Chapter 11
Two years later Ignacio was transferred to a more senior posting at Barcelona, under the command of Senor Aaron Nazario. He found his new superior to be a weak fool, he believed that Nazario was far too lenient with the citizens. Whereas he would have taken a much harder line. Nazario gave into their demands too easily and it seemed that the citizens took advantage of it. The people believed that they had the right to come to Senor Nazario's office at any time of the day for even the smallest of things. And he never seemed to mind the inconvenience and never turned anyone away. What de Soto didn't understand was the citizens had respect for their leader for they knew that he had respect for them and their problems, no matter how big or small.
de Soto found the same undercurrent of bribery that was at his previous posting, except that it was more covert than at Guadalajara, as Nazario did not approve and was in fact attempting to stamp out the practice. But this time Ignacio refused to accept the bribes, he didn't want that kind of scandal to affect his ambition. And besides, the money from his small estate was more than enough for his needs, he no longer needed the extra funds.
Nazario noticed straight away that his new advisor was an ambitious man and was somewhat harsh in his dealings with the people. He saw that he didn't suffer fools gladly and had no compassion for citizens less fortunate then himself, which was strange considering de Soto's own humble beginnings. On a number of occasions he had to reverse his advisor's somewhat ruthless decisions after several complaints were made against him and had to caution him against using such high-handed tactics.
He tried to demonstrate to de Soto to respect the citizens but it was no use, he was too stubborn, too proud, too set in his ways to change his mind. Which was a shame, Nazario thought, de Soto had the potential to be an admirable civic leader, if he only put aside his ambition for power. In the end he could no longer tolerate the younger man's heartlessness and asked Madrid to arrange a replacement at their convenience, citing differences in opinion for the request.
Ignacio stayed at Barcelona for just over a year, when he was offered another post, this time in the province of his family roots of Cadiz and he was quite pleased with his new position. It had been five years since his graduation and he had been promoted to second in command to Senor Geraldo Reyes. Nazario's request for his replacement did not affect his career, due to his contacts in Madrid and he rose quickly through the political ranks that would have normally taken twice as long to achieve.
Senor Reyes was a like minded gentleman, who ran the garrison and the city with a firm fist, which none of the citizens dare complain or at least not complain too loudly, otherwise they could find themselves in trouble. They could be fined a small 'administration fee', or suddenly find their business without patrons for several days and it was not unknown for a complainant to spend some time in a cell. All crime was punished quickly and efficiently, due to the large numbers of soldiers to keep the peace and Reyes was even harder on his troops for any misdeeds as he believed that those under his command should lead by example. And any seaman who caused trouble, whether they were Spanish Navy or Merchant service, would be dealt with harshly.
It was while Ignacio was stationed at Cadiz that strange rumours began to circulate. It came from sailors on ships that came back from the colonies in the Americas. The strange story was of a masked bandit riding a large black stallion that was terrorising the citizens of a small outpost. At first Ignacio dismissed the stories as fantasy, dreamt up by bored sailors to brighten up a long sea voyage but as the months passed, more and more stories came to light, it became harder to ignore. The stories were no longer coming from sailors but from respectable citizens in the colony to members of their families but also from official reports from the Alcalde of the small pueblo, Luis Ramone.
These stories infuriated Ignacio. This masked man, who was known as Zorro, was defying the authority of Spain. He aided prisoners to escape, stole lawfully collected taxes for his own purpose, assaulted the Alcalde and his lancers while performing their duty to the crown, and many other crimes, almost with impunity.
An idea slowly formed in Ignacio's mind. It started as an itch, an itch that wouldn't go away. The more it itched, the more he dwelled on it, until it grew and grew into his daily thoughts. He began to believe that he, Ignacio De Soto, was the man to put down the resistance of this bandit, this Zorro. He had heard the reports from Ramone and he shook his head in disbelief at the incompetence of the Alcalde. How hard was it to capture just one man? He reflected to himself, and yet Ramone could not do that seemingly simple task.
Ignacio was not the only person concerned about this outlaw. Carlos de Sanchez was troubled, Ramone had once been a protégé of his but it seemed that the man could not bring his small pueblo under control. But he had an idea of who could.
Ignacio returned to his quarters late one evening to find a letter sitting on the mantelpiece above the slow burning fire. He immediately recognised the handwriting and wondered what Sanchez had to say. He poured himself a glass of wine and opened the letter.
My dear Ignacio,
I am sure you are dismayed by the happenings in our colonies, in particular the small pueblo of Los Angeles and of the lack of progress that Luis Ramone has had in capturing this notorious outlaw known as Zorro.
Ramone is to be recalled back to Madrid to explain his lack of results against this outlaw and it is doubtful that he will be able to keep his position and therefore the post of Alcalde will be opened up to any who wish it. To that end, I have put your name forward on a short list of three other men to be appointed Alcalde of Los Angeles.
Ignacio, I believe that you are the man to restore law and order to our further most colonies and although I cannot guarantee that you would obtain the appointment, you will have my support, should you wish to further your career.
Regards,
Carlos de Sanchez.
Ignacio was astounded by this exciting news and he felt a great wave of self-importance crash over him. To think that Carlos de Sanchez would consider him, Ignacio De Soto, to do the job that Ramone could not. He had no doubts that he was the right man for the job; he would quickly restore order and bring the criminal to justice at the end of a rope.
He knew that when he did, he would have any posting he wanted, he would demand it. He wanted Madrid. He had fallen in love with the great city of Madrid during his university days. He loved the hussle and bustle of the big city, loved being in the centre of power, and of its endless possibilities for advancements. He started to put his things into order for he knew he had to be ready to travel to Madrid at a moments notice. All he had to wait for was the word to come through and he would ride as fast as he could to the capital.
Ignacio received the word two weeks later. He was summoned to Reyes office early one morning.
"Ah de Soto, you seem to have friends in high places. This is a request to release you from your duties here."
Reyes handed Ignacio a sealed letter and smiled warml.y "Congratulations de Soto, you will be missed."
Ignacio bowed his head slightly. "Gracias sir." He took the letter and headed back to his quarters. His heart pounded in his chest as he shut the door behind him and opened the letter. It simply read.
Ramone is dead and your presence is required in Madrid, at your earliest convenience.
Sanchez.
Ignacio reached Madrid late the following day and immediately went to the Sanchez mansion. He was ushered into the library. "Ah de Soto, glad you made it here in time." Sanchez shook his hand. "A glass of Madeira?"
"Si senor."
Sanchez poured each a glass. "Terrible business about Ramone."
"You said that Ramone is dead, how? Was this Zorro involved?" Ignacio wanted to know.
"You can count on it. If he didn't kill him outright, he bought about his death. Apparently he fell to his death."
Ignacio frowned. "Fell to his death, how?"
Sanchez shrugged. "The details are vague but it seemed that Ramone was visiting a prison and he either fell or was pushed off the ramparts." he paused and took a sip of his wine. "But Ramone's death means an excellent prospect for your future."
Ignacio schooled his face into a careful neutral mask, Sanchez was known to abhor overt displays of arrogance and pride. "What are my chances for this position?" he asked.
"Your chances I would say, are very good but there is a strong candidate, Don Antonio Xavier, who has a lot of support."
Ignacio frowned slightly. "Don Antonio Xavier, I don't believe I know him."
Sanchez snorted. "I doubt that you would. He is one of those moderates, who wouldn't know how to handle the situation in Los Angeles. It needs a strong man that can bring order quickly and efficiently and not afraid to use a strong fist if it's called for. And that man is you de Soto."
Ignacio nodded. "I understand that even some of the citizens are showing support to this criminal and therefore they are defying the authority of Spain. I would do whatever it takes to restore order."
"I know you would and if you can do that within a reasonable timeframe, your future will be assured."
Ignacio straightened his jacket. "Senor, I want your assurance that when I bring the pueblo under control, that I will be able to choose my next appointment."
Sanchez raised an eyebrow at this comment. "That's a big ask, de Soto."
"I am well aware of that, senor. However I will bring that outlaw to justice within three months."
"And in return."
"I want Madrid." Ignacio stated firmly.
Sanchez almost chuckled at his audacity. This man needed to be watched very closely, he could become quite dangerous. He knew that it was prudent to keep one's potential adversaries close by. "Very well de Soto, if you can regain control over the Los Angeles district within three months, I will guarantee Madrid for you." Sanchez confirmed as he shook hands with Ignacio. "You know de Soto, this all depends on whether you are selected."
Ignacio nodded thoughtfully and smiled wickedly. "Of course it does."
Sanchez narrowed his eyes shrewdly. "de Soto, I have no desire to know what you are planning but whatever it is, keep it within the law."
Ignacio chuckled. "Of course, would I do otherwise?"
Sanchez smiled. "I wouldn't like to bet on that."
The two men laughed as they continued discussing the political situation in the colonies.
Two weeks later Ignacio set sail for the colonies. He had challenged the newly appointed Alcalde to a duel and won. He made Don Antonio Xavier back down in public and in front of witnesses. Ignacio was even more convinced that he was the man for the job. How could this man bring order to Los Angeles when he could not or would not fight for his own honour? Ignacio reflected.