My thanks to PamZ. Her transcripts contribute significantly to the creation of this story.

Chapter 21

After bidding a heartfelt farewell to Rafaël and Margarita. Diego slipped unnoticed into the cave. Felipe was busy saddling Toronado. Considering everything that had happened, Diego believed it was best for Rafaël and Margarita to leave Los Angeles as quickly as possible. His father had made a futile attempt to reason with Ramon. After all, tomorrow was the wedding day, and it was customary for the family to be present. However, once Victoria revealed what had transpired, Diego agreed that Margarita should not participate in the festivities.

Ramon showed no inclination to give in, and don Alejandro returned empty-handed. Margarita had vehemently protested, convinced that Zorro would come to their rescue once they were arrested. Her expressions of admiration for Zorro only encouraged Rafaël to want to leave as soon as possible. He primarily wanted to put an end to Margarita openly declaring her love for another man. Rafaël had briefly considered staying and challenging Zorro to a duel. Fortunately, don Alejandro had given him wiser advice and persuaded him not to let the situation escalate any further.

Once they were ready, Felipe handed Zorro the reins of Toronado, and Zorro mounted the horse. "Our last attempt to make Margarita see Rafaël as a heroic man has spectacularly failed. This time, we are entirely alone on the road. The alcalde will not be there to interfere." Felipe gestured, indicating his uncertainty about whether this new plan would help the couple. "Yes, I partly agree with you. But it's Rafaël's choice to love her. He is my cousin, and if he truly loves her, and Margarita loves him, then I refuse to let Zorro stand between them." With that, Zorro urged Toronado to head towards the exit of the cave.

.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was, to say the least, uncomfortable. Rafaël felt hurt that the woman he loved had openly rejected him and was swooning over another man.

Margarita believed that Rafaël had chosen the path of least resistance and had allowed himself to be too easily persuaded to return. "My father was right. You don't have any backbone," she uttered.

"Uncle Alejandro was right. You shouldn't always seek confrontation. Besides, you are going back to your parents. I think you should be happy about that."

"So, now you just want to get rid of me as quickly as possible," Margarita said, offended.

"No, I would have preferred to stay in Los Angeles. I have always had a good relationship with Diego. And I would have liked to attend his marriage."

"To that tavern wench? I wish him the best of luck. He will soon discover her true motives."

Rafaël was annoyed by the way Margarita humiliated other people. "Margarita, you're talking about my future cousin. As of tomorrow, Victoria Escalante is just as much a de la Vega as I am. I propose that you treat people with the respect they deserve."

"That's all I ever do!" snapped Margarita.

The pair approached the junction of the main road to Santa Monica and the northbound thoroughfare called Tres Equinas. There, they were stopped by three lancers, including Sergeant Mendoza. Rafaël jumped out of the carriage, determined to take control of the situation and show Margarita that he did know how to stand up for himself.

Mendoza spoke sternly, "Señor, you are breaking the law."

Rafaël, surprised, replied, "What law? Riding on a public road, I suppose!"

"You haven't paid your tourist tax," Mendoza said.

Rafaël reacted indignantly. He had never heard of such a ridiculous rule. "Tourist tax? What absurd nonsense is that?"

Mendoza felt confident now that it was three against one, and Zorro was nowhere to be seen. "Fifty pesos if you pay before leaving Los Angeles. If not, two hundred."

Determined, Rafaël approached the sergeant while Margarita anxiously remained in the carriage, wondering what would happen next. "And what happens if I refuse to pay?"

Mendoza grinned. "Then the alcalde will be quite agitated. And I'll have to arrest you."

Rafaël reached into the carriage and drew his sword in a graceful motion. He pointed his sword at the soldiers, saying, "This is what I'll give your alcalde."

Mendoza lets out a deep sigh. The two lancers firmly gripped their swords, ready for the confrontation. It was too hot to exert themselves, and knowing it would take hours before they could return to Los Angeles, Mendoza had secretly brought a sausage from the garrison kitchen. While his men arrested Rafaël, Mendoza saw it as the perfect opportunity to take a break.

Concerned by the sudden change in attitude and the fact that Rafaël thought he could take on three trained soldiers, Margarita exclaimed in shock, "Rafaël, what are you doing? You're going to get yourself killed."

Rafaël looked at her with determination. "Maybe Zorro was right. It's time to fight back."

Mendoza instructed his lancers as they drew their swords, "Muchachos, try not to hurt him." With swift movements, the lancers attacked Rafaël. He defended himself bravely, demonstrating enough agility to take on two men at once.

Meanwhile, Mendoza unwrapped a chorizo from a cloth and casually sat on a rock.

Shocked by the overwhelming odds and how Rafaël had been challenged, Margarita was determined to help him. She grabbed a suitcase and threw it towards the soldiers. The object flew open, and various pieces of clothing fell out.

Just as Mendoza was about to take a big bite of his sausage, something suddenly tapped his shoulder, startling him. "Sergeant Mendoza? Sorry to interrupt."

Mendoza slowly turned around and saw Zorro standing behind him on a boulder. "Zorro!" He dropped his chorizo.

Zorro smiled and waved his sword at Mendoza, causing his pants to drop around his ankles. "It seems you could use a tailor."

Mendoza struggled to pull his pants up, accepting his defeat. He had no desire to be further humiliated. It was easier to tell Ramon later that Zorro had intervened, causing their failure, than to engage in a fight and ultimately end up on the losing side. He shouted to his lancers, "Come on, men!" The two lancers halted their fight with Rafaël, ran to their horses, and galloped back towards Los Angeles. Margarita jumped out of the carriage and hurried towards Zorro as he swiftly jumped off the boulder.

Margarita uttered, full of admiration, "Ah, just your presence alone frightens them!"

Zorro asked her, "Are you all right?"

Margarita nodded.

With a determined expression, Rafaël approached them, his sword pointing at Zorro. "Thanks for your concern, but we're fine." He grabbed Margarita's arm and pushed her aside. "We'll be even better as your end approaches."

Zorro extended his hand. "You know I have no quarrel with you."

Rafaël still pointed his sword at Zorro. "Defend yourself or die."

Zorro greeted him with his sword. "Reluctantly, but as you wish."

Rafaël and Zorro cautiously began their duel, their swords clashing under the blazing sun. Rafaël attacked Zorro, who skillfully parried the strikes before driving Rafaël towards a cluster of large boulders.

As the men disappeared behind the boulders, Margarita couldn't see what was happening. But she could hear the intense sound of clashing swords. Her heart raced with anticipation, and she wanted to cheer when Rafaël reappeared. He had gained the upper hand, pushing Zorro further against the rocks. Filled with genuine concern, Margarita called out anxiously, "Rafaël, be careful!"

As the fight reached its peak, Rafaël's skill and determination prevailed. He managed to disarm Zorro, trapping him against the rugged rock face. Zorro was now at Rafaël's mercy.

"P-please, señor! Have mercy!" Zorro pleaded, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and fear.

Rafaël's grip tightened on his sword, his anger burning within him. "What is this? A plea for mercy? No, Zorro, your time has come," he declared, his voice filled with resolute determination.

Margarita couldn't bear the thought of witnessing someone's death before her eyes. Swiftly stepping out of the carriage, her face etched with concern, she interjected, "Rafaël, wait! He's not worth it," her voice trembling slightly.

Rafaël paused, torn between his thirst for revenge and the pleading words of the woman he loved. His eyes met Margarita's, searching for guidance in her gaze. "Are you sure, Margarita?" he asked, his voice softer, revealing the inner battle he was fighting.

With unwavering resolve, Margarita nodded. "Yes, Rafaël." she affirmed, her voice now laced with newfound strength.

"You may thank the señorita for sparing your life."
Rafaël's grip on the sword loosened, and he lowered it, allowing Zorro to stand up and retrieve his fallen weapon.

A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over Zorro's face as he bowed respectfully to Margarita. "Señorita, I am eternally indebted to you," he acknowledged, mounting his faithful steed, Toronado, and riding away into the night.

As the echoes of Zorro's departure faded, Margarita moved closer to Rafaël, her arms encircling him in a warm embrace. "Rafaël, I was so scared and you were so brave," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration and love.

Rafaël chuckled softly, the tension from the fight dissipating. "Fighting is easy," he mused. "Creating faith where there is none, that's the hard part."

Margarita smiled and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "I'm sorry for my behaviour. You mean more to me than Zorro."

Rafaël started laughing. "So, is our engagement back on?"

Margarita blushed and laughed charmingly. "It never really ended. I... I acted a bit foolish."

"Still, we need to talk. I have always been taught that everyone is equal. During this journey, I've realized that you hold different views on the matter. I'm unsure if I can be happy when married to a woman who looks down on others."

"Then teach me. Teach me to value people for who they are."

After gathering the luggage Margarita had thrown out of the carriage, the couple continued their journey home.

.

Back in the tavern, Mendoza narrates a twisted version of what happened at Tres Equinas to several lancers and others gathered around a table. "He had defeated three of my best men. At that moment, I knew I had to take action myself."

Diego and Felipe enter the tavern and catch the last words of the sergeant. Diego winks at Felipe and then stands next to Mendoza. "Let me guess. Zorro?"

Mendoza reacts with surprise. "How did you know?"

Diego sits at the table. "Well, Sergeant, you're the only one brave enough to face the infamous Zorro's sword."

Mendoza, proud that at least someone finds him brave, says, "How true. And there I stood, my men scattered like leaves in the wind. Two defenceless travellers were at his mercy."

Diego pours some wine from a jug. "So, you impaled him. You gave Zorro what he truly deserved, a solid blow right through the heart." He handed Mendoza a glass.

Mendoza hesitates. After his boastful tale, it's difficult to admit that he has to spend the evening busy with needle and thread, repairing his uniform. And besides, Zorro was still freely roaming. "Well, n-not exactly."

Diego says, "Well, you did hit him. You marked him for life."

Mendoza stammers further. "But that would have been cruel."

As if it were only logical and Diego was fully convinced of the sergeant's abilities as the garrison's leader, he asks, "Well, Sergeant, there are search warrants for Zorro, a bounty on his head. Did you force him to surrender to you?"

Mendoza turns to the others at the table before looking back at Diego, wondering how he can save face without suffering any loss. "Zorro's life was within my grasp. He knew it. And I knew it." He pounds his chest with his fist. "Killing him would have been a waste of time. Besides, I had wounded men to take care of."

Diego hides a smile. Understandingly he says, "Ah, of course. We all know how seriously you take your responsibilities towards your men."

Mendoza stands tall and adjusts his jacket proudly. "That's what leadership is all about, don Diego." He takes a sip from his glass.

Diego stands up and acts slightly anxious. "So, uh, Zorro is still at large, isn't he?"

Mendoza reassures him, "Don't worry. He won't dare show his face here again."

"Are you that sure?"

Mendoza replies, "Let's just say Zorro now knows who he's dealing with."

Diego looks at Felipe, who smiles. Diego pats Mendoza on the shoulder. "That's quite reassuring. Excuse me." And he heads towards the kitchen.

Now that everything has been taken care of, there is one more thing Diego wants to arrange today. In the kitchen, Victoria is busy cleaning up the last few items. The soft sound of pots and pans fills the space as she concentrates on her task. Diego gazes at her lovingly, his heart filled with genuine affection.
"Victoria, sorry to disturb you," Diego begins with a modest smile.

Victoria looks at him kindly and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. "You're not disturbing me, Diego. Can I get you something?"

Nerves course through Diego's body, but he tries to act it off playfully. "I was actually hoping you could spare me five minutes of your time," he says, with a teasing undertone.

A playful glimmer appears in Victoria's eyes. "Just five minutes? I was planning to share my life with you starting tomorrow."

Diego smiles and extends his hand invitingly. "Please?"

Victoria takes off her apron and briefly scans the kitchen before looking back at Diego. "I'll let Alicia know I'll be away."
She walks into the dining area and quickly returns. Curiosity is visible in her eyes. "Done. Diego, do you know what's up with Mendoza? He looks like he's just seen a ghost."

Diego pretence innocence. He secretly swapped the napkin from Mendoza for one on which a Z has been sketched with charcoal. "Beats me. Just a moment ago, he was boasting about nearly catching Zorro."

"Nearly, huh? Probably as 'nearly' as Ramon is nearly a fair alcalde," Victoria replies, chuckling. "Well, what did you want to ask?"

Diego takes Victoria's hand in his and looks deep into her eyes. "Shall we take a walk in the mission garden? I want to give you something."

Arm in arm, they cross the plaza, their love, and anticipation hanging in the air. Upon reaching the garden, they choose a secluded bench surrounded by colourful flowers and the gentle whisper of the wind.

Diego takes something out of his pocket and holds it delicately.

Victoria immediately recognizes the box for what it is, and as she opens the lid, her breath catches. A moment of silence lingers between them as her eyes admire the beautiful gold necklace and matching earrings resting on the velvet.
"Oh, Diego, this is stunning," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion.

Diego smiles softly and takes her hand in his. "These are not heirlooms. They are merely a humble reflection of my deep affection for you." He gently kisses her hand right on the knuckle where the ring sits.

Victoria feels a lump in her throat and looks at Diego, love filling her eyes. "It matches perfectly. Where did you get these?"

"After you gave me your consent, I went to San Fernando. I thought these jewels would complement the ring beautifully," Diego replies with a warm smile.

A mixture of emotions floods Victoria's heart. Diego couldn't have possibly had the time to travel to San Fernando in the past days. This means he purchased before Margarita came into the picture. She feels honoured and moved by his dedication.

"Margarita said that my ring shouldn't belong to an ordinary peasant girl," Victoria whispers, sharing her thoughts.

Diego's eyes radiate tenderness as he meets her gaze.
"To me, you are never ordinary, Victoria. I actually wanted to give this to you after our wedding. But then I thought, maybe you'd like to wear it during the ceremony. So..." He hesitates for a moment, conveying his intentions cautiously.

Carefully, Victoria takes the necklace out of the box, her eyes fascinated by the precious piece of jewellery before her.

"Allow me."
Diego takes it from her, stands behind her, and gently places the necklace around her neck. He then turns her half a turn, so they can look into each other's eyes. "It suits you beautifully," he whispers.

A wave of warmth flows through Victoria as she wraps her arms around his neck and pulls his face towards hers. "Thank you," she says, her voice filled with sincere gratitude and love.

As their lips meet, Victoria feels a deep sensation of pleasure. She cherishes the feeling of Diego's strong arms around her. It makes her feel protected and cherished. All her senses are stimulated by the closeness of their love.

.

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