OH MY GOSH! IT'S BEEN FOREVER! I am super sorry. It's been killing me that I haven't been able to post this, but now it can finally be up and the timing couldn't be better! With the Halloween weekend we are welcoming in our own Autumn...I do hope you enjoy and I will make sure not to have a long gap in between this one and the next!
Warning: Harsh fight scene!
Chapter 9 Autumn Festival
A small private funeral was held for Tomas Castil the next morning and Padre Felipe preformed a simple and comforting ceremony.
As the Autumn Festival was a day away everyone thought they should postpone the festivities. There was a gathering in the pueblo as the cuartel gates opened and Commandante Morales came out on his white horse.
"What is going on, Capitan?!"
"Who is going to be next?!"
"What are you doing to catch this killer!?" The people were frantic.
The Commandante relaxed his body and spoke in a soothing and consoling manner. He had learned from many years of observation, how to read people and use his body language to control a situation. He chose his words carefully, "I speak for my lancers and myself when I say we are truly sorry for the loss of Senor Castil. He was a beloved friend and son. We are doing everything in our power and I have not stopped once in my investigation. Suspects were interviewed and clues are being followed. I will leave no stone unturned until I find this man and bring him to justice."
"Is it true you are working with the outlaw Zorro?" a voice from the crowd asked.
Capitan Morales leaned back slightly, "The law is not allowed to affiliate itself with outlaws, heroic as they may be."
"What are we to do? The Autumn Festival is tomorrow night. Should we not postpone?" The crowd muttered mixed emotions.
The Commandante shook his head, "No, a festival is just what this town needs. Show this loco that we are stronger than him. I do propose that this year, the Autumn Festival should be in honor of Tomas Castil," before spurring his horse forward with his lancers behind him he concluded, "Please, do not wander off alone and if you see anything the least bit curious, if you see anyone acting not the same, do not hesitate to come forward," with that, the crowd parted as the garrison left the cuartel to go on maneuvers.
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Diego was in his room. The conversation with Padre Felipe kept replaying in his mind. He still felt it wrong to tell her his feelings. But the Verdugos were not going to be in town for very much longer and he might not get the chance before they left. He thought of the picnic and how happy and beautiful she was. How perfect that moment was when she touched his face and stroked his hair. He tingled at remembering her touch.
He had to tell her and somehow muster the strength to take a rejection. He planned to tell her at the Autumn Festival. At least it would be under pleasant circumstances. There was that ripping pain in his chest that seemed to tug harder. The guilt was creeping higher into his chest. He did not deserve happiness. He failed his friend. He should be the one buried.
Diego needed some comfort and he unfolded the note Anna Maria had written Zorro a few years ago and sent a silent prayer hoping that maybe she felt the same about Diego.
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That night, Morales turned and stopped suddenly when he saw Zorro materialize out of the darkness. "How do you do that?"
Zorro seemed different somehow. Morales watched him carefully, noticing slight twitches and short exhales. "I have my ways, Capitan," his voice was edgy.
"Senor Castil was buried this morning. I understand he had a note in his pocket?"
Zorro fumbled for the note and huffed as he gave it to the man in uniform.
Morales read the note and exhaled himself, "He's blaming you for Castil's death; poetic justice."
Zorro shifted his weight, "I failed. How did – how could this – I thought I got to him in time. These riddles are – none make sense and the notes –" Zorro was listless and rambling incoherently. He pinched the bridge of his nose and gave up trying to speak.
Capitan Morales remembered what Doctor Avilla had said, that the outlaw could get distracted with guilt. He did not need a useless Zorro, "Hey," he quietly barked, "Snap out of it. I need you to be here. In the present. You didn't stab Tomas Castil, this psycho did. You helped the doctor very professionally. No more could be done."
Zorro frowned.
"I need you to focus; that's an order," he waved a finger at the outlaw. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "Now, with the Autumn Festival tomorrow night, we should still be on high alert. I do not want an incident. I will post extra guards around the plaza, but if something comes up, how can I reach you?"
Zorro thought for a moment, "Lower the Spanish flag. I will see it."
The Commandante eyed him suspiciously.
Zorro exposed a brilliant smile seeming to be himself, "I always love a good party."
The commandante turned and Zorro had gone. "How does he do that?" He muttered to himself.
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The night of the Autumn Festival, the de la Vega's entered the plaza that was in full swing. Decorations were hung and lanterns lit the pueblo with bright brilliant colors. There were vendors along the perimeter of the pueblo offering candies, fall treats, hot chocolate, colored candles, specialty wines and favorite foods. There was a big stack of crates, barrels, and sticks piled high in the center of the plaza. It was a tradition to light it to welcome the autumn season. The children had decorated the boxes with ribbons and paint.
There was music and laughter and merriment. Yes, this was definitely what the citizens needed. Alejandro spotted Gregorio and they gathered around with a few of the other dons.
Diego stood next to Bernardo off to the side and smiled at the entertainment in the center of the pueblo.
"Don Diego," he turned to see the friendly Padre Felipe accompanied by Padre Ernesto.
"Padres! I hope you are enjoying the festivities."
Padre Ernesto smiled, "I have already sampled every treat and drink. If you would like a bit of advice, the third vendor to the right has a superb hot chocolate!"
Diego patted the priest on the back with a hardy laugh, "Thanks for the tip, Padre. I will definitely have to stop by."
Padre Felipe turned to the brother, "I will be along with you shortly, my friend."
Ernesto grinned, "I guess another round at the bakery stand!" he disappeared into the crowd.
"Diego," the padre came in closer, "I do hope you are feeling better than when we last spoke."
"Slowly, Father," Diego reassured with a grin.
"Because, now would be an opportune time," he made a grand sweeping gesture in the direction of Anna Maria Verdugo who was in view with Moneta Esperon and a few of the other senoritas. Padre Felipe giggled before going off to find the other priest.
Diego caught Bernardo's eye and saw the mute was eyeing him with a grin, "All right, all right," Diego waved Bernardo off and left his friend's side. As he casually made his way across the plaza, he glanced up and saw the Spanish flag flying high above the cuartel gates. Everything must be okay. He noticed the soldiers posted along the perimeter and on the rooftops and balconies. Surely they would see something suspicious.
Diego started to weave his way to Anna Maria when he ran into Sergeant Garcia who had obviously sampled too many of the wine vendors.
"Don Die—go!" the fat sergeant hiccupped, "My good f-f-friend!"
Diego laughed, "I see you are enjoying yourself, Sergeant."
"What do you think of all the festi—itv-iv-fessssss—" he gave up on the word and laughed loudly.
Diego's shoulders shook with laughter, "With you, Sergeant, it is always a festival!"
As the night progressed, Diego had been swept up by several senoritas for a dance and was caught in several conversations with a few of the dons. The entire time, he kept his eye on Anna Maria and as the merriment become louder, Diego escaped from his friends and finally caught Anna Maria. The loudness made it the perfect excuse to lean into one another's ear to talk. The closeness of her, caused his heart to flutter.
"…What?" she yelled over the banging and cheering and music.
"I want to tell you something," Diego leaned in and spoke loudly. "It's – it's too loud."
"It's too loud, Diego."
"That's what I said," Diego grinned.
Anna Maria laughed, "Oh," she pointed out of the crowd and Diego was about to follow her when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned and Bernardo gestured with his eyes to the cuartel. Diego saw the flag was down. His heart sank. Anna Maria had already been lost in the crowd. He nodded to Bernardo and followed him in the opposite direction. They were a safe distance and the noise was more quiet, "Did you bring them?"
Bernardo nodded and the two slipped away unnoticed. Diego looked back trying to find a glimpse of Anna Maria before disappearing. Diego changed quickly in the stables behind the tavern. "I just hope there isn't another life at stake," he said quietly and Bernardo nodded with the same sentiment as he hid Diego's clothes under the hay.
Capitan Morales paced in his office. He stopped and turned almost smiling, "I knew you were there."
"Is there another riddle?" Zorro materialized.
"Si," he handed it to the man in black, "I wasn't gone from my office for more than two minutes."
Zorro unfolded the note, "I'm forever growing. I always stand, never sit or lay down," he scrunched his face then read the next riddle, "If I drink, I die. If I eat, I grow."
"What could it mean?" Morales thought aloud.
They both heard the unanimous cheers out in the plaza. They both looked at one another with horror, "A city. A city is forever growing. The buildings, they stand," Morales explained.
"Something's going to happen in the pueblo," Zorro exclaimed.
"The bonfire!" They both exclaimed and ran out of the office.
Capitan Morales and Zorro rushed down the steps, "Open the gates!" he screamed as the worried lancers obeyed. The commandante and the outlaw stopped and gasped as they saw the huge stack of crates and barrels burst into flames. People were banging on drums, children were holding sparklers. They pushed their way through the crowd.
"Stop! Get water! Put it out!" Morales yelled and screamed as he and Zorro rushed to the foundation of the tower. They savagely flew burning pieces aside.
The crowd was completely aghast at the sight of Zorro by the commandante. "Zorro!" Was heard through the crowd as the music and banging slowly stopped and some ran for buckets of water and started flinging water to extinguish the flames.
Alejandro's heart stopped when he knew what the commandante and his son were doing. He rushed in and began to help dig through the flames. A few other caballero's with the same realization did the same.
Capitan Morales had glanced and saw Zorro's cape catch fire. He stamped on the cape and tugged at the tie around the outlaw's neck. Zorro quickly shrugged out of the flaming cape and growled as he dug deeper into the foundation.
"Commandante!" Zorro yelled over the roar of the flames. He saw feet and both dived in and pulled fiercely at a man dressed in the signature black who was bound and gagged. They dragged him to safety. The man trembled in fright and coughed through the gag.
"It's all right, you are safe!" Morales exclaimed. He pulled back the gag and mask as Zorro untied the man. "Don Miguel!" The commandante exclaimed upon recognizing the young caballero.
Zorro spotted a small white paper in the trousers of Miguel. He slipped it out without anyone knowing.
"Zorro!" Garcia exclaimed on his wobbly legs as several of the soldiers had burst through the crowd and started crowd control.
Zorro felt his heart pound in his chest, he glanced over at his father who appeared all right. He then looked back at the commandante. He nodded then wormed his way through the crowd.
"Lancers, after him!" Garcia exclaimed, his habitual command escaped his lips.
"No!" Morales barked, "Senor Miguel is more important than Zorro. Find Doctor Avilla."
Garcia nodded, "You heard the Commandante, find Doctor Avilla."
Morales looked down at the young caballero, "Are you all right?"
"Si, Commandante," Miguel Vasquez was still frightened. He had bruising and a few abrasions, just as the previous victims.
"Did he ask you who Zorro was?"
Miguel nodded and started to cough violently.
"Let's sit you up and get you to the doctor," Morales as well as Don Cornelio Esperon helped the young caballero to his feet.
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Zorro retreated to the stables behind the taverns. He heard the festival noises slowly begin to continue on but with hesitation. He heard the Commandante reassure everyone to continue with the party and that Don Miguel was just fine. The music slowly started back up and chatter began to climb. Zorro pulled out the note that was in Don Miguel's pocket:
Tick by tick, the clock of our game
Turns slowly, though our time has flown
Blow for blow my retribution reigns
As sin by sin my wounds are sewn.
He thought for a moment. Retribution? Was this some clue of him coming face to face with the killer? He glanced up from the paper and was almost startled upon seeing a silhouetted figure sitting on top of the wall. Zorro froze. The figure did not move for quite some time. Zorro blinked wondering if it was the dark playing with his imagination. He dismissed that thought when the figure dropped behind the exterior of the wall. Zorro quietly rushed to the doors and peered out before following. Inching his way along the wall, he unsheathed his sword. As he neared the corner, he slithered out and saw at the end of the street, the figure standing in the middle of the road.
Zorro's heart pounded, was this him?
The figure turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Zorro hesitated, maybe he should call for Capitan Morales? If he remained behind, the killer might slip away from him. He was not about to let Tomas' killer go free. He tensed, his senses were on high alert as he followed.
No need to hide, the figure obviously knew he was following him, though Zorro still kept a safe distance and let the figure lead him out of the city by the harbor. The mysterious figure disappeared into a vacant warehouse.
Zorro scanned the area, looking for any other signs of life. Maybe this was an ambush? No, this killer worked alone and was eager to match wits with the outlaw in his sick twisted game. In truth, Zorro was itching to see how this game played out. He waited a few moments before entering the building from another entrance. He went down a small hall and stopped suddenly when he heard a faint noise from above. Zorro looked up, the killer must be on the second level. Zorro quickly found stairs and ascended, every step filled with caution. He stopped at the top. It was a large open room, void of any kind of furnishings. Windows aligned the walls on either side allowing the moon to cast the only light. He spotted the figure standing on the opposite end.
"It's you, isn't it," Zorro entered the playing field.
The figure stood motionless.
"What do you want from me?"
Silence.
Zorro stepped toward him, his sword in hand, "You wanted me to come out and play your sick game. All right. Let's play," he lowered his stance, commencing the game.
The figure laughed quietly. As quick as a flash, the figure charged for Zorro.
Every muscle was prepared to defend his body. Zorro started for his opponent. He heard a high pitched whiz and in the nick of time he leaned to the right as a small metal dart flew past his head. He then dodged another.
The figure used his momentum to jump high into the air, spin and smash his foot into Zorro's chest.
Zorro staggered but quickly regained his balance and lunged forward, his sword aimed for the man's abdomen. But his assailant scooted back, missing the tip of the sword, spun and struck Zorro's fencing arm away from his body, leaving the outlaw's chest unguarded. The figure lept straight up, delivering a savage flying kick to the man in black's face. Zorro hit the wooden floor and his sword flew out of his hand.
In an instant, Zorro rolled out of the way of another foot descending down toward his face. The figure's foot smashed into the floor boards as Zorro rose to his feet. Taking that instant to attack the figure, Zorro swung and hit the man in the jaw. The figure swung back and Zorro blocked the swing with his arm but was propelled back with another kick in the chest.
Zorro leaned out of the way of another kick, lunged for the figure who dodged his advance and was thrown forward from a kick in his back. Zorro took a few steps forward, away from his opponent, as he sucked in a deep breath. Every move was disrupted. Any kind of rhythm he tried to achieve; the tempo, the flow, any kind of pattern was constantly changed and messed with him. This figure's skill in hand to hand combat was lethal and something he had never dealt with before.
After the moment's pause, they came at each other with heated fury and the figure slid on the ground, dodging a swing from Zorro. Up in an instant, the man aimed a punch which missed it's target.
Zorro dodged the swing and punched the man in the chest with his left arm, blocked another swing with the same arm and emitted a growl as he threw a strong punch to the man's face with his right.
The figure used the momentum of the punch to spin around and then pound both his fists down onto Zorro's shoulders. The killer grabbed Zorro by the neck and threw the Fox forward past his left side. Zorro rolled to the ground but was immediately back up. The figure jumped into the air and as Zorro went to catch the man's foot he was kicked to the ground with the other.
On the ground, Zorro paused briefly, heaving. He could taste a warm thick substance in his mouth and he spit it out. He looked up and watched as the figure took a few steps back and produced a long chain from inside his shirt. On the end of the chain was a flat blade-hook. Zorro was slightly alarmed. He pulled a dagger from his boot and another from his side and stood as the figure started swinging the hook on the chain.
Zorro charged for the figure but halted quickly and lifted his arms up to defend his face as the figure threw the hook. The blade sliced both of Zorro's forearms and he growled in pain. He kept a safe distance as both men circled each other. The figure swung the blade toward the ground and Zorro jumped then quickly ducked as the hook came around again near his head. The length of the figure's weapon kept Zorro at bay. Only an incredible feat of contortion saved Zorro from being impaled.
His opponent flung the chain back and in that small window of vulnerability, Zorro used it to his advantage. He rushed the man with the chain but got within a few feet before the man threw the chain. Zorro stopped and jumped back as it sliced his torso. He growled as the pain seared, but the pain fired his anger and he threw his dagger at the man's face. His aim was accurate but within inches from the man's face, the hook-blade deflected the weapon.
The figure swung the hook at the Fox and he had an idea. He outmaneuvered the hook's momentum and caught the chain that flew passed his head. He gripped it tightly in his hand and wrapped the links around his wrist. They froze for only an instant before Zorro was propelled forward as the figure yanked the chain and coiled it around his arm. Zorro tried to plant his feet but the man stomped on the chain, bringing him even closer before head-butting Zorro.
Zorro staggered, his mind spinning and fell to the ground from dodging the blade. He forced his mind to focus just as the man whirled the chain in the air, ready to bring it down into Zorro. The Fox rolled out of the way as the hook hitched into the ground and the Fox kicked the man out from under his feet.
Zorro stood as the figure threw his feet forward and used the energy to pull his body to stand. This kind of fighting was nothing Zorro had fought before and he slightly feared he would not be able to defend himself for much longer. His limbs were tingly and his chest was fatigued. He was not going to give up. He growled as he lunged for his opponent.
The hook was promptly removed from the ground and the figure spun and kicked Zorro, causing him to stumble back a few feet. He lassoed the hook and flung it again and Zorro rolled out of the way, but as he stood, the hook caught him in the back. He cried out from the pain as his body involuntarily arched. He quickly glanced around for his sword but was caught in the back of his leg with the hook-blade. He wavered but managed to dodge again as the hook flung past him, skimming his chest and lodging into a support beam. The man wrapped both arms around the chain and dislodged it from the poll.
Zorro took the one second he had and ran and jumped into the air and kicked the man in the face causing him to fall to the ground. Zorro landed on his wounded leg and he collapsed to his knee. He fell forward but caught himself with his hands and panted in agony. He grunted as pain seared throughout his body. He could feel his limbs shaking and his defenses were slowing down. He half growled half moaned as he spit more blood.
The man rose to his feet and finally spoke in a low voice, "You do your name justice. You fight well."
Zorro pushed off his hands onto to his knee. He could feel his body going into shock. His fingers and arms were shaky. He was sweating, yet felt cold. "Who are you?" his voice was hoarse.
The figure grinned as he stepped closer, "A better question to ask: who is that man behind that elusive mask?"
Zorro hobbled to stand.
"I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time," the man expertly threw the hook around Zorro's neck which only coiled twice around his windpipe, not impaling the Fox.
Zorro reached up as the chain choked his air. He felt his body being pulled forward then lurched back as the man kicked him in the stomach. Zorro smacked against the wall. The man reached for the mask but Zorro, in one last attempt, pulled out his last dagger and sliced the man across the chest, spiraled out of the chain then jumped out of the residing window.
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Alejandro and Bernardo had lingered at the festival, expecting to see Diego, but when he did not show, they went behind the tavern and found Diego's clothes tucked away under some hay. They exchanged inquisitive looks. "Do you think he is still with the Capitan?"
Bernardo shrugged as he gathered his master's clothing.
"Maybe he went back home," Alejandro suggested, "I would feel better if we went to find out," he followed Bernardo out and travelled home. Upon arrival, they went up to Diego's room. It was empty. Alejandro pushed the button under the mantel and the secret door opened. The little room was also vacant. The two men exchanged glances and Bernardo shrugged.
"I don't know where he is, either. I guess we just have to wait. Why don't you make some tea and we'll start a game of chess while we wait."
Bernardo nodded then led the way out of the room.
Alejandro huffed and leaned toward the board as Bernardo made an expert move which left his king vulnerable. The elder was about to make his move when they heard a thud above them. They stopped and waited to hear if there would be another.
They both exited the sala and curiously ascended the stairs, "Diego?" Alejandro quietly called as they approached his son's door. Both men exchanged questionable glances then entered the room. They were stopped at the threshold upon seeing Diego lying on the floor between his room and the secret chamber.
They were instantly at his side, "Madre de Dios," Alejandro exclaimed when he raised his hand from Diego's chest and it was covered in blood.
I know it was dark…(for me at least) but sometimes my darker side comes out and I have to do something about it! Please pardon it, and be kind in reviewing.