In the early morning, Alejandro and Victoria were on their way to the winery. Alejandro was setting right and steered the horses – the woman was sitting left beside him. With her cart, they would be able to transport enough barrels of wine for the tavern.

„Don Alejandro, I am happy you escort me to the winery", Victoria thanked the older Don. "Although I don't think this journey is dangerous, I am glad not traveling alone."

"A woman should not travel without company", Alejandro added. "I wish Diego would have convoyed you. It is his part, not his old father. I am ashamed of his behavior."

"You shouldn't condemn him, should you? You have told me Diego pleaded that he couldn't protect me if it would be necessary. I think he was right."

Alejandro sighed. "Oh yes. I wish he weren't such a coward."

The woman glanced at him. "I understand you, but please don't convict him of being a peaceful man."

"It isn't the fact he is a peaceful man, Victoria. Even Zorro is a pacifist, in this way."

"Oh yes, you are right." With a smile, the woman agreed. "Although he calls himself an outlaw, he isn't a bandit. He plays with our alcalde or Mendoza, yes – but he never hurt them. In contrast, he catches criminals and sends them to prison."

"Don't forget, he has a prize on his head", the man reminded her. "I wish it would be different, but till he has no amnesty, you and Zorro must stay being careful."

"I know this, Don Alejandro. I hope the new emissary gives him a pardon, so he can reveal his identity to the pueblo."

The caballero tightened the reins and stopped the horses before looking at her.

"Don Alejandro?! Is something wrong?!"

"Victoria, there is something I want to ask you for a longer time", he began seriously. "Could I pose a question?"

Surprised she gazed at him. "Of course. What is bothering you?"

"Victoria … do you… really not know… who he is?"

"Zorro?! I wish I would know", she admitted and swallowed. "We are engaged, actually."

"Engaged?", he repeated disbelievingly. "You are engaged in our mysterious man without knowing his identity?"

She nodded. "Yes. He even gave me a beautiful ring. He said it was his mother's"

"Hm! I never saw you wearing such a special ring. You should be careful and don't wear it in public, my dear."

"Don Alejandro, of course not!", she answered. "At the beginning, I put the ring at a necklace and wore it under my blouses. But now, I always hide the ring. I do not carry it with me, even now. The ring is safe, hidden in a small box under my bed."

"I understand. I won't ask you for more about Zorro's ring. Keep it as a secret and gift between two lovers", he suggested.

"I'll do. And if he gets amnesty and can reveal himself, it will be my wedding ring. Would you escort me to the altar like a bridge's Father, Don Alejandro, when the time has come?"

"It would be a pleasure for me. You were always like a daughter to me, Victoria."

"Thank you, Don Alejandra. I will ask Diego to be my best man when we are back in Los Angeles."

"I wish you and my son could…", the old man began before he stopped speaking. After a pause, he continued: "I hope, Zorro will be a good husband for you."

"I know, he will. I know!"

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"Pilar, thank you for the delicious meal and the orange juice", the young De La Vega said. The deaf-mute boy next to him didn't say a word, of course, but nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Diego, you are a kind man", she replied. "Indeed, it is a recipe from Victoria. She told me how to cook it."

"But you have made it, so ..." The man didn't complete his sentence. They heard a noise, outside. Something happened at the Plaza.

"Excuse me, Pilar. I have to checkup was going on."

"Of course. No problem."

Diego and his son left their chairs and went outside.

The young Vega saw were about sixty people gathering at the plaza. Standing in little groups about six to eight members, they gazed at nine men just dismounting from their horse. They wore uniforms. High-quality ones – Diego could recognize this although they were full of dirt and dust. One of the strangers – a tall and blond man – was fit up with a lot of decoration and medals. DeSoto was among them, talking eagerly.

It was a special gesture Diego signed to Felipe. The boy understood, nodded immediately, and disappeared, riding back to the hacienda. He would bring Toronado and Zorro's outfit. Unnoticed, like so many times before. Diego knew he could count on the boy and wasn't worried about Felipe's ability for remaining unseen.

He was alarmed about the alcalde's talking to the men. It was easy to guess who they were – the Emissary of the new governor and his men. DeSoto was about to influence them in his senses wanting to make a good impact. The young caballero didn't know how clever the emissary was – but the man smiled at DeSoto in a friendly way.

Maybe it was too long waiting for Felipe's coming back. He had to act – as Diego.