A SWORD FOR ZORRO

CHAPTER SIX

Part One

THE WORD WENT OUT:

On the outskirts of Madrid in the wee hours of the night a carriage made its way along a trail covered by a heavy fog headed for a part of Spain that only the worst sort would even dare to venture. The carriage pulled up to a dimly lit Posada secluded from the trail by two huge trees that have stood the test of time. The branches of the trees hung low shrouding the door of the tavern in obscuration. A man got down and opened the carriage door and a passenger disembarked.

"Wait for me," the passenger orders.

"Si," is the man's only reply.

The passenger entered the tavern and inquired of the man behind the bar. He pointed to a table in the far corner. The passenger walked over to the mesa and sat down. The stranger at the table nodded. The passenger handed the stranger a satchel and a large bag of gold coins.

"The instructions and the necessary documents are in the satchel. The gold is for expenses," the passenger whispers.

"Si, it will be done," as the stranger read and checked the contents in the satchel.

Without another word the passenger stood up and left the Posada. The man opened the carriage door and the passenger boarded. The man snapped the whip and the carriage made its way in the direction from whence it came. The stranger walked out of the tavern followed by two other men who had been sitting at another mesa on the other side of the tavern. The three men mounted their caballos and rode north toward the coast.

AND WAS ANSWERED.

Meanwhile in the Pueblo de Los Angeles.

El Zorro hid in the shadows on the edge of the pueblo and marveled at the quiet stillness, even Commandante Rodriguez had not left the tavern despite the lateness of the hour. Could it be the new dancer that now entertained at the tavern? Rumor had it that she had come all the way from Spain. She was very attractive but did not measure up in any way to his Celia which at this moment he missed very much. Even pregnant she was a vision of beauty to behold. Celia, the woman of his dreams just the thought of her caused a fire to ignite in his loins. And soon he would be a father…..a father imagine that! But this feeling of joy was accompanied by one of despair. For with it came more responsibility and accountability as his father so aptly called to his attention. The conversation he and his father had still haunted his thoughts and once his dreams. El Zorro was a poetic insight born out of a necessity to help inspired by his mother and further indoctrination by his Catholic upbringing. He was always taught that those who could help should, especially the ones who could not help themselves. The original goal for Zorro was to rid Los Angeles of Monastario and then El Zorro would disappear as suddenly as he had appeared. But that was not to be for once Monastario was dealt with another injustice raised its ugly head and there was a need for Zorro again. The people came to depend on Zorro and trusted that whenever there was trouble El Zorro rode to their defense. He questioned if there would ever come a day when he would tire of Zorro being the guardian of the people and the preserver of their lawful rights and privileges. It had become very clear and apparent with each passing day, that no matter how difficult the decision the dream clearly shocked him into the realization of the choice he would make. But what about the people who he had given confidence and hope?

EL Zorro finally made his way home. He stopped in front of the secret cave and took a look around remembering the first time he had donned the disguise. Now after all these years he had put the needs of the people before his, was he not entitled to a little happiness for himself. He was sure that the people would not begrudge him that. Was his future to consist entirely of donning the disguise and keeping his desires and dreams locked inside? El Zorro entered the cave, dismounted and was removing Tornado's saddle when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Bernardo standing there. Bernardo gestured about something that he had heard in the pueblo that day and had been waiting to speak with Zorro about it.

"Tell me later," El Zorro remarked heading for the steps leading to the alcove.

But Bernardo was insistent. So El Zorro sat down on one of the stones surrounding the little stream running through the cave.

"What did you hear that is so important that it could not wait until tomorrow," El Zorro says with a hint of vexation because of the advanced hour of the night and his mental state caused by the thoughts that plagued his mind.

Bernardo gestured that he was in the tavern and overheard two men who had just recently arrived from Spain sitting at the mesa talking to another man. They talked about how they met these three men on the boat. One of them said that they had come to California to take care of someone and that if they were looking to make a little money they could use some help. He said that the man's name was Venezuela. He did not know what the other two men's names were but one kept his face covered. He said that he confessed to him that he and his friend were just petty thieves not killers.

"Take care of someone….El Zorro states his curiosity now piqued.

Bernardo further gestured…..that someone lived in Los Angeles.

"Did you see any other strangers in the tavern or around the Plaza," El Zorro questioned.

Bernardo gestured no but the man in the tavern said they rode with them as far as the outskirts of Los Angeles but the three men continued in another direction.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo. I apologize for my impatience before," El Zorro says with pain in his voice.

Bernardo had noticed that ever since Diego's illness he had not been himself. He at first had the impression it was because of Diego's impending fatherhood but now he surmised that it was much more than that. Bernardo gestured to ask Diego what was wrong.

"Nothing, buenos noches mi amigo. We will ride into the pueblo tomorrow and see what we can find out," El Zorro states patting his friend on the shoulder.

Celia heard the secret panel open and in stepped Diego returning from his nightly escapade as El Zorro. Celia had noticed a difference in her husband. He seemed more distant and preoccupied. He tried to hide it. He had been spending a lot of time out on the range or in town handling business for his father when he was not out riding as EL Zorro. Now in about seven days he and Bernardo were leaving on a trip to Monterrey on business.

"Hello mi vida," Celia says.

"Mi amor I thought that you would be asleep. You need your rest," Diego replies.

"What I need is my husband," Celia asserts.

"You have me always," Diego answers as he got in the bed next to his wife.

Diego took Celia into his arms and held her to his chest. He lies back on the pillows and closed his eyes. As his breathing became more even and relaxed she could tell that he was falling asleep. Celia had wondered out loud to Diego concerning the lack of passion in their marital bed for the past months. Diego was quick to respond that he did not want to endanger her or the baby. Celia is now 8 months pregnant and looks like she has swallowed a large melon. Early in the morning just before dawn there is a cool breeze blowing in through the bedroom window and the sky is still clothed in darkness. Celia awoke and stared at her husband. He was sound asleep lying on his back. So Celia decided to do some exploring. She unbuttoned the bottom part of Diego's nightshirt and allowed her hand to wander through the soft dark pubic hair of her husband's genital area. Becoming more excited with each touch her fingers traveled down to his bulge. She begun to gently massage and caress it. Diego moaned and opened his eyes.

"Celia," he exclaims as he sat up in bed.

"Hello mi vida," Celia whispers with a grin.

"Mi amor you should not...we should not…..the baby….you," Diego tried to protest.

"I want my husband…..now," Celia coos.

Diego got out of bed he was trembling but pretended that it was from the cool breeze blowing in the window. He went over, closed the window and then stirred the fire to warm up the bedroom.

"There mi amor, it should be warmer for you and the baby," Diego states.

"Diego…," Celia purrs and patted the bed with lust in her eyes for her husband.

Diego returned to bed. Celia finished unbuttoning Diego's nightshirt but as she pulled it over his head he objected once more. She removed her nightgown. Then she started to kiss Diego from his lips to his stomach where she stuck her tongue in the hole he had there for a navel.

"Celia….ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….please I do not…..ahhhhhhh…..want anything…mmmmmmmmmm," Diego groans wild with desire and hunger.

By this time Celia had reached his bulge and is enjoying the pleasure that her tongue is giving her husband.

"Celia…..mi amor…..mi amor…..I love you….ahhhhhhhhhhh…..," Diego sucks in his breath trying to control his carnal passion but Celia will not be denied.

When Celia pulled Diego on top of her he is a most willing participant. Throwing all caution to the wind he entered her. After depriving himself of being with his wife for almost three months, Diego went temporarily insane with unbridled sexual fervor. His thrusts are deliberate yet careful. He shut his eyes as rapture took control.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh…..mi vida….yes, yes, more, more …now…..now!" Celia screams as her insides closed around Diego's bulge and captured him in her lake of fire.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….Celia…..Celia…," Diego yells like a wolf baying at a full moon. He let go as his body quaked with the waves of hot liquid gushing from him. He fell on the bed next to his wife totally and completely exhausted unable to move.

Celia glanced at her husband with love and concern. She was assured that he loved her but thought that his actions these past months were a cause for worry. She wondered if he was still not feeling completely well or if there was something more sinister having to do with Zorro. She knew that Diego did not want her to worry therefore he refused to discuss anything that he deemed would cause her distress. She propped herself up on her elbows.

"Mi vida, what is wrong," Celia asks with uncertainty in her voice.

"Whatever do you mean mi amor," Diego replies as he turned to face his wife.

"I am aware that something has been bothering you and I want to know what it is. I am your wife and I feel that I have a right to be informed," Celia says with annoyance.

"Mi amor, there is nothing wrong. I am just making sure that you and the baby are being well cared for. I could not live if anything were to happen...Diego went to say but Celia interrupts him.

"Diego I am fine, the baby is fine. There is no need to…Celia says but Diego cuts her off.

"Celia, please let me have this one...let me be the anxious and attentive husband and father to you and the baby," Diego pleads.

With Diego's beseeching and the look in his beautiful brown eyes, which made Celia melt every time she stared into them, she relented.

"As you wish mi vida," Celia concedes.

"I love you so much Celia," Diego says as he moved over and kissed his wife's lips very passionately.

Diego lies back on his pillow and hugged Celia tightly in his arms with her head on his chest. Celia listened keenly to Diego's heartbeat and felt his body relax. She closed her eyes lulled to sleep by the beat of her husband's heart.

Later that morning as the sun flooded their bedroom Diego woke with a start looked over and saw Celia sleeping peacefully beside him. He lay back down and stared at the ceiling. Celia turned over and glanced at Diego.

"Buenos Dias mi vida," Celia coos laying her head on his chest.

"Buenos Dias mi amor," Diego replies with a smile.

Celia unbuttoned her husband's nightshirt from his neck down to his navel and started to rub his chest. Diego closed his eyes but quickly came to his senses and sat up in bed. Celia was surprised as well as upset by his action.

"Mi amor, I have an important appointment in the pueblo this morning," Diego says as he lovingly took Celia's hand from his chest and kissed it.

"Diego what is wrong…..you have been," Celia goes to say but is interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Si," Diego responds.

"Don Diego, your father requests your presence down stairs," Pedro asks.

"Muchas gracias, please tell my father that I will be right down," Diego answers happy for the intrusion.

"Very well Don Diego," Pedro replies.

Celia stared at her husband with a disquieting look. Diego noticed this but was at a lost to explain for fear that it would cause his wife undue worry. Instead he held her in his arms and kissed her mouth very ardently.

"Mi amor I love you more than life itself. You and the baby I will protect with my life," Diego whispers as he got up and put on his clothes.

Celia continued to stare at her husband but did not respond. She being Diego's wife had a strong intuition that something was troubling him something he refused to tell her.

"Mi amor I will have Consuela to bring your breakfast up to you." Diego says with a wide grin.

Diego hurried downstairs to join his father who was having breakfast on the patio. He inquired of Bernardo to ask Consuela to take a plate up to Celia. Bernardo nodded and headed for the kitchen.

"You wanted to speak with me father," Diego queried.

"Si Diego. It is getting close to Celia's time and I wondered if you had given any thought about what we discussed some time ago," Don Alejandro questioned.

"Si, father I have given it a lot of thought. I know that I will never let anything not even Zorro come before my family," Diego replies uneasily.

"Very well mi hijo," Don Alejandro remarks but can hear the persistent strife in his son's voice.

"Father is there anything else that I need to know or do before my trip to Monterrey," Diego inquires trying to change the subject.

"There are a few more documents that I need to get from the alcalde but I will get those today," Don Alejandro states.

"Father I have to go into the pueblo this morning. I will get them for you," Diego responds.

"Muchas gracias my son," Don Alejandro responds.

"Da nada father. I am going to check on Celia and then I will be off," Diego replies.

Diego ascended the steps to his bedroom and finds Celia still in bed eating her breakfast. Consuela was sitting in a chair watching her. Diego nodded and Consuela took her leave. He goes over to the bed and took Celia's hand in his and kissed it ever so tenderly. Diego stared into Celia's eyes lovingly.

"Mi vida, I know that you are worried for me and our baby but everything is going to be alright. El doctor says that I am doing fine and I am being well taken care of," Celia pleads with glistening eyes.

"Mi amor I just want to make sure that you and the baby stay healthy. I cannot live without you. You and the baby are my life. I promise to be the best husband to you and the best father to our baby. Our child will want for nothing. Celia I….," Diego goes to say when Celia interrupts.

"Mi vida, you are the very air that I need to breathe. I know that you will be the best father that anyone could ask for. But mi vida I know that there is something bothering you. I took a vow as your wife and if there is something wrong I want to be there for you," Celia declares as she kissed her husband on the cheek.

"Mi amor, I too took a vow as your husband and I will defend you with my life," Diego remarks as he blinked his eyes holding back the tears.

Diego held Celia tightly and kissed her mouth fervidly with his. Celia rolled Diego on his back and continued to kiss his mouth with ardor. They stared intensely into each other's eyes for about 15 minutes. Diego gently turned Celia on her back and kissed her once more very sensually.

"Mi amor, I have to go to the pueblo but will be back shortly," Diego whispers.

"I think that I will rest here in bed until you return" Celia responds.

"Do you need something are you not feeling well. Should I send for el doctor?" Diego inquired with a worried tone in his voice.

"No mi vida, I am well," Celia says with a wink.

Diego smiled knowingly and kissed Celia's hands. He got up grabbed his gloves, hat and waved good-by to his wife. As he descended the steps he encountered Consuela and asked that she watch over Celia while he is gone.

"Si, Patron," she answers.

Diego went to the stable where Bernardo was waiting for him. Bernardo had saddled Mysterio and a horse for himself. Then they both rode off in the direction of the pueblo. As Diego rode down the trail he is unaware of three men who are following him and Bernardo at a distance. They used the cover of the abundant and thick bushes and trees that lined the trail leading to the pueblo. The three men pursued Diego and Bernardo to the pueblo and watched them tie up their horses and walk into the tavern.

"Is that him," one man asked.

"Si," the Leader answers.

"How can you be sure," the third man asked.

"You just do what you are told," the Leader asserted with anger.

Diego knew that this was payday for the soldiers so he expected to find plenty of frivolity going on inside. He was very surprised at the quietness and all the soldiers meandering around with dispirited looks on their faces. He saw Sergeant Garcia sitting at a mesa with another soldier. One of whom Diego had not seen before. Bernardo gestured that he would stand at the bar.

"Don Diego, mi amigo," Sergeant Garcia says with a smile.

"Buenos Dias Sergeant. Why all the gloomy faces, it is not pay day?" Diego questions.

"Si Don Diego it is supposed to be but the coach bringing our pay was robbed just five miles outside of the pueblo. Permiso Don Diego, but let me introduce you to Lieutenant Manuel Briones Cortez who was in charge of the escort for the coach containing our pay," Sergeant Garcia says with a despondent tone.

The Lieutenant stood up and shook Diego's hand.

"I am pleased to meet you Senor de la Vega. Your name is well respected here in California," Lieutenant Cortez states.

"Muchas gracias," Diego responds.

"If you two would excuse me I must speak with Commandante Rodriguez. I have completed my report to him now I must return to Monterrey to recount this regretful circumstance to my Commanding Officer," the Lieutenant says with agitation.

The Lieutenant got up, bowed, and walked out the tavern door on his way to the Cuartel to talk to Commandante. Diego called the innkeeper over and asked

"Tio your best bottle of wine….would you join me Sergeant," Diego states.

"Si Don Diego," the Sergeant replies with a grin.

The innkeeper came over with a bottle of wine and two cups. Diego knew if he wanted to cheer the Sergeant up that a good chilled cup of wine would be what was needed.

"Muchas gracias," Diego replies.

"Da nada Don Diego," the innkeeper responds.

Diego poured a cup of wine for himself and Sergeant Garcia making sure that the Sergeant's cup was almost spilling over the top.

"Mil gracias Don Diego," Sergeant Garcia exclaims.

"You are welcome Sergeant. I am sorry to hear about the robbery. Do they have any clues as to who might have committed the crime," Diego queried.

"No, Don Diego, it was dark and the banditos seemed to materialize from the thick underbrush lining the trail. No one was supposed to know the route that the escort was to take," the Sergeant explained as he took a big gulp from his cup.

"Well Sergeant there is not that many trails to take. One would surmise that the trail that could easily support a coach and escort would be used. And of course El Camino Real would be the first chosen," Diego asserted as he sipped his cup of wine.

"Si, Don Diego you are right. I did not think about it that way," Sergeant Garcia states and took another gulp of wine.

Just then Corporal Reyes walked into the tavern and came over to the mesa where Diego and Sergeant Garcia were sitting.

"Buenos Dias Corporal, would you like to partake of a cup of wine with the Sergeant and me," Diego states.

"Si….or No, Don Diego, the Commandante wants to speak to Sergeant Garcia. He says that it is important," Corporal Reyes declares.

"At once…muchas gracias Don Diego, Sergeant Garcia remarks. He took another gulp of wine, got up, and hurried out the door.

Diego sat there a moment wondering what would be so pressing that Commandante Rodriguez would have serious need of the Sergeant's presence. Diego paid his bill and walked out of the Posada followed by Bernardo in the direction of the Alcalde's office to pick up the documents for his father. He noticed as the Sergeant and five lancers mounted their horses and rode away. He stopped for a minute and tried to understand what was going on when he caught the Alcalde's attention.

"Don Diego," the Alcalde calls

"Buenos Dias Alcalde. I was just coming to your office to pick up some documents for my father," Diego declares.

"Ah….Si, Don Diego I was just about to hire a carriage and ride out to your hacienda to deliver the documents to your father. Muy bien, you have saved me a trip. Mil gracias Don Diego give your father my best," the Alcalde says.

"I will Alcalde," Diego responds as he took the satchel with the documents inside.

Diego and Bernardo mounted their horses and rode out of the pueblo toward home. Three men hid behind a large tree, with thick branches forming a canopy over the side of the trail, observed Diego as he rode by. They followed him and Bernardo at a discreet distance. Diego's mind was occupied with thoughts of Celia and the forthcoming birth of his child as he rode down the trail. As they reached the stables Pedro was waiting and took Diego's and Bernardo's horses.

Bernardo gestured if Diego had been able to learn anymore about what he overheard at the tavern the day before. Also would Zorro be riding to night.

"I did not ascertain any information about the two strangers; however, the coach was robbed last night with the soldiers pay. Did you not overhear one of the men in the tavern mention that they were thieves. It very well could have been them who robbed the coach," Diego ponders.

Bernardo made the sign of the Z and gestured if Zorro was going to look into the matter.

"Si, but I am going to check on Celia first. Meet me in the alcove," Diego states.

Bernardo nodded in the affirmative. Diego entered the hacienda from the back and climbed the steps to his bedroom. He opened the door and saw Celia asleep on the bed. He walked quietly over to the bed and kissed her on the forehead. She murmured and turned over with her back to Diego. He smiled and then pushed the button to the alcove where Bernardo was waiting for him.

"I am going to ride out where the coach was robbed and see what I can find," El Zorro says.

Bernardo followed El Zorro to the secret cave and watched him mount Tornado. Bernardo gestured that he would wait for Zorro in the alcove.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo," El Zorro calls as he rode out of the secret cave.

The sun was going down but there was yet enough light for El Zorro to examine the area where the coach was robbed. He detected the hoof prints of the soldiers and the hoof prints of two other horses riding in the opposite direction. Zorro then concluded that he was correct in suspecting that the two guys Bernardo overheard in the tavern may have had something to do with the robbery.

Zorro sensed movement in the bushes behind him and turned just in time to see three men jump from the shadows. They pounced on El Zorro with swords drawn. The sound of metal hitting metal and the flash of blades reflected light like a mirror in the sun. Zorro made quick work of two of the men. The other man who had his face covered put Zorro to the test but El Zorro prevailed and the stranger's sword went flying into the bushes.

"Another time Senor. Adelante pronto," the man with his face covered called out.

With that they disappeared into the shadows. El Zorro whistled for Tornado ready to give full chase but as he mounted his horse he winched and grabbed his left side. His shirt felt wet and when he looked at his hand…..it was stained red. How did….El Zorro thought….. the fight was so fierce that he was not aware that he had been hurt. He struggled to mount Tornado and whispered in his ear "home mi caballo". With that Tornado took off like the wind and was in front of the entrance to the secret cave in what seemed like minutes. As Tornado cleared the bushes covering the cave Bernardo was coming down the steps to check for El Zorro. But when he saw Tornado with El Zorro draped over his saddle Bernardo ran to help his friend. El Zorro was conscious but Bernardo helped him down from his horse. Bernardo observed that Zorro's shirt was wet to the touch. Bernardo sat Zorro down on one of the stones surrounding the little spring running through the cave. He moistened his handkerchief from the spring in the cave and gave it to Zorro to put on his forehead. El Zorro told Bernardo that he was fine. He asked Bernardo to help him to one of the bedrooms so that he could fix the cut in his side. He did not want Celia to know about his injury. So Bernardo helped El Zorro to one of the extra bedrooms and got some medicine to take care of El Zorro's side. El Zorro changed into Diego's nightshirt and told Bernardo that he was going to rest for a while. Diego asked Bernardo to wake him up in about five hours. Bernardo took El Zorro's shirt to wash and placed the rest of his costume in the trunk in the alcove. After about three hours Diego awoke and tried to get out of bed but the piercing pain in his left side caused him to moan in agony. Just then the door opened and Bernardo walked in followed by Don Alejandro.

"I am glad to see that you are feeling better mi hijo," Don Alejandro says with a broad smile.

Bernardo had told Don Alejandro about Diego's injury. Bernardo looked at Diego and a wide grin covered his face.

"Muchas gracias Bernardo for your help. I guess I need to go to my own bed now," Diego says but is puzzled at the look on his father's face. Has something happened to Celia?"

"Diego, Celia and...your…..son…..and my grandson are fine," Don Alejandro laughs and hugged his son gently so not to cause him pain.

Bernardo grinned and gestured rocking a baby in one's arms.

"I have…..a…..son…..a…..son and Celia is well," Diego inquires with fear in his voice.

"Si, Diego. When Consuela finishes cleaning her up she will come and let you know," Don Alejandro remarks with chortling in his voice.

"Muchas gracias father. A...son…..son…..I have a son," Diego responds trying hard to fully comprehend what his father has just told him.

As the truth became apparent Diego fell back on the pillow rejoicing. Celia was safe…. and so was the baby…..he thought out loud. There was a knock on the door.

"Si," Diego answers.

"Senor de la Vega it is Consuela," she replies.

"Ah Consuela, come in" Diego says as he sat up in bed.

"Senora de la Vega requests your presence, Patron," Consuela states.

"Si, immediatamente. Muchas gracias," Diego answers.

Diego got up and winched in pain but held his left side and walked toward his and Celia's bedroom. His father saw him and offered to help.

"No father I want to do it on my own. Celia must not detect that anything is wrong," Diego responds.

"Muy bien, let me know of you need any help," Don Alejandro queries as he descended the steps humming one of his favorite songs.

Diego opened the door and saw Celia sitting up in bed. She looked up at him and smiled. He could not take his eyes from hers as he moved toward the bed. He saw the bundle that she held to her breast.

"Mi vida, she says softly and opens the blanket to reveal a baby with black curly hair and brown eyes.

"Mi amor…..mi amor, he is….. he is beautiful just like his mother," Diego exclaims with sheer happiness and delight.

"No mi vida, he is very handsome just like his father. Are you pleased mi vida?" Celia questions.

"Mi amor I am ecstatic. I love you so very much, you are my life," Diego whispers as he hugged Celia and kissed his son on the forehead.

Celia laid her head on Diego's shoulder and smiled. Diego thought: my world is perfect I could want for nothing else. Once again the vision of that figure all dressed in black invaded his thoughts.

"Did you just get back? I am sorry that you were not here for the birth," Celia inquires staring at her husband very affectionately.

"Si mi amor … please forgive me for my absence." Diego went to say but Celia just smiled.

"When I ask where you were they told me that you had not returned. There is nothing to forgive, you are here now mi vida," Celia states staring deeply into her husband's eyes.

"Mi amor….I love you Celia. But you need your rest and I will be right here if you need me. Have you decided what you would like to name our baby," Diego asks staring at his wife lovingly.

"Si if you do not mind I would like to name him after my father. My father's name was Antonio," Celia says as her eyes glisten with the tears that are starting to form.

"Muy bien mi amor….Antonio Ricardo de la Vega. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful son, I love you so much, so much" Diego whispers and kissed Celia passionately on her lips.

Celia looked at Diego lovingly, smiled and closed her eyes. Diego took little Antonio in his arms and sat down in the ornately carved rocking chair that Don Alejandro had given them for his new grandchild. Then Diego started to sing a lullaby that he wrote especially for his child.

Meanwhile in a vacant cabin high in the Sierras on a crag secluded by a dense wooded area three men converse.

"You fools we had him. He is only one man there were three of us," the Leader exclaims angrily at the two men across the mesa from him.

"Why are we fighting Zorro? I thought that we are here to take care of Diego de la Vega," the one called Cantu asks with a disgruntled look.

"Si," the other one called Venezuela says with a puzzled look.

"Do as you are told. When you took the gold you did not ask any questions," the Leader orders them.

"Si,…..but" the two men answered in unison but the look of animosity on the Leader's face froze the words in their mouths.

"Now listen and listen good. Cantu I want you to watch Diego de la Vega in the day and Venezuela you will relieve him at night. This will help us to plan a successful attack," the Leader declares.

"Si," Cantu replies.

"Si," Venezuela states.

"Bien, let's get some sleep we have a busy day tomorrow. Remember we must stay invisible so be cautious and alert," the Leader warns.

These three men had come to California on a mission: take care of Diego de la Vega. The instructions on precisely what to do and how to do it were written by the person who hired them. The three men were escaped prisoners who had been helped, so to speak, to obtain their freedom on the condition that they did as the Benefactor dictated. The Leader was the only one who knew the true identity of the Benefactor. Also the Leader was the only one who knew that Diego de la Vega was Zorro even the Benefactor did not have this knowledge. But the question remained who was this Benefactor and why did they want to kill Diego de la Vega? Diego was known to be honest, honorable, and someone who would not hurt a fly. What wrong could he have committed against someone that they felt the inclination for such violence against him?

Celia woke to the sound of singing it was Diego's voice. She turned over and watched with pure delight that brought tears to her eyes Diego rocking Antonio back and forth and singing in a low whisper. Diego felt the heat of her stare and turned to see his wife with a big grin on her face. He came over to the bed with Antonio who the minute he detected his mother's smell began to cry. Diego had a hurt look on his face. He did not understand why Antonio was crying, what had he done incorrect. Celia held out her hands and Diego reluctantly gave Antonio to his mother.

"Come sit beside me, mi vida," Celia says.

"Maybe I should not sit so close. I do not understand what I did," Diego pleads.

"Mi vida you did nothing inappropriate. He is just hungry," Celia remarks with a wide grin.

Diego sat on the bed with care and as Celia put Antonio to her breast he stopped crying.

"Mi amor, I want to be a good father, I do not….Diego goes to say but is cut off by Celia.

"Mi vida you are a good father because you are a good man. The man I love more than life itself," Celia coos.

"Mi amor, you are the very air that I breathe. I love you so much, so much," Diego admits and kissed Celia's open mouth hungrily.

Celia could see the fire and desire in her husband's eyes and knew that the longing and hunger she felt must not come to fruition, at least, until after certain period of time. So she begs off.

"Mi vida, we must wait, there is a certain waiting period," Celia remarks.

"Si, forgive me mi amor, my father has made me aware. I will wait for you as long as it is necessary," Diego replies with thoughts of carnal passion for the future.

"Diego," Celia coos as she kissed Diego's mouth with yearning thoughts of her own.

After Antonio finished feeding at his mother's breast he fell sound asleep.

"Would you put him in the cradle for me Diego," Celia asks.

"Your wish is my command mi amor," Diego answers as he took Antonio from his mother's arms and placed him in the cradle next to their bed.

Then Diego sat down next to Celia on the bed and hugged her in his arms tightly. Celia laid her head on Diego's chest and listened to the gentle beating of his heart.

The hour was growing late and Don Alejandro wanted to say good-night to his new grandson so he knocked on the bedroom door.

"Si," Diego says.

"It's me Diego, Don Alejandro answered.

"Come in father," Diego responded.

Don Alejandro came in and went directly over to the cradle and just stood there hypnotized by the sight of his new grandson.

"May I pick him up?" Don Alejandro asks looking at Celia.

"Si, of course Don Alejandro," Celia replies.

Don Alejandro reached into the cradle and took Antonio into his arms. He stared at his grandson with immeasurable love and adoration. Don Alejandro's eyes sparkle with tears of sincere happiness that he felt from holding his first grandchild. Diego and Celia both laughed and filled with pride watching Don Alejandro. Don Alejandro turned and his cheeks were red and a broad smile enveloped his face.

"Celia, Diego, he is beautiful, simply beautiful," Don Alejandro boasted with jubilation as he kissed Antonio on his forehead and placed him back in his cradle.

"Mil gracias Don Alejandro," Celia replies with a wide grin.

"Muchas gracias father," Diego says with a big smile.

"Well, Buenos noches to the both of you," Don Alejandro states.

"Buenos noches father," Diego says.

"Buenos noches, Don Alejandro," Celia replies.

Don Alejandro walked out and shut the door behind him. Diego and Celia heard him humming his favorite song as he strolled to his bedroom.

"I had better get ready for bed," Diego remarks.

"I can hardly wait," Celia coos.

Diego undressed in the alcove so as not to cause Celia any undue emotions. He pulled the lever and got into bed with Celia. Diego leaned over and checked Antonio then cuddled up to Celia and closed his eyes. Celia lays in the safety of her husband's arms and closed her eyes.

Five weeks have passed and Diego had become the perfect father as observed by Don Alejandro. He perceived that he had done a good job by informing Diego about fatherhood and the sacrifices to be made for the protection of his family. For the first three weeks after giving birth Celia was confined to bed so Diego was very vigilant in making sure that Celia's every wish was granted. He only gave in to Consuela when Celia's womanly needs required attention. He would wake up every time Antonio cried at night and give him to Celia to suckle. Due to his late nights with Antonio the pursuits of El Zorro and the tasks of protecting the people were put on hold. Diego came to understand the importance of putting family first; however, he was also consumed with solving the mystery of the robberies and attacks on his person. He was sure that they were connected and as long as this danger existed he felt that his family's safety was in jeopardy. The only time that Diego was able to catch a nap was in the morning which seemed to be the only time Antonio slept soundly. Don Alejandro asked Consuela to take over the duties for Diego in the mornings so that he could sleep undisturbed. Celia suggested, ignoring Diego's protest, that he sleep in one of the extra bedrooms so that he could nap without being disturbed.

Due to Celia's needs Diego had postponed his trip to Monterrey. But now el doctor said that Celia no longer had to stay in bed but still needed to take it easy. Diego was thrilled that now his wife was going to be alright remembering the horror of the dream he had. After hearing this news Don Alejandro asked to speak with his son. Diego went down to the library where he father was waiting for him.

"Si father you wanted to speak with me?" Diego asks with a serious face sitting down across the mesa from his father.

"Diego now that we know that Celia will be alright I wanted to talk to you about the business in Monterrey," Don Alejandro answers.

"I still feel that maybe I should wait a few more weeks to make sure…" Diego went to say but was interrupted by his father.

"Diego the business in Monterrey cannot wait any longer and Consuela and I will make sure that Celia is well taken care of," Don Alejandro states somewhat agitated.

"Very well father, I just want to make sure that I am the best father and husband. All of this is new to me and I am trying to do my very best," Diego declares.

"Diego my son I could not want you to be a better father or husband. I am very proud of you mi hijo," Don Alejandro admits bursting with satisfaction as he looked at his son.

"Muchas gracias father. I will prepare to leave in the morning. I will go and tell Bernardo so that he can make ready for our departure," Diego says with misty eyes.

"Muy bien mi hijo. I will get all of the documents together and leave them on the desk here in the library. Do not worry my son Consuela and I will take very good care of Celia and my grandchild," Don Alejandro declares patting Diego on the back.

"I know father but I am concerned," Diego says with apprehension in his voice.

"I was the same way when you were born. Your mother had a very hard time and was sick for some time after. You would not be a good father or husband if you were not anxious," Don Alejandro confesses.

"Is that why you and mother never had any more children?" Diego questions.

"One of the reasons," Don Alejandro replies the tone of his voice signaling that he did not want to discuss the subject further.

"Buenos noches father," Diego says curious why his father did not like to talk about his mother that much.

"Buenos noches, mi hijo," Don Alejandro replies as he poured another glass of wine.

Diego talked with Bernardo about what was needed for their trip. He made sure that Pedro saddled and equipped their horses accordingly for the trip. Diego climbed the stairs to his and Celia's bedroom. Diego knew that Celia would not be happy that he was leaving but he had an obligation to his father. He opened the door and saw Celia picking Antonio up from his cradle. He ran over.

"Celia I will do that. The doctor said no heavy lifting," Diego exclaims and gently removed Antonio from Celia's arms.

"Diego, Antonio is not heavy lifting mi vida. He is just a baby," Celia responds as she followed Diego to the bed.

"Here mi amor," Diego says as he helped Celia in the bed and gave her Antonio to suckle.

"Muchas gracias mi vida," Celia replies as she put Antonio to her breast.

"Celia I have something to tell you," Diego remarks with his back to his wife.

"What is it mi vida," Celia answers as she looked up and marveled what was wrong that her husband had his back to her.

Diego came over and sat down on the bed and stared at Celia very lovingly.

"I love you mi amor with all of my heart and I want you to know that I thank you so much for the beautiful son that you have given me. There is no man on this earth that is happier or more in love with his wife," Diego whispers.

"Mi vida as I am in love with you and I want to thank you for giving me such a wonderful gift as our son," Celia coos with a wide grin.

"Mi amor," Diego kissed Celia ever so passionately on her mouth.

Diego took his wife's hands in his.

"Mi amor I am leaving for Monterrey in the morning to take care of that business for my father. I will hurry back as soon as I can. I do not want to spend one minute away from you or Antonio unless I must," Diego whispers and kissed Celia's hands.

Celia knew her reaction to this news meant whether her husband would leave with a heavy heart or feel that he had her blessing.

"Mi vida I know that you have to do this for your father. He was so kind to let you postpone your trip to be with me and Antonio. I wish you all the best and my arms will eagerly wait for your return," Celia coos.

"Mi amor I love you so much. You are the woman of my dreams." Diego whispers and took Celia in his arms and hugged her very ardently.

Celia looked at Diego and remembered the first time they met. She could only dream that he would be hers and they would end up in love. She felt that she was the luckiest and happiest woman in the world. Diego read and understood the love and fervor in Celia's eyes. He thought I never even imagine finding a woman like her and now I have everything I longed for and she is my life and reason for living.

"You should get dressed for bed. You have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow," Celia says with a smile.

"Si mi amor," Diego replies and smiled at Celia.

Diego got dressed in the alcove and then got in bed beside Celia. He thought how he would miss lying next to his wife at night and feeling her warm body next to his. Celia laid her head on Diego's chest and fell asleep.

PART TWO

TRIP TO MONTERREY:

Morning came all too soon for Diego, it seemed like it had only been minutes since he had went to bed. Bernardo knocked on the door to alert Diego that it was time to leave. Diego got up from the bed and looked out the window, the sun was just rising behind the hills. Antonio had been good to his father and only woke up once in the night but now was making up for the quiet night. Diego gave him to Celia to suckle. She smiled at Diego. Diego dressed in the alcove and packed his saddle bags for a five day trip and handed them out the door to Bernardo.

"I will hurry back to you and Antonio. While I am gone I will hold both of you in my heart," Diego says as he kissed Celia, his son, and touched the left side of his chest.

"I will impatiently wait for your return my husband," Celia whispers and pulled Diego's mouth down to hers once more very passionately.

Diego descended the steps to the patio where his father and Bernardo were waiting for him.

"Diego have a safe trip mi hijo," Don Alejandro says thinking about all the wonderful alone time he was going to enjoy with his new grandson.

"Muchas gracias, father. I am sorry that you must spend most of your time with Antonio now that I will not be here," Diego says with a wide grin.

"Si I want you to hurry back so that I will not have to use so much of my time with Antonio," Don Alejandro replies with a laugh.

Diego glanced at his father and laughed as he mounted Mysterio. He waved good-bye to his father then he and Bernardo rode away. Neither Diego nor Bernardo was aware of three armed riders following them at a reserved distance shadowed by the trees lining the trail.

Diego and Bernardo rode all day and all night except stopping for a bottle of wine at a Posada in San Miguel. They reached Monterrey just as the sun was rising behind the Sierra de Salinas. They rode up to the Posada de Monterrey and tied their horses. Diego and Bernardo walked into the Inn and Diego inquired about a room. The innkeeper showed Diego to a room and said that he would bring towels and a pitcher of water for Diego to clean up after his long trip. After the innkeeper brought the towels and the pitcher of water he told Diego that Bernardo's room was ready behind the stable. Then the innkeeper left and closed the door.

"I am really tired. I think that I will take a short nap. Wake me up in three hours and then we will go directly to the Gobernador's Office to get these documents signed," Diego states to Bernardo.

Bernardo gestured that he too would like to rest and would wake Diego in three hours.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo," Diego says.

Bernardo went to the little room behind the stable that consisted of a cot, table, five candles, and a chair. He laid down on the cot and relaxed. Diego looked at the bed and longed to have Celia there to lie next too. He missed her so much. This was the first time they had been apart since they met. He hoped that he could get the business for his father taken care of and be back home by late tomorrow. Tired out from the long trip Diego fell asleep the minute his head hit the pillow. Diego awoke to Bernardo tapping him on the shoulder.

"What….Cel…..Bernardo what time is it?" Diego asked wiping his eyes in an effort to see clearer.

Bernardo gestured that it was 10:00am inquired if Diego wanted to get something to eat before they went to the Gobernador's Office.

"Si mi amigo, we will get breakfast. Always conduct business on a full stomach, no," Diego states with a smile.

Bernardo nodded with a smile. Bernardo did not fully understand what this business was all about but he figured it was a matter between Diego and his father. But Diego himself was at a lost for the reason behind his father's choice. He knew that the de la Vega hacienda was considered to be his as well as his father's. But now Don Alejandro had decided to allot him and Celia 1000 acres and build a hacienda on that land for them. In order to do this, documents had to be approved and signed by the Gobernador. Diego put on his clothes, grabbed the satchel, and he and Bernardo headed downstairs to have breakfast.

Diego was busy looking over the documents that his father gave him while eating his breakfast. Bernardo finished his breakfast and gestured to Diego that he was going outside to wait for him. Diego nodded. Bernardo got up and was walking toward the door when he noticed the couple who entered tavern. He turned to try to alert Diego but did not have time to before:

"Diego de la Vega, I cannot believe it is you," the woman says with a gleeful voice.

Diego looked up from the documents and was surprised to see AnnaMaria and even more so Ricardo del Amo standing before him.

"AnnaMaria, Buenos Dias," Diego remarks and gets up to offer her a chair.

"Well Diego are you going to offer me one also," Ricardo smirks with displeasure.

Diego was the last person that he wanted to see. From AnnaMaria's reaction he just wished that he could replay this scenario where they kept riding and not stop at the tavern at all.

"Why of course Ricardo mi amigo have a seat. I was just finishing my breakfast," Diego comments stuffing the documents into the satchel.

"What are you doing in Monterrey," AnnaMaria says not able to take her eyes from Diego.

"I am here on business for my father," Diego replies.

"AnnaMaria and her father just returned from Spain last month," Ricardo injected trying to draw her attention to him.

"Ahhhhh, so your father is back also. My father told me that he had planned to stay in Spain for a while," Diego states.

"Si, but because of the war everything is in such disarray and there is destruction everywhere so he decided to return with me. I have to say that I missed California and the trip to Spain was not at all like I imagined. Now I am glad that I have returned," AnnaMaria declares glancing at Diego with delight.

Ricardo was staring at Diego and observed that his behavior appeared to be different toward AnnaMaria than what Ricardo was used to. Then with the sun in the right position shining through the window Ricardo saw the reason why. A broad smile covered his face and he almost laughed out loud.

"Diego mi amigo, I have never known you to be one to wear jewelry but I must say that is most eye catching. It looks just like a wedding ring," Ricardo retorts with joviality.

AnnaMaria stopped in mid-sentence and stared at Diego's left hand and then at Diego with shock and absolute astonishment. Ricardo was very satisfied with himself to be able to put Diego in this position with AnnaMaria. He only wished he could destroy Zorro as well. Ricardo's only regret was the anguish he saw in AnnaMaria's eyes. Ricardo secretly knew but would not admit to anyone that when it came to AnnaMaria's affections El Zorro was first, then Diego, and him as a poor third. But he hoped to change that now that Diego was no longer competing for AnnaMaria.

"Si, I am married," Diego responded with a smile but glared at Ricardo.

"Well….I….what can I say," AnnaMaria exclaims trying to sound happy.

"What can you say…..congratulations of course. Who is the lucky lady? Anyone I or we know?" Ricardo questions realizing with this revelation he only had one adversary to conquer.

"No," Diego replies getting tired of Ricardo's game and not enjoying how it is affecting AnnaMaria who he still considers a friend. A friend that he would never want to hurt if she were to find out he would not choose to do it this way.

"Diego, where is the lovely Senora de la Vega, is she not here with you," Ricardo asks sticking the dagger in deeper.

"AnnaMaria I am sorry but I must get to the Gobernador's Office to get some documents signed for my father. I am happy to see you and would you give my best regards to your father," Diego states standing up and goes to help AnnaMaria with her chair but Ricardo grabs it instead.

"Well Diego why don't you give them to him yourself. AnnaMaria why don't you invite Diego to have dinner at your hacienda tonight," Ricardo says with a charming voice.

"Si…..why yes….certainly," AnnaMaria remarks getting a better understanding of what had just happen.

"Oh and surely you will bring the Senora so that we all may meet her," Ricardo comments with disdain.

"My wife did not accompany me but I will accept the invitation to supper," Diego replies looking at AnnaMaria.

"Very well then, should we continue our ride AnnaMaria," Ricardo responds with a broad grin.

"Si…..then we will see you at eight tonight Diego," AnnaMaria comments glancing down at the floor.

"Adios mi amigo, see you at eight," Ricardo asserts with a grin.

Diego followed them outside and watched AnnaMaria and Ricardo mount their horses and ride away. Bernardo came up to Diego and gestured that he found out that the Gobernador was in the Islands and would not return until tomorrow. Diego looked at Bernardo and said that this trip so far was going all downhill. Diego decided to walk around Monterrey to try to clear his head especially for the night to come. Bernardo gestured if he wanted him to join him and he said no so Bernardo went to Diego's room to ready his clothes for that evening at the Verdugo's.

Diego came back just three hours before he was to be at the Verdugo's for supper. He thanked Bernardo for making ready his clothes for the evening. He dressed and told Bernardo not to wait up for him. Diego went outside mounted Mysterio and rode for the Verdugo hacienda. As Diego rode out of town he was being followed by three armed men. They took a short cut aiming to ambush Diego just as he came to a sharp turn in the trail at a high crag with a 20 feet drop. Diego was unarmed as it would not be fitting for Diego de la Vega the scholar and pacifist to carry any kind of weapon. As Diego rode around the turn three men attacked him from the bushes. Diego was able to defeat two of the men with a cudgel that he found lying on the ground but the third one, the Leader hit him on the head with a rock and tried to run him through with his sword. Diego's quick reflexes did not fail him he disarmed the Leader, hit him over the head with the hilt of his own sword and broke the sword in two. Diego felt himself beginning to lose consciousness so he struggled to Mysterio mounted him with great difficulty and headed for the Verdugo hacienda. He knew that he was too far from town and he definitely did not like the fact of showing up at the Verdugo's in this condition but he had no other alternative.

As Diego rode up to the Verdugo hacienda AnnaMaria and Ricardo were coming back from a stroll. AnnaMaria noticed Diego first she let out a scream that echoed even into the Sala where Senor Verdugo was sitting waiting for his daughter and his guest for supper. Alarmed by his daughter's piercing cry he and the servants ran out the gate and saw Diego unconscious in his daughter's arms.

"What has happened?" Senor Verdugo questions anxiously worried about the son of his old friend Don Alejandro.

"I do not know father. We were coming back from our walk and I saw Diego's horse with him slumped over the saddle riding toward us," AnnaMaria says close to tears.

"Ricardo you ride for el doctor. Joaquin help me to carry him into the hacienda up to one of the extra bedrooms," Senor Verdugo asserts with concern in his voice.

"Si, Senor Verdugo," Ricardo says as he mounted his horse and rode swiftly for Monterrey.

Senor Verdugo and Joaquin carried an unconscious Diego up to one of the bedrooms. Senor Verdugo instructed AnnaMaria to get a bowl of cool water. Then he and Joaquin took off Diego's jacket, boots, and his corbata. Thirty minutes later the door opened and in stepped el doctor, Ricardo, and Bernardo. El doctor was in the tavern having a late supper when Ricardo came in and told him he was needed at the Verdugo hacienda. When he saw Bernardo he wrote on a piece of paper about Diego so Bernardo insisted on coming along with them. El doctor ushered everyone out to give him space to work but Bernardo would not leave. Seeing Diego laying there unconscious, bruised and bloodied he would not budge so el doctor allowed him to stay. AnnaMaria was beside herself with worry and Ricardo, while he was troubled about what had happened to his friend, he was jealous of AnnaMaria's behavior. El doctor was with Diego for about 45 minutes while everyone else was in the Sala hoping for the best. When el doctor came into the Sala AnnaMaria was the first to ask.

"Will he be alright….please tell me that he will be," AnnaMaria pleads closing her eyes as if making a private wish.

"Si, with a few days rest he should be alright. However you must give him two spoons of this twice a day for the next three days," el doctor explains.

"I will give it to him," AnnaMaria volunteered taking the medicine from el doctor.

"Bien, I will be out to check on him tomorrow just in case," el doctor remarks.

"Muchas gracias," Senor Verdugo responds handing el doctor some gold coins.

"Oh no need, his servant has already paid me," el doctor declares.

"Is he conscious," AnnaMaria asks.

"He is asleep he needs the rest. I will say Buenos noches," el doctor comments and takes his leave.

"I need to be going I will see if Bernardo wants to ride into town with me," Ricardo asks as he ascends the steps to the extra bedroom where Diego was.

Ricardo took a piece of paper out of his pocket and wrote Bernardo a note. After Bernardo read the note he nodded in the negative and gestured as best he could that he was going to stay with Diego. Ricardo wrote that he would be back tomorrow to check on Diego. Bernardo nodded yes. Ricardo looked over at the bed and for a minute regretted his antagonistic feelings toward Diego regarding AnnaMaria. He then closed the bedroom door. Ricardo walked out the gate, mounted his horse and rode away.

As the sun permeated the bedroom with it radiance Bernardo awoke from his slumber on a large chair with a stool in the bedroom with Diego. He heard the sound of moaning and walked over to the bed where Diego laid. He touched Diego lightly on his arm. Diego turned over and opened his eyes.

"Where am I…..Bernardo…..what…what happened?" Diego questions.

But before Bernardo could answer there was a knock on the door. Bernardo knew if he answered he would not be able to account for how he did it. But Diego was able to help.

"Si," Diego replies still drowsy and not seeing clearly.

"It is AnnaMaria, may I come in?" AnnaMaria asks

Diego told Bernardo to open the door. Bernardo went over and opened the door for the senorita.

"Oh, Bernardo I did not….I am sorry I forgot that you cannot hear, she says and walked over to the bed where Diego laid.

"AnnaMaria…..what are…..you….doing…..I," Diego slurring his words still not in full command of his speech.

"Diego you are at our hacienda and this is one of our extra bedrooms. You do not remember what happened last night," AnnaMaria queries with concern.

"In…your….hacienda….happened last night," Diego looks bewildered at Bernardo.

"Diego you were attacked on your way here and rendered unconscious so we had el doctor to attend to you," AnnaMaria explains with glistening eyes.

Diego sat up in bed trying to understand and put together in his confused mind what really had occurred last night. AnnaMaria uncovered the tray she had brought for Diego. It was breakfast and his medicine.

"Your servant can get some breakfast downstairs, oh, how do I make him understand," AnnaMaria says with frustration.

Just then there was a knock on the door:

"Come in," AnnaMaria says.

It was their servant Joaquin.

"Senorita there is a gentleman, a Senor del Amo waiting downstairs to see you," Joaquin says.

"I forgot…..we are supposed to go into Monterrey together today. Tell him to wait and also would you give Bernardo Senor de la Vega's servant some breakfast. I must tell you he neither hears nor speaks," AnnaMaria remarks.

"Bien Senorita," Joaquin replies and gestured for Bernardo to follow him.

But not until Diego signaled the very same thing to him does Bernardo pretend to understand and followed Joaquin.

"Now we are alone. How are you feeling," AnnaMaria asks and starts to feed Diego his breakfast.

"Better muchas gracias, but I think I can feed myself," Diego says with a smile.

"What kind of woman is she?" AnnaMaria questions staring at Diego.

"She?" Diego questions with a puzzled look.

"Your wife. What is her name?" AnnaMaria questions.

"Why do you ask?" Diego inquires.

"Do you love her?" AnnaMaria implores still staring at Diego.

"AnnaMaria I do not think…..," Diego says not really in the mood to discuss the subject.

"Why did you not wait," AnnaMaria queries.

"Wait….wait for what?" Diego answers.

"Wait for me," AnnaMaria responds.

"If I remember correctly you are in love with Zorro. The last time we spoke you said that I was like a brother and nothing more. To me that meant that I should go on with my life. Then you moved to Spain," Diego replies.

"I had a lot of time to think while I was in Spain with the war there was not much to do but sit and think. I thought about you continuously while I was in Spain. It amazed me how much I thought of you and missed you. Then I realized that what I felt for Zorro was not real only an idea, a fantasy. He could never settle down, fall in love, I perceived that when he did not accept the Gobernador's amnesty. But you Diego I recognized that I could have what I wanted and be very happy," AnnaMaria says holding back tears.

"So if you could not have Zorro then you would settle for me? AnnaMaria I am your good friend and will always be. I think that you really know that. You asked if I love my wife…yes I do very much. The reason she did not come with me is because we have a son, 10 weeks old, his name is Antonio. I am very happy AnnaMaria and I know that one day you will find someone that will love you and make you happy too. But I want you to know that I will always be your friend no matter what," Diego says with compassion.

"Muchas gracias. Diego I want you to know that by choosing you I was not settling for less. All those times I do not know why I did not see it. When Zorro told me that all I had to do was look about me, I should have understood fully what he was trying to tell me, now I do. She is a very lucky woman," AnnaMaria admits and by the tone of her voice Annamaria revealed something that Diego was unwilling to divulge or dispute.

"I am a very lucky man. Someday you will meet your lucky man," Diego comments with a smile.

"If I do I hope that he will be a good and honorable man like you," AnnaMaria remarks.

"Muchas gracias for all of the kindness you have showed me regarding what transpired last night," Diego answers.

"You are very welcome. Are you going to report it?" AnnaMaria inquires.

"Si, as soon as I get home I am going to report it to Sergeant Garcia," Diego says.

"Will you be in Monterrey much longer?" AnnaMaria inquires.

"No, after I complete the business for my father today I will leave for home," Diego answers.

"Muy bien, I will tell my father he wanted to speak with you," AnnaMaria replies and takes her leave.

After AnnaMaria left, Diego struggled out of bed still feeling the effects of the blow on the head from last night. But he knew that he must get into town, get the documents approved by the Gobernador and get back home to Celia and Antonio. The door opened and Bernardo walked in happy to see that Diego was out of bed, dressed, and ready to get back to Monterrey.

"Bernardo I have to speak with Senor Verdugo wait for me by the horses," Diego remarks handing Bernardo the medicine that AnnaMaria gave him.

Diego descended the steps trying to walk as though he was completely recovered but his head throbbed with pain. He walked into the Sala where Senor Verdugo waited for him.

"Diego, I did not think that you would be up this soon but I am glad to see that you are feeling better," Senor Verdugo declares.

"Mil gracias for your kindness last night Senor Verdugo," Diego states.

"You are most welcome Diego. Oh, AnnaMaria tells me that congratulations are in order and also that you are a father. I had always hoped that you and AnnaMaria," Senor Verdugo comments with a smile and a hint of regret in his voice.

"Muchas gracias, Senor Verdugo. I will give my father your best," Diego says impatient to leave because of the pain in his head.

Senor Verdugo had a perplexed look on his face but just then Ricardo and AnnaMaria came in from the library. Ricardo was holding a book in his hand. Senor Verdugo looks in their direction with other than contentment on his face.

"Have a safe journey home" AnnaMaria comments glancing steadily at Diego.

"Si, but remember what I said," Diego remarks and kissed AnnaMaria's hand.

Ricardo looked at AnnaMaria and then at Diego with contempt thinking that even with Diego's marriage he still had influence over her.

"Muchas gracias, I will Diego," AnnaMaria replies with a smile.

"Adios to you Ricardo," Diego comments.

"Adios to you too and give your wife my regards," Ricardo answers resentfully envious.

"Adios Senor Verdugo," Diego says.

"Adios and vaya con dios," Senor Verdugo states.

Diego walked out of the Sala, waved good-bye and mounted his horse and he and Bernardo rode fast in the direction of Monterrey.

When Diego and Bernardo reached Monterrey Diego guided his horse toward the Gobernador's Office. Bernardo gestured that maybe Diego should get some rest but Diego expounded that he wanted to get the business completed first. Then he could return to Los Angeles so that Zorro could investigate the attack on Diego. So he and Bernardo visited the Gobernador's Office got his approval and signature. Then Diego went to the Inn and took a short nap after taking the medicine that el doctor left with AnnaMaria. After Diego got up from his nap he and Bernardo packed for the trip home. Diego went downstairs and paid his bill to the innkeeper. Bernardo loaded their saddlebags on their horses and then they were off.

Diego and Bernardo were just 10 miles outside of Monterrey when they were overtaken by a Sergeant Gonzalez and eight lancers.

"Buenos Dias senores," Sergeant Gonzalez greets Diego and Bernardo.

"Buenos Dias Sergeant," Diego returns Sergeant Gonzalez's greeting.

"Are you on your way to Los Angeles?" the Sergeant asks.

"Si, we are Sergeant," Diego answers.

"Do you care if we ride along with you," Sergeant Gonzalez inquires.

"Si, Sergeant but we plan to ride fast and hard," Diego replies.

"Would not have it any other way," Sergeant Gonzalez responds motioning to his men.

Diego, Bernardo, Sergeant Gonzalez and his men rode until they came to the Posada in San Miguel, the same one that Diego and Bernardo stopped at on their trip to Monterrey before. They made one more stop before reaching Los Angeles to rest the lancer's horses. They all arrived in Los Angeles just as the sun was going down behind the Sierra Madre.

"It was a pleasure riding with you Senor de la Vega," Sergeant Gonzalez says.

"Muchas gracias. May I ask Sergeant what business brings you to our little pueblo?" Diego inquires.

"There have been numerous robberies in Monterrey and we understand that the same thing has been happening here in Los Angeles. So we want to see if we can consult with the Commandante here to get an idea on how to proceed with stopping these crimes," Sergeant Gonzalez declares.

"Sergeant I wish you well in your endeavors," Diego replies.

"Too bad we don't have a way to contact Zorro for help. I have heard that he has done a lot of good here in Los Angeles," the Sergeant comments.

"Sergeant I am surprised that you would expect a bandit such as Zorro to help," Diego remarks finding it hard to keep his face emotionless pertaining to the Sergeant's startling assertion.

"I am a very sensible and rational man who believes that good works is its own reward. Zorro in my opinion has done a lot for the people of Los Angeles, however, too bad the powers that be are not as prudent. Well I must report to Commandante Rodriguez, adios Senor," Sergeant Gonzalez comments.

"Buenos noches Sergeant Gonzalez," Diego replies glancing at the Sergeant and thinking you will have Zorro's help.

Back Home:

Diego and Bernardo rode out of the pueblo headed into the hills toward home. Bernardo had been quiet during the whole trip. Diego understood this because they were not alone but now he could not explain Bernardo's silence so he inquired.

"Mi amigo is there something wrong. I know why you were quiet during the ride from Monterrey," Diego asks.

Bernardo looked at Diego with a disappointed look. Diego was not sure what was going on in Bernardo's mind. But he and Bernardo had been friends to long for him not to be concerned about what his friend was thinking. Bernardo gestured about him and AnnaMaria, now that she had once again come into his life where do things go from here.

"Bernardo I love Celia more than life itself. I realized after I met Celia that AnnaMaria and I could never be anything but friends. AnnaMaria is in love with Zorro not necessarily the person but the idea. Yes, I once cared very deeply for AnnaMaria but now I know that it was not really love but with Celia I understand what true love actually is. So to answer your question nothing is going to change ever," Diego says with a big grin.

Bernardo gestured are you going to tell Celia about meeting AnnaMaria and who she is. I honestly like Celia.

"Si mi amigo I am. I am going to tell her everything. Does that appease you?" Diego states looking at Bernardo.

Bernardo nodded in the affirmative with a big smile.

"We're home, I am going upstairs and kiss my wife and tell her how much I missed her," Diego tells Bernardo.

Bernardo gestured that he would take the horses to the stable and then check on Tornado.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo, Diego replies.

Diego ran up the steps taking two at a time. He opened the bedroom door and found it empty. His heart fell to his feet. Nervous beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. He thought no,….no, where is my wife, my son. He ran down the steps into the Sala his heart beating out of his chest. And there in the Sala…..sat Celia holding little Antonio.

"Mi vida, you are home," Celia screams and ran into Diego's arms.

"Mi amor the love of my life," Diego whispers and hugged Celia tightly in his arms and kissed Antonio on the head.

Don Alejandro walked into the Sala from the library.

"From Celia's scream I assumed that you had come home. Welcome home my son. Was the trip successful?" Don Alejandro asked.

"Si father, I have the signed documents in my saddle bags. I will get them for you….," Diego went to say but Don Alejandro interrupted him.

"I can wait until tomorrow when you had time to rest and we can talk," Don Alejandro replies.

"Muchas gracias father," Diego responds.

"Let's go upstairs mi vida so that you can rest," Celia looks at Diego in a sensually inviting way.

Diego looked at Celia and a fire started to burn white hot in his loins.

"Si, let's go upstairs," Diego stares at Celia.

Diego took Antonio and Celia held onto her husband's arm. He opened the door and put Antonio who was asleep in his cradle. Diego pulled Celia to him and kissed her long and passionately. How good it felt to have Celia in his arms and enjoy the taste of her sweet and delicious lips. Celia caressed her husband's face and stared deeply into his eyes.

"I have missed you so much mi vida," Celia coos.

"And I have missed you, mi amor," Diego whispers.

Celia grasped Diego's hand and led him to the bed. She undressed him starting with his jacket, his corbata, shirt, and banda.

"Mi amor, are you sure? I don't want to hurt you I can wait," Diego says trying hard to control his carnal desire.

"I am fine mi vida and I can't wait, Celia coos.

Diego finished undressing himself. Then he picked Celia up and put her on the bed. Diego hugged her tightly and kissed her lips hungrily. She opened his mouth with her tongue and stroked his tongue with hers. She kissed and nibbled Diego on the ear. Then she moved down to his chest and sucked each one of his nipples causing him to moan in sheer rapture. Then she lets her tongue travel down to his stomach and then to his genital area causing his whole body to shake violently. He sucked in his breath and let out a soft yell. He rolled Celia over unto her back then kissed her from her mouth, neck, and then curled his tongue around each one of her nipples. Then he proceeded to kiss her stomach and then to her genital area causing her to moan and call out Diego's name. She drew Diego on top of her and then he entered her making direct and strong thrusts trapped in Celia's lake of fire. Diego was overpowered with strong lustful desire because of the ecstasy that he is experiencing. He closed his eyes as he felt Celia's insides gripped his bulge as her body quaked with her orgasm exploding from her body. Diego released the red hot liquid that had his bulge throbbing and pulsating with ardor. Then he and Celia lie in each other's arms completely spent and enjoying the sexual after glow.

"How was your trip mi vida," Celia asks eagerly.

Diego thought about what he told Bernardo and knew that he had to tell Celia because they vowed to always tell each other the truth no matter what. He was very sure of Celia's love as he knew that she was very sure of his. So now here is the first test of that vow that they took. Diego gets out of bed with the excuse to check on Antonio. He can feel his wife's admiring glimpse of his nakedness. Since he met Celia happiness had a new name for him and now with Antonio everything in his life was complete. He got back in bed with Celia and kissed her hungrily.

"Celia to begin I had a nice trip and was able to get the business done for my father rather quickly, Diego says with hesitation in his voice.

"What is it mi vida? Is something wrong, are you alright," Celia inquired with worry in her voice.

Diego did not want to tell Celia about his attack and fight with the three men for fear this would cause her undue distress. He thought that telling her about AnnaMaria was just as important.

"Celia you know that there have been other women in my life but none that could ever compare with you or my love for you. I am telling you this because I saw one of them while I was in Monterrey. Her name is AnnaMaria Verdugo. We originally met when I went to Monterrey to see her father Senor Vencedor Verdugo an old friend of my father. He had an idea for all the Dons to bring him money and he was going to Spain to secure supplies," Diego continued to say as Celia listened intently.

"Mi vida you need not confess to me. I love and trust you Diego. Are you and this woman still friends?" Celia asks.

"Si," Diego answered.

Celia pushed Diego back into the pillows and lay on his chest. Diego encircled her with his arms and drew the covers around them.

"I love you so much mi amor," Diego whispers and kissed Celia on the mouth.

"I love you too mi vida," Celia coos and snuggled closer to her husband.

Diego relaxed with a big smile enjoying the warmth of his wife's body next to his.

The next morning Diego woke to Antonio's crying. He got out of bed and picked him up from his cradle and tried to quiet him so he would not wake Celia. Celia opened her eyes and smiled at Diego holding Antonio rocking him back and forth and softy singing to him. Celia touched Diego's arm.

"He's hungry mi vida I will take him," Celia says smiling at her husband.

Diego gave Antonio to Celia and she put him to her breast and he immediately stopped crying. Diego got back in bed with Celia and Antonio. After Antonio suckled at his mother's breast he fell sound asleep. Diego put Antonio back in his cradle. Then Diego hugged Celia and sat up in bed so that Celia could rest in his arms. He had not taken any of the medicine el doctor had given him and now his headache had returned. Diego did not want to take the medicine in front of Celia because he did not want her to know about what had happened to him in Monterrey.

"Celia I am going to go downstairs and have Bernardo bring breakfast for us," Diego remarks.

"Si, mi vida," Celia replies.

Diego put on his robe and went downstairs to find Bernardo. His real intention was to get the medicine that el doctor gave him. Bernardo was serving breakfast to Don Alejandro and was entering the kitchen when Diego beckoned to him. Bernardo followed Diego into the pantry.

"Bernardo, I need the medicine that I gave you to keep for me," Diego asks.

Bernardo gestured that he had hid it in his saddlebag in his room and told Diego that he would go and get it for him. It took only minutes for Bernardo to retrieve the medicine for Diego.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo. Would you bring some breakfast upstairs for me and Celia. I know that the medicine will make me sleep so I will tell Celia that I want to stay in bed and rest a little more from my trip, Diego questioned.

Bernardo nodded and gestured that maybe Diego should see el doctor in the pueblo to make sure that he was alright.

"No, mi amigo nothing like that could be kept secret in this pueblo but thank you for your concern, Diego responded and patted Bernardo on his back.

Before Diego went back upstairs to Celia he took a spoon of the medicine as instructed by el doctor because the pain of the headache was affecting his eyesight as well. He gave the medicine back to Bernardo. Bernardo put it in his pocket. Diego held unto the stone rail as he ascended the stairs to his and Celia's bedroom. He opened the door and saw Celia putting Antonio back in his cradle. He did not try to take Antonio from Celia because he was afraid that he might drop him. He got back in bed and told Celia that Bernardo was bringing their breakfast. But try as he might the medicine was so strong he found himself falling asleep and powerless to stop it. Celia was surprised when she looked up from the cradle and saw her husband sound asleep. But she just assumed that he was still exhausted from his trip since he was not able to get much sleep last night. When Bernardo brought their breakfast he saw that Diego was asleep but made no mention that he had noticed. Bernardo knew why Diego was asleep so he need not be concerned. Celia told Bernardo to leave Diego's breakfast in case he awoke and wanted to eat. Bernardo nodded. Diego slept well into the evening and Celia stayed there in the bedroom with him sewing clothes for Antonio.

Don Alejandro came home and walked into the Sala. He asked Consuela to bring him a tray with a bottle of wine. Bernardo came into the Sala just as Consuela was leaving. Don Alejandro motioned Bernardo over to where he was. He asked Bernardo where Diego was. Bernardo gestured that he was in his bedroom asleep. Don Alejandro seemed troubled that Diego had been sleeping for most of the day. He asked Bernardo to wake his son and tell him that he wanted to speak with him. Bernardo nodded and hoped that the effects of the medicine had worn off. As Bernardo made his way from the Sala toward the steps the gate opened and in stepped Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Gonzalez who he recognized from the trip home. Sergeant Garcia tried to make Bernardo understand that he wanted to see Don Diego. But Bernardo pretended not to comprehend what the Sergeant needed. He gestured for Sergeant Garcia to follow him into the Sala with Sergeant Gonzalez in tow. As they walked into the Sala Don Alejandro greeted Sergeant Garcia. Sergeant Garcia introduced Sergeant Gonzalez and explained that Sergeant Gonzalez wanted to speak with Don Diego. When Don Alejandro asked the reason why, Sergeant Gonzalez elucidated on what had happen to Don Diego on his way to the Verdugo's and needed to know if Don Diego had anything to add to what the Verdugo's had to say about the incident. Don Alejandro was disturbed that his son kept something so important from him. He could perceive his reason for not letting Celia know but something this crucial and life threatening to not let him know. Don Alejandro could tell from the look on Bernardo's face that he was aware of what had happen. He played it as if he was cognizant of the occurrence so he told Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Gonzalez that Diego was still resting from his trip. But he would bring him into town as soon as he was feeling better.

Meanwhile Bernardo slipped away to see if Diego was awoke and let me know about what was unfolding downstairs. Don Alejandro offered both the Sergeants some wine Sergeant Garcia went to accept but Sergeant Gonzalez said that they had to get back to the pueblo. Don Alejandro noticed that Bernardo had left the room. Sergeant Gonzalez said that he had to report back to Monterrey that next day but if Don Diego could come by the Cuartel in the morning that would be fine. Don Alejandro agreed and walked them to the gate and bid them "Buenos Trades." As Don Alejandro walked back to the Sala he now knew why his son was asleep for the better part of the day. When Don Alejandro entered the Sala he saw Diego sitting in the chair by the window. He had been watching his father, Sergeant Garcia, and Sergeant Gonzalez. He got up and stood in front of the window with his back to his father. Diego was still under the effects of the medicine but knew he must talk to his father.

"What is going on Diego? Why did you not tell me about you being attacked?" Don Alejandro asks with confusion and anger.

"Father I…..I did not want to bother you until Zorro found out what was going on. I planned to let you know everything after Zorro found out whom and for what reason all this is happening," Diego admitted.

"Are they the same men that Sergeant Garcia and this Sergeant Gonzalez are talking about?" Don Alejandro questions his son again with profound concern.

"I do not know father. El Zorro is going to investigate and try to resolve this dilemma," Diego says with misgivings.

"Diego, why did they attack Zorro and then you? Do you think it might be someone who suspects or knows that you are Zorro?" Don Alejandro queries with fear in his voice.

For a moment his father's statement caused Diego to ponder with worry and dread but not for himself but for his family. Was the message of his dream a premonition for his future? Diego was standing there lost in time hoping never to have any compunction about the future of his family. It seems as if even when he wants to put Zorro to rest there are people who by their actions demand that El Zorro will never cease to exist. Can he ever have a life of his own where the people he loved were safe from danger. Does the choice he made to be Zorro mean that his family would always be subject to peril?

"Diego, my son did you hear what I said?" Don Alejandro implores and goes over and touched his son on the shoulder.

"Oh, I am sorry father. Zorro is going to do some investigating starting tonight. I need to get to the bottom of this," Diego remarks with strong conviction.

"Diego are you sure that you are feeling up to riding tonight? Maybe you should get some more rest and leave things until tomorrow night," Don Alejandro beseeches.

"No, father the attacks on me and the robberies are somehow connected, I just know it. Tonight Zorro rides," Diego declares and stared at his father.

Bernardo comes into the room, he had overheard the conversation between Diego and his father, but did not intrude.

"Bernardo saddle Tornado for me?" Diego asks.

Bernardo nodded and heads for the secret cave. As Diego walked out of the Sala his father looks at him and:

"Ride well and safe mi hijo," Don Alejandro states.

Diego went upstairs and told Celia that he is going out and kissed her on the lips. Celia was sitting in the rocking chair reading. He held Antonio and rocked him back and forth in his arms then returned him to the cradle. Celia has a worried look on her face. She is always anxious until Diego returns from his rides. Diego smiled at Celia and pushed the lever on the fireplace which leads to the alcove. Bernardo was waiting there to help Diego into his disguise. El Zorro rushed down to the secret cave, mounted Tornado and rode off into the night. Three months passed and El Zorro still had not been able to find any clues or who was behind the robberies or attacks on him. After the ambush in Monterrey there had been no more assaults on Diego or Zorro but at the same time the robberies had decreased as well. This led El Zorro to think that the same men were the culprits.

It was a beautiful day the sun was high in the sky sat on a background of a clear blue canvas. A brisk wind blew making the branches on the trees sway as if they were dancing. What a perfect day for a picnic. Diego knew that Celia had been confined to the hacienda after having Antonio and Zorro had been taking up so much of his time. He and Celia had had no alone time away from the hacienda so Diego decided to take Celia on a picnic. He asked Consuela to care for Antonio and had the cook to fill his saddlebags with food and wine. Diego thought it would be good for Celia and him to spend some alone time out together. They rode to Diego's favorite place which was about five miles from the hacienda. Diego and Celia dismounted their caballos and walked up the hill above the little stream and sat down on the soft grass under a big tree. Diego unfurled a white tablecloth on the ground and sat the food and wine out. Diego poured two glasses of wine and gave one to Celia. Diego sat with his back against the tree and Celia relaxed on Diego's chest.

Meanwhile in a cabin in the Sierra concealed by tall trees and bushes three men are having an argument.

"Now that we have deluded de la Vega into complacency by stopping our attacks we can put our major and final plan into action," the Leader declares.

"I do not think that you ever had a plan and this so call Benefactor whatever they have supposed to have written is bogus. We have a plan…" Velasquez went to say but the Leader interrupted him.

"You will do as I say and ask not questions. You were not as concerned when you took the gold. You have no idea of what is going on here. This is a plan complete in all respects laid out step by step by the Benefactor. If you think that you are not up to the challenge then return the gold and find your way back to Spain because you will not even get the cost of reentrance," the Leader glared at them with contempt.

"Ok we will listen but what was the reason for attacking Zorro. We definitely do not want him to get our scent. He is a dangerous force to reckon with," Cantu says with panic in his voice.

"Si, I believe that was a stupid thing to do. What has Zorro got to do with it anyway? There is no way that this Benefactor if they are as smart as you say, would have us attack Zorro," Venezuela chimes in with apprehension.

"When they were passing out brains you two must have been on recess. Dummies, I said that I was going to keep this to myself but…..no never mind you two just do as I command," the Leader retorts with vexation.

Venezuela and Cantu look at each other with disdain at this so call Leader and the obscure Benefactor that no one but he has seen. They have decided that they are going to show him who has the real brains. They have hatched their own plan but they know that they will need help and they know just where to get it.

"Leader we are all in but do you not think that with the problem of Zorro that in order to guarantee our success that we should recruit others," Venezuela asserts.

"Si and I know just the two men for the job. They have not been so prosperous lately with the soldiers keeping a close eye out at every turn," Cantu declares.

"And who might they be and are they going to work for free?" the Leader replies with disdain.

Cantu and Venezuela stared at each other and then Cantu speaks, "You remember the two men we met on the boat; I think that we could convince them to join us with the right incentive."

"And what would this incentive be," the Leader questions agitated.

"Let us take care of that," Cantu answers with a knowing look at Venezuela.

"Si, we will go into the pueblo tonight and talk to them. We know where they are hiding," Cantu responds.

"See that you do and make no promises that you cannot keep. Remember I must speak to them also to make sure that they are the kind of men we need and can trust," the Leader retorts with doubt that this would come to any fulfillment.

So late that night, Cantu and Venezuela met with the two men from the boat at their hiding place and explained the scheme to them. But what the four men hatched together was entirely different from the original plan of the Leader and the Benefactor. And if successful guaranteed they would be set for life with the Leader being the fall guy.

Later that evening as the sun was going down in a beautiful bright yellow painted on a radiant orange sky, Diego and Celia rode back to the hacienda and walked through the gate hand and hand with big smiles. They ascended the steps and entered their bedroom. Consuela was rocking Antonio in the cradle.

"I will take him. Muchas gracias Consuela," Celia says as she takes Antonio out of the cradle and put him to her breast.

"Da nada," Consuela responds and walked out the door.

"The two most important people in my life," Diego says as he kissed Celia on the lips and Antonio on the forehead.

There is a knock on the door and Diego opened the door slightly. Bernardo gestured that he needed to speak with Diego. Diego knew that Celia did not yet understand how Bernardo and he communicated so he told her that he needed to talk to Bernardo. Diego and Bernardo went down to the patio. Bernardo gestured that he had been in the pueblo for most of the day. He noticed two men in the plaza that he had not seen before. He followed them to a small house just 10 miles outside of the pueblo. They met with the two men off the boat from Spain he recalled seeing in the tavern before. Diego wondered what these four men had in common maybe Zorro needed to investigate.

"Muchas gracias mi amigo. Get Tornado ready for me," Diego asks and patted Bernardo on the back.

Bernardo nodded. Diego went back to their bedroom and told Celia that he had to go out. He kissed Celia's lips and held Antonio in his arms for about five minutes.

"Mi amor I will return," Diego whispers.

"I know mi vida," Celia answers taking Antonio from Diego's arms.

Diego pushed the button on the fireplace and went into the alcove. He donned his disguise and ran down the steps to the secret cave where Tornado was saddled and ready.

El Zorro mounted Tornado and rode out of the cave headed for the little house that Bernardo had told him about. El Zorro rode up to the house quietly. He dismounted Tornado and motioned for him to hide. He crept up to the window and peeked in. There were only three men inside and just as El Zorro wondered where the fourth one was he heard a sound behind him. He turned and a man lunged at him from the bushes. El Zorro had him almost beat but the commotion outside caught the three men's attention and they charged outside to join the fray. The three men were no match for Zorro but the first man came too and hit Zorro over the head hard with the hilt of his sword. Because of the injury that Diego had suffered in Monterrey El Zorro staggered trying to keep his balance but within minutes everything went black.

"What should we do with him? How did he find where we were hiding?" Garza, one of the thieves asked.

"I told the Leader it was a mistake to attack Zorro. Maybe we should kill him that way he would not be able to foil our plans," Cantu suggested.

"Well, which one of us is going to do it and how?" Espinoza questioned with trepidation.

"I will do it and claim the bragging rights for killing Zorro," Venezuela boasted and pointed his pistol at Zorro's head.

Just as Venezuela aimed and was about to fire Tornado came out of the bushes and reared up and down on Venezuela's chest killing him instantly. The other men tried to rescue him but Tornado reared so violently every time they came close to Zorro that they all ran away in fear for their lives. Then when Tornado was sure that Zorro was safe he licked his master's face trying to bring him too. El Zorro struggled to his feet swaying from side to side. Tornado sensed this and knelt down so that Zorro could crawl into his saddle. As soon as he knew that Zorro was safe in the saddle he flew like he had wings on his feet. It seemed like only minutes before they were sitting in front of the secret cave. As luck would have it Bernardo was waiting for Zorro.

When Tornado came through the entrance with Zorro semi-conscious in the saddle Bernardo's mouth dropped open in horror. He pulled Zorro from the saddle and laid him down on the cave floor and ran upstairs to get help. He carefully came out of the cabinet in the Sala. Don Alejandro was sitting at the table reading and enjoying a bottle of wine. Bernardo gestured nervously that Zorro needed help. Don Alejandro threw down the paper he was reading and followed Bernardo through the cabinet down to the secret cave. El Zorro was stumbling up the steps to the alcove holding unto the wall. Don Alejandro and Bernardo helped him the rest of the way. They opened the door from the alcove to the bedroom. Celia was sitting in the rocking chair next to the cradle. When she saw the ill condition of El Zorro she almost screamed in fright but repressed it with her hand. She rushed to pull the covers back on the bed so they could lay him down.

"We must get el doctor immediately," Don Alejandro declares and ran down stairs to have Juan ride into the pueblo to fetch el doctor for Diego.

Don Alejandro went back up to Diego's bedroom to help Bernardo changed El Zorro into Diego. Celia brought his nightshirt. After about 30 minutes el doctor knocked on the bedroom door. Don Alejandro opened the door.

"Buenos noches Don Alejandro," el doctor greets and nods to everyone else in the room.

"Buenos noches el doctor," Don Alejandro responds.

"What can I do for you," el doctor says looking at the bed where Diego is lying.

"We do not know el doctor. Diego was complaining of a headache and not being able to see clearly. He was going up the steps and slipped and fell," Don Alejandro states.

"Muy bien, give me some time with him," el doctor remarks.

Don Alejandro, Bernardo, and Celia holding Antonio in her arms retired to the Sala. They made sure that Celia and Antonio were very comfortable giving her the big soft chair and the stool to rest her feet. Don Alejandro could see the anxiety in Celia but reassured her that Diego would be alright. After about an hour el doctor came down to the Sala.

"He has a big bump on the back of his head and his right hand has a deep cut. I cleaned and bandaged the cut on his hand and here is the medicine for his head. Give him a spoon three times a day. Make sure that he gets at least three days of strict bed rest. I will return to check on him tomorrow," el doctor says.

"Muchas gracias el doctor," Don Alejandro replies and gives el doctor a bag of gold coins.

"Da nada," el doctor remarks and walked to the gate escorted by Don Alejandro.

Celia went upstairs accompanied by Bernardo to check on Diego. He was asleep and his breathing was steady. Celia touched his forehead it was warm so she knew he had a fever. Just then the door opened and Don Alejandro walked in.

"If you need anything Celia just let me know. There is no way I will sleep sound knowing that Diego is hurt," Don Alejandro states.

"Si mil gracias," Celia says.

"Let's go Bernardo. We will see you in the morning," Don Alejandro states as he closed the door behind him and Bernardo.

Celia put Antonio in his cradle and then got into bed next to Diego. She kissed him lightly on his lips. He moaned and opened his eyes for a second and turned his back to her. She blew out the candles and snuggled next to her husband and fell asleep.

It was early morning and Celia woke to the sweet sound of a baby's lullaby. She sat up and saw Diego sitting in the rocking chair next to Antonio's cradle. He was rocking the cradle with his left hand and singing. Celia got out of bed and went over to where Diego was sitting. He looked up at his wife.

"He was a little fussy so I changed him and thought maybe I could calm him by singing to him," Diego whispers.

"Mi vida the soothing sound of your voice would calm the most ferocious beast my love," Celia coos with a smile and kneeled down next to the rocking chair.

"I am sorry about what happened last night. I never wanted to give you reason to worry," Diego says staring into his wife's eyes.

He knew that Zorro's…no Diego's obsession with keeping his family safe is causing a problem for Zorro. His misstep last night could have cost his life. He only remembers a hazy blur and hearing Tornado's fierce neigh.

"Mi vida I love you. Your wellbeing and happiness is always my concern," Celia replies staring back into her husband's eyes.

Diego starts to sway and grabs his head. He feels lightheaded and the room begins to spin. He reached out into the oscillating room and finds Celia's hand. She grasped her husband's hand and guided him to the bed. Diego sits on the side of the bed but refused to lie down.

"Mi vida you must lie down. El doctor says that you are to have complete bed rest for at least three days. You told me that you do not want to cause me worry so please," Celia beseeches as she caressed her husband's face.

"Mi amor, your wish is always my command," Diego whispers in anguish and then lies back on the pillows.

It had been three weeks since El Zorro's injury upon encountering the men who he thought was responsible for the robberies and the attacks on both him and El Zorro. Diego's right hand was badly injured with a deep cut straight across the width of the back of his right hand making it impossible for him to wield a sword. Each day he grasped his sword in his right hand trying to practice with Bernardo despite the intense pain. But every time he had to let it drop to the patio floor. Celia watched with tears as Diego tried day after day to wield his sword. She witnessed his despair and misery even sometimes anger at his hand refusing to function. Celia felt that maybe he needed a break so she suggested that they take a trip to Capistrano. She knew that Diego had originally wanted to honeymoon in Capistrano but to please her they went to Spain. At first Diego was reluctant but then he realized how his suffering was affecting Celia so he consented. Antonio was 10 months old and trying to walk. He was also beginning to drink cow's milk in combination with his mother's milk. Antonio had started to eat certain foods that had to be mashed up like liquid. This would make it easy for Consuela to watch Antonio while the de la Vega's were gone. Before their trip to Capistrano Diego decided to go into the pueblo and speak with Sergeant Garcia one more time to see if he could find any more information on the men committing the robberies. Diego had made a report to Sergeant Garcia and Sergeant Gonzalez about the attack on him in Monterrey. Sergeant Gonzalez had returned to Monterrey but before he left he gave Sergeant Garcia some pertinent information that he thought would lead to the identity of the banditos. Diego rode into the pueblo and found Sergeant Garcia in the tavern.

"Buenos dias mi amigo," Diego greeted Sergeant Garcia as he walked up to his mesa.

"Buenos dias Don Diego," Sergeant Garcia replies and offers Diego a seat.

Muchas gracias Sergeant," Diego answers and orders a bottle of wine for the both of them.

"I just wanted to know if the information that I gave in my report was any help to you or Sergeant Gonzalez. Now that I have a family all of these robberies and especially the assault on my person are very upsetting," Diego implores.

The waitress came over with a bottle of wine and two cups.

"Muchas gracias," Diego says and puts three gold coins on her tray.

The waitress nodded and smiled.

"Don Diego with your report and what information the Sergeant was able to give us we have been unsuccessful in finding any evidence of who are committing these crimes or where they might be hiding," Sergeant Garcia remarks with disappointment.

"Well Sergeant that is discouraging to hear," Diego comments.

"Don Diego the Sergeant told us something very interesting before he left. I have to say the Commandante looked at him like he wanted to throw him out of his office," Sergeant Garcia says glancing around to make sure no one was close enough to hear his next words.

"Whatever could it be? Sergeant Gonzalez seems to be a very respectful and good soldier," Diego responds deliberating on the Sergeant's next statement.

"He said that we could certainly use Zorro's help and that it was unfortunate that there was no way to let him know of our circumstances. He further said that all the good that Zorro had done for the pueblo he should not be called a bandit," Sergeant Garcia comments his voice but a whisper.

"I must admit Sergeant that he spoke those same words to me on our trip back to the pueblo," Diego says.

"Don Diego, I will never repeat this, but I agree with Sergeant Gonzalez," Sergeant Garcia replies.

"Sergeant I am surprised. You who have chased Zorro many times and fell victim to his tricks," Diego states having to keep a stone face as he has this conversation with the Sergeant.

"Well Don Diego I must return to the Cuartel the Commandante is very infuriated by what the Sergeant said so I do not want to get on his bad side. Muchas gracias for the wine," Sergeant Garcia declares.

"You are very welcome Sergeant. I must get back home myself." Diego remarks and walked out the tavern door with the Sergeant.

Diego rode out of the pueblo contemplating on what happened that had left him defenseless unable to handle his sword. But then he perceived that he still had his wits, skill and cunning. El Zorro was more than just a sword. When he attended the Universidad in Spain he was taught many ways of defeating an enemy and swordsmanship was only one. He had been so depressed about losing the use of his hand that he failed to take into account that Diego de la Vega was only a facade. While he was a scholar, he was also a fighter. When he returned from Capistrano El Zorro would solve this mystery and destroy the veil of fear covering the pueblo. Diego was about five miles away from the hacienda when three strangers with weapons drawn jumped from the bushes on both sides of the trail. Diego at this moment profoundly regretted that his mind was so consumed with thought that he neglected to pay attention to his surroundings.

"What do you want," Diego asked with indignation glaring at the bandito close to him.

"Buenos tardes Senor de la Vega. At long last we meet and you are going to guarantee a prosperous future for us all," the one called Cantu smirked with scorn.

Diego was unarmed but he still had his intelligence and ready to use every skill he ever learned against these armed strangers. Diego was studying the strangers and decided that the one to his left was the weaker. Diego lunged at the stranger on the left they tussled back and forth. Diego was trying to take the pistol from the stranger's hand. The pistol went off and the stranger fell back shot in the leg. Diego made his way to Mysterio and attempted to ride away but a bullet struck him in the right side and he fell from his horse. The strangers caught up to Diego and checked to see if he was dead. They were pleased that he was alive.

"That was close. Dummy you could have killed him," Cantu growls.

"How else to stop him from escaping," Garza snapped back.

"Hold on you two, we have more important things to do," Espinoza yelled.

They were to meet the Leader on the way to Monterrey after they abducted Diego but instead they tied him up and threw him across Mysterio's saddle. Then the three of them rode to their hideout in the hills. They laid Diego on a cot and bandaged his wound to stop the bleeding. Cantu wrote a note and told Espinoza to take it to the de la Vega hacienda. Espinoza was afraid that he would be captured. Cantu told him that as long as they have the son he would be safe. Espinoza rode toward the de la Vega hacienda.

Meanwhile Celia was sitting on the patio holding Antonio waiting for Diego's return. All of a sudden there was a commotion outside the gate. One of the servants Juan came running in the gate followed by his son Pepe.

He is hollering "Patron, Patron" and headed for the Sala.

Celia followed him. Don Alejandro met him at the door and asked what the problem was and Juan gave him the note. Don Alejandro read it and sat down hard in his chair. He dropped the note on the floor. Celia picked it up and read it.

"They have him…..they have him…..mi vida," Celia screams trembling with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Don Alejandro took Celia to a chair and asked Bernardo to get her a glass of wine. Bernardo ran into the cellar and brought a fresh bottle of chilled wine and filled two glasses and gave one to Celia and one to Don Alejandro. Bernardo's hands are shaking with apprehension about the fate of his friend. Don Alejandro was aghast at what he read and read the note once more. Then he poured another glass of wine to regain his composure. Bernardo was beside himself with anger and wrath.

"Bernardo ask Pepe to saddle a horse for me and you," Don Alejandro says with fear in his voice.

Don Alejandro being an experienced caballero knew that only a level head will prevail in this situation. He told Celia that he was going into town to alert Sergeant Garcia and then he would comply with the banditos request. Celia was quiet but her mind was forming a plan to save her husband. She came to the conclusion that time was of the essence. Her experience with ransom demands when she lived in Spain was once they got the money they killed the hostage. She was not going to let this happen to mi vida. She knew only Zorro could rescue Diego with that she went up to her and Diego's bedroom. She laid Antonio in his cradle and asked Consuela to look after him because she had something to do.

Celia went down to the Sala, looked all around and went through the cabinet opening to the alcove. She opened the trunk where Diego and Bernardo kept their disguises. Celia knew that Diego's costume would not fit but her and Bernardo were about the same height. So she donned Bernardo's Zorro outfit and stuffed some paper in the toe of each boot. She put on the belt holding the scabbard and sheathed her husband's sword. She then braided her hair and pinned it securely, gathered it up in the bandana and tied the mask around her face. She put on the hat. Celia then ran down to the secret cave, saddled Tornado and said – let's go save Diego. Tornado exited the cave and reared in defiance three times and took off in a flash. Celia spurred Tornado and felt the exhilaration that Diego described to her as the wind caressed her face. She rode hard and fast to the little cabin hid by the tall trees and bushes as directed on the note sent to Don Alejandro. She had watched Diego train Tornado so she knew the hand signals. She instructed Tornado to hide in the trees silently. She crept up to the cabin and peeped into the window. She saw three men and one was talking while the others listened but she did not recognize any of them. She looked in the corner of the room Diego was laying on a cot. His was facing the door. His hands and feet were tied and he was gagged with a handkerchief. She could not tell whether he was conscious. She had to plan this just right for her and Diego's life hung in the balance. She remembered her Master's teachings when she was in Spain about what to do when you are outnumbered. She closed her eyes and reminisced about all the long hours of fencing instruction. Her master told her that skill with the sword is good but do not forget to use the good sense that you were given. Just then she got a break one of the men came outside he was limping. She saw that he was wounded. She rustled the bushes he came to check and she hit him hard with a rock on the head. Good now there were only two left. Well, here goes…..she thought and threw a rock on the porch.

"Cantu said that he would alert us when he sees de la Vega's father and if he is foolish enough to bring the soldiers, Espinoza growled

"Yeah if he wants to see his son alive again," Garza laughed with a sneer.

"You idiot did you think we are going to let him live. Once we get the money he's done and so is his father. Now go outside and see what that sound was," Espinoza ordered.

Now is my chance Celia thinks. When the stranger went outside to check the sound Celia slipped silently through the window walked up behind Espinoza and knocked him out with the hilt of Diego's sword. Precisely at the time that Celia was tying Espinoza up with some rope she found in the cabin the other stranger came through the door and hollered: ZORRO! Celia turned and the stranger banished his sword. She charged and swords meet back and forth, back and forth, the sound of metal clashing together. For a while Celia was getting as good as she gave then she remembered the secret cope' move taught to her by her master to easily disarm your opponent forcibly. She confronted her foe and dominated until his sword went flying with such power that it stuck in the wall up to the hilt. Celia tied him up next to his partner. She went outside and dragged the other stranger inside and tied him up also. She walked over to the cot and untied Diego.

"Are you alright," she asks as she helped Diego to sit up.

"Who are you," Diego questions with shock on his face. He knew that it was not Bernardo because this Zorro could talk.

"Your father and Sergeant Garcia are on their way here. Everything will be alright," Celia replies.

"Who are you? Tell me who you are?" Diego demands once more.

"Can you walk? Let me help you," Celia states and assisted Diego to a chair.

"I want to know who you are." Diego demands loudly and grasped Zorro's cape with his right hand but was unable to hold on.

"I must take my leave. Adios Senor de la Vega," Celia says, ran outside, whistled quietly for Tornado and rode away.

"What…?" Diego sits there befuddled at what just happened. He finally managed to stagger outside.

He heard voices and saw riders coming toward the cabin. It was Don Alejandro, Sergeant Garcia and about five lancers. Don Alejandro was the first to reach the cabin. A broad smile covered his face as he saw his son standing on the porch.

"Diego my son are you alright? What happened? How did you get away?" Don Alejandro inquires checking his son for injuries and was concerned when he saw the blood stain on his son's shirt.

Diego is so confused by what has just occurred and the bullet wound that he just stared at his father unable to speak. Don Alejandro took his son's inability to talk as being caused by the ordeal that he just experienced.

"Don Diego are you alright? Where are the banditos that captured you," Sergeant Garcia asks with worry for his friend's safety.

"I think they are in the casa Sergeant," Don Alejandro remarks impatient to get his son home where el doctor could attend to him.

Sergeant Garcia and his lancers rushed inside and find three men tied up and bruised. One had a big Z carved on his jacket.

"Who did this to you," Sergeant Garcia demands glancing at the Z.

"It…it…was…Zorro," the one called Cantu growls with rage.

Don Alejandro came in to let Sergeant Garcia know that he was going to take Diego home and heard what the stranger said. He turned and looked outside wondering how Diego accomplished this in his present condition. Then like a sparkling strike of lightning Don Alejandro recollected that El Zorro's costume was at home.

"Well I guess that Sergeant Gonzalez will be pleased. Get these banditos out of here," Sergeant Garcia orders.

"Buenos noches Sergeant. Mil gracias for your help," Don Alejandro was barely able to say because of his bewilderment of what has just happened.

Don Alejandro lifted Diego onto Mysterio and they both rode slowly home. He could see Diego's astonishment and now is beginning to understand his son's behavior. He endeavored to inquire about tonight's events.

"Diego mi hijo, how are you feeling? When we return home I will have Juan to get el doctor," Don Alejandro comments and looked at his son with relief for his safe return.

"Father, where is Bernardo?" Diego questions with a perplexed look.

"He wanted to come with us but I decided as we were coming up the trail to send him home to check on Celia and Antonio," Don Alejandro responds and pondered why his son was asking about Bernardo.

"Muy bien," Diego remarks and kept staring straight ahead.

When Don Alejandro and Diego arrived at the hacienda Celia was the first one to greet her husband at the gate.

.

After everyone left the cabin, a figure that hid up in one of the branches that hung over the roof of the cabin climbed down. The Leader mounted his horse and rode hard and fast toward Monterrey. I have been betrayed he thought out loud and the Benefactor will be Very Disappointed.