"Senor de la Vega?"
"Si, Miguel?"
"There is a gentleman here to see you."
The servant's choice of words told Diego that it must be a stranger.
Who could it be? It was unusual for someone he didn't know to visit him.
"Did he give his name?"
"No, Senor. But he said it was important."
Diego didn't answer right away as Miguel waited patiently.
Next to Miguel was Mercedes, who was helping him.
The two belonged to Don Rafael, but he had given them to Diego.
"I have enough servants. They can be a great help to you, and you'll have your head free for your studies," was the older caballero's argument. "They have been in my service for a very long time and have proven their loyalty many times, so you don't have to worry about that."
Diego knew Rafael well enough to know that there was no point in arguing. The old Don could be quite stubborn when it came to getting his way and supporting it. Besides, the young Vega sensed that the old man felt the need to help him and also felt a certain peace of mind in doing so.
"It's all right, Miguel. Show our visitor in," he instructed the servant as he walked to the wall and took one of the swords hanging on the wall. Thoughtfully, he slipped the weapon into his sash. He didn't expect any unpleasantness - but it couldn't hurt to use the sword as a status symbol to strangers, contrary to his custom.
It wasn't long before Miguel returned. He was followed by a slightly older man in plain clothes, who looked around in slight uncertainty. Signs of wear on the visitor's shirt, trousers and shoes showed that he had been on the road for some time and had probably come from out of town.
The stranger's eyes met his.
"Don Diego de la Vega?"
Something like recognition flashed in the guest's eyes, and Diego also had the feeling that he had seen his visitor before.
"Senor Perez? Is that you?" he finally asked, scrutinizing the face of his counterpart.
"Si," replied his visitor and a happy smile played around his lips. "But call me Fernando, like you used to, por favor. How lucky I am to have finally found you."
"Que sorpresa! How nice to see you again after such a long time." Diego approached Perez and both men embraced in friendship. It took a moment before they separated again.
"You look like you've had a long trip. Did you come straight from Los Angeles? Can I offer you anything?"
Perez's expression darkened. "If you could get me something to drink, I'd be grateful. Unfortunately, it's not good news I have to deliver."
"Is something wrong with my father?" Diego asked worriedly, thinking of the strange letters from Alejandro.
"No, no, don't worry. He was fine when I left Los Angeles. But I'm afraid he might do something rash. It's not for the best, you know."
Diego took a deep breath and forced himself to stay calm. "Bien, let's go into the next room together," he suggested and turned to his servant. "Miguel, can you bring us some water and some of the new wine? Perhaps Mercedes could also prepare us something to eat?"
"That is not necessary, Diego," Fernando objected.
"No, no, old friend, you have come a long way. As eager as I am to hear the news, I would be a poor host if I didn't offer you this. I can see you've had a long journey. Let's pause for a moment before you tell me exactly what has brought you to me."