Zorro's last ride.

Chapter 1: A meeting which turns out badly.

Excitement was reigning at the De la Vegas' hacienda at this beginning of July of the year 1821. Don Alejandro was giving orders to lose his mind, while Diego was helping in the preparation of the meeting. It's true that it wasn't everyday that the hacienda was receiving the governor and the viceroy at the same time. This meeting wasn't a mere coincidence, or an idea from Don Alejandro, no not at all. The viceroy, in regular touch with the De la Vegas since Monastario's case, had bad news to broach and a choice concerning not only Los Angeles, but also the whole of California; and good sense told him that this choice didn't belong to him. So, the viceroy, in agreement with Don Alejandro, but without getting to the heart of the matter, had decided to organize a meeting with the main landowners of Los Angeles, the governor and the alcalde; and to convene at the De la Vegas' for more 'security'.

Although word of the meeting spread on the same morning, the citizens have had a feeling that something was up. Just to the cuartel, the exercises were more and more numerous, and Sergeant Garcia was taking with heart his role of substitute commandante, more than usual. Since the beginning of the year, the attacks and the robberies seemed to have decreased, and security was likely assured in Los Angeles. There still were some clashes between citizens, especially those really well tipsy, or with strangers, but nothing very nasty in general.

Even Zorro didn't show up since the investigation which followed the assault of Don Diego on last January. Zorro had found traces of the rogues and he had led them to the pueblo with advice for the sergeant. He had to prepare himself and his men because those two rascals were just the visible part for a much more important plot. The sergeant had learnt to follow the outlaw's advice, and he didn't doubt that he was still on this case.

This day, the sergeant had to ensure the security at the hacienda, to the demand of the viceroy. Of course, the sergeant had accepted with fervor without trying to understand what was happening. But when he wanted to learn more, he worried a short time, doubting the capacity of his men. The day before, Don Diego had cheered him up, making him understand that he shouldn't doubt his men and this all will be okay... The sergeant gave his orders to Corporal Reyes, which had to hold the cuartel during his absence... And then, he told the same to the other lancers, explaining them the purpose of the exercise; and this, without suspecting that a kindly pair of eyes was observing him from a stagecoach.

"Are you sure it is careful to ensure the security by Sergeant Garcia?"

"Come now, Governor... He doesn't look like it, but the sergeant is a good element." Explained the viceroy.

"But the capitán could..." Tried the governor.

"The capitán hasn't yet officially taken his assignment at Los Angeles." Interrupted the viceroy.

"I only take again my post on tomorrow." Underlined the capitán by smiling. "Moreover, I share the opinion of the viceroy... Sergeant Garcia is a little slow to understand some facts, but he is a good lancer."

"A good lancer which never had arrested Zorro." Grumbled the governor.

"Do you really believe that Zorro is an ordinary outlaw?" Interrogated the viceroy, surprising the capitán while he knocked to the inner surface to start the stagecoach.

In the meantime, the sergeant ordered the departure of his men and they escorted the stagecoach.

"In my point of view," the capitán intervened, "Zorro protects the people with his way. He is a shrewd man, cunning and wise."

"Wise? This outlaw! Is it wise to refuse an amnesty?" Asked the governor.

Refuse an amnesty? Thought the viceroy.

"What do you want to say?" Asked the capitán.

"Some time ago, Zorro was in Monterey... I proposed him an amnesty, in exchange he had to unmask himself and stop his machinations. So free, he could have started a family..."

"And he refused, you say." The capitán says with astonishment.

"That's correct, but I ignored his motives."

"Afterwards, what happened?" Asked the viceroy wanting to learn more.

"When the time limit had passed, Zorro arrived. And of course, the lancers chased after him during a time... As for his actions, I don't know more. It seems that he went back to Los Angeles."

"Did the sergeant make a negative report about him?" Interrogated the viceroy.

"All things considered, the only negative report about him is the one concerning the death of Capitán Felipe Arrellanos."

"I presume that you don't have this report with you."

"Indeed, Capitán. But you'll be able to read the original one tomorrow in the commandante's quarters. It happened not so long ago. I was convalescing at the De la Vegas' and Capitán Arrellanos was my substitute during my rest. My daughter, Dona Leonar, was with us. According to her, Zorro saved my life, and the capitán had been involved in a dark affair."

In this case Zorro shouldn't be badly thought... I have to clear up this case. No doubt the sergeant didn't have all the elements in hand. Thought the viceroy

"Who did you summon to the meeting?" Interrogated the governor by changing the topic.

"The main landowners of Los Angeles, the alcalde... I didn't go into the details of the meeting with neither of them. The topic of the talk is too important to tempt malevolent people who could intercept the letters. Don Alejandro De la Vega knows well the other landowners. It is why I wanted that the meeting take place at his home."

"Does the sergeant know about the situation?" Asked the capitán.

"No! The only order of mission that he received was the protection of the dons at the De la Vegas'. He knows too that you will be there, Governor. On the contrary, he isn't aware of the presence of the capitán today."

"Wouldn't it be preferable that he participates to the meeting too?"

"The sergeant will know in wanted time, Capitán." Sustained the viceroy.

Then, the stagecoach halted in front of the De la Vegas' hacienda and the sergeant stopped his men. As soon as he dismounted, he went to open the door of the stagecoach and saluted one by one.

"Viceroy, Governor, Capitán Toledano... Capitán!" He repeated surprised and stood open-mouthed.

"Come now, Sergeant, close down this mouth, you will swallow flies." Said the capitán with irony. "You should have warned him, Viceroy." He says then while the sergeant took back his seriousness, to attention more than necessary.

Then Don Alejandro came to welcome them and lead them in the sala where Don Cornelio and Don Nacho were already. When the Señorita De Castillos arrived, it was a surprise for the viceroy and the governor.

"Salena!" Exclaimed Diego by welcoming her with open arms before kissing her hand.

"Buenas tardes, Diego, Señores." She says by curtsying.

"Señorita." Retorts the viceroy before turning to Don Alejandro.

"Viceroy, Dona Salena represents the De Castillos family. She succeeded her father after his disappearance."

"His disappearance? Señor De Castillos would be deceased?" Astonished the governor.

"Si, your Excellency. My father was murdered... What Don Alejandro didn't tell you is that he is currently my guardian and the co-owner."

"Is it true?" Asked the viceroy with surprise.

"That's correct... But Dona Salena has well taken up her father's business. I only supervise the main operations. She stays concerned, as much as us other landowners, by what is happening."

The viceroy smiles to the comment while he noticed the exchange of knowing looks between the señorita and Diego. When the last dons arrived, each of them sat down around the table.

"Señores, Señorita, I thank you to have answered my call. I am certain that most of you are asking yourselves about this meeting, like some others must be suspecting the topic... In principle, this one is supposed to stay in my hands... But the situation is too serious, and the decision doesn't belong to me."

The dons look at him with more or less astonishment.

"You're not without knowing that Mexico is shaking by the revolt and this one spreads like wildfire."

"Mexico is not next door." Made remark one of the dons.

"The Mexican army is lead by Santa Anna. No need to precise who he is or what he is able to do."

Suddenly, outside...

"Lancers, to arms!" Cried out the sergeant, saber in hand while bandits invaded the patio.

All were masked. The one who must be the 'leader' was wearing a goatee and he unarmed the sergeant without difficulty and without hurting him. Then, he followed his path to the hacienda.

"What's going on outside?" Exclaimed the governor.

"Señores, be ready to take out your weapons." Exclaimed Don Alejandro by getting up, imitated by Diego and then by Salena

When the door of the hacienda opened, Capitán Toledano took out his weapon, the dons got up and Diego made step back Salena. The masked bandit localized his prey quickly in spite of the people. He noticed the young De la Vega in a corner, making a wall in front of a lovely señorita. The older De la Vega charged at him without waiting, but a second bandit intervened, allowing his 'chief' to continue on his way.

The 'chief' got vividly closer to the viceroy, ready to kill him. It was without taking count of Capitan Toledano's reaction which stepped in then. Some other bandidos came in and occupied the dons. Diego was dying to disappear to better come back dressed in black. But the time was against him and the situation wasn't at his advantage.

Salena felt the tenseness of her friend and put her hands on his back to better disappear behind him, making him understand that he had to stay here, impassive, while the chief of the bandits struggled against the capitán; the joust was tight, fierce.

"You get by, Señor." Exclaimed the bandit.

"I pay you back the compliment." Smiled the capitán.

In the same time, Don Alejandro got rid of his opponent and went closer to his son.

Zorro, he asked from the tip of his fingers.

"It's difficult, Father." Retorts Diego by indicating the people in the sala.

The bandido, deadly wounded by Don Alejandro, stands up pistol in hand, while he is holding his torso. He localizes Don Alejandro and smiles in spite of his pain.

I won't be the only to die today. He thinks.

Diego perceives the danger, but pinning him to the ground, it's offering Salena as a target and this... It's out of the question. His father is in front of him, on his left, he could eventually jostle him on his right, but by staying on place, it seems improbable...

At the same time, the opponent of Capitán Toledano noticed too the danger which threatens Señor De la Vega. Without changing his play, he acts so as to suffering the assaults of the capitán to better get closer to his 'colleague'. When he arrives next to him, he jostles him unintentionally; but the shot is fired and it echoes in the hacienda.

Don Alejandro, who Diego managed to move by speaking to him, turns around and sees the gunner falling to the ground, his weapon already on the floor. He notices then the capitán and his opponent. Salena felt Diego becoming tense with the shot and this latter feels a growing pain in his left arm.

"Diego... We have to think to end the masquerade. The times are changing, you should not have to hide anymore... The Fox should be able to act legally and openly." Sighs Don Alejandro in a whisper and without turning, before going to give a strong hand to his friends.

Once his father was a little farther away, Diego turns to Salena in a quick motion.

"Is everything alright, Salena?" He interrogates with a point of worry by staring at her.

"Yes, but you..." She retorts by indicating him his injury.

"It's just a flesh wound... Thank God the bullet didn't hit you... I was afraid that it went on its way."

"Diego... Your father is right. You should not hide anymore."

"It's a complicated situation, Salena. You know it as well as him."

"Diego!" She cries out suddenly while a bandit came closer dangerously.

In the meantime, the lancers, still in a state to fight, came in the hacienda at their turn and the bandits found themselves under strength.

Diego picked up a poker and used it to parry the attacks of his opponent.

"De la Vega." He hissed with rage in front of the impertinence of the moves of the young don.

Diego frowned, he knew his opponent, without the shadow of a doubt, but where did he meet him? Then, opting for another strategy, Diego changed the poker of hand and hit his opponent with a straight right in his face, which fell on the floor.

The 'chief', who just succeeded to unarm the capitán, thought it was careful to give up the fight and he made signs to his men to withdraw. Still facing the capitán, the goatee man, the 'chief', kept the capitán at the tip of his blade, observed his opponents and lingered on Don Diego, noticing his injury. Then, he took time to sign on the capitán's vest and went out of the room before getting trapped, jostling dons and lancers on his way.

When the bandit that Diego had hit stood up, he noticed the escape of his sidekicks and grumbled even more. He followed the move of retreat and went out by the window to make off.

In this entire melee, the lancers managed to catch some bandits while others escaped.

Author's note : Like always, I would like to thank IcyWaters for her beta work. :o)