Zorro reacted before she could breathe, before she could realised what was happening. As she was pushed to the ground, she heard the retort of a pistol.

She scrambled to her feet, staring at the stain spreading across Zorro's shirt. Alejandro de la Vega ran to him.

"No, Senor…I have to…go…before….no…I have to go." Somehow mounting Toronado, Zorro raced out of the pueblo.

"Zorro," Alejandro whispered. Victoria ran to him.

"Will he die?"

Alejandro raced back to the tavern. "Where's Diego?"

"He's sleeping, of course. It's siesta…"

Running past her, Alejandro flung open the door. "Diego?" The room was empty.