo. Ramiro smiled at the ease of the plan. He had to admit that it felt good to play Zorro, but he doubted he could play the game as long as Diego has.
Diego was a few feet from Ignacio when Ramiro and Armando pushed their way through the crowd to stand next to Don Alejandro. Don Carlos clasped his nephew on the arm and pulled him close. "I am glad you are safe. Monastario looks as if he ate something sour. I suppose we have sufficiently detoured Monastario from arresting Diego. I am proud of you Ramiro, and I am sorry I was not with you, but I felt Alejandro needed my support more," Carlos whispered in his nephew's ear. Ramiro nodded in reply and smiled.
Monastario stewed as he watched his incompetent soldiers pursue the masked bandit. He had been certain Diego was Zorro, yet the bandito had just appeared in the plaza. The accursed Fox could leave nothing alone. His plan had unraveled and he felt any hope of returning to Spain disappear. Perhaps, Monastario mused, Ignacio would put the de la Vega's in their place. Brown eyes narrowed as they settled on the handsome face of Diego de la Vega. Something just wasn't right, but Monastario had no time to ponder his doubts.
"You will die Diego. I shall have revenge for my brother. You humiliated me once and you will not do it again. I shall kill you just as my brother killed Arturo. He was as weak as you Diego." Ignacio lunged before the words faded.
TBC