PARTE UNO: "The Legend Concludes"
Seven-year-old Felipe Cortez clutched the side of the pushcart. His mother and father pushed it as other peasants rushed past them. Rifle shots, cannon blasts, shouts, and terrified screams hurt his ears. Thick clouds of dust, caused by the cannon blasts, drifted everywhere he looked and choked him.
Suddenly, a government soldier appeared in front. He aimed a rifle straight at Felipe. "No!" the boy's mother screamed. "Por favor, don't hurt my son!"
"Felipe?" A familiar cultured male voice broke in. "Felipe, wake up! You're having a bad dream."
Mamá! Felipe, thought, whimpering. Mamá! He shot up in bed and stared wildly around the bedroom, then squeezed his eyes shut in terror. In his mind's eye, he could see that soldier cocking his rifle and aiming it at him and his parents.
The mattress sagged and creaked as someone sat down on it. Arms clasped Felipe to a man's chest and hugged him for a long moment, rocking him. "It's all right, amigo, you're safe. You're awake, now. It's all over." The kind voice soothed and comforted him.
Felipe leaned back and looked around. He was not a seven-year-old boy in Mexico, trying to flee for his life; he was a 17-year-old young man in his room at the de la Vega hacienda, and it was the siesta hour. He gazed at his patrón, Don Diego de la Vega, as the caballero hugged him once more.
"Was it the same nightmare?" Don Diego asked gently. Felipe nodded and shuddered. "You've been dreaming about that time quite a bit, as of late." Felipe nodded again.
Don Diego squeezed his shoulder. "It sounds to me as if the memories you've blocked out all these years are trying to come out."
Felipe shuddered again. I don't want to remember that time, he thought. I don't want to remember any more than I already do. It hurts every time I remember something new. It hurts so bad, I just feel like I want to die! He pressed his fingertips on the navy-blue satin quilt. The afternoon sunshine poured in between the heavy silk drapes in the window.
The de la Vegas were enormously wealthy, influential caballeros, the most important family in southern California. They lived in a beautiful, elegant hacienda two miles west of Los Angeles, and their fruitful land consisted of thousands of acres. Felipe, a young mute orphan who used to be deaf, had worked for them as an indentured servant since he was seven years old, after his parents had been killed in one of the last battles of the revolution. The trauma had robbed Felipe of his speech and his hearing; when he was 13, his ability to hear had been miraculously restored.
Unable to bear the trauma of that terrible time, Felipe had blocked out the memory of it. In fact, for the past 10 years, Felipe had blocked out his whole early life, unable to remember more than very little of it all. He hadn't even been able to remember the names of his parents, or his own last name. He had been known only as Felipe.
He had started to remember his early life when he had considered joining the army and a gang of killers had stalked him. He had since learned that he had once lived in San Miguel de Bajio, a pueblo in central Mexico, and that his parents' names were Juan and Consuela Cortez. He had gotten re-acquainted with his kind godfather, Paco Lopez, and Paco's orphaned nephew, Rafael, when they had come to Los Angeles to live; his godfather had died a few months later. In recent months, since Don Diego's announcement that he was going to adopt Felipe, the boy had remembered more and more. And with the remembering came intense emotional pain--pain so consuming, he couldn't stand it. Each time that happened, one of his patróns would hold him tightly and comfort him until the intensity of the pain subsided.
Seeing the pain etched on the boy's face, Don Diego embraced him once again. "It hurts deeply to remember, doesn't it, amigo?" Felipe nodded. "Why don't I sit here with you for a while?" Felipe nodded gratefully.
Don Diego smiled comfortingly as Felipe lay down on the bed mattress. "I'll say this, amigo: if your mother could see you now, she'd be proud of you." Felipe smiled wanly and made a gesture. Don Diego took his hand.
"I know." Don Diego squeezed the boy's hand. "You know, Felipe, you need to mourn your parents' deaths. You've never had a real chance to do that, before."
Felipe winced. Such mourning would open up his old wounds, he was sure, and the result would be a life-threatening hemorrhage. He didn't want to hurt inside any more than he was already doing.
Don Diego smiled again and changed the subject. "Just think, Felipe! In a short time, you're going to be my son. When Victoria and I get married, you will have a mother and a father once more. And with Victoria's brothers, Francisco and Ramon, back in Los Angeles, you'll have two uncles as well. You will be a servant no longer."
Felipe smiled at the prospect. Don Diego had been like a father to him for years. To have his beloved patrón as his father for real, and to have Victoria for his mother and her brothers for his uncles, would be wonderful. Francisco and Ramon Escalante had recently returned to Los Angeles to live, and Ramon and his sister Victoria were operating the tavern together. Francisco, for his part, was trying to decide whether to stay in Los Angeles or move elsewhere.
Don Diego had announced his decision to adopt Felipe back in early June, on the day Emissary Gilberto Risendo had been shot to death by the alcalde. Risendo had ostensibly been sent by the king to collect a special war tax; in reality, he had come to Los Angeles to destroy the de la Vegas, whom he and his foster mother had hated. Not until just before Risendo's death did the de la Vegas learn that Don Gilberto was Don Diego's twin brother, born as the elder twin only to be kidnapped by their mother's evil, vindictive midwife, Ynez Risendo.
Ynez had raised Don Gilberto and filled him with hatred for the de la Vegas. For her role in the crimes the emissary had committed, the alcalde had arrested her and sent her back to Spain, to stand trial for kidnapping and attempted murder. The discovery that Don Gilberto was a de la Vega had devastated the two other de la Vegas, especially Don Alejandro.
Will my being adopted heal Don Alejandro and Don Diego's wounds? Felipe wondered silently, as he gazed at Don Diego. And will it heal mine?
Felipe thought about the days Señor Risendo had spent in Los Angeles. He remembered the ruthlessness Señor Risendo had exhibited...the cruelty and stone-cold hate in his eyes...his attempt to execute the alcalde for no good reason...his and Lieutenant Hidalgo's mistreatment of Felipe during the mercifully short time the two men had obtained control of the de la Vega hacienda and driven the de la Vegas out...and his last-ditch effort to murder Don Alejandro and Don Diego, in the hope of obtaining their lands and money. What a relief it was, to know that Don Gilberto Risendo could never again hurt any of them!
He expressed his thoughts to Don Diego, who nodded and pursed his lips. "Those were terrible days for us all, Felipe." He sighed. "I hurt inside, myself, when I think about my brother, Gilberto Risendo. We all have wounds we need to heal of, Felipe. And we need to comfort one another, in the meantime." Felipe nodded agreement.
Suddenly, an unpleasant thought occurred to the boy. Don Diego watched him as he signed a remark. Don Diego sighed.
"I know, amigo. I, too, thought the alcalde would change." He sighed again and shook his head. "At first, it looked as if he would, didn't it? But once the aftermath of Risendo's visit wore off, he reverted to his old ways. At least, so far, he has not imprisoned anyone unjustly, so maybe something of that terrible time did leave a permanent mark on de Soto. But he still taxes the people unjustly. It wouldn't take much to provoke him into oppressing us again. Zorro is still needed; he can't lay aside the mask yet." Felipe pursed his lips at the thought.
The polished mahogany door swung open; a thirteen-year-old boy stepped inside. "Don Diego?" the boy said. "When do you want me to bring the carriage?" Don Diego glanced at his gold timepiece.
"Now, Sergio. We'll be out there, soon." Sergio smiled and left.
Felipe grinned at Don Diego, who chuckled. "You know, Felipe, Sergio is learning his new duties nicely." Felipe nodded agreement. "He works hard and learns fast, just as you always have. You've done an excellent job of training him, these past four months." Felipe smiled and nodded, then sat up.
Sergio Esperanza was an orphan who had lived at the mission since he was born. His father had died before he was born, and his mother had died in childbirth at the church. Since Sergio had no living relatives, the church had taken him under its wing and raised him.
In recent months, Don Diego had taken a personal interest in Sergio. Several months before, Sergio had fallen seriously ill, and had expressed a strong yearning to ride with Zorro. Don Diego had learned of his wish from Victoria Escalante, the tavern owner, and had ridden as Zorro to take Sergio to his secret cave. There, because Dr. Hernandez had been out of town at the time, Zorro had studied the boy's disease and prepared a medicine that had enabled the boy's body to fight back.
Shortly after the boy's recovery, Zorro had taken Sergio for a long ride on Toronado. Since then, Zorro had visited the boy at the church on several occasions, and had taken him on two more rides. Not only that, Don Diego had visited Sergio frequently as himself, and had often taken Felipe and Don Alejandro with him. The three had developed a strong friendship with the boy.
In July, the de la Vegas had hired Sergio to serve them as an indentured servant, training to replace Felipe as their houseboy. Being an orphan himself, Felipe had an affinity with Sergio. The two boys worked together and often played together. Felipe was like a big brother to Sergio, who looked up to him. When Felipe's adoption was finalized, Sergio would replace him officially.
It's been four months since Don Alejandro hired Sergio to take my place, Felipe thought, scratching his arm. Soon, he will know everything expected of him, and I'll be out of a job.
Don Diego smiled. "Very soon, Felipe, I'm going to let Sergio in on Zorro's secret."
Felipe asked, via gestures, whether Sergio would be safe if he did.
"He will be as safe as my father has been if he keeps his mouth shut, and he well knows how to do that. I've tried him repeatedly since my father hired him, and he's proven to my satisfaction his ability to keep a secret. He loves Zorro too much to betray him. At any rate, he needs to know Zorro's secret so he can take over your cave duties."
Felipe asked if Sergio would also replace him as Zorro's spy.
Don Diego shook his head. "No, Felipe. Nor will he replace you as Zorro's assistant. Since everyone knows that Sergio can hear, it would be too dangerous a burden to put on him. As long as Zorro is needed, Felipe, you will spy for him whenever the need arises, and you and Sergio will help him in other ways."
Felipe smiled, relieved. He was willing to let Sergio take over his cave duties, but he really didn't want to be replaced as Zorro's spy or as his assistant.
Felipe then asked if Don Diego had plans to adopt Sergio as well. Don Diego shook his head.
"Much as I would like to, Felipe, I cannot adopt every orphan in Los Angeles. Not even every orphan we take in to work for us." Don Diego smiled ruefully. "But that doesn't mean Sergio won't have a father's love and guidance. My father and I will give him those things, Felipe, just as we've always given them to you."
Felipe asked if Don Diego was going to tutor Sergio. Again, Don Diego shook his head.
"When Sergio graduated from the mission school, last spring, and was confirmed, he had done quite well in every course the school had offered. Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, arithmetic; Spanish and colonial history and geography; the catechism and the Bible; and the various crafts the school teaches. I've talked with him, Felipe, and he does not wish to study any more. My father and I have decided to honor his wishes. When his indenture's up, he wants to buy a farm and settle down; he will be 25, then. He will save up the money as he works. In the meantime, I will teach him swordsmanship. Zorro promised him that, when he was sick."
Felipe offered to give Sergio the money he, himself, had saved through the years. Don Diego smiled approvingly.
"Felipe, I think that's a fine idea. Now that you're going to be my son and heir, our money will be your money, so you will no longer need your wages. Sergio will appreciate your gift." Felipe smiled back.
Don Diego squeezed the boy's shoulder. "And you, Felipe, will make a fine lawyer, someday--after you've graduated from Madrid University and taken your Grand Tour of Europe, that is. And you're not only an excellent shot, you're well on your way to becoming a master swordsman. Someday, you will be one; you have the eye for it, the necessary agility, the quick reflexes, and the steady nerves required. Now that you know how to use a foil, an epee, and a rapier, I'll start teaching you to fence with a saber." Felipe's brown eyes shone with delight at the thought.
"I might add that you're quite an artist and musician, too. You play the piano, the guitar, and the bugle excellently, and your pictures and statues are very good. Soon, amigo, I'll start giving you violin lessons." Felipe smiled at the prospect. "And I will teach you some ballroom dances. You're already quite proficient in the folk dances and the waltz; now you need to learn some elegant ballroom dances." Felipe nodded his acquiescence.
The two stood up and went to the drawing room to wait for the carriage. Don Diego's boots and Felipe's woven-leather sandals clicked on the gleaming marble floor as they strode down the hall. When they entered the drawing room, they found Don Alejandro waiting for them.
"Good news!" Don Alejandro rose to his feet, clasped his hands behind his back, and smiled broadly. "Don Luis Piscola just arrived on the coach, and he's taken a room at the tavern. He's going to draw up the adoption papers after we meet with him. While Felipe and Sergio pick up some things for us, Diego, we'll meet with Don Luis, you and I. He's waiting for us in the tavern."
He smiled at Felipe affectionately. "No one knows the law better than Don Luis. He's ideally suited to draw up the adoption papers." Don Alejandro rested his hand on Felipe's shoulder. "Soon, amigo, you will be my first grandson." His eyes shone at the thought, and Felipe grinned.
Don Diego smiled, in his turn, and put an arm around Felipe's shoulders. "You know, Felipe, you will be blessed to have a good man like my father for your grandfather."
Don Alejandro chuckled. "I'm the one who's blessed, my son. Not only to know that this fine young man will soon be my first grandson, but also to know that you, my son, are Zorro." He shook his head. "You did a good job fooling everyone--including your own father! And how you managed to teach this young man to play musical instruments and handle a sword--without anyone knowing--is beyond me!"
Diego grimaced. "I had to, to keep you safe from the alcalde. Even now, I sometimes wonder if I did the right thing in telling you. At least, I don't have to keep Felipe's lessons in music and swordsmanship a secret from you and Victoria, anymore."
Don Alejandro touched his son's arm. "Diego, don't worry about me. I can keep a secret as well as Felipe. Are you going to tell Sergio, soon? And Victoria?"
Don Diego nodded. "Sergio, yes. As for Victoria, I'll tell her when it's safe to." He smiled. "You know, Father, if it hadn't been for you, there would have been no Zorro. You taught me with your words and example to care about people, and to fight for justice."
Don Alejandro smiled his appreciation. Sergio entered the room and announced the carriage was ready. The de la Vegas and Felipe followed him out the door. "Look at the scenery, Diego, boys." Don Alejandro sighed with contentment. "So sunny, so clean!"
"It certainly is!" Don Diego strode toward the carriage. A cool breeze wafted around him, his father, and the boys.
ZZZZZ
At the cuartel, Don Ignacio de Soto, alcalde of Los Angeles, sat at his desk, reading The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli. For a moment, he paused to think about the reasons for which he had gotten himself appointed alcalde.
He pursed his lips and slammed the book down. When he first came to Los Angeles, he had hoped to be promoted in a few months, for he was a man of high ambition. Instead, he had been stuck in Los Angeles for two years, and a promotion seemed further off now than it had ever been. Worse, he had nearly been executed five months before, by Don Gilberto Risendo!
It's all Zorro's fault, too, he thought, bitterly. He's thwarted me time and again! If it hadn't been for him, I would have been back in Spain, long ago, and that madman Risendo wouldn't have tried to kill me.
A knock sounded at the door. "Come in!" he said.
Sergeant Mendoza and Corporal Sepulveda entered the office. "Excuse me, mi alcalde, but there's a caballero outside who wants to see you. He says he's an emissary from the king." Mendoza brushed back a stray hair as he spoke.
The alcalde straightened up in a hurry and groaned. Not another emissary! After his experiences with the last one--Don Gilberto Risendo--he did not want to see any more emissaries for a good long time! Nevertheless, he knew he had no choice but to welcome the man. Maybe this one would be better than Risendo had been.
He sighed. "Show him in, Mendoza." The sergeant saluted and stepped outside. "Sepulveda!" The corporal stood at attention. "Go after the lancers I sent on patrol, and tell them to return."
"Si, mi alcalde!" Corporal Sepulveda saluted and strode out the door.
A distinguished-looking gentleman who wore a pale-green frock coat and trousers, a snow-white silk shirt, a dark-green velvet vest, and a white silk cravat entered the room. He held a coal-black top hat in one hand and a rolled-up parchment in the other. "I am Don Paco de la Fernandez, emissary to his Majesty." He handed the parchment to the alcalde.
De Soto unrolled and read the parchment, then rose to his feet. He circled his desk and held out his hand in welcome. "This is indeed an honor, emissary!" He handed the emissary the parchment. "I wish you had given me some advance warning so I could have prepared you a proper welcome. Won't you sit down?"
The emissary nodded without smiling, and sat down. De Soto perched behind his desk. "What can I do for you?"
Don Paco leaned forward. "I'm afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, señor." The alcalde frowned. "The king has been informed of your crimes and malfeasance, Don Ignacio. Since he himself appointed you, he is most embarrassed that you have abused your position in this manner. He has sent me with orders to bring you back to Spain, to stand trial."
The alcalde froze. His mouth dropped open; he gaped at Don Paco. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me!" The emissary looked stern. "And I suggest you get your affairs in order, for you will soon be under arrest!"
De Soto pursed his lips together. "These charges you speak of are all lies!"
Don Paco shook his head. "The king has all the proof he needs, and then some. He's been investigating you for the past several months. He even sent one of his own associates to investigate the charges personally. Don Francisco de la Calderon, Duke of La Mancha."
The alcalde leaned back in his chair and groaned. Don Francisco de la Calderon! He remembered the assassin who had followed the duke to Los Angeles to kill him and his family, months before. He had sought the alcalde's permission; the alcalde had granted it in return for the killer's promise of a promotion.
The plot had backfired. Not only had the assassin failed in his mission, Don Francisco had discovered de Soto's collusion with the bandido and forced him to imprison the man. If he's told the king that I pardoned the killer--! De Soto shuddered.
"Yes, you may well shudder." Don Paco glared at the alcalde. "Public officials who oppress and exploit the people they govern for political gain--and who plot to murder officials sent to them by the king--are common criminals and deserve to be treated as such. Yes, Don Francisco told the king of your collusion with the assassin who stalked him. The king is very angry with you, señor."
Don Paco rose to his feet. "One other thing. Don't hire any bandidos to murder me; I am a good friend of the king, too. My life is to be held as sacred as the king's would be, or yours will be forfeit. Cooperate, and you might get no more than a demotion and a jail term following your trial. Cross me, and you shall die right here by firing squad. I have brought with me some top members of his Majesty's army who have orders to kill you if any attempts are made on my life." He left the office.
For several minutes, the alcalde sat in his chair, stunned. This was the worst possible news! He pressed his lips into a thin line of rage.
"This is Zorro's fault!" The alcalde chewed his lower lip. "He did this to me! Well, he's going to pay for this!"
He rose to his feet, shoved back his chair, and stormed outside. He marched to the tavern, where he found Victoria sweeping the terrace and chatting with Ramon and Francisco.
"Señorita, you're under arrest!"
Victoria and her brothers gaped at him in shock. "For what?!" Victoria set the broom against the adobe wall.
"For collusion with the bandit, Zorro!" He grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the cuartel; her brothers followed, protesting her arrest. On the way, de Soto almost ran into Felipe, who stepped aside and gaped in shock. The alcalde shoved Victoria into the office and slammed the door on Ramon and Francisco. The two Escalante men stormed back to the tavern.
ZZZZZ
Felipe led his pinto pony, Parche, toward the cuartel. As the pony drank out of the trough, Felipe stood next to the window and listened. "Lancer, take Victoria to the jail and lock her up!" he overheard the alcalde say.
A minute later, the alcalde talked to himself. "I shall set a trap for tonight, for when Zorro comes. And Zorro will come tonight; I'm sure of that. Well, that Zorro has thwarted me for the last time! He shall pay for what's being done to me, and Señorita Escalante with him!"
Felipe felt furious. How could the alcalde do this to Victoria?! He had to be stopped!
Felipe grabbed his pony's reins and led it toward the tavern. A few seconds later, he found the de la Vegas sitting at a table inside and told them what had just happened.
Don Diego pressed his lips into a tight line. "Go back to the hacienda and get Zorro's things," he said, in a low voice. "Saddle Toronado, too, and bring him as well. Zorro will rescue Victoria this afternoon, before the alcalde has an opportunity to set up his trap."
Don Alejandro rose to his feet. "I'll go with him, son, and help him." Grim-faced, he followed Felipe out of the tavern.
Don Alejandro and Felipe returned to the hacienda and entered the secret cave where Zorro kept his things. While Felipe saddled the coal-black stallion, Don Alejandro gathered Zorro's costume, rope, saber, and whip. Felipe then raced out to the stable to saddle Parche. Minutes later, Don Alejandro met Felipe outside the cave and handed him Toronado's reins.
Don Alejandro remained at the hacienda while Felipe took Toronado to town. Leaving the stallion and Parche behind the tavern, Felipe entered the dining room via the kitchen. He found Don Diego sitting at a table in the back.
Felipe approached him and sat down. "Did you bring Zorro's things?" Don Diego whispered. Felipe nodded. "Gracias. Did my father stay home?" Felipe nodded again. "Wait here, then." Don Diego left through the kitchen entrance.
Don Diego hid behind the tavern and changed into his Zorro costume. He then mounted Toronado and circled the town. Minutes later, he approached the back of the cuartel. His plan was to catch the alcalde off guard.
To his relief, there were no soldiers nearby. Apparently, the alcalde had sent them all out on patrol. He climbed to the top of the red-tile roof and entered the jail through the skylight. To his left, Victoria sat slumped on the cot against the wall.
Victoria's face lit up when she saw him. Her bright-red skirt swished as she leaped to her feet. "Zorro!" She rushed to the cell door and grabbed two of the iron bars.
Zorro put a finger to his lips. He lifted the key ring off its nail and unlocked the cell door. "Come," he whispered. "We'll go through the alcalde's office. I need to discourage him from trying this stunt again."
Victoria nodded. She followed Zorro to the door that opened into the alcalde's office. Zorro grasped the doorknob and slowly twisted it. He led the way into the office.
The alcalde stood with his back to Zorro and Victoria, pouring a crystal goblet of wine. Zorro sneaked behind him and tapped his shoulder. When the alcalde whirled around, his face froze in shock. Before he could call out, Zorro unsheathed his Toledo-steel saber and held its tip against the alcalde's chest.
"Unwise idea, alcalde," Zorro hissed. "Now, listen to what I have to say." Zorro's eyes narrowed, and he pursed his lips together. "Trouble the señorita again, and I will run you through! From now on, you leave her alone!" He pressed the tip of his saber against the alcalde's chest. "Comprende?"
Glaring fiercely, the alcalde nodded reluctantly. Zorro carved a Z in the lapel of the alcalde's coat, then punched his face so hard the alcalde slumped to the floor, unconscious. Zorro led Victoria outside and escorted her to the tavern porch.
"I'd better go before the lancers return." Zorro whistled; when Toronado galloped forward, Felipe appeared on the porch. "Adios." Zorro rode away as the crowd cheered.
Several minutes later, back in the alcalde's office, de Soto groaned as he regained consciousness. Clutching his head with his left hand, he slowly sat up. "That Zorro!" he groaned, rising to his feet. He leaned against the wall as a wave of dizziness swept over him. De Soto pressed his lips into a thin line of rage. "I'll get that Zorro if it's the last thing I do!" He winced as his head throbbed. "How on earth did he find out so quickly?"
Hooves clomped outside his door. The lancers must have returned from their patrol. Sepulveda and Mendoza entered the room. "Sepulveda, when you were leaving the plaza, did you see anyone near the cuartel?" The alcalde sat down behind his desk.
"Only the de la Vega servant boy, Felipe. He was watering his horse in the trough." Sepulveda scratched his neck.
"Oh." The alcalde waved his hand. "You may go, now." The corporal left.
De Soto suddenly froze. "Watering his horse!" he repeated. "Felipe almost ran into me when I escorted Victoria here to the cuartel." As he paused to ponder that, Mendoza stood at attention as he did, but gazed at his commanding officer curiously.
The alcalde pursed his lips together. "You know, sergeant--do you realize that on most of the occasions Zorro came to rescue someone from me, Felipe was here first?"
Mendoza looked puzzled. "So many people have been here on all those occasions. There's usually a lot of people here, alcalde."
The alcalde waved impatiently. "Si, si, but most of those people have not been here on almost every occasion! There is one person, though, who has. Felipe!" He rose to his feet. "Felipe is Zorro!"
Sergeant Mendoza stared at him. "But--but, alcalde, Felipe could not be Zorro. He's a deaf-mute!"
The alcalde sighed. "Sergeant, what better disguise than for a masked bandit to masquerade as a deaf-mute when he's not riding as Zorro?"
Mendoza shook his head. "Even if Zorro were to do that, Felipe could not."
"Why not?!" the alcalde asked roughly.
"Because Felipe was just a young boy when Zorro first began to ride. Thirteen years old! Zorro was a man when he made his first appearance. He had a man's voice and a man's skills."
Chagrined, de Soto sank into his desk chair. Mendoza was right. I should have realized, he thought ruefully.
A moment later, he straightened up. "Felipe may not be Zorro, sergeant, but he's surely in league with Zorro." He paused. "Sergeant, arrest Felipe and bring him in for questioning!"
Sergeant Mendoza winced. "Alcalde, Don Alejandro and Don Diego--might not approve."
Ignoring him, the alcalde stood up and trudged toward the window. As he pressed his nose against the cool, smooth glass, he saw Felipe strolling from the church toward the plaza. Pressing his lips into a tight line, he marched out of the office and hurried after the boy.
He caught up with Felipe just as Felipe neared the tavern porch. "Felipe," de Soto said, grimly, "you are under arrest for collusion with the bandit Zorro, and for aiding him in his efforts to block justice!"
Felipe froze. He gaped at the alcalde in shock. He held up his hands in protest, to indicate that he didn't know what the alcalde was talking about.
De Soto smiled grimly. "I think you know very well what I'm talking about, muchacho! You really had my predecessor and me fooled, but not any more! As Zorro's accomplice, you're under arrest. You're coming with me!"
He grabbed Felipe's arm and dragged the boy toward the cuartel, as the people milling around watched. Felipe looked back at the tavern and saw Victoria standing in the doorway, staring at him in shock, anger, and pity.
ZZZZZ
"The alcalde has done what?!" Don Diego gaped at Victoria in shock. "He has arrested Felipe?!"
Victoria nodded. The de la Vegas stared at her, then at each other as they perched on the couch in the drawing room.
"For collusion with Zorro, the alcalde said; for being his accomplice." Victoria gripped the arms of the silk brocade chair she sat in. Her face was red with anger. Don Alejandro clenched both hands tightly, and Don Diego pressed his lips into a tight, thin line.
Victoria glanced out the window and sighed. "If you'll excuse me, I promised Ramon I'd show him my account books and let him study them. I have to go."
Don Alejandro rose to his feet. "Thank you so much for coming out and telling us." Victoria and Don Diego stood up, and Victoria left.
Don Alejandro looked at his son. "Well, Diego, what are you going to do?"
Don Diego sighed. "The only thing I can do. Ride as Zorro tonight, and rescue Felipe."
"Be careful, son," Don Alejandro warned him. "This may be a trap for Zorro. I do not want you caught in it."
"Thank you, Father." Don Diego touched his father's arm. "But if I'm going to save him, that's the chance I must take. Rest assured, I will take every possible precaution." Don Alejandro nodded, satisfied.
The elderly caballero shook his head. "De Soto is a wicked, corrupt man." He clenched his fists as he spoke. "And Felipe is a fine young man--too fine to be imprisoned in the alcalde's jail!"
"I agree, and I'm going to do something about it. In the meantime, Father, I need Sergio." Don Diego scratched the back of his head. "I think it's time Sergio knew Zorro's secret. I will need his help."
Don Alejandro nodded and left the room. A few minutes later, Sergio entered the drawing room. "Your father said you wanted to see me, Don Diego."
Don Diego nodded. "Sergio, Felipe's been arrested by the alcalde himself."
Sergio froze. "Why?"
"The alcalde has accused him of being Zorro's accomplice."
Sergio swallowed hard. He shook his head. "Can--can Zorro save him?"
Don Diego rested a hand on Sergio's shoulder. "Zorro certainly means to try, Sergio. Come with me, now; it's time you knew a secret only my father and Felipe and I know."
He led Sergio to the fireplace in the library and pressed the secret lever. Sergio gaped as the secret door swung open. "Let's go inside." Don Diego gave Sergio a little push, then followed him into the secret cave.
Sergio gaped at the science equipment, then stared at Zorro's things. "This--this is the same cave Zorro brought me to, when I was so sick!" He stared at Don Diego and pointed at him. "Are--are you Zorro?"
Don Diego chuckled. "Yes, Sergio. I am. I wouldn't tell you whom Zorro really was when you were sick, but I am telling you, now. From now on, you and Felipe are going to help Zorro, together. And soon, amigo, I will give you fencing lessons just as Zorro promised."
Sergio grinned broadly. "I get to help Zorro, patrón? I'm going to learn to fence?"
Don Diego nodded, an amused smile tracing his face. He then looked serious, and grasped the boy's shoulder. "Sergio, I want you to promise me something. You must never, at any time, for any reason, tell anyone who Zorro is. If you do, the alcalde will have us all arrested and hung, including yourself." Don Diego held up his finger for emphasis. "Do I have your promise, Sergio?"
Sergio nodded. "I will never, never tell--unless you say I can. That's a promise, Don Diego."
Don Diego smiled. "Good boy." He squeezed the boy's shoulder. "Until now, amigo, it's been Felipe's job to take care of Toronado and to keep this cave clean. From now on, that job will be yours. When Zorro frees Felipe, Zorro will tell him."
"Si, patrón."
Don Diego glanced at Toronado. "Now, I think I'll re-introduce you to Toronado." He led Sergio down the steps into the tunnel.
"Toronado, you remember Sergio." Don Diego patted Toronado's flanks. Sergio ran his hand over Toronado's face; the stallion sniffed Sergio for a long moment, then nuzzled the boy's hand.
"Toronado, from this time forth, Sergio is going to take care of you." Don Diego rubbed Toronado's neck. "Don't give him any trouble, all right?" Toronado shook his head from side to side as if he understood. With a chuckle, Don Diego turned to Sergio. "All right, amigo, saddle Toronado."
While Sergio saddled the black stallion, Don Diego wrote a note to his father. When Sergio was finished, he approached his patrón. Don Diego folded the note and handed it to Sergio. "Sergio, if Zorro doesn't get back by two o' clock in the morning, wake my father and give him this message." Sergio nodded. "And now, I must put on Zorro's costume." Don Diego unbuttoned his fine linen shirt as he spoke.
ZZZZZ
"Felipe, who is Zorro?" The alcalde stood in front of Felipe as he spoke. "Tell me!"
Felipe just sat still and looked at him blankly. The alcalde glared at him for a long moment. The sun had set an hour before, so candles and lamps lit the office.
"Don't play the fool with me, boy!" de Soto warned. "Somehow, you've been helping Zorro--I don't know how. That means you know who he is. Tell me his name!"
Felipe looked bewildered. He pointed to his ears, then his mouth, to indicate that he could not answer the alcalde's question.
"Felipe!" The alcalde grabbed the boy by the ear. "If you do not cooperate, you will be flogged at dawn!" Felipe winced in pain as the alcalde dug his fingernails into Felipe's earlobe.
Someone knocked on the front door. Letting go of Felipe's ear, the alcalde strode toward the door and opened it. "What is it, sergeant?"
Felipe sat slumped, staring down at the desk and rubbing his throbbing earlobe. He listened carefully as the two men spoke.
"The lancers are hidden all over the plaza, mi alcalde. The whole garrison."
Felipe struggled to make no reaction. He gazed down at his lap and rubbed the fingers of his left hand.
"Good. When Zorro comes to rescue Felipe, we'll have him." The alcalde chuckled. "Return to your post, sergeant."
"Si, mi alcalde."
The door slammed shut; the alcalde returned to his desk. "Lancer!" A soldier opened the door that led into the jail. "Lancer, return the prisoner to his cell." The lancer took hold of Felipe's arm and led him back into the jail. The window in the boy's jail cell faced the cuartel courtyard.
As the lancer locked Felipe in his cell, Felipe stood and watched. As soon as the lancer had left, Felipe sat down on his thin, lumpy, straw-filled cot to think. He could only pray that Zorro would somehow discover the alcalde's trap when he rode to Felipe's rescue, as Zorro doubtless would. In the dark cell, he could only see outlines and shadows.
At last, the boy sighed. It's doing me no good to go over it again and again. I can't help myself, and I can't help Zorro. I must think of something else.
To get his mind off his predicament, Felipe began to think about his impending adoption. In spite of his misery, he smiled as he remembered the day Don Diego had told his father, Victoria, and Felipe, himself, that he was going to adopt Felipe. He had never told Felipe that before, so hearing the news had come as a complete surprise to the boy.
Señor Risendo's body had been returned to the town, and the alcalde had just gone to the church to visit Padre Benitez. Victoria had expressed her sympathy to the de la Vegas...
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you all for quite some time," Don Diego said, as he, his father, Felipe, and Victoria stood in the middle of the crowded plaza. "Now would seem an appropriate moment. Felipe, with your permission--"
Felipe knew what his patrón was going to say. He was about to tell his father and the woman he secretly loved that he was Zorro. Felipe took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
"I..." Don Diego paused. "I...am..." He paused again, looking nervous; his father gave him an encouraging nod.
Don Diego said quickly, "--going to adopt Felipe. He's to be a member of our family."
Felipe froze in shock, then in joy; he had not expected this. As a broad grin spread across the boy's face, Victoria squealed delightedly and pressed her hands together. At the same time, joy transfixed Don Alejandro's expression.
"This is wonderful news!" he said. Clasping Felipe to his chest and hugging him tightly, he repeated, "This is wonderful news!"
He let go of Felipe and, smiling at him broadly, clasped the boy's two shoulders. "I now have two sons!"
Felipe wrapped his arm around Don Alejandro's back. As Don Alejandro, in return, wrapped his own arm around Felipe's shoulders, he added, "The de la Vegas will never be divided. Never!" Victoria had squealed her joy once more...
Felipe knew he would never forget that day. He would remember it for the rest of his life. Back at the hacienda, Don Diego had told his father, privately, about Zorro's identity, about Felipe's hearing, and about the boy's music and fencing lessons; he and Felipe had shown his father the secret cave. Later that day, for the first time on a day other than Christmas Day or Epiphany, Felipe had eaten dinner in the dining room with his patróns. Victoria had joined them as their guest. His old friend, Rafael Lopez, had rejoiced with him when Felipe told him the news.
From that point on, Felipe had alternated between eating his meals in the kitchen and eating them in the dining room. Since Don Alejandro had taught him, years before, the table manners of caballeros, he already knew how to conduct himself in the dining room. His lessons had continued, as always--as they would until he was 21 years old and ready to go to college. He still performed his tasks, but he knew those days were numbered. When his adoption was finalized, he would be a servant no more. He would be a de la Vega.
If Zorro can rescue me, that is, he thought. If he suspects me of being Zorro's accomplice, it's only a matter of time, now, until he suspects Don Diego of being Zorro. And when he does, Heaven help us all! He smiled wryly and squirmed. Funny, if my mother and father had lived, I wouldn't now be going through this ordeal! Pleasant thought, isn't it?
With that stray, not-so-pleasant thought, a picture came into his mind. A memory. In that mind's picture, his mother had just sat down on a pile of hay inside a huge barn, after giving her rosary to her seven-year-old son; now she was hugging him tightly. "Just remember, son," she was saying. "God loves you, and He will take care of you. Remember that!" The cannon blasts and rifle shots sounded increasingly louder as she rocked him in her arms.
Felipe sighed as he thought about that day. "Remember that," he repeated silently. God loves me, and He will take care of me. Felipe paused. God loves me, and He will take care of me. Even now, while I'm in danger of being flogged. He's done it before, and He will do it again.
He drew his rosary out of his pants and hung it around his neck. Until he grew sleepy, he prayed over and over for help, for rescue, for protection for Zorro. Please, God, save Zorro and me! Felipe prayed silently. At last, he lay down on the lumpy, straw-filled cot, and laid his head on the thin pillow. He pulled the thin, brown woolen blanket up around his shoulders.
As he lay still, trying to go to sleep, Felipe thought about what little he could remember of his mother. He did remember how sweet, how loving she had been...what a devout, pious Catholic she had been. He could still remember the exact words she had spoken when she had given him her rosary; he had never blocked those words out.
"Take care of my rosary, Felipe," she had said. "It's yours, now. Mi madre gave it to me when she died, and her mother gave it to her. Now, I'm givin' it to you. Pray with it every day, just like I taught you. When you die, give it to your own child. It belongs to you, now, son, so take good care of it. Whatever happens to you, go to church and be a good boy. Promise?"
"I--I promise, Mommy."
"Just remember, son; God loves you, and He will take care of you. Remember that!"
Felipe yawned and closed his eyes. He burrowed his nose into the pillow. Remember that! he thought. Remember that! God loves you, and He will take care of you; remember that!
"Run, Felipe!"
Felipe shot up on his cot. It had disappeared, and so had the jail! Soldiers everywhere surrounded him; thick clouds of dust blocked his vision.
"Run, Felipe!" It sounded like his mother. "Into the cart! Hurry!"
Felipe whirled around and saw her; where was his papá? He raced toward his mother, who stood next to the nearby pushcart. "Where's Papá?"
"He's coming, son." His mother lifted him into the pushcart; he was so small and so light!
"Where's Don Diego?"
His mother looked confused. "I don't know a Don Diego! We avoid caballeros, son; they hurt us, remember?"
"They sure do!" Felipe's father strode toward them. "Enough of this nonsense! Let's get out of here!"
His parents grabbed the pushcart's handles and shoved it. As Felipe squatted next to the family's two big bundles and clutched the bars of the right side, he stared straight ahead. Other peasants rushed past them. Cannon blasts, rifle shots, shouts, and screams filled the air.
Where's Don Diego? Felipe wondered silently. He'd never hurt us; I swear it! He dared not speak those words out loud while his father was present.
Suddenly, to his joy, he saw Don Diego standing on the hill just ahead. He waved to the caballero, who in turn beckoned. Felipe swiveled his head to tell his parents, but to his horror, they had disappeared! The pushcart was moving itself.
"Mommy!" Felipe screamed. "Mommy, where are you?!"
He looked back to the hill where his beloved patrón had just stood. Don Diego had disappeared, too! Felipe was all alone with the soldiers.
Suddenly, an officer appeared in front of the pushcart and put out his right hand to stop it. With his left hand, he pushed up his officer's cap.
Felipe froze. The officer who stood in front of him was Don Ignacio de Soto!
The alcalde laughed and laughed. "You're dead, muchacho!" he roared, as he pulled out a pistol and cocked it. "Your parents are dead; Don Diego and Don Alejandro are dead; Victoria Escalante and her brothers are dead; and now, you're going to die!" He chuckled evilly. "Zorro can't help you now, he's dead, too!" Felipe squeezed his eyes shut and screamed in terror.
Felipe shot up on his cot. He shook violently as he stared wildly around. Where was Don Diego? Why wasn't he around to comfort Felipe? Terror and grief overwhelmed the boy, as he pressed his back against the cold, rough adobe wall. He wrapped his arms around his chest.
Felipe remembered. He was a prisoner in the alcalde's jail, and the alcalde intended to use him as bait to trap Zorro. Shivering with cold and with fright, Felipe lay down on his side and squeezed his eyes shut. I'm going to be flogged at dawn, he thought. Please, God, save Zorro, and save me! Por favor!
ZZZZZ
While Felipe lay on his side, shivering in terror from the aftermath of a nightmare, Zorro rode toward the cuartel. The moon had risen an hour before, and stars dotted the sky. A strong breeze ruffled his silk cape. As he approached the back of the cuartel, he saw several soldiers milling around.
Zorro shook his head. He would not be able to climb in from the back; he would have to circle in front of the building. He led his horse behind the mission church and dismounted there.
Zorro peeked around the corner of the church to look at the plaza; it appeared to be empty. He minced toward the cuartel and opened the door to the alcalde's office. He crept inside and headed toward the jail door.
As he reached it, the door swung open and the alcalde walked in. In that instant, just as the alcalde closed the door behind him, the other two doors creaked open, and a crowd of soldiers poured in.
"Well, well, well." De Soto chuckled evilly. "At long last, the Fox has been captured. Tomorrow, El Zorro, you and the boy will hang!" He turned to his lancers. "Lock him up in a different part of the jail from where I've locked up Felipe! I want a lancer posted to guard him, 24 hours a day! We'll unmask him at dawn."
Several lancers marched Zorro into the jail area and locked him in a cell. All but one left. That one soldier paced the dark hall leading past the row of cells. All were empty, except the one Zorro was in, and dark. The only light came from the moon and the stars outside. The window faced the California desert.
Hours later, as Zorro sat on his cot, considering his options, Sergeant Mendoza entered the jail. "I'm relieving you, Gomez," he told the lancer.
The lancer left. "I'm sorry, Zorro," the sergeant said.
Zorro chuckled and approached the cell door. "Don't be, sergeant. You're only following orders, I know."
"Si." Mendoza nodded. "A soldier has to follow orders." He sighed. "You know, Zorro, if it had been left up to me when Felipe was arrested by our former alcalde, he would have been released long before he was."
Zorro nodded, remembering. On two occasions, Luis Ramon had arrested Felipe on false charges. The first time, Zorro had rescued him during the night with the aid of a time-traveling cat. The second time, Zorro had rescued him after he had been falsely accused of stealing from Don Alfonso de la Calderon. On both occasions, the alcalde had planned to hang the boy.
"I'm sure he would have been, sergeant." He paused. "You know, it's a pity you couldn't stay with Felipe tonight. He must be frightened."
"Si." Sergeant Mendoza nodded. "Especially since the alcalde told Felipe he would be flogged at dawn unless he told the alcalde who you were."
Zorro pursed his lips as the unwelcome words sank in. He was in real trouble, and so was Felipe. Unless he could somehow escape, he and Felipe would hang. Without another word, he perched on the cot and leaned against the adobe wall. Even through his silk cape and linen shirt, the bricks felt cold.
I'll just have to await my opportunity, he thought, and seize it when it comes. He glanced at the saber leaning against the wall in its scabbard.
As the hours passed, Zorro sat on the cot or paced the cell. Sergeant Mendoza stood in front of the cell at first, and then got himself a chair and sat down at the end of the hall, a little out of sight of Zorro. Zorro, meanwhile, continued to wait and to pray.
Late in the night, as Zorro stood gazing out the window, a familiar voice whispered just below the bars. "Zorro? Are you there?"
Zorro's heart leaped. It was his father! Zorro pressed his face against the cold iron bars.
"Don Alejandro?" Zorro whispered. "Is that you?"
"Yes. A friend gave me a message instructing me to help you. Is anyone else there?"
Zorro glanced at the cell door. Sergeant Mendoza was not in sight. "Sergeant Mendoza is guarding me, but he's sitting on a chair at the end of the hall."
"Good. I've brought Toronado, and I've brought the things you requested. Stand quietly, and I'll pass them to you."
Don Alejandro slipped between the bars a vial, a bottle, and a flower. While Zorro poured the contents of the vial onto the flower, Don Alejandro tied one end of the rope onto the bars and the other end onto Toronado's saddlehorn. Zorro then poured the contents of the bottle around the edges of the window.
"Zorro, have you found Felipe, yet?"
"No, I didn't have a chance. The alcalde and his soldiers trapped me before I could open the jail door. He must be imprisoned in another part of the jail. But I'll save him yet, don't worry. In the meantime, wait here and don't let anyone see you."
Zorro approached the cell door. "Sergeant, would you come here for a moment?"
The thuds of a pair of boots signaled Mendoza's approach. A few seconds later, the plump sergeant appeared in front of the cell door. "Do you need something, Zorro?"
"Yes, sergeant, I need someone to put this flower in a vase of water for me. While I was riding, I found it and plucked it to take back with me, after I'd rescued Felipe. It's a lovely flower, as you can see, and it has an aromatic scent. Would you please find me a vase?" He handed Mendoza the flower as he spoke.
"Si, Señor Zorro." The sergeant raised it to his nostrils to sniff it. Suddenly, he slumped to the floor. The flower slid out of his hand.
Zorro returned to the window. "Now, Don Alejandro, now!" he whispered.
He perched on the cot and waited. Suddenly, the rope tightened, then pulled the bars out. Zorro climbed out the window and joined his father.
"Come on, son!" Don Alejandro whispered. "Let's get out of here!"
Zorro shook his head. "You go on ahead, Father. We mustn't be seen together." Don Alejandro nodded. He mounted his white mare, Dulcinea, and rode off.
Zorro was still determined to rescue Felipe. He would have to go around from cell window to cell window until he found the boy. Before he had a chance to begin, however, a lancer stepped around the corner.
"Alcalde! Lancers! It's Zorro!" he shouted, unsheathing his rapier. "He's escaped!"
Zorro unsheathed his saber and began to duel. A moment later, the alcalde and several soldiers appeared.
Zorro whistled, shrilly. Toronado galloped toward them, scattering frightened lancers as he did. Zorro jumped onto him and rode off.
"Don't let him get away!" he heard the alcalde shout, as Zorro rode south. "Lancers! After him!"
Zorro urged his horse to greater speed. Soon, he knew he was safe from pursuit. He turned his horse toward the northwest, where the hacienda waited. There was no time to lose...come dawn, Felipe would be either shot or hanged, or flogged--perhaps both!
Felipe was shot, once before, by ruthless bandidos who robbed our hacienda, Zorro thought. I won't let him be shot a second time. Or hung!
Meanwhile, back at the hacienda, Don Paco de Fernandez was speaking with Don Alejandro. The two men reclined on the couch in the drawing room.
"I knew your son, señor; we went to Madrid University together," Don Paco said. "May I count on his support, and on yours?"
"Indeed, you may," Don Alejandro promised. He shifted position as he spoke.
"Gracias. I felt you were a man I could rely on. I'll see you in the plaza at dawn." Don Paco paused. "And don't worry about your boy. The alcalde will not harm him; I will personally see to that."
Don Alejandro nodded. "On Felipe's behalf, señor, I thank you."
Don Paco smiled. "When the alcalde is in chains and the new alcalde has been appointed--and we both know who that will be, don't we--I need to meet with you and Don Diego."
Don Alejandro felt curious. "What about?"
"I'll tell you when the time comes. It is news that will please you."
ZZZZZ
Sergeant Mendoza approached Felipe's cell the next morning, as the early-morning sunlight poured through the cell bars to form its own bars of light and dark on the floor. The alcalde followed.
As the sergeant unlocked the door, Felipe stood up. The alcalde entered the cell.
"Count yourself lucky, Felipe," de Soto said. "You're living on borrowed time. Last night, we had Zorro, but he escaped. We were going to hang the two of you together, but he foiled that. When he comes back to try again, we will capture him, and both he and you will die."
Felipe stood still and pressed his hands to his sides.
"In the meantime, Felipe, you're going to be flogged as punishment for refusing to answer my questions last night. Sergeant, take him out to the plaza!"
Felipe gulped. Since waking up from his nightmare, the previous night, he had not dared go back to sleep. Until the sun had risen, he had lain on his cot, worrying about the upcoming flogging and praying for rescue.
Sergeant Mendoza gently took Felipe's arm. He led Felipe down the hall and through the alcalde's office. The sunlight hurt Felipe's eyes as he stepped outside.
The alcalde led the boy toward the whipping post, where he tied Felipe's hands with the post's thongs. A crowd had gathered; Don Alejandro, Francisco, Ramon, and Victoria stood at the front. Don Luis Piscola stood at a distance, grim-faced.
"No!" the crowd shouted. "No! Release Felipe! Don't flog him!"
"Alcalde, let him go!" Don Alejandro shouted.
If Zorro doesn't arrive soon, I'm lost! Felipe thought. He swallowed hard.
"Sergeant, the whip!" the alcalde commanded. "Silencio!" he shouted. The crowd reluctantly quieted.
Felipe felt a hand grab the neckline of his cotton shirt--no doubt, the alcalde intended to rip the back of his shirt off. He squeezed his eyes shut and held his breath. The thongs bound his hand so tightly, they had cut off the circulation. His hands felt numb.
Suddenly, a deafening gunshot startled him. The hand let go of his shirt, instantly.
As Felipe whirled around, another gunshot reverberated in the plaza; the crowd screamed and scattered. Suddenly, Zorro rode into the plaza on Toronado and lassoed the alcalde. The rope pinned de Soto's arms to his sides.
"Alcalde," Zorro warned, "order your soldiers to release Felipe!"
The alcalde gritted his teeth as he glared fiercely at Zorro. "And if I don't?"
"Then I, myself, will order the soldiers to flog you, and they will! And since I have this rope pinning your arms to your sides, I doubt they'll be inclined to disobey me."
De Soto ground his teeth in rage. Sullenly, he ordered Mendoza to untie Felipe's hands. Mendoza did, as the crowd cheered.
Felipe darted toward his patrón. Don Alejandro raced toward Felipe and embraced him tightly for a long moment. Then Victoria, Ramon, and Francisco took turns hugging him, and Victoria kissed the boy's cheek.
Thank You, God! Felipe silently prayed. Gracias de Dios!
"Gracias, Señor Zorro." A distinguished-looking gentleman Felipe had never seen before stepped into the plaza, surrounded by soldiers in white uniforms. "You've just saved me the trouble of capturing this man myself." He turned to his soldiers. "Lancers! Arrest Ignacio de Soto and put him in irons!"
"You can't do this!" The alcalde froze as two of the emissary's soldiers grabbed him by the arms.
"I can, and I have! You leave for the port of San Pedro, in a few days." The gentleman turned to his soldiers. "Take him to the cuartel and lock him up!" He looked at Zorro. "Señor Zorro, por favor, stay in the plaza! I have news that will interest you." Zorro nodded and patted Toronado's neck.
The king's soldiers marched a sullen Ignacio de Soto to the cuartel. The gentleman strode to the plaza fountain and stood in front of it. He wore a blue broadcloth frock coat, a purple satin vest, a white silk shirt with ruffles, a coal-black silk cravat, and a black top hat. He stood tall and straight, with squared shoulders, as the de la Vegas did.
The don cleared his throat. "Good people of Los Angeles, I am Don Paco de la Fernandez, emissary to the king. The king has sent me to arrest your erstwhile alcalde, and to appoint a new one. After much thought, I have chosen the man I'm convinced is the best man for the job." Don Paco paused. "Don Alejandro, I hereby appoint you as alcalde of Los Angeles!"
The people cheered as Don Alejandro bowed and accepted the position. Victoria and Felipe smiled broadly as Don Alejandro stepped forward; facing the crowd, he waved his arms and bowed. "I will strive to be worthy of the trust that is offered me."
The emissary raised his arms for attention; the crowd quieted. Don Alejandro rejoined Felipe, Victoria, and her brothers, and inserted his thumbs into his vest pockets. "That's not all." Don Paco paused and gazed at Zorro. "The king has also invested me with the authority to arrest Zorro or pardon him, based on the evidence I discovered. After a full day, yesterday, of investigating Zorro, I'm convinced that he is not a criminal. On the contrary, he's probably the best friend Los Angeles has had for a long time, and I will tell the king so."
The emissary paused. "I therefore pardon Zorro officially, without asking him to take off his mask. Whether or not he is to continue to wear it, I leave to the discretion of your new alcalde."
The people cheered long and shrilly, as Don Alejandro, Felipe, Ramon, Francisco, and Victoria rejoiced at the unexpected news. Now, at long last, Zorro could marry Victoria!
Don Paco approached Zorro and handed him a rolled parchment. Zorro unrolled it, scanned it, and then held it up for all to see. The people cheered again.
Zorro dismounted Toronado and approached Victoria, Felipe, and Don Alejandro. "Zorro, are we to find out who you are?" Victoria asked.
Zorro smiled. "Indeed, you are, and I give you permission to untie the mask." He removed his hat.
The crowd quieted again as Zorro turned around. Victoria untied the knot and slipped the mask off. He turned around to face the crowd.
There was a stunned silence for a moment, followed by deafening cheers that went on and on. Don Alejandro embraced his son, then Victoria threw her arms around him. Don Paco just gaped at Don Diego, dumbfounded, as the caballero embraced Victoria for a long moment.
When, at last, the cheers died down, Don Diego gazed into Victoria's eyes. "Do you still love me, now that you know whom Zorro is?"
Victoria smiled and touched his face. "I certainly do."
Don Diego took her hand. "Will you marry me late this afternoon?"
Victoria nodded. "I will."
Don Diego glanced at Felipe, and then at Don Luis, who slowly approached them. "Victoria, as you know, I promised Felipe I would adopt him. Do you have any objection?"
Victoria smiled fondly at Felipe, then shook her head. "I love him, too, Diego. I will pleased to become his mother." Don Diego smiled, relieved; so did Felipe. Don Diego and Victoria took turns hugging the boy. Don Alejandro and the Escalante men followed suit.
"I will let you know when the papers are ready," Don Luis promised. The de la Vegas, the Escalantes, and Felipe nodded.
Don Diego turned to the crowd. "I invite everyone present to attend our wedding this afternoon! At five o' clock. There will be a reception to follow at our hacienda, this evening." Turning to Felipe, he added, "I'll send a servant to invite your friend, Rafael, to the wedding."
Felipe beamed. It would be wonderful to have Rafael Lopez present!
Don Paco approached Diego, who shook his hand. "Don Paco, I remember you! You were a straight-A student, as I recall." He turned to his father. "We were students together at Madrid University, Don Paco and I."
"I know." Don Alejandro clasped his hands behind his back. "He told me, last night."
Don Paco chuckled. "You kept us all on our toes with your own grades, Diego. I had to study quite a bit, just to surpass you. And you certainly haven't changed in that respect." He gazed at Don Diego's black costume as he spoke, and smiled ruefully. Don Diego chuckled.
"Paco, how did you get sent here to investigate Ignacio de Soto?"
Don Paco inserted his fingers into his vest pockets. "An old friend of your father, Don Francisco de la Calderon, was responsible. I'll tell you more about that, later."
"Won't you come to my wedding, Paco? And you, Don Luis?"
Don Paco nodded. "I certainly will."
"And so will I," Don Luis promised.
The wedding went without a hitch. Victoria's snow-white bridal gown looked exquisite as Don Alejandro escorted her down the church aisle to give her away, since her father wasn't alive to do it. Don Diego's best man, Felipe, stood next to his patrón, clutching the wedding ring. More than once, Felipe glanced back at Rafael, who winked and grinned in response.
A wedding reception followed the ceremony, and was held in the de la Vega hacienda. Ramon brought some of the food; Maria, the de la Vega cook, had prepared the rest. Sergio and three other servants served it.
When the reception ended at midnight, Don Alejandro suggested that Don Diego and Victoria spend their wedding night in the tavern. The newly-wed couple gratefully agreed.
"Francisco, here, will serve me as lieutenant, starting tomorrow," Don Alejandro announced. "He will act as my assistant. I just hired him, today."
"Congratulations!" Don Diego shook Francisco's hand. "It's so good to have you and Ramon back in Los Angeles."
Ramon chuckled. "I thank you, Diego. You'll invite us to Felipe's adoption ceremony when you hold it?" He glanced at Don Luis as he spoke.
Don Diego nodded. "Indeed, I will." He looked at Rafael. "And Rafael, here, is invited, too."
"Gracias, patrón." Rafael grinned at Felipe.
Don Paco approached the de la Vegas. "Don Diego, will you and Doña Victoria return to the hacienda tomorrow morning?"
Don Diego and Victoria glanced at each other and nodded. "Si. First thing in the morning, before breakfast," Don Diego promised.
"Good." Don Paco smiled. "Because I have an announcement for all of you, and I want you all assembled there when I give it. Your brothers, too, Doña Victoria. I'll return here, tomorrow. Tonight, I must tell Don Luis Piscola." Don Paco and Don Luis left the house, leaving everyone to wonder what his announcement could be.
End of Parte Uno