Chapter 12
Victoria walked outside crying as the doctor tried to comfort her. "We have some sad news to share with you." Hernandez announced after a group of worried citizens gathered at the Tavern steps.
"Zorro is no longer with us. He was shot in the back by De Soto. The bullet hit his heart, and there was nothing I could do to help him." Hernandez was having a hard time controlling his emotions. The crowd cried out with sadness, and as the crowd grew larger, they bowed their heads in prayer.
Alejandro prepared Victoria's wagon for Zorro's transportation home. He placed the mask Victoria had kept on Diego's face to protect his identity.
Hernandez, Alejandro, Felipe, and Mendoza carried Zorro's body out of the Tavern and laid him in the back of the wagon.
As the wagon pulled away, the crowd parted and watched their masked hero leave the pueblo for the last time.
A private ceremony was held for the masked hero a few days later. The people of Los Angles were able to pay their respects at church that Sunday. And as far as they knew, Zorro's body was buried for all to visit in the court-yard.
Diego recovered from his injuries, and was surprised at how convincing Victoria's plan was. They courted for a few months and were joined as one. They adopted Felipe, and the family of three soon grew into a family of six.
Mendoza was promoted to Alcalde, and the Kings men took De Soto back to stand trial for the murder of Zorro, and all the other crimes he committed while he was Alcalde.