Apologies for my absence! My computer had issues and was being serviced! So here is a nice long one!

Chapter 7: Targets

Capitan Morales was in his office with Garcia, Doctor Avilla, Don Manuel Ruiz and his son. The physician was tending to the cut above Ramon's eyebrow as well as the cut on his lip.

"How did this happen, my son?"

"I was riding on the high road of Cahuenga Pass when this rider bolted out from behind some trees and tackled me to the ground. The next thing I remember was waking up in a dark, small room. He wore a sack over his head and tried to get me to reveal Zorro's identity. He questioned me for an eternity. When I could not produce the answer he asked, he knocked me out. I woke on top of the bell tower dressed as the fox. He was securing me and slipped a note in my pocket, telling me my death would be Zorro's fault."

Capitan Morales leaned forward, "May I see the note?"

Ramon hesitated, "I do not have it."

"Where is it?"

"Zorro took it."

Don Manuel gasped, "El Zorro was there?"

"He rescued me, Father. The rope was about ready to snap. He pulled me back. I owe him my life."

Doctor Avilla placed his medical utensil back into his bag, "There you are. Nothing too serious. The bruising will fade within the next few days. You'll be good as new. I do suggest a change in clothing."

Ramon produced a faint grin, "As much as I admire and respect the man, I do feel foolish in his clothes. Father, did you happen to bring a spare change of clothes?"

The elder shook his head, "No, I rushed here when I got the word you were found."

"I am going to feel silly crossing the pueblo in this get-up."

Morales turned to Garcia, "Sergeant, fetch a spare uniform from a lancer for Senor Ramon."

"Si, mi capitan," he saluted then exited followed by Senor Avilla.

Don Manuel turned to the commanding officer, "I understand this is the third person dressed as Zorro?"

The Commandante nodded.

"What are you doing to make sure my son was the last victim?"

Capitan Morales chose his words carefully, "I am working all angles on the case, Senor. I am putting every effort and strength into finding the man," he turned to Ramon, "and you are sure there was nothing that stood out to you about your kidnapper? His height, weight, a scar perhaps?"

Ramon shook his head, "No, he was average height, weight, no visible markings. He disguised his voice. It was low and grovelly."

"Gracias, Senor. I commend your bravery. I will have an escort follow you home and placed outside your hacienda for the next few days."

The elder don nodded his gratitude.

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Bernardo watched from the fireplace as Diego paced on the runner at the foot of his bed. He punched his hand, "I feel responsible, Bernardo. You should have seen the terror in Ramon's eyes. For hours he stared down that long drop – his death. The kidnapper beat him, Bernardo. There were cuts and bruises," he sighed in frustration. "Thankfully we got to him in time," he held up the note that had been in Ramon's trousers, "But what about the next one? What if I am not as fast? What if I do not reach the next victim in time? Their death would be my fault."

Bernardo shook his head and acted as if he was searching.

"Find a clue?" he shook his head, "I am a sitting duck until the next riddle. I hate that whoever is calling the shots has the upper hand. There is no way to gain the advantage," he rubbed the back of his neck, "I need to inform the commandante about the note."

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That evening, behind the tavern, Capitan Morales wore a path in the dirt, waiting, hoping the man in black would surface.

"I trust young Don Ruiz is all right?"

Capitan Morales was startled and spun around with sword in hand. After a moment he nodded as he sheathed his sword, "Si, a few scrapes and bruises."

"That is good to hear. Did he say anything about his captor?"

"No. But that he had a note in his possession that you took."

Zorro produced the note and handed it to the officer, "You will not like its contents."

Morales read it and cursed, "He is targeting you. What is he trying to tell you?"

"Believe me, I wish I knew."

"Am I to just sit by and watch this game between the two of you as the bodies pile up?"

"I do not like the odds any more than you do. I am racking my brain to find one mistake."

Morales crossed his arms, "Don Ramon said that the man wanted to know your identity as if Ramon knew something," he paused, "Does he?"

The masked man shook his head, "No, I have not revealed my identity to Don Ramon and he is not an accomplice."

The commandante had inwardly hoped that he had had a clue to this outlaw's true name. "Two prisoners sentenced for life – now dead. Now, a young don used to lure you out of hiding and forced to play this game."

"The game of life and death."

"This was not exactly what I had in mind when it came to taking this position," he shook his head, "Cards on the table for the moment, this man is targeting people to find you out. You might want to warn those who do know your identity or are affiliated with you in some way."

Zorro bowed in agreement.

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The next few days, news of Zorro's resurrection had spread wildly through the people of Los Angeles. The Indians had spoken up saying they saw him rescue a victim. Although the peons had hope, some of the patrons knew that with Zorro's return, it meant they were in for some troubled times.

The patrons demanded to know what had happened and if they were needing to take precautions.

The de la Vegas had traveled to the pueblo for a change of scenery. Also to discretely soak up the gossip about the current events. Bernardo went to do some snooping. Anything that could give a clue would be helpful. Alejandro stopped at a vendor and chatted the day away with the vaquero who was selling board games. Alejandro was interested in something other than chess. He was tired of losing to his son.

Diego stopped at the general store and passed the time looking at the new and latest trinkets, magic tricks, fabrics, pipes, cigars, clothes, shoes and weapons. All the while, Diego could not help but feel concern for the second victim. He listened to conversations to hear if anyone was missing. Diego finally exited the store and spotted Anna Maria with Moneta Esperon at a station selling feminine odds and ends. He watched her for a moment before sensing a presence next to him. He turned and saw his father holding his latest purchase, grinning from ear to ear.

Diego held up a warning finger as he started for his horse, "Wipe that smile off your face."

"Admit it, Diego. You have feelings for Anna Maria," Alejandro chuckled as he followed his son.

Diego went to his horse and spoke quietly, "Father, the Capitan told Zorro to warn those he is known to associate with. Anna Maria and Zorro – she could be a target."

Alejandro frowned, "Do you think you should tell Gregorio?"

"No, I've just been keeping an eye on her."

Just then Bernardo approached them with a knowing look. He was about to sign something when they were interrupted.

"Diego," a voice called from behind the young de la Vega.

Diego turned and saw three of his friends; Don Miguel and Dons Juan and Mateo approaching him. "Miguel, what can I do for you?"

Miguel gestured for Diego to join them off to the side. Diego turned to his father and nodded before joining the other dons.

"What's the matter? You seem upset," Diego saw the distressed looks on their faces.

Don Miguel spoke first, "Diego, we have heard news that there is another victim."

Diego frowned, "You have heard the same as I."

Mateo stepped closer, "The day after Ramon was rescued, he told us that he had been attacked then interrogated. This killer wants to know the identity of Zorro."

Diego nodded, hiding his surprise that the news was becoming widespread.

"It is known that Zorro is a young man, possibly a caballero," Juan stated.

Miguel came to the point of their discussion, "This kidnapper, he may come after any one of us. Diego, you are not a violent man, you do not know the ways in which to defend yourself."

Diego was slightly touched that they were concerned for his safety, "Do not worry about me, my friends."

Mateo was irritable, "We have no other choice but to worry. We implore you to wear some kind of protection."

Juan interjected, "Now all of the dons have been accounted for, just take heed and don't travel alone."

"Gracias, my friends. I will take your advice," Diego gave them a comforting expression before turning and mounting his horse.

"Diego," Alejandro hushed, "there's another riddle."

Diego looked at the mute who nodded then put his hand to his ear and crossed his hand over his chest then made the facial expression of Capitan Morales. "It'll be dark soon," he glanced over at Anna Maria walking with Moneta back to the posada. Anna Maria had just purchased a blue shawl and she had it draped over her arm. She caught eyes with him and waved. Obviously, his apprehension at the picnic did not sour her mood toward him. He grinned and bowed as he followed his father and Bernardo out of the pueblo.

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That evening, the posada was abuzz with the recent events. Intermixed with the dancing and the evening's jovial activity, Gregorio and Anna Maria sat in a corner table, quietly eating their dinner.

"…I wonder if we should head back to Monterey tomorrow morning," Gregorio sighed then took a bite.

Anna Maria frowned, "Why?"

"I do not like this business about the kidnapper. It worries me."

Anna Maria touched his hand to comfort him, "No father, you have been waiting for this sale for a long time. We can stay."

"But if anything were to happen to you."

"I'll be fine," Anna Maria assured him, "the killer is targeting men."

"He is targeting those who he thinks knows Zorro's identity," he eyed her carefully, "Do not go anywhere without an escort. Please."

She nodded slowly, "Of course, Father."

Sometime past and as they had finished their dinner, Gregorio leaned back, his mood obviously lighter, "Young de la Vega and you have been seen together quite a bit," he grinned.

Anna Maria shook her head and waved a finger at him, "Don't you start," she laughed and covered her mouth as a yawn escaped. "I think that is a sign I should head to bed. And not a moment too soon," she chuckled, "Good night, Father," she scooted around the tables and the dancers and ascended the stairs to her room. She locked the door behind her and turned to find a light. Suddenly, she jumped upon seeing something in the shadowed corner next to the moonlit window.

"Who's there?!" She asked in an urgent whisper.

The black figure materialized into the moonlight.

"Zorro," Anna Maria breathed in relief and disbelief.

"My apologies for startling you, Senorita. I heard you were in Los Angeles."

Anna Maria approached him, "I was so worried that you had died."

"I am sorry that I have caused you worry," he bowed his head.

She shook her head, "It is not you who caused me worry. It is that crazy killer. What does he want with you? Why does he dress people up like you?"

Zorro shook his head, "I do not know. But I intend to find out."

Although most of his features were hidden under the mask, she could see creases of worry by his eyes, "I fear for your safety."

"You must promise me that you will be careful and not travel alone."

Anna Maria nodded, "I made the same promise to my father."

"And do not travel at night."

"But the killer is targeting caballero's not women."

"But what we had in Monterey is not a secret," his voice was full of concern.

Anna Maria's heart beat rapidly. From his own lips, he voiced his fear. If this crazy man wanted to get to Zorro, he could try and use her. She huffed and straightened, "Well, if he tries anything, I will not go without a fight," she had to remain brave, she could not let him be distracted with worry.

"I pray that that will never come," his voice was reduced to a whisper.

"You just catch him, like I know you will," she nodded once, firmly emphasizing her faith in him as she squeezed his arm.

Zorro stared into her eyes. She wasn't just a silly young girl anymore. She had depth, character, and strength. It intoxicated him and before he knew what he was doing he leaned down and kissed her. It only lasted for a moment. Whoever pulled away first, he did not know; but he felt the need to apologize, "Forgive me," he pulled back and went to the window. He quickly left and disappeared into the shadows. He landed softly to the ground and hopelessly leaned against the wall. What did he do? He cursed himself for being so foolish. He had hoped that her fondness for the legend was wavering. For an instant, he had forgotten who he was and with this one foolish act, he might ignited her fantasies again.

Anna Maria followed him to the window. The kiss had happened so fast. It was unexpected. Was that why she felt herself pull back? Did she pull back, or did he? She did not hesitate when he kissed her two years ago. What was different about this time?

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Capitan Morales entered behind the stables hoping to find the vigilante. He saw the man dressed in black leaning against the wall. "How did you know to come here?"

"Hmm? Oh, I just arrived, Capitan. I understand you have another set of riddles?" He stretched out his and took the envelope given to him.

Morales sighed then handed the paper over, "I haven't figured it out. I hate these things."

"A righteous pillar, but not of stone; a man upon a wooden throne. Who can define wrong and right? Only a man of impartial sight," Zorro went silent.

Morales loosely threw up his hands, "I haven't got a clue. Closest I could get was those three posts up by El Camino Real."

Zorro shook his head, "No," he then went on to read the next riddle, "Two parties with no host; one for change; one in riposte. To steal the power, men engrossed, are willing to give up the ghost." Zorro went back to the first, "All right. A pillar meaning one not many. One pillar—"

"That is not made of stone," Morales took it, "One pillar that is righteous and not stone. Could it be referring to a person?"

Zorro nodded, "A pillar resembles strength – a leader? A righteous leader?"

"Padre Felipe? The wooden throne could mean his podium."

Zorro shook his head, "No, he would not take us back to the church. So we have a righteous leader who can define wrong and right."

Capitan Morales shook his head, "It still goes back to the Padre. The Bible defines wrong and right. He's is impartial."

"A leader who defines – weighs the differences between wrong and right. Impartial sight – a third party. Wooden throne," they paused for a moment, "Capitan you were close – who also has a wooden podium, who is a strong leader and third party—" he stopped, "What other kind of leader – besides yourself and the priest – weighs right from wrong?"

Capitan Morales thought for a moment, "Judge Emundo. Judge Raul Emundo!" He almost covered his mouth from the excitement of figuring out the riddle. "So what now?"

"The second riddle: two parties with no host."

"One host."

"One for change; one in riposte. Both parties have different opinions."

"Could mean opposing sides."

Zorro nodded.

Morales continued, "Okay, well we have one host but the host is absent. We have opposing sides."

Zorro smiled, "You're catching on. So two parties – two sides with no host – no overseer."

"Could it mean the judge again?"

Zorro shook his head, then stopped, "Wait a minute – two parties could mean controversy – controversy could lead to rebellion – the answer is Revolution. In a revolution there is no leader and most always starts with a riposte – criticism."

"So a judge and revolution. What do they mean?"

Zorro was deep in thought.

"Well?"

"I'm thinking."

Morales huffed, "Think faster."

Zorro eyed the man in uniform, "It would go faster if you'd stop distracting me."

The Commandante sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Sorry. It's just, Ramon was seconds from death when you rescued him. I don't want to waste time if there is another victim."

Zorro bowed his head. "If I am to go on the assumption of the last riddles, each riddle led to one location. Either the town hall or there is a known place where the peons used to gather an organize revolts against the previous alcalde and commandante."

"Really?"

"Si. I stopped a couple of them before they got out of hand. They eventually gave up trying to rise up against an army. It was for the better," Zorro shook his head, "I do not know which one to pick. I cannot find a connection between the two like last time."

"It can only be one place."

"I cannot be for certain."

"We only have time for one."

"Then we shall split up. You take your troops North on the King's Highway outside of the El Rico Pass. To your right, you will come across a small bend, there you will find a circular rock formation. Perfect for cover and meetings. The victim could be there."

"And you are going to the town hall?"

"Si."

"I do not like this. It doesn't feel right."

"None of this does, Capitan. But as you said, we do not have much time. Ride out there, if you do not find him, come back and meet at the town hall."

Zorro watched as the Capitan hurried out and rushed to rally his men. Within minutes the thunderous sounds of hooves rushed past the Inn. Zorro looked up once more at Anna Maria's window before mounting Tornado. Zorro snuck his way through the town towards the town hall a few blocks away. He hid Tornado behind the building and scanned the perimeter for any signs of trouble. He threw his whip up to the second story balustrade and climbed up. He slipped in through the window and looked around the small room furnished with a long table and chairs surrounding it. He crossed the room and peeked out into the hall before going down the hallway and into the courtroom.

Zorro opened the door slightly and stood back for a moment before tapping the door lightly to quietly swing open. He cautiously entered the large courtroom. There were several rows of seats for spectators. Up at the front there were two tables for the defendant and prosecutor and in front of that was a large podium for the judge. Zorro halted suddenly at seeing a black figure slumped in a chair in front of the podium.

Not a foot in front of the figure was a specifically placed shotgun pointed directly at his chest. Zorro took a step and the floor creaked. He stopped. This stirred the figure to look up. He was dressed exactly like the famous outlaw. He was bound and gagged in the chair and his head wavered as if it were too heavy for him. The man groaned and grunted, obviously in pain. Zorro could tell this man had been beaten, but the extent of his injuries was not certain. He took another step forward and saw instant terror in the victim's eyes.

"It is all right," Zorro held up his hands, "I am here to rescue you," he was about to take another step when the man muffled a cry and shook his head. Zorro stopped. "Senor, I am not going to hurt you."

The man muffled another cry and gave up as he moaned in pain.

Zorro frowned, "Is there something wrong?" He carefully watched the victim's eyes point at the shot gun. Zorro followed the barrel and saw on the trigger there was a thin wire. He squinted as he followed the wire down the chair and found it crossed the isle right in front of his legs. One more step and he would have tightened the trigger and shot the victim. His heart pounded in his chest with the thought. He looked up at the man also dressed in black, "Is this the only contraption? Will I set anything else off if I come closer?"

The man wearily shook his head and moaned in relief as Zorro stepped over the wire then carefully grabbed the rifle and set it down away from them. He then ungagged the man and untied the mask.

"Tomas," Zorro breathed. Don Tomas Castil was a good friend of Diego's, one whom he enjoyed a friendly rival for Moneta Esperon's attention.

"Senor Zorro," the young don could barely speak.

Zorro untied his friend and heard himself gasp at the man's condition. The front of the young caballero's shirt was glistening wet. "Do not worry, I will get you help," Zorro saw a note in the man's pocket. He stuffed it into his pocket and helped Tomas up, but the young man collapsed into Zorro's arms. "Hold on, Tomas, I'm going to get you to the doctor."

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Doctor Avilla turned the sign in his office's window to CLOSED as he packed up for the night. He swung his jacket over his shoulders and rubbed the sleepiness from his eyes. Thankfully he did not live too far from his office. Suddenly, he jumped when the back door burst open and the black figure of Zorro raced inside carrying the limp figure of a young man.

"Senor Castil is in need of your medical needs," Zorro laid him down on the examining table, "He was beaten, I don't know how badly he is hurt."

Doctor Avilla immediately sprang into action and started to investigate. There were a few puncture wounds and some lacerations and bruising, "He was stabbed, I can't tell yet if it punctured any of the major organs."

The next few hours were long and strenuous. He enlisted the outlaw in helping him stop the bleeding and proceed with surgery. The doctor had noticed the outlaw's strong will in the sight of so much blood as well as his rudimentary medical knowledge. The thought quickly slipped his mind as the young patient stirred. "Put this over his nose and mouth," he poured a liquid into a cloth and gave it to the outlaw. "Chloroform. Go on, before he wakes up."

Zorro bent over and gently placed the cloth over Tomas' nose and mouth. The young man soon relaxed and the doctor continued working. Zorro was so focused on keeping his friend comfortable that he did not realize the time. He was jolted from his mind when Doctor Avilla grunted, stepped back and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"He lost a lot of blood. The blade punctured the lung. I don't know if he is going to recover. I managed to stop most of the bleeding. It's only a matter of time now. We can only make him comfortable," he paused, saddened by the conclusion, "I better get in touch with his family."

Zorro's face was sheer horror. He stumbled back and almost fell into a chair. He tried to catch his breath, "I thought—I didn't get to him in time," he dropped his head into his hands, "This is all my fault."

Doctor Avilla began gathering the bloodied bandages, "Is he another victim of that man sending you riddles?"

Zorro nodded.

"From what I've heard, this man is toying with you. You're doing the best you can."

"It's not enough," the outlaw gestured to Tomas. "He's dying because of me."

"You saved Ramon Ruiz," he wiped the fatigue from his brow.

The unconscious man stirred and both men turned. Zorro rushed to his friend's side, "Tomas?" Doctor Avilla called. "Tomas, it is Doctor Avilla. You were hurt and El Zorro brought you to me."

Tomas managed to open his eyes a little, "Zorro?" his voice was a whisper.

The man in black bent down and grabbed the young man's hand, "I am here."

"He – he is loco – Senor – wanted to know the man under the mask," he stiffened from and his face scrunched in agony.

Zorro felt his body grow heavy, "I am truly sorry, my friend," he blinked his blurred vision away.

Tomas turned and looked the masked man in the face, an ounce of anger flashed in his eyes, "You get that bastardo," a faint smile appeared on his lips before he slipped into unconsciousness.

Zorro was alarmed and straightened. Doctor Avilla felt for a pulse, "He is still alive. I better send word to his family," the physician sighed, "I don't know if he is going to wake up."

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Capitan Morales heard commotion in the pueblo and exited from behind the tavern. He had returned to the pueblo a while ago and went to the cabildo as per the plan but only found an empty courtroom with a lone shotgun that had not been fired. He did not know what to do. He went to his office to see if Zorro was waiting there. Finding the office vacant, he went to the back of the tavern to see if the outlaw was there. He heard a carriage come barreling into the pueblo and down the street. He followed the carriage and saw the Don Castil and his wife quickly exit and go inside Doctor Avilla's abode.

He entered and found the Castil's talking in hushed tones with the elder physician. He grew alarmed when Senora Castil burst into tears. Doctor Avilla opened the backroom door and ushered them into the room.

Capitan Morales peered over them to see their son, young Tomas Castil, lying on the table dressed in a black suit. He instantly grew angry, piecing together what had happened. His fists tightened and he about burst when the Doctor closed the door to let the family have their privacy. "Doctor Avilla!?" He exclaimed in a loud whisper, "By all the saints, what happened!?"

"Young Tomas Castil is your fourth victim, Capitan. Unfortunately, he will not make it. Senor Zorro brought him here as soon as he could."

"Zorro," Capitan Morales hissed.

"He assisted me in surgery and was very helpful, but it was not enough. It is only a matter of time."

Morales cursed inwardly and punched the table, "This is getting out of hand. This has to stop."

"Tomas did come to for a few seconds. He said that his captor wanted to know Zorro's identity."

"The same as Ruiz," Morales pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Si. It appears your killer wishes to not only put an end to Zorro, but riddle him with so much guilt. No pun intended," he replied in all seriousness.

"What do you mean?"

Doctor Avilla shook his head, "If you could have seen the look on Senor Zorro's face," he sighed, "the sheer horror and panic. I have never seen someone beat themselves up as much as Zorro did tonight. He blames himself."

"If I had someone targeting me, I'd feel the same."

Doctor Avilla splashed some water on his face, "You mustn't let Zorro take the blame."

"What do you mean?"

"He is, in certain terms, the protector of the people. When failing to uphold his duty, he is filled with guilt. In this instance, his guilt could distract him and get himself killed. You have to keep him focused, Commandante. Or this killer will slip through your fingers."

Author's Notes: Both riddles were composed by me and refined by my friend Ben! (hope they were okay. This is my first attempt!) Hope you enjoyed and please be kind! :)