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Don Miguel pulled the fine Castillian lace handkerchief from its resting place inside his sleeve and mopped his sweaty brow. He couldn't sit still, but paced the length of Carmen's dressing room adjacent to her bedroom. Cracking the door open slightly he peeked in and sighed with relief at the sight of Dona Carmen stretched out on her bed. He envied the woman, blissfully unaware in her drug-induced state of the terrible trouble they were both in.
Loosening the constricting cravat at his throat he jumped at the sudden noise. Had the captain returned? Had he forgotten something? Dios mio! The man was supposed to be on his way back to his ship! Stepping into the hallway, he paused, holding his breath, listening no, nothing. He was just nervous and letting his imagination run away with him. But he swallowed hard, very hard as his imagination worked overtime to supply him with some very vivid images of what El Zorro would do to him if he discovered the captain's plot to retrieve the lost gold and Don Miguel's part in revealing the existence of that gold to the greedy Captain Halligan.
He groaned aloud and slumped into a chair. How had he gotten himself into such a mess! He was not a brave man. The mere thought of pain made him physically sick. The only thing to do was to reveal to El Zorro what he had done and beg him to show mercy. Zorro had warned him in their previous encounters what would happen to him if he ever revealed the fact that there was a fortune in gold at the old mine. Hidden still from Santa Ana and Don Miguel wanted it to stay that way and it would have if he hadn't been so foolish as to blurt it out in front of that Yankee captain. Better to plead his case with the fox and trust he would not bite.
The imperceptible scrape of boot heel against stone went unnoticed by the quivering man as a dark figure swung easily and gently through the open window. A gloved hand covered Don Miguel's mouth and he swallowed a scream as he heard the familiar voice whisper soft as a panther's purr in his ear, "I saw your signal fires Don Miguel. I hope you have brought me out tonight for a very good reason."
Eyes wide and overly bright with fear, the don managed to nod his head and watched as Zorro stepped in front of him, the cloak swirling in graceful folds about his lean body. The don's eyes widened even further as they followed the shining length of the sword as it slid smoothly from its scabbard. To his fevered brain the metallic sound of the blade was like unto the cry of a bird of prey which had just spotted a tasty morsel. The eyes behind the mask pinned him to his seat; although, he doubted he would be able to stand on legs that would not support him.
Tilting his masked head slightly and bringing the long, slender blade's point delicately under the other man's chin so that it raised his head ever so slightly, Zorro inquired, "Well?"
Closing his eyes briefly, the don took a deep breath and confessed to the fox what he had inadvertently revealed to the captain as well as Halligan's plans to take his men to the mine and dig for the gold buried there.
"I throw myself on your mercy, Zorro! I assure you the Captain pried the information from me with the greatest difficulty. A man of your magnanimity will surely overlook such a small offense as this!"
Zorro bestowed a brilliant smile on Don Miguel and let the sword trail lazily till it rested ever so gently on the don's shrinking manhood. "My dear Don Miguel... your fortitude in the face of such a threat as Captain Halligan has indeed not gone unnoticed."
The tip of the sword trailed down the man's inner thigh as Zorro continued in a pleasant voice, "You made a wise decision tonight Don Miguel."
A serpent's tongue could not have moved swifter than the point of the sword as it flicked once again to its place under the hapless don's chin. Zorro leaned slightly forward as he continued, "Stay firm in that decision, my dear don, and my sword will not taste your blood, but betray me..."
The bedroom door opened, revealing Dona Carmen clinging heavily to it as she surveyed the scene before her.
"Zorro." The word escaped unaware from her lips and floated into the room as if an invocation or a curse.
Her hand fluttered, trembling to her throat as her eyes rolled back in her head and she slumped, fainting to the floor.
Zorro looked at the woman's prone figure and then returned his stare to the don. The man cleared his throat and swiftly as he could told of Carmen's involvement with the captain and her dependency on his supply of laudanum.
Shaking his head, the masked man bent his knee and brushed aside the woman's hair where it obscured her face. Without looking at Don Miguel, he said, "Captain Halligan has a great deal to pay for and I intend to see that he pays in full. See that you continue making these wise decisions, Don Miguel, and your life will be a much more pleasant one."
The don's head nodded mutely as he watched the lithe figure go to the window and disappear as easily as a shadow into the desert night.
Don Alejandro gazed at his reflection in the mirror of Don Eusebio's and the Dona Julieta's richly appointed front room for the reception of their wealthy friends. Inspecting his mustache, he ran his fingers over it slowly and marveled at how steady his hand was because he certainly did not feel so calm. His stomach was uneasy at the thought of revealing his identity to his friend, but he needed his aid and he trusted Eusebio the way he trusted no one but Tiger.
Dona Julieta's voice carried through the house in a piercing tone, clearly audible to the waiting Alejandro, as she derided her husband, "How can you be so thoughtless, Eusebio! It's not as if I ask much of you, the good Lord knows! You're capable of doing so little, really. Are my requests so meaningless? Do you purposefully annoy me in this way? I am beginning to believe that you do!"
The deeper voice of Don Eusebio could be heard as he attempted to answer but was cut short with, "I'm not interested, Eusebio, in any more of your pathetic excuses. I've simply resigned myself to the fact you're a punishment which Heaven has seen fit to bestow on me. Why can't you be more like Don Alejandro... now there's a man!"
Don Alejandro noted in sympathy Eusebio's red face as his friend entered the room. He wondered for the hundredth time how the man continued in such a relationship with his wife and thanked Heaven for the sweet love of his beautiful Elena.
Bowing gracefully over Dona Julieta's outstretched hand he murmured a greeting and felt the air rush by his face as the woman snapped her fan and started a furious fluttering about her face. There were always so many ruffles and feathers fluttering around the woman he was reminded of a mobile millinery shop.
Her gaze raked him hungrily from head to toe and tried to squeeze her voice into an unfamiliar soft tone as she said regretfully, "Don Alejandro, what a fine example you are for my husband!" She snapped her fan as her eyes snapped at Eusebio and then returned with a kinder look upon Alejandro. "I only wish he were more attentive to your virtues and heedful of applying them in his own life. I implore you, as his friend, to try and instill some of your wonderful traits in him while I am gone. Eusebio tells me you wish to speak privately concerning some manly pursuits; so I have taken this opportunity to do some shopping."
Alejandro bowed slightly and nodded his head as he answered, "I regret the loss of your soothing presence, dear lady, but I fear our talk would bore you tremendously. Perhaps another time."
"Assuredly, Don Alejandro." Dona Julieta twirled a golden curl about her finger. "You're always welcome and give my regards to your lovely wife, Elena." The flurry of feathers and ruffles as she exited the room left the two men standing somewhat adrift in her wake till Don Eusebio burst out laughing and slapped his friend on the shoulder.
"The look on your face my friend! Such relief that my gentle wife is gone! You know you shouldn't be so obvious. Learn to hide your feelings, as I do....now there's a manly pursuit I could teach you, which I have fully mastered."
Alejandro noted the sadness behind Eusebio,s smile and answered seriously, "Eusebio, we're friends. You don't have to hide behind a mask with me."
Eusebio looked at Alejandro oddly for a moment as if he were thinking secret thoughts and said, "Don't I?" He shrugged and continued, guiding his friend out of the room and into the courtyard where they could talk privately.
The day was beautifully clear and pleasant as they seated themselves comfortably in the shade of the portico. The fountain's sweet, cool voice added to the soothing atmosphere as did the scent of the orange tree nearby.
A man servant quickly appeared and Eusebio gave instructions for refreshments to be brought out. The servant murmured a question and Eusebio frowned slightly as he turned to Alejandro, "It seems my foreman must speak with me, Alejandro, it should only take a moment. Do you mind?" At Alejandro's nod of assent, Eusebio asked the servant to allow the man to come out to them.
Antonio walked toward them quickly with a sure step and stood respectfully until Don Eusebio addressed him.
"Alejandro, I don't believe you've met my foreman, Antonio. He's a very good man."
Alejandro smiled at the man and noted Antonio's face light up at the words of praise from Eusebio. Alejandro had to smile at his friend, also. Not many of the dons would have bothered to introduce their foreman to him, thinking the man unworthy of such attention.
Antonio quickly told of the problem they were experiencing with a Grizzly bear that was killing their cows and calves. A hunt was planned as soon as possible, but they needed Eusebio's permission to proceed.
Alejandro spoke up and volunteered Tiger's aid, "I'm sure he'll be willing to help. He's an excellent tracker and loves this sort of thing."
The smile on Antonio's face made him look very young and Alejandro thought he must be older than he looked to have the responsibility of a foreman. It seemed he had heard of Tiger's reputation and was very pleased to have him along.
After Antonio had left and the refreshments were brought out, Alejandro said, "Why do you not show the world this side of you, my friend?"
"What do you mean, Alejandro?"
"This serious side. You are always laughing or joking... always frivolous. Yet you run this hacienda very efficiently."
Eusebio replied thoughtfully, "Habit I suppose. You accused me earlier of wearing a mask. Well, after a long time you don't even think about it anymore, it becomes part of who you are. You don't show the world your true face."
Alejandro looked down and watched an ant as it crawled slowly across the table's surface. "That's why I've come here today, my friend." He looked up, but not at Eusebio, not yet. "I've come to show you my true face."
Eusebio's look was one of pure astonishment, "I don't understand, Alejandro. Your true face? You're the most uncomplicated person I know. What secrets could you possibly be hiding?"
Alejandro turned back and looked down at the table again. The ant had made it's way to a spoon and embarked on the long voyage along the length of it's handle. "The face that I've been hiding from you from the day we first met."
Growing uneasy, Eusebio waited, unable to imagine what he was about to be told but sensing its importance.
Alejandro turned and looked directly into his eyes as he said, "Have you heard of the legend of El Zorro, Eusebio?"
"El Zorro?" Fumbling about, trying to decipher why his friend was suddenly acting so strangely and asking him about a silly legend, he could only mutter, "Of course, El Zorro, everyone's heard of the fox. The peasants' hero. What has that to do with you?"
In a still, quiet voice Don Alejandro answered, "Everything. I am El Zorro."
The silence stretched on forever as Eusebio tried to take it in. He looked into Alejandro's eyes, eyes that he thought he knew so well, but were now the eyes of a stranger. Suddenly he slammed his fist onto the table, rattling the cups and sending the spoon with the ant still clinging to its surface flying into the air.
Alejandro sat back and watched as the spoon landed with a splash in the fountain. He looked up to see Eusebio standing before him, unable to sit down. He watched as the man paced back and forth, then stopped abruptly and stared at him.
"I don't believe you."
Alejandro returned the confused stare with one he hoped was calmer than he felt. "Yes, you do, Eusebio."
Finally, Eusebio did come to believe and when he accepted the knowledge of just who his friend was he grew excited as he learned he was to aid El Zorro. He learned of Halligan's plot to raid the gold mine and agreed readily to join in the plan to mislead anyone who came there.
Still marveling at the revelation and shaking his head in wonderment, Eusebio said, "I always thought you practiced with your sword so much simply because of vanity. I never dreamed you'd actually use it."
Alejandro smiled as he said, "I wouldn't, but Zorro would."
Elena and Alejandro ascended the stairs to their bedroom, her arm in his. She could feel the tension in him as they moved in unison up the steps. Looking up at the much loved profile, she thought how easily they worked and played and loved together. The notion of ever moving through her life without this man beside her made Elena's mind freeze with the sheer impossibility of it.
Alejandro turned to her and smiled his lopsided grin and let his lids droop lazily. Elena could see the signs of fatigue in his face. Giving his arm a squeeze she said, "Let me give you a massage before bed. You look like you could use it."
Pulling her even closer, he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers and said quietly, "Sounds wonderful."
He sat on the bed and allowed Elena to help him off with his boots. "I spoke with Eusebio this morning."
She looked up at him as she pulled his breeches off, "You told him you were Zorro as you had planned. How did he take it?"
"Rather well, I thought. He didn't believe me at first, of course."
Elena grinned and said, "It is hard to believe in a flesh and blood legend. Of course he doesn't have the advantage as I do of going to bed every night with one." She was pleased to see the answering twinkle in his eyes.
Moving onto the bed, she kneeled behind him, her hands quickly reaching around and removing his coat and her fingers easily undoing the cravat. The vest followed, then the buttons of his shirt opened as her fingers worked their way down till his chest and abdomen lay bare then removed the shirt completely. Resting her face against the side of his, she hugged him close and his hands reached up to cover hers. She murmured, "You trust Eusebio to help you in this plan of yours then?"
He nodded and she moved off the bed allowing him to lie flat and watch as she began to undress herself. Resting an arm under his head, he gazed with pleasure as she removed her clothing. Standing before him at last in the darkening room, she smiled as she gazed into his face, her breasts rising as her arms reached up to undo the mass of her hair. Turning to her dressing table she stood in the golden glow of the lamp, it's light reflecting off her hair and skin, a gilded nude with a mischievous grin as she brought forth the small glass vial and held its contents over the lamp's flame.
"What's that?" Alejandro murmured.
"Oil for the massage you're about to receive, my darling."
She knelt at his feet and started slowly, working the warm, scented oil into his flesh. He sighed and said, "Since Halligan's found out about the gold at the old mine, he plans to take his men and dig it up."
"But the place is so unstable and dangerous after the blast." She worked her way with her strong fingers up his lower legs.
"That doesn't pose a problem for Halligan. He'd sacrifice any number of men for the amount of gold that's buried there. But we can't attack him and all of his men at such a place. It's just too risky. There could be additional cave-ins; the rest of the mountain could fall on top of us all. My God that feels good, don't ever stop."
"Never, my sweet darling." Elena poured more of the warm oil onto his chest, working it in with long, deep, circling strokes and felt his muscles begin to relax into the movement of her hands. "What is it that Eusebio can do for you?"
"I've asked him to keep an eye on the mine for me. To mislead Halligan if he can into thinking the gold has been moved to the mission. Father Emilio is prepared to help us in this. He's a brave man; I admire him very much. We can have our men, Eusebio's men and what townspeople we can gather stationed around the surrounding hillside. If we can surprise Halligan it will be to our advantage."
"Of course Zorro will be in the hills waiting as well."
His lids were closed, completely relaxed, he dragged the words out with an effort, "Of course, Zorro could be anywhere."
Elena leaned down and kissed him until she felt his arm encircle her waist and bring their bodies close together. Bringing her face up, she looked down into his, noting the look of desire there as she murmured, "And does Zorro have a plan of attack for tonight's battle?"
He grinned and flipped her over so that he rested lightly atop her and whispered into her ear, "I plan a long, hard siege."
Elena laughed delightedly and pulled at his earlobe with her teeth, "Simple, but very....." she paused to catch her breath as his fingers traced gently across her belly and downwards, "... effective."
Tiger listened attentively the next morning as Don Alejandro impressed upon him the need to guard Dona Elena and the children during the battle with Halligan when the time came. The younger man nodded and reassured Alejandro that he would give his life to protect the family that had become like his own.
Alejandro smiled broadly and clapped him on the shoulder as he said gratefully, "I have no doubt of it Tiger. I could place them in no better hands. It takes a great burden from me."
Tiger watched as the man he admired beyond all others walked away, unaware that other eyes followed him as well.
Elena turned from her hiding place behind the door and closed her eyes briefly before hurrying to the bedroom. When the time came she had her own plans. Entering her room, she pulled out her own dark costume and cape from their secret place and ran her hands over the smooth material. Nothing would stop her, not even Tiger, from aiding her husband on the night of the battle... nothing. She would send the children with Morning Dove and Mariana to a safe location and then ride out in disguise as Zorro herself. She smiled as she whispered to herself, "After all, Zorro, he could be anywhere."
The heavy carriage was made to withstand rough roads but even it could not keep its passengers from enduring the jolts along the rugged terrain it traveled over in the early morning light.
Dona Julieta's pink parasol bounced like a buoy in a storm-tossed sea with each bump in the road. She exclaimed in an exasperated tone, "Eusebio, why in Heaven's name have you brought us to this living hell?"
Eusebio's eyes raked the countryside and said with his most conciliatory tone, "We haven't been out here recently my dear. I thought you might enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery."
"Eusebio...cactus and rock look the same here as they do at our hacienda. I simply cannot fathom why you have chosen this circuitous route into town. There's nothing to see out here but the old mine."
Pulling back on the reins, Eusebio brought the horses to a sudden halt, nearly unseating Dona Julieta. She had just managed to push her bonnet back on top of her head and open her mouth for a few choice words regarding her husbands deplorable touch with the reigns when she spotted the men.
A very handsome, blonde man sat astride a horse and seemed to be supervising a group of men poking around the ruins of the gold mine. He spotted them as well, and rode over to them. Eusebio recognized Halligan, having seen him escorting Carmen about town. Putting one of his most ingratiating smiles on his face, Eusebio greeted the captain effusively. "Captain Halligan! What a pleasure it is to encounter you out here in the wilds and I must say a surprise. So few people make their way out here these days and then only in hope of finding a bit of gold lying about."
The captain's blue eyes looked at the two unlikely visitors to this site and narrowed his eyes, but he put a smile on his lips as he replied, "I could say the same thing for you Don Eusebio. It's not a suitable place to bring such a lovely creature as your wife. A woman who would obviously be better suited in a more proper setting." He removed his hat and the early morning sun set his golden hair ablaze as he bowed slightly in Dona Julieta's direction.
Giggling behind her fan like a school girl, Dona Julieta preened under the man's attention. "Captain Halligan I can understand my husband's foolishness in coming out here. He seldom has a sensible reason for anything he does, but truly there is nothing of interest here at all."
"My dear wife is absolutely correct captain. The gold has long since been removed. Nothing but lizards, scorpions and the occasional tarantula."
Quirking an eyebrow the captain asked softly, "Indeed, and just where exactly has the gold been removed to?"
Leaning forward and glancing about ludicrously as if it were possible someone could overhear them, Eusebio said in a stage whisper, "They've taken it all to the mission. Ages ago, the Indians hauled it to a secret hiding place deep within the mission's walls and that's where it rests today."
Julieta stared at the Captain, not listening to a word her husband was saying, lost in a haze of romantic desire as she imagined the handsome captain sweeping her out of the carriage and onto the horse in front of him, his arms holding her tight against his hard chest. Her fan began to wave furiously as she drifted away.
The captain asked in amazement, "If there's a treasure in gold there, then why has no one attacked the mission to get it?"
The don's eyes widened in childlike amazement, "Why captain, why should they! The don's certainly don't need the money and the gold is given to any towns person who really needs it. No one outside of the area knows about it at all." Looking past Halligan at his men gathered behind him, Eusebio's eyes appeared to dawn with comprehension as he allowed his voice to fill with pity, "If you are in need captain perhaps Father Sandoz can be of some assistance. The gold is available to all of God's men who are truly desperate."
Halligan's face turned scarlet with fury at the notion Don Eusebio thought him destitute and a thing of pity. He grated out, "Is Zorro responsible for getting the gold to the mission?"
Eusebio's eyes widened even further as he said in amazement, "Captain! Surely you don't believe in such childish legends. Zorro is simply a figment of the imagination. A hero made to entertain the children at bedtime." He laughed as he added, "You know what they say... Zorro... he could be anywhere!"
The captain started to back his horse out of the way of their carriage as they readied to depart but Julieta leaned across her husband, nearly dislodging him from her seat, as she extended her hand to the captain, giving the captain not only her hand but a good view of her cleavage as she invited him to visit their hacienda in the near future. The captain bowed over her hand and watched as they drove off. One of his men came beside him and asked, "What if he's lying?"
The captain looked at him and threw back his head with a great laugh, "Don Eusebio!? That man is too stupid to lie!"
Dona Julieta clung to her parasol with one hand and the side railing of the carriage with the other as they sped down the road, "Eusebio! Eusebio! Where are we going in such a hurry. The day is early yet!"
Eusebio simply cried as he slapped the leather against the broad backs of the horses, "We're going to make a stop at Don Alejandro's my dear. I suddenly remembered something of great urgency which I must tell him."
The don's lips pressed grimly together as he remembered the look in Halligan's face at the mention of the gold's removal to the mission. The captain would attack tonight. He was sure of it and Zorro must be warned. There was much to do."
The mission rested comfortably at the base of the foothills like a mother hen in her nest. The moonlight gave it a romantic flare it lacked in the bright light of the sun. During the day it bustled with life; the beating heart which pumped forth food, shelter and clothing for many of the local Indians or anyone in need of food for the body or the soul.
Father Emilio paused at the end of his long day, relishing the quiet. Allowing himself a private moment as he leaned his shoulder tiredly against the door jam and gazed worriedly up into the surrounding foothills. The night was clear, allowing the full moon to cast long shadows across their rugged terrain, dotted with sage, cactus, rocks and scrubby trees.
He had done his part. The mission, to all prying eyes, would seem as normal but inside, he knew, waited its defenders, their work-callused hands gripping whatever weapons they could manage. He swallowed, his mouth dry, as he recalled the look in their eyes... so full of trust and courage. A weight settled on his shoulders under the burden of responsibility he bore.
The coyote's cry from high atop the nearest ridge startled him, making him jerk upright.
The lonely cry was answered until shortly the hills echoed eerily with their howls. Father Emilio knew there was a fox, as well as coyotes, roaming the hills on this night.
El Zorro lay like a shadow cast by the moonlight across the stark white of the boulder.
The coyote's cry sent a thrill through his blood as he felt himself respond to their wild song. His mouth softened into a smile; the silver of the moon reflecting in the dark pools of his eyes. The boulder gave off the warmth of the day's sun and eased the night's growing chill.
Tornado's loud snort and the cascade of small pebbles and rocks rolling by his feet signaled the noisy arrival of Don Eusebio as he made his way down to Zorro's side. "I'm trying to be as quiet as possible, dear fellow. Although who's going to hear us besides the coyotes and our own men, I can't imagine."
Zorro reached out and grabbed Eusebio's wrist before he slid any further down the steep hillside and settled him against the boulder. His teeth gleamed in a broad grin as he heard
Eusebio's heartfelt sigh and groan as he lamented a great tear which had appeared in his coat.
"Eusebio, are you quite sure you want to be here? You've already been generous with the aid of your men. It's not really necessary that you be here yourself. Dona Julieta, I'm sure, would appreciate your company."
The stark shadows cast by the moon glow heightened the look of horror that flashed across Eusebio's stricken face. "These hills offer far more welcome than I would receive at Julieta's side... as you well know. Besides, it's the least I can do to oversee how you're using my men. After all, I can't allow Tiger to run roughshod over them the way he does over your -- Alejandro's -- men."
"Tiger should be guarding Elena and the family," Zorro replied. "Are there many of the townspeople here?"
"My foreman, Antonio, easily gathered many of the men. It seems Father Emilio has made many friends and they are eager to help. Antonio has given them orders per your instructions to wait for the signal. They are hiding in the olive grove, your men and mine are scattered along the hills."
Zorro nodded, "Antonio's a good man. Tiger speaks highly of him."
Eusebio nodded in turn, "He's one of the few friends that Tiger has made."
Tiger was unaware of being one of the subjects under discussion as he roamed the hillside. He watched with narrowed eyes as the slender shadow glided easily among the boulders. It came to rest above Zorro's and Eusebio's resting place. Tiger made his way ever closer, like an ancient ghost from the past, until finally a turn of the head brought the shadow's face partially into view. That mouth and the stubborn set of the jaw was unmistakable... Elena.
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked down on her husband and Eusebio. He looked just as he had that first time they fought in the stable. She remembered his strength and ability with the sword. But there were so many to fight against. Halligan had many men, all seasoned fighters. Zorro needed all the help he could get tonight and she was going to make sure he got it.
Further down the hillside, in the olive grove close to the valley floor, men waited as patiently as their comrades above. Antonio listened to the rustle of the olive tree's leaves in the night breeze as he rested against a gnarled trunk. He ran a hand through the dark curls that covered his head and frowned at the movement of two small forms. Circling behind them he grabbed each by the back of the neck and jerked them around to face him.
Billy cried out, "Don't sir! It's only us! Billy and Paquito."
"Hush!" Antonio growled softly as he released them. "What are you two doing here!
You're supposed to be with the other children at my Don Eusebio's hacienda."
"Father Emilio and Zorro need our help." Billy's jaw was set in a stubborn line as he continued. "We're practically men, anyway! We can fight! You'll see!"
Antonio jerked both boys into the olive grove and shoved them to the ground, "I see two boys who can't follow orders. What would Father Emilio say of your disrespect?"
Billy looked up, his voice choking, "Please, Antonio, let us stay. You don't know the Captain the way I do. He's mean -- real mean -- and Father Emilio's been so good to me and Zorro's going to come tonight. I know he will!"
Antonio's face softened into sad reflection as he listened to the emotions in the young voice. Captain Halligan had touched the lives of many people, it seemed, with much pain.
The Captain's influence had spread to gather in his entire force of fighting men which was considerable. Gone was any vestige of Pete the peddler. The Captain, who arrogantly sat astride his prancing horse before his men, had an air of command that broached not the slightest hesitation to comply with his every whim. Assured that all was ready, he wheeled his horse about and set off at full gallop towards the mission.
The thundering hooves of the horses drove against the hard-packed dirt of the road as it wound onto the mission's land. Halligan expected his attack to be a surprise, but was himself startled to hear the mission's bell ring loudly from it's tower.
He spurred his horse on at an even faster pace, more determined than ever to lay the place to waste. His men surrounded the mission, their horses snorting and blowing from the hard ride. Made nervous by the loud ringing of the mission bell, they picked up the excitement and fear of the approaching battle, tossing their heads, the men reigning them in hard as they tried to light torches.
Halligan's horse reared as shots were fired behind the mission in the direction of the olive grove. He pulled his own pistol just as the massive cedar doors of the mission swung open and a swarm of Indians spilled out like ants deserting a flooded hill. He calmly pointed, the pistol's loud retort joining one of many now -- a puff of smoke, a dark-blooming flower on the man's chest as he was hurled backward, a look of surprise on his broad face. Halligan's focus was entirely on the battle as he unsheathed his blade, still confident of winning. After all, they were only peasants. He did not note, until it was too late, the men spilling out of the hills to surround them.
The mission's bell jolted Zorro into action. It was the signal they all had been waiting for. His cape flaring behind, he leaped to Tornado's waiting back and they both hurtled to the battle below like a dark, avenging angel.
Eusebio, grimly determined, followed with the other men. Elena whirled, a twin Zorro, to her own waiting horse, only to find a grim-faced Tiger in her path. She gasped in surprise, but quickly recovered, her determination to follow her husband overriding everything else. She made to pass him and reached for the reigns of her horse.
His strong fingers circled her small wrist with an unrelenting grip. Her lips thinned in determination as she gritted, "Let go, Tiger! I MUST do this!"
The pain on Tiger's face could be seen easily, even in the moonlight. His face was a stony mask, but the eyes held all the pain in the world. It was hard for him to deny her, but he knew only too well what awaited them below. His voice came out rougher than he wished, too filled with emotion to soften it. "No Elena please. You cannot help him...you will be killed. Think of Alejandro... of your children."
Elena stood frozen, captured by his grip and his eyes, but the need surging through her was like an unrelenting pull... Alejandro... Zorro... he needed her. She would not be stopped in this! She tried not to scream it out as she pleaded, "I'm not untrained, Tiger, I can handle myself! Let me go! That's an order!"
She despaired at the unrelenting look in his face and quickly struck his shin with her boot. Her sudden attack was so startling to Tiger that his fingers loosened just enough for her to wrench free. She almost made it onto the horse, but felt those strong hands once again on her, pulling her to the ground. She felt her hand on the pommel of her sword and drew it. Tiger stepped back, drawing his own sword by instinct. They stood, each breathing hard, neither willing to give over.
Finally, Elena's nerve broke and she made the first thrust. Their swords meeting, the impact sending it's force down their arms. Stepping back, ready to strike again, Tiger blurted out, pleading, "You don't understand Elena." He swallowed hard as he tried desperately to reach her with his words. "Halligan and his men... what they would do to you if they captured you. You cannot imagine... but I can... I know." He paused, then continued in a burst of words, each like a bullet, "I would kill you myself, before I let that happen to you!"
Elena stood, her sword at the ready, but feeling as if she had been struck physically by his words. Each of them frozen in the moment, unable to continue, until the sudden flare of light from the mission below broke through and they turned startled eyes to the blaze issuing from the mill. Elena seized the moment and flung herself onto the back of her horse and down to meet her fate at Alejandro's side.
A man's dying scream filled Zorro's ears as he hurtled into the midst of the battle. His blade was already drawn as he engaged one of Halligan's men on horseback. Tornado's powerful chest almost unseated the other man as they plowed into his horse. Unbalanced, he quickly toppled to the ground, where he was speedily dispatched by one of the mission's defenders. The man looked up, his face bloody, but the eyes brightened as he recognized the dark figure looming above him. His lips moved, the words barely above a whisper, "Zorro!"
The masked man smiled down, a moment only, before his searching eyes swept the scene before him. Taking in the desperate struggle of men and horses, the torchlight flickering on the weapons as they flashed up and then down, striking into man and beast, sword ringing against sword. A bright head caught his eye; a movement in the direction of the mill... Halligan!
He sent Tornado once again plowing through the chaos, the horse's powerful muscles carrying him easily as his blade flashed like silver lightning, licking out with deadly precision. He never lost sight of his goal, the golden, arrogant head of Halligan.
At last he was within reach and he watched with pleasure the look of shock on the man's face as he saw who was before him. His handsome face contorted with rage. Zorro's smile flashed broadly as he purred, "Miss me?"
Halligan's rage sent his sword flashing towards Tornado's eyes. The horse jerked it's head aside, rearing, it's sharp hooves striking out, unseating Halligan. The captain regained his feet and his sword as Zorro leapt from Tornado. Their blades clashed as
Zorro pressed the man onto the mill's porch and amongst the sacks of flour. The shadows were deeper here. As the two men fought, Halligan leapt from the porch, grabbing a fallen torch, he thrust it at Zorro's face, forcing him off the porch and into a group of men as he ran into the cavernous mill. The torch raised high, he scanned what he could see of the interior. A capped figure ran in the flare of the torchlight, disappearing into the deeper shadows.
"Zorro!?" Halligan muttered aloud. How could this be, he thought, he had just left Zorro outside. Was the man a supernatural being? Seeing a stack of empty sacks he thrust the torch into the pile. The flames licked hungrily, quickly spreading to the wooden structure itself. More movement to his right, scuffling sounds and a small figure bolting past him.
He grabbed it by the back of it's shirt and hauled it to him.
"Billy!" he gloated. The boy struggled futilely with his fists and feet, but Halligan held firm, eyeing the boy's little friend as he stood between them and freedom. A dark figure in mask and cape moved in the shadows, the glitter of a dagger in his hand. Halligan brought the boy roughly to him, pressing the sharp edge of his sword against the boy's tender throat, his struggles ceased as Billy panted in fear.
Halligan's lips spread in a smile as he spoke to the dark figure, "Drop your weapon, Zorro, or I'll give the boy another mouth."
He watched as the dagger fell from the masked man's fingers. Dragging the boy with him Halligan made his way to the door, then thrust the boy from him to stagger back into the burning mill. It took only moments to close and bar the door. The smoke was filling the mill quickly; he was pleasantly surprised at how fast it was becoming an inferno.
Taking in the scene before him, he mounted a horse and sent it towards the road and his ship. The cries coming from the mill ringing sweetly in his ears.
Don Eusebio had miraculously been able to locate his foreman, Antonio, in the battle.
The young man was not on a level with Zorro or Tiger in his swordsmanship, but between the two of them they had managed to stay alive. They heard the cries coming from the mill and rushed towards it. Struggling with the heavy bar, they managed to lift it, freeing the rolling black smoke to belch out. The sudden rush of air into the mill ignited the flames to an even greater height.
Tiger suddenly appeared just as they were attempting to drag to safety the coughing bodies that they discovered lying at the door. The man wearing the mask of Zorro removed it wearily, taking in great gasps of air. All eyes turned to him.
"Father Emilio!" Eusebio gasped.
The good Father raised his eyes with a rather shamefaced grin and shrugged, "I make a poor Zorro I am afraid." His eyes hardened uncharacteristically as he growled with a smoke-roughened voice, "Halligan left us to burn alive. May God help us all, with a man like that free." He looked about as he asked, "Did any of you see him?"
Tiger answered, "I saw him flee on horseback as I rode up. Then Zorro...," he paused and grinned at Emilio, "the real one... took out after him." Tiger was unaware of yet another Zorro watching them from horseback. Elena had ridden up just as Father Emilio was unmasking himself. Hearing Tiger's words, she immediately set spur to her horse.
The crash of a burning timber caused all eyes to turn back to the mill. One of Halligan's few remaining men chose that moment to stumble into them. His knife aimed for Eusebio's middle, but before it could strike home, Antonio's hand struck out, deflecting the knife downwards. The tip of it sent a white-hot brand across his own thigh. Tiger's knife found a more fatal home in the man's throat.
Eusebio and Emilio eased Antonio to the ground, where Father Emilio pressed a handful of his cape against the wound. Tiger raised his head, suddenly alert. Looking around he saw the mission's defenders now turning their attentions to the burning mill. But, Elena... where was she? A terrible cold filled him as he gripped Eusebio's arm. "Don Eusebio, I must follow after Zorro. Halligan may have returned to his ship."
Eusebio watched in concern as Tiger raced into the night. He was torn; his foreman lay bleeding. Antonio saw the look on his face and gripped his hand with his own bloody one. "It's a scratch only, Don Eusebio. This fight's over and I am in good hands. Go!"
Don Eusebio looked into Father Emilio's face. The dark eyes stared back at him, full of concern but determined. "He will be well cared for. The Captain must be stopped!" Eusebio regretfully left them and fetched his own horse, determined to see the night through and a finish to Captain Halligan.
Captain Halligan was determined as well and gloating in his cabin aboard the ship as he told a dazed Carmen of his victory over Zorro .
Carmen tried desperately to focus. It was so difficult to stay focused. She blinked and forced her lips to form the words, "Zorro... dead?"
Halligan stopped his pacing and gripped her by the shoulders, squeezing their softness, pressing his strong fingers deeper as he gave her a slight shake, relishing his complete power over her. Her lips remained parted as she drew her breath in heavily, taking in the scent of him. The scent of death he had brought with him from the battle; the blood and smoke, the carnage he always left in his wake; the destroyed souls.
He turned her around roughly, pressing her back to his chest. An arm gripped tightly around her waist. The index finger of his other hand slipped under the edge of her low bodice; tracing the finger slowly along the curves of her breast. His lips moved against her ear, "Dead, Zorro is dead. I left him to burn. With him out of the way, the gold's mine. I'll simply walk in and take it when I've gathered my forces again. Father Emilio wasn't even there; he's probably fled."
An all too familiar voice yelled from the ship's deck, "Halligan! Show yourself! The fight's not over!"
Releasing his grip on Carmen, causing her to nearly collapse to the floor, Halligan pulled his pistol and sword to hand, kicking the door open, he emerged in a rage onto the deck. He saw before him a sight he had not expected to see again.
Zorro stood almost casually beside a row of barrels lashed to the deck. His saber glittering as he held it steady over the last of the restraining ropes. Halligan's rage colored the edges of his vision red as he brought the pistol up to fire. The razor edge of Zorro's saber sliced through the rope, releasing the heavy barrels to roll almost lazily towards the Captain.
The shot went wide as Zorro reached up and he grasped the arm of one of the ship's masts, swinging himself and the arm forward toward Halligan as he dodged the last of the barrels. Zorro's feet hit the Captain's chest squarely, sending him hurtling backwards to strike the wall of the cabin. The pistol went spinning but he held fast to his sword.
Neither man noticed the masked figure that eased itself over the side of the ship onto deck and made its way to the cabin's side just as Carmen emerged. Spying the pistol lying at her feet, Carmen reached down, and grasping the heavy weapon in both hands, she raised it, taking aim at Zorro as he hung in midair. A whip snaked out, encircling the gun and her hands, pulling them aside and sending the shot buzzing past Zorro's head. Elena grinned broadly as she jerked Carmen off her feet and proceeded to wrap the frantically struggling woman in her whip.
Completely securing Carmen, she patted her on the cheek and murmured, "Shooting at people isn't nice, chica." Carmen's eyes widened and her whole body began to shake as she realized who her captor really was. Her scream of rage was that of a wounded animal.
Zorro swung his feet up and onto the arm of the mast just as the Captain's sword sliced through the air where his legs had been only a second before. Leaping into the air, he tucked his knees up and somersaulted behind the Captain, landing on his feet, but the ship's roll and a coil of ropes unbalanced him, his waist hit the railing and he felt himself go over the side, grabbing the heavy rope that anchored the ship to it's dock.
Halligan's sword flashed down, but Zorro was not there, his whip had taken him back up again onto a mast arm. The Captain's sword did find contact, however, and sliced through the anchoring rope, such was the force he used. The damned Zorro seemed to be taunting him! He was swinging in the rigging above his head now. By God! He'd see the man ripped from bow to stern!
The ship's struggling passengers were heedless of its breaking away from the dock, away from the other ships and towards the open waters of the bay. Tiger arrived just as it was out of reach. He could see Zorro and Halligan. The ship... it was as he remembered it during his nightmare time with the Captain. Shaking himself, he dove into the black water. Something had him, the more he struggled, the more entangled he became, he found himself sinking, the darkness swallowing him. Then his head broke the surface and he heard voices as someone grabbed him by his belt and other hands dragged him over the side of a small fishing boat.
"'Ere now lad! Ye've got yerself all tangled in the net, ye 'av!" the fisherman's voice was kind even though Tiger had managed to tangle their net into a hopeless mess. The fisherman's voice was full of laughter as he continued, "Ye might as well lay back and watch the show, me boy, like the rest o', us. It looks like the Cap'n might 'av a real fight on his hands with that Zorro feller." Dripping, helpless, Tiger stared at the ship, tantalizingly close, but impossibly far.
Eusebio arrived just in time to see Tiger pulled into the small boat. Everyone seemed to be watching the ship which was floating free. Something was going on in the rigging. "Dios mio!" he gasped. It was Zorro and the Captain! What could he do? He looked at the black water and berated himself for the lack of swimming lessons. He could only stand and watch like the rest as the drama played out in front of them.
Zorro and the Captain fought their way to the crow's nest. The Captain stood on the small platform, Zorro balanced on the mast's arm, one hand gripping the overhead rope.
Halligan's blade sliced through the rope, sending Zorro swinging from the piece still tied to the arm. The Captain's blood pumped in his ears as he felt certain victory, grasping the mast's arm between his legs, he edged out toward the dangling fox.
A fox which still had its fangs. Zorro dangled by one arm, still gripping his sword in the other. He waited as Halligan edged ever closer; waited while his shoulder muscles burned past bearing and his arm felt as though it were being torn from its socket; waited until Halligan's sword was raised to strike through the rope, sending him to his death below.
With the last of his strength he swung his sword upwards, grazing the Captain's legs.
The startled man jerked, dropped his own sword and made to grasp the mast's arm, but his head roared with the sound of his own blood and the ship rolled. He felt himself slipping, unbelievably loosing his desperate grip on the wooden arm, his body lurching over, falling with a sickening thud to the deck far below.
Zorro looked down at the broken body below and groaned. His own body was almost past the point of responding. Sheer will pulled him up and onto the mast. The sight of another masked and capped figure standing in the crow's nest almost sent him over the side again.
"Father Emilio", he thought, "how did he get here?" Eager hands reached out as he slowly made his way to the platform and they pulled him to his feet. Arms encircled his waist and he heard a stifled sob. Shocked, he turned the face upwards. Beautiful eyes, swimming in tears and a mouth he knew to be tender past bearing.
"Elena!" he gasped the word on a spent breath. He didn't have the strength to shake her; he could only crush her to him and cover her tear-salt mouth with his.
Don Eusebio stood rooted to the dock. His face ashen for all the blood in his body now resided, tingling, in his feet. The sight of Halligan's body hurtling to the deck was bad enough and the tense moments as Zorro struggled to regain secure footing. But the most shocking -- indeed paralyzing moment -- came when he saw Father Emilio, dressed once again as Zorro, climb the rigging to pull the real Zorro to him. They stood now, locked in a passionate embrace, their capes fluttering in the breeze. It was past all understanding. He pressed cold fingers to his temples as if to push out the pounding headache which had just begun.
The salon of the hacienda was alive with noise and activity. Joaquin, delighted to have playmates, led a rowdy game of tag with Billy and Paquito around the chairs where the adults tried to relax, tend their wounds and converse about the evening's events. Esperanza, too little to keep up with the older children, set her sites on her newest toy a large sleek, gray cat, who was trying to explore unfamiliar surroundings while dodging the little hand that kept reaching for his tail, as well as the running feet of the older children. Mr. Hobbs finally decided that retreat was the best tact and dove under the chair occupied by his new master, Alejandro Bartolo del Castillo y Garcia. Alejandro reached down and picked up his crawling daughter just as she was about to squirm under the chair after the furry toy. Ignoring her squawk of displeasure he tossed her in the air until her scowl turned to a smile and the squawk to giggles.
Alejandro tucked his little girl into the crook of his arm where she snuggled into his side, the cat forgotten. Alejandro gazed at her sweet face and drowsy lids and thought once again of the baby on the way. He looked across the room at his wife who was watching her husband and daughter with quiet thoughts of her own. Their eyes met and the same thought came to both minds I could have lost my love tonight.
Alejandro's eye caught a movement in the arched doorway behind his wife. Tiger peered around the frame and beckoned to him. The young don rose and handed their daughter to his wife as he passed, planting a kiss on Elena's forehead. He was rewarded with a radiant smile.
"Is something wrong, Tiger?"
"I am leaving tomorrow, Alejandro." He held up his hand to silence his friend's objections. "No, I must. You entrusted Dona Elena to my care tonight and I failed you completely." Tiger looked at his boots, unable to meet Alejandro's eye. The older man stood patiently, waiting for Tiger to unburden himself. After a moment the remorseful youth continued in a small voice. "I let her out of my sight after you asked me not to and I was unable to get to her on the ship when I knew you both were in trouble. I am not much use to you, I know that now. I am sorry Don Alejandro."
"Tiger, look at me. Look at me," Alejandro said in a gentle voice.
Tiger raised his eyes amazed to find a smile on his master's lips.
"Do you seriously think that you, or I, or any army on earth could have stopped Elena from doing what she did tonight? She is a strong woman, my wife, and that is the one of the things that I admire and respect most about her."
Tiger let his breath out in a rush, not realizing until that moment that he had been holding it.
"On the other hand, you obviously knew what she was up to well ahead of time and I certainly would have appreciated it if you had told me that she has been practicing fencing." Alejandro sighed and leaned his shoulder against the terra-cotta stucco. "Not that it would have done any good, I suppose. Soon Elena will have another baby to think about and will not be able to chase around the countryside after me." Alejandro grinned and leered at Tiger. "I guess I'll just have to make sure that she has one baby after another -- for her own safety, of course."
Tiger returned the smile and said, "I envy you two."
"Well, why envy us when you can have the same thing yourself, Tiger?" Alejandro glanced back into the salon where Mariana offered trays of tapas to the guests. "She is crazy about you and I'm pretty sure you return the feeling."
"I have nothing to offer a wife."
"You have EVERYTHING to offer a wife, you fool. You have kindness and thoughtfulness and bravery and strength. But above all you have love. And that is all you need, my friend."
Tiger peered over Alejandro's shoulder at the pretty girl with long black braids who was laughing at the antics of the children. He straightened his shoulders then looked back at Alejandro. "I'll ask her tomorrow if she will be my wife. But what if she refuses me?" he added hastily.
"She won't, Tiger. She won't. Elena told me that she loves you deeply." Alejandro wrapped strong arms around the young man and embraced him. In an unconscious response, Tigers's arms encircled Alejandro's waist, their bodies briefly pressed together in an easy familiarity. "A wedding Elena will be thrilled!"
Don Eusebio's hand stopped half-way to his open mouth as he spotted the two men in the doorway. Still reeling from the revelation about Alejandro's sexuality, Eusebio's mind immediately interpreted the brief hug as a lovers' embrace. "Father Emilio and now Tiger?" he thought. "And all this time I didn't know does Elena know about this?" The men in the doorway parted with smiles and whispered words. Eusebio still stared, his mouth agape. "What's wrong with ME?" he wondered. "I love Alejandro more than any man. Why doesn't he want me? Am I too fat? Too--"
"For God's sake!" The hissed words interrupted his thoughts and were accompanied by a sharp poke in the ribs. "Close your mouth, you idiot. You look like a fish just taken off the hook."
Eusebio turned into his wife's glare. Although Julieta had not participated in the action that night she felt that she had played a major role by grudgingly sheltering the mission's children for a few hours. She smoothed the flounces of her voluminous pink dress and turned to Emilio who was sitting on the other side of her and continued to let the priest thank her for her hospitality and generosity.
Alejandro leaned casually against the doorway, his warm brown eyes twinkling as he surveyed the bustle in the room. Eusebio struggled out of his soft chair, and with watery legs strolled in the direction of Alejandro, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. He was greeted with a laugh. "I see that you've deserted poor Emilio. I wonder how many more times he will have to tell Julieta how wonderful she is before she tires of it?"
"My wife is not much of a conversationalist unless the topic of conversation is herself. So the good Padre may be there all night. Tell me, Alejandro, how long have you known Emilio?"
"Oh, not that long. I like him, though. I like him a lot. He is just the kind of man that the mission needs."
"Really? How so?"
"Well, you saw for yourself tonight. He's brave and honorable and cares for the people more than the church."
"He's handsome too."
Alejandro turned in surprise to look at Eusebio, then grinned. "He's a priest, my friend."
Eusebio continued as if uninterrupted, " as a matter of fact he looks a lot like you. Same build and coloring. Similar eyes, mouth and hair. Yes, I can see how someone might be attracted to him."
Alejandro placed his hands on Eusebio's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "He's a PRIEST, my friend," Alejandro repeated.
"Yes, well, I know that." Eusebio shot an accusing look at Alejandro. "I know that," he repeated with strong emphasis on the word "I".
Puzzled, Alejandro dropped his hands and placed them on his trim hips.
"Excuse me, Don Alejandro, but I must rescue the cat from the child who is attempting to drag him out of his hiding place by his tail."
Alejandro watched Eusebio walk away thoroughly confused by his friend's attitude, words and formal use of his title. What was bothering him? Alejandro knew about Eusebio's sexual preferences but they had never caused a problem between them in the past. What was going on? Eusebio seemed to be jealous. But jealous of whom? Him? Emilio? And why?
Alejandro moved towards his wife, picking up a child and swinging him around in a circle as he passed. He deposited the giggling boy on the floor then sat cross-legged at his wife's feet, resting his head on her knee like a little boy.. She reached to smooth back the soft black curls that had fallen over his brow.
"What's troubling you, mi carino?"
"Some things which are better discussed when we are alone, Elena."
She sighed and smiled ruefully, knowing that her actions tonight had upset her husband.
"But, right now, I am confused by Eusebio's behavior. He's not himself tonight and he seems to be jealous of Emilio. Why on earth would he be jealous of Emilio? Maybe he's just tired. Maybe it is just the let-down after the adventure tonight."
Elena shot her husband a men-can-be-so-stupid look. "Step into the garden a moment, mi amor, and I'll explain it to you."
The garden air was refreshingly cool and clear after the food and tobacco smells in the salon. Elena turned to face Alejandro, Esperanza asleep on her shoulder. "Eusebio is jealous of Emilio all right jealous because he thinks that you love Emilio and not him."
Alejandro was silent for moment then said slowly, "What do you mean LOVE Emilio."
"What do you think I mean?"
"That's absurd! Where would he get an insane idea like that! He knows the kind of man I am! He knows that I could never LOVE another man!"
"Calm down, you'll wake the baby."
"Well, explain yourself. Where do you get these crazy ideas?"
"You should have seen the expression on Eusebio's face when you and Tiger embraced in the doorway. Nothing that happened tonight was Tiger's fault, by the way, and you mustn't be angry with him--"
"Get back to Eusebio," Alejandro snapped.
"Think back to what happened aboard the ship and what Eusebio saw from shore."
"He saw the fight between Halligan and I. He saw Halligan die. He saw you grappling with Carmem--"
"He saw WHO grappling with Carmen?"
"You."
"Alejandro, who did Eusebio assume was wearing the other Zorro costume?"
Alejandro pondered for a second. "Emilio I guess. But even so--"
"And what did you do to the other Zorro after Halligan was killed?"
"I kissed oh, shit! Eusebio thinks I kissed Emilio."
"Mmmm. And it was quite a kiss. Long and passionate. You practically ate my mouth and almost crushed the breath out of me."
Alejandro sank onto a garden bench. "And then he saw me hug Tiger. Tiger's going to ask Mariana to marry him, by the way tomorrow."
"Oh, yes!" cried Elena as she bounced down beside her husband. "A wedding. Oh, Alejandro, it will be the first wedding we've attended since our own." She rested her head on her husband's shoulder. Isn't it wonderful the way everything has worked out?"
"Not quite everything. One of my best friends, who happens to prefer men to women, thinks that I do too secretly." Alejandro turned to his wife and raised on eyebrow. "Or maybe he thinks that you know about my supposed relationship with Emilio and Tiger too and that you approve." Out of the corner of his eye Alejandro noticed Eusebio observing the scene in the garden from the salon window and hugged Elena even closer.
"Now you ARE talking insanity," said Elena. "As if I would share you with anyone, male or female. You've got to talk to Eusebio."
"What should I say to him?" Alejandro whispered as if his words could be heard through the heavy glass window of the salon.
Elena raised her head and looked at her husband. "You tell him the truth, of course."
Just then Emilio rounded the corner of the house looking frazzled. "Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean to intrude. I just needed a bit of air."
Alejandro laughed. "You finally freed yourself from Dona Julieta's clutches, did you? If you complement her all night long she'll sit there and listen all night long."
"I did notice a rather lack of selflessness in the lady."
"Well said, Padre. Very charitable," smiled Elena. She rose to leave but Alejandro's hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down heavily to the bench.
Emilio continued, "She started telling me about a handsome fair-haired sea captain that she and her husband had met while driving by the gold mine one day. She went on about the man's looks and good manners seems she intends to find out his name and ask him to dinner."
"A little late for that," smirked Alejandro.
"Well, I must put the baby to bed. If you'll excuse me, gentlemen." Elena forced her wrist from her husband's grasp and cast a playful glance at him as she headed for the house. Her smile met a glare. She laughed gaily then broke into chortles of mirth as she turned and saw Eusebio in the window, a gloomy look on his normally cheerful face.
Alejandro rose from the bench to stand beside Emilio. "I will keep my promise, Padre, to dig out the gold at the mine for your use at the mission. This time the miners will be well paid."
"Oh, I have no doubt about that! Now that I know you are" Emilio looked around quickly and lowered his voice, "Zorro I trust anything you say and do. Tell me, do many others know about your secret?"
"More than I would like, Padre. But the people who do have enough respect for Zorro that I hope they will never reveal his identity."
"I'm sure that your secret is safe." He hesitated for a moment. "Oh, and Dona Carmen I will see to it that she is cared for. She is a very sick woman."
"Thank you, Padre. Now that she is free of Halligan's clutches I'm sure she'll recover. The same can be said for Don Miguel. He is a good man at heart if he can just stay away from those gaming tables."
"I'll have to work on that, won't I? If you ever need my help you know that the mission is your sanctuary," said Emilio sincerely. "I must be going now, Don Alejandro. I must get the children to bed. I don't want any of them to become ill after so much excitement and rich food tonight. Thank you for all of your help and your hospitality. God bless you, sir." With those words he clasped the young don's hand and with one last smile turned on his heel and left.
Alejandro watched him. "A remarkable man," he thought, then sighed. Now for Eusebio.
Eusebio quickly moved away from the window as Alejandro entered the room which was much quieter now that the children had tired. Joaquin was curled up in the corner fast asleep and Alejandro motioned for Morning Dove to take him to bed. Tiger and Mariana were nowhere to be seen. "Maybe he decided not to wait 'til tomorrow after all," thought Alejandro with a smile. About a dozen or so adults remained, conversing quietly about the events of the evening, including Eusebio's brave young foreman, Antonio, who had sustained a nasty gouge to his leg when he had deflected a knife that was about to split Eusebio in two. Alejandro looked around for his friend and found him beside Julieta hanging onto every word. "He's obviously avoiding me," thought Alejandro as he made his way across the room. He touched the don's shoulder gently and said politely, "Excuse me Don Eusebio, Dona Julieta. Could I speak with you a moment alone, Eusebio?"
Eusebio made his apologies then followed Alejandro into the courtyard, stepping over Antonio's outstretched feet as he passed. The young foreman turned to watch the dons walk away. "My god, ANOTHER one who can't keep his eyes off Alejandro," Eusebio grumbled.
A blanket of stars twinkled overhead as Alejandro turned to lean against the large round table, his arms crossed over his chest. "Eusebio, you fought very bravely tonight. I cannot thank you enough for your service." Eusebio blushed and looked at his feet, not trusting himself to speak. "But there has been a misunderstanding that must be cleared up." Alejandro sighed heavily. "My willful wife was at the gold mine and the ship tonight as well."
"What?" exclaimed a shocked Eusebio. "How? Where? Why?"
Alejandro sighed. "Let's just say that she was there under some misguided notion that could protect me. Actually , it wasn't too misguided after all. She saved my life on the ship, Eusebio. Elena knocked the gun from Carmen's hand just as she fired at me and deflected a bullet that would surely have killed me."
"That was Emilio, Alejandro."
"No, it wasn't. It was Elena dressed as Zorro and carrying a sword. Believe me."
Eusebio looked entirely unconvinced.
Alejandro sighed again. "Come with me, my friend, and I'll prove it."
He turned and headed up the stairs to the family's private rooms on the second floor. Eusebio hesitated a moment, then followed.
"Are you dressed, querido?" called out Alejandro as he knocked on his bedroom door. "Eusebio is with me."
"Yes, come in you two."
Alejandro opened the door then stood back to allow Eusebio to enter before him. Eusebio stopped sharply at the sight before him causing Alejandro to crash into his back. There stood Elena dressed completely in black, wearing a cape, mask and boots, a sword in the scabbard at her side. She tossed her head saucily and said, "Well, Eusebio, you may as well know the complete truth." She walked to her husband, pulled his head down and covered his mouth with hers in an open-mouthed kiss that rivaled the one on the ship.
Eusebio stood frozen, fingers pressing his temples, in an unconscious repeat of his pose on shore as he had watched Alejandro kiss Emilio no Elena! "Well, I'll be damned oh, pardon my language, Elena."
All three turned to face each other and burst out laughing at the same time, Eusebio trying not to look sheepish.
"And not only that, but we are expecting another baby too," grinned Alejandro as he hugged Elena tightly.
"Oh this is wonderful news, wonderful. I am so pleased at learning all of this." Then he added hastily, "Oh, you must have wondered what I was thinking about you, Alejandro. But I never thought THAT for a minute, not a minute. I know that you aren't, you arent'-"
"Of course not. I didn't THINK that you thought that I just wanted you to know the whole story," interrupted Alejandro.
Elena rolled her eyes. "Now, go back downstairs and let me get changed so I can be the proper hostess again." She shoved the two out the door and closed it firmly. "Men," she muttered.
The heavy oak door creaked opened again and Alejandro's face peered around the frame. "You know, you look veeeeery sexy in that outfit." He closed the door quickly just before a pillow thudded against the other side.
The two dons returned to the salon, looking everywhere but at each other. They both mumbled about having something to do and walked in different directions. The injured Antonio looked up again as they entered the room but this time his eyes clearly followed Eusebio, a fact not lost on the flustered don. He stopped and crouched down beside his foreman, resting his hand gently on the man's knee just below a heavy bandage. "I never did thank you properly for saving my life tonight, did I?" he asked softly.
"That's all right, senior, you've had a lot on your mind."
"Please call me Eusebio."
Alejandro watched the exchange from across the room with satisfaction. He longed for his friend to find happiness. Lord knows he never will with--
"Oh, get it off, get it off!" screeched Julieta who leaped up and wildly batted at a huge, gray, furry mound on her head. Mr. Hobbs had ventured out from under the chair after the children had retired, and feeling well rested and playful, was attracted to the shiny bobbles and waving plumes in the nest of bright yellow hair. He had never seen anything like that on the ship! This had to be investigated! Climbing on top of a cabinet he had performed a perfect arching leap with the dexterity of a cat accustomed to climbing masts and landed right in the middle of the yellow mass, digging in sharp claws to maintain his perch.
Alejandro rushed to help her, gently dislodging the claws from their hold on the ornaments and her scalp. He tucked the unremorseful cat under his arm with an angry scowl then turned away so no one could see him tickle Mr. Hobbs under the chin and whisper, "Good kitty," into a perked ear.
The place was in an uproar again, with Julieta prancing and sobbing around the room, waking tired men from their drowse. Eusebio and Antonio were oblivious to the racket as they spoke in quiet tones, their dark heads close together.
Elena surveyed the mess from the bottom stair and shook her head in disbelief. Across the room she caught her husband's twinkling eyes and the two of them choked back their laughter.
Alejandro placed the cause of the commotion on the floor and the cat quickly dove under the nearest chair, then he crossed the room in quick strides and encircled his wife's waist with an arm.
"I think it would take all the strength of Zorro to calm down Julieta," said Elena, arching a brow at her husband.
"Zorro has other things on his mind right now." With a strong arm he steered her back towards the stairs.
The noise receded as they slowly climbed the stairs, then stopped altogether as the couple gently shut and locked the bedroom door behind them.
THE END