The Joker

The story is based on Disney show and you will meet here mostly the characters that you saw in the movie... but slightly different and in different circumstances. The plot can be understood without seeing the movie, though the direction of some threads will be more difficult to foresee.

I dedicate this story to IcyWaters. Not because she as usual beta-read it - as for this she has always my gratitude - but because she appreciates Commandante Monastario just as I do, to the point where we wish the smug officer that he could at least once have an upper hand over certain masked bandit.

I own nothing and the story is written for pleasure only, yours and mine.

I. Sheep and wolves

In this chapter the commandante makes plans and the licenciado is anxious.
The storm is nearing.

The tavern's door crackled when the new visitor opened it stepping into the dim sala. As usual, he stood for a moment in the entrance, waiting for the gathered guest to notice his presence.

At first almost no one paid attention, only the people sitting by the tables nearest to the door cast quick glances in his direction – and immediately stopped their conversations. Their neighbors followed, one by one, and for a moment an uncomfortable silence took the place of the usual cozy rumble of the only tavern in the pueblo of Los Angeles.

Most of the people welcomed the newcomer with more or less polite bows, yet quickly turning their eyes away. No one invited him to their company and no one stood up to approach him with the friendly talk.

The man only smirked with indulgence. Sure, he would never win the popularity contest in this pueblo. Neither has it ever been his intention.

Satisfied – as usual – with the impression he made, Monastario slowly approached his favorite table. Of course it was free. No one would dare to sit at the commandante's table.

Before he managed to wave for one of the maids, the inn-keeper himself brought him a bottle of wine with admirable - but understandable - haste. Wasn't he one of his best clients?

Savoring the wine, Monastario thought that he never felt so good in any other tavern, even in the biggest and most famous cities, even in Spain, or Mexico… He visited so many of them, and nowhere the wine was as good as here.

Well, it was not only about the wine. Monastario didn't like to admit it – even if only before himself – but he felt bad in the big cities, in which his splendid uniform made no impression, as there were plenty other officers, most of them with higher distinctions… and neither in Spain nor in Mexico the conversations silenced when he entered… He had such an unpleasant impression of being small and insignificant there.

Whereas here…

The sala slowly filled again with buzz of voices, even if much quieter than before, when suddenly the conversations were interrupted again, this time by the sounds of guitar and tambourine. A young, cute dancer in a low-necked bodice and red skirt swirled into the sala, picturing with deft moves the quick rhythm of music. She immediately drew the attention of all gathered guests and Monastario, forgetting his reminiscences, stared at her just as everyone else, not hiding the wide smile.

The girl was pretty and her dance so fiery… No men in the sala could take their eyes from her, as the music was getting wilder and the dance – more passionate. Of course the commandante was the first one whose table she approached with the special show and even more special smile. He thought with satisfaction that it was not only because of his position and full purse, but also because he was one of the best presentable men here. If he visited her later, to pay his appreciation, the girl wouldn't surely mind a few compliments… maybe even a little kiss… or the invitation for private supper… He sighed heavily, calming his imagination. He had to remember about his position in this pueblo. Romancing with the tavern dancer would be far beneath him.

So he only admired the dance, sipping his wine and enjoying such pleasurable closing of the day. Oh, yes, it was a good day, successful one… the day that deserved some celebration.

Monastario's thoughts lazily floated from the dancer to the man he arrested today, when the doors crackled once again and the new guest in the uniform of the King's lancer entered the sala. It was Garcia. Though no one paid attention to him, the fat man also stopped for a moment in the entrance, looking dreamily around, as if he has just gotten into heaven. Then, however, he saddened, lowering his head – obviously again out of money.

Once their eyesight met, the sergeant immediately straightened, trying to look as professional as he only could and energetically strode toward his table.

"Are you done for tonight, Sergeant?" Monastario asked casually.

"Yes, and everything is in perfect order, Capitán," Garcia reported, straightened like the string, though he couldn't help sending wistful glances to the half-full bottle of wine staying at the commandante's table.

Then, however, the fat man shook his head, as if moving aside all dreams about the rest over the mug of ruby liquid. His face became a little anxious and his sight ran aside – evident sign he had some problems to report.

"Except from one little matter," he added with hesitation.

"Yes?..."

"Señor de la Vega insisted on seeing Don Nacho. I refused as ordered, but he… he got rather irritated," the sergeant stuttered a little. "He will come tomorrow to speak with you, Capitán."

Instead of getting angry as his subordinate feared, Monastario grinned with satisfaction.

"Good!" he exclaimed almost merrily.

This was getting even better than he expected. Today he finally arrested Ignatio Torres, one of the haciendados who dared to speak against Monastario's regime in the pueblo… One of the loudest and the boldest of them. At first, the commandante wanted only to get rid of the persistent loudmouth. Then, however, the sharp reaction of Alejandro de la Vega, who was closely befriended with Torres, gave Monastario hope he will also manage to get rid of another enemy.

And de la Vega was definitely the loudest and the boldest one.

Unfortunately, Monastario couldn't imprison him as simply as he did it with Torres, under some far-fetched charges prepared by Licenciado Pina, the commandante's lawyer and accomplice. No, Alejandro was too famous, too rich, he had too many friends…The news of his arrest would certainly reach the governor's ear, and if Monastario hadn't enough good reasons to explain it, it could cost him too much…

Yet now, when the old fool was brought to the limits of his endurance… when he so desperately tried to help his friend in danger… who knows, maybe in the moment of frustration he will finally lose the rest of his control and do something stupid… Something that would legitimaze his arrest and enable to get rid of him too…

"You are free now, Sergeant, gracias," he said to Garcia.

The soldier almost choked, widely opening his eyes, stunned with the unusual politeness of his superior, but Monastario didn't pay any more attention to the fat sergeant.

He already planned the game he would play with the strong-willed haciendando. Initially, Monastario intended to… deal with Torres as quickly as possible. Now he decided to keep him in the cell a few more days… until, with a bit of luck, he will manage to rile up Alejandro enough…

The fate of Torres and de la Vega will be a convincing example for anyone trying to oppose him. Monastario looked around with almost warm smile, not caring that gathered people did their best to avoid his sight.

No, he definitely wasn't insignificant here.

That was his place. Another man feeling what he felt now would say he belonged here, but Monastario knew, it was the opposite. It was this place that belonged to him.

Licenciado Pina slowly crumbled out of the bed, torn between the need to bury his head under the blanket and sleep a moment longer and the wish to leave the filthy tavern room he spent the night in as soon as possible. Finally the disgust won and he quickly put on his clothes, shaking his head in the vain attempt to get rid of the odour of the fusty bedclothes.

He really didn't want to spend the night in this lousy tavern – the only tavern in San Pedro. It was so near to Los Angeles, to his own comfortable room and bed! Yet the roads were still in very bad condition after the storm that took place last week and he reached San Pedro later than he planned. The dusk was already over the hills, and Pina didn't dare to travel at night, no matter how close his aim was. There were too many bandits lurking in the hill-sides, especially near the route leading from the harbour, waiting for the impatient travellers, so eager to rejoin their families that they didn't want to wait till dawn… Really, Enrique could do something about these bandits. After all, wasn't he appointed to guard the security of this land? But of course it would be beneath him! He is made to bigger deeds than chasing some common bandits, snickered Pina with irritation going downstairs to the sala.

"Have you got some breakfast?" he asked the inn-keeper, who was already wiping some mugs behind his counter. The man wordlessly pointed him the pitchers and plates on the long table under the window.

Only now Pina noticed that in spite of the early hour there were already some guests in the room. One man was drowsing behind the table with his head leant over folded arms, the other one was staying backwards to the sala, looking through the window at the harbour.

Inborn curiosity of the licenciado immediately drew his attention to these two, making him forget for the moment about the fatigue and the lousy tavern. They couldn't have spent the night here, I would have heard them, he thought. Oh, yes, there is the ship in the harbour. They must have just arrived; maybe they just came here to rent the carriage…

As if confirming his thoughts, the inn-keeper said in his most polite tone:

"The horses should be ready within the quarter, Señor."

The man staying under the window turned to him and nodded. Though he spoke no word, only smiled politely, it was obvious that he almost shivered with impatience. He shifted anxiously from one side to another and looked behind the window so wistfully, as if he was regretting he cannot fly through it.

These young ones, always so full of vitality, even after the sleepless night… Pina thought with shadow of envy and headed for the table. He took the pitcher with something that probably used to be milk some time ago and sniffed it content. The smell was definitely discouraging. The reddish man sitting behind the table raised his head and shook it warningly. Pina put the pitcher aside and poured himself some water, taking a piece of bread from the tin plate.

Suddenly the young man near the window budged, nearing even more to the pane and the licenciado immediately followed his glance, curious what caught his attention.

It was the sunrise. The first beams of the rising sun made their way over the hills, brightening the waters of the bay that suddenly glittered like fluid gold.

Adorable, indeed, Pina obliviously shrugged his shoulders and turned his eyes away.

The young man, however, was so excited that he pulled the arm of his sleepy companion, pointing him the view. The reddish man was too tired to care for the pretty landscapes; at first he only grinned angrily and it seemed he was going to shake off the hand of his friend with impatience. Then, however, his sight fell on Pina and something in his behaviour changed: he stood, looked through the bay and nodded meekly, with an obedient smile.

Licenciado Pina noticed immediately this strange change, just as the expression of watchfulness appeared for a second on the otherwise kind-hearted face of the stranger.

That required attention. The inquisitorial bent in the licenciado woke up, urging him to learn something more about these two.

"First time in California, Señores?" he asked trying to sound casual.

The reddish man returned to his place giving no sign that he heard the question, but the admirer of the pretty views turned quickly to the licenciado. For a moment he perused at him so inquisitively that Pina felt a bit unsure under his scrutinizing sight.

Then for a second, some merry, sly sparks shined in the eyes of the young man, but quickly faded. When he replied, his face expressed nothing but politeness.

"On the contrary. But I never can remain untouched by the beauty of this land," he replied smiling widely and pointing at the bay.

For a moment Pina was captured by the cordiality of his smile. Pity that such friendly people are so rare to meet, he thought with a touch of nostalgia. Then, however, he reminded himself that he should learn something about the young man. He was a stranger. There was something uncommon in him. It meant that he was very suspicious.

And there was such time now in Southern California, that the more friendly and cordial the stranger was, the more suspicions he awoke.

"So you live in the neighbourhood, Señor? Have you perhaps returned from the far journey?" Pina pointed at the ship, précising his interrogation.

The young man seemed to be eager to respond. He leant to Pina with vivid interest, as if truly drawn into the subject of the conversation:

"The sea voyage provides the most impressive experiences! Sunsets and sunrises over the boundless waters! Each of them is worth the hand of the artist that would put them on the canvas. Have you ever tried to paint, Señor?"

"Paint? No, no I didn't," stuttered Pina surprised by the unexpected turn of the conversation. No one has ever asked him a question like this before.

"Well, I did, but I am afraid I lack the necessary talent," the young man shook nostalgically his head. "Only the best masters can catch this elusive beauty of such moments. Have you perhaps seen the works of Friedrich, this German painter, who got quite popular recently? Caspar Friedrich?"

"I beg your pardon?" If the first question threw Pina out of balance, the second one simply stunned him.

"I had the luck to see a few of his paintings and they made on me unforgettable impression," sighed the young man, obviously unaware of the confusion of his interlocutor.

"Señor," Pina fought to regain the control on the conversation, "I wanted to ask whether you…"

"This sunrise," the young man seemed to care only for the view outside the window, "eerily reminds me about his 'View of the harbour'. He is the master of dawns, don't you think?"

"Yyy, yes, I do, of course," replied Pina giving up. Master of dawns?

"And of the sea," added the young man mercilessly. "No one can catch the nature of the stormy waves under the clouded sky just as he."

"Exactly," Pina nodded meekly.

The salvation came from the little, very dirty stripling who just fell into the tavern and whispered something to the inn-keeper. The man, who until this time remained oblivious to the weird conversation his guests led, now approached quickly the young man:

"Señor, the carriage is ready and your luggage loaded," he said with the bow.

"Excellently!" beamed the young traveller.

Pina understood the reason of the inn-keeper's unusual politeness when he noticed the golden glitter of the coins that his interlocutor carelessly handed to their host.

Then the young man turned to Pina:

"It was a pleasure to talk to you, Señor, but now it is time for me to continue my journey. I hope we will meet each other again," he said with unchanged smile, pulled the arm of his companion, who remained strangely unaware of anything that was happening around him and left the room.

He is not suspicious, he is just an idiot, thought Pina a bit helplessly, staring after the two strangers.

Then, however, he bit his lips with irritation, as he realized that this friendly, talkative man left him with nothing – he didn't even mention his name.

Was the young man so stupid or so clever? Pina couldn't tell. For a moment he just stood in confusion, not sure whether he should feel amused or ridiculed.

Then he waved his hand, giving up. He should take his belongings and see to his horse, when the sunrays warm the air, he will continue his journey as well. As for the two strangers… let them go. They must pass through Los Angeles, and it means that they will have to report to Monastario. And he will obtain all necessary information, thought Pina with a malicious smile.

The sun was already high over the plaza of Los Angeles, but Monastario didn't exit his office yet to check the order in the cuartel. Instead, he was preparing himself to the talk with Alejandro de la Vega, wondering how far he must push the old don, so that there would be no doubts left concerning the legality of his arrest.

"The mutiny… The rebellion…. The assault of the government's official…" he muttered to himself searching through Pina's books. "But what does it exactly mean: the assault? Will yelling be enough? Rather not… It would be the best if the old fool draws out his weapon… And what if he threatens me? It would be easy, but what kind of threats… Damn, Pina would know! Where is he, he should have returned yesterday! This scribbler is never at hand when needed!" Monastario bridled in frustration, throwing away the papers.

Alejandro might be known for his temper, yet unfortunately he was not stupid. So far, he managed somehow to avoid all traps Monastario set on him. The outrage he must feel after the imprisonment of his friend was an occasion the commandante didn't want to lose.

"Capitán! You would never guess who has just arrived!" Monastario's thoughts were interrupted by Sergeant Garcia, who burst into his office unusually for him cheerful and excited.

Monastario furrowed his eyebrows and sent his subordinate menacing glance, discontent with such familiarity.

"Have you forgotten how to enter the quarters of your commanding officer, Sergeant?" he asked reproachfully.

"No, no… I didn't," assured him Garcia, then frowning for a moment, the flash of understanding appearing on his face: "You mean: your quarters, Capitán?" he précised.

"I mean knocking!" yelled Monastario.

Garcia flinched, curled up and quickly withdrew a little, raising shyly his hand to knock at the wardrobe.

"Oh, forget it," Monastario almost moaned. "So, who arrived?"

Joyous expression appeared once again at the sergeant's face:

"Don Diego, Capitán," he replied with a smile and seeing the angry question of his commandante's face, added quickly: "Don Diego de la Vega."

This time Monastario flinched, hearing the hateful name.

"Someone of Don Alejandro's family?" he asked quickly.

"His son," explained the sergeant, his smile fading slowly, as he saw how his superior's face darkened.

Damn, that old fool has a son! Monastario almost hit his temple. How could he forget about him? Of course he has a son, at the beginning of Monastario's service in Los Angeles, when he was still on friendly terms with the haciendados, Alejandro told him sometimes about his only boy studying in Spain and his eyes always shined with such pride... And now this precious son was here, as if the father wasn't a nuisance enough. And…

"Why didn't I hear anything about his return?" he asked sharply, but the sergeant only stared at him helplessly.

"I don't know, mi Capitán, perhaps because no one told you about it?..." he replied, adding shyly after the moment: "He waits in front of the cuartel right now. May I say to him he is free to go?"

"Have you forgotten the procedures, Sergeant?" Monastario reprimanded him with new energy, getting over the initial surprise. All right, if the wolf's pup is here, he will deal with him. He will show him at the very beginning who is in power here.

"But it is Don Diego, Capitán!" the sergeant, unaware of his superior's thoughts, protested with naïve persuasion.

Monastario only scowled at him and the sergeant moved quickly back:

"I will tell him to come here and fill in the declarations," he muttered quietly.

"No," Monastario stopped him. "Right now I am busy, tell him to wait. I will call for him when I am ready," he grinned. Yes, let him wait. That will be the first lesson.

Garcia didn't dare to reply, only saluted and exited the room and Monastario returned to the code books.

However, he couldn't concentrate on the legal complexities, as his thoughts still returned to the unexpected newcomer. Of course it wasn't good that Alejandro will now have new support on his side, but on the other hand, in conducive circumstances, the boy could be used as the hostage against his father… Surely Alejandro wouldn't be so bold if he knew his son's life depends on his behaviour… The origins of a few nasty plans started to emerge in the commandante's head and he almost smiled to himself. Maybe the young one will be even more than his father prone to – Monastario cast a glance into the book he studied – assaulting the government's official?...

Everything depended on what kind of man Alejandro's son turns out to be. Though Monastario wanted to keep him waiting for a considerable time, the curiosity won and much sooner than intended he exited the office to meet him in person.

Just in front of the cuartel's gate he noticed the carriage and the man staying in its shadow. Monastario stopped and blinked in confusion. Something was wrong in this picture, but what? For a moment he observed the newcomer trying to define the unfitting element. He saw the young, tall man, with an absolutely ridiculous walking stick and the clothes a bit too elegant for the traveller, but there was nothing peculiar in him except for the fact that… well, yes. He was reading a book.

Monastario blinked once more, hardly resisting the urge to wipe his eyes. Oh, sure, plenty of people read books in Los Angeles. Padre Felipe had quite an impressive assemblage in the mission, almost every rich haciendado or merchant took it as a point of honour to gather an appreciable library, señoritas with the ambition to appear educated read a lot of novels or poetry, even Monastario had a few shelves of beautifully rimmed volumes… But he has never seen anyone so obsessed with the lecture that he would read it in the middle of the sunny plaza…

For Heaven's Sake, he has just returned after a few years of absence! He should look around, talk with people, show some… interest! Monastario thought with amazement, shaking his head. Even more watchful and concentrated than before, he approached the young man.

"Señor de la Vega," he drew his attention and presented himself shortly: "Enrique Sanchez Monastario, commandante of the pueblo. I am sorry I had to keep you waiting," he said a bit challengingly, malicious smirk indicating he is not sorry at all.

But Alejandro's son didn't pick a quarrel.

"It is not a problem at all, commandante, with a good lecture time passes quickly," he replied raising the book. Monastario cast a quick glance at the cover, yet the title was too long and complex for him to follow.

Instead he looked scrutinizingly at the young man, reminding himself he faces the son of his sworn enemy. He searched in his face, in his eyes, for any sign of this famous de la Vega temper and impatience… of this stubbornness that made Alejandro such persistent opponent… any sign of this strength that was so visible in his father's behavior…

And he found none. The young caballero patiently allowed the commandante this silent examination. His face expressed flawless – maybe a little distracted – politeness, though he couldn't help his eyes running over and over in the direction of the book he kept.

He is bored… He cares neither for me, nor for the home he hadn't seen for so long! thought Monastario incredulously. He felt so confused that he almost forgot his animosity toward the newcomer and said politely:

"Please, Señor, follow me to my office. You will just have to fill in the declaration, it won't take long."

The young man nodded and handed the book to his companion. Only now Monastario noticed that he didn't travel alone.

"Is it your servant, Señor?" he asked inquisitively, but the young man only waved lazily his hand.

"Yes, but he cannot hear or speak. I will fill in for him all the declarations you need, Commandante."

"This way, please," Monastario pointed him the gate, "but carefully, Señor!" he grabbed the young don's arm, preventing him from the fall, when he stumbled over the shovels and brooms that lancers left under the wall after tidying the cuartel's yard.

"I am afraid it is not a pavement in Madrid," the commandante added a bit cutting.

"No, indeed," agreed the young man with polite smile, "but anyway it is very beautiful here."

Monastario only sighed. No matter what I say he won't even catch it, he thought disheartened, totally losing the will to taunt his guest.

As they entered his office and Alejandro's son started to fill in the documents, Monastario observed him watchfully, trying to figure out what kind of man the young don really is. He seemed so… awkward… Well, he must have been making a good career during his studies, if he appreciated the books so much… Probably he was also a star of the society, judging from his perfect manners, polite smile, impeccable appearance… yes, the elegant, merry life in Madrid was something he belonged to… So why the hell did he come back?

"Señor, it is a small pueblo and no news can remain here a secret, yet we didn't hear anything about your return?" Monastario asked innocently, trying to seem casual.

His caution was not necessary, Alejandro's son replied immediately and direct:

"Originally I was to stay in Spain for one more year. However, I decided to interrupt my studies," seeing the questioning glance of the commandante he explained: "because of health problems."

Health problems? Monastario looked at his interlocutor incredulously. The young man seemed to be remarkably fit and healthy. No one could even say that he had a few months of a long, exhausting sea voyage behind him. Suddenly through the commandante's head ran the thought about consumption and he couldn't help but step back.

"I am sorry to hear that. May I ask what kind of…" Monastario hung his voice, badly wanting to learn some details, yet limited by the social rules forbidding him to be too inquisitive in such ticklish subject.

However, the young man, not offended or abashed even a little, explained obliviously shrugging his shoulders:

"There were far too many physical exercises to my liking."

Physical exercises. Luckily Monastario managed to bite his tongue before he laughed aloud. Damn, he was beginning to like this man. He would give a half of his life to see Alejandro's face when his son explains him the reason of his return.

Monastario cleared his throat to cover the chuckle and ask as seriously as he could:

"So, I guess, you prefer more… calm forms of entertainment, Señor?"

"I am not a soldier and I will never be, why should I sweat with the steel in my hand?" Alejandro's son laughed, but quickly reflected himself looking at Monastario a bit apologetically: "No offence, Capitán, I fully appreciate the responsibility that lies on the army. I just wanted to say, that as we have such brave officers to protect our security and welfare," he bowed to Monastario, indicating that the compliment was directed to him, "there is no need for others to grab for the weapon. I believe that violence and force should be as limited as it is only possible."

So much for assaulting the government's official, thought Monastario a bit nostalgically. No, that boy won't ever be provoked to attack any lancer… Lancer! Probably he wouldn't even be able to kick off the dog trying to bite his ankle; instead he would run for help to the city guards…

De la Vega finished filling in the declarations and handed over the papers to Monastario. The commandante quickly looked them through and nodded.

However, no matter how innocent and harmless the young don seemed to be, Monastario couldn't resist having the last word in their conversation.

"You may be sure, Señor de la Vega, that you will find the order in Los Angeles just to your liking. Here lancers guard the peace and security of the citizens and there is no need for the others to… endanger themselves grabbing the weapon," he said, stressing the last sentence in such way, that anyone else would take it as a warning.

Anyone, but of course not this dandy. There was no flash of anger, caution or confusion in the eyes of the young man, only polite smile, as he bowed replying:

"I am very glad to hear it. You may be sure, Capitán, that nothing is closer to my heart than the order in which the power is used properly. Within my humble powers I will certainly do anything to contribute to it." He smiled even more cordially than before and added: "You may count on me, Capitán."

Monastario replied with a bow and short smile, opening the doors for the young man. Then he returned to his desk, chuckling.

Suddenly he stopped. The return of the young don meant that Alejandro will be today too busy to pay the promised visit in the cuartel. The commandante grimaced with disappointment.

"Well, Señor Torres, it seems that your life has just been prolonged, a least till tomorrow…" he whispered.

Licenciado Pina stopped for a moment in the yard, taking a deep breath before entering Monastario's office. As usual, he felt a little anxious before meeting the commandante.

In general, his feelings toward his employer were… complicated. Actually, he should be grateful – when Monastario met him, Pina was in a very difficult situation, desperately trying to find some clients among the drunken troublemakers in the meanest taverns of Mexico City, not being able to earn more money that was necessary to grant him the accommodation for the next day. Sometimes, he didn't even manage to earn that much. Now, in this pueblo, he was one of the most significant citizens, with a nice flat and considerable savings. So, he should be grateful – and he was. Yet, there was also the other side of the coin. Before he met Monastario, he never did anything directly against the law. Well, at least not anything that could get him into real troubles. And now, with Enrique… They crossed the limits, they crossed them far too many times. The licenciado already forgot how it was to sleep calmly at night.

Monastario had the courage Pina lacked, the courage he both admired and hated.

Pina threw an anxious glance at the cell in which Don Nacho Torres was closed and swallowed hard. The licenciado prepared the bill of indictment of this man before his travel to Santa Barbara. Monastario asked him to, so he obeyed. Now the ranchero was arrested. Pina preferred not to know what the commandante was really going to do with his prisoner, yet he feared he will have to hear it.

Hear and accept.

For a moment, his sight met the eyes of the imprisoned man. Pina shivered, quickly turned his head and entered the office.

"So, finally you are back!" exclaimed Monastario. "What kept you so long? I was expecting you yesterday!"

"I stayed for a night in San Pedro," replied Pina. He didn't dare mention the bandits. Monastario wasn't the man who easily takes any complaints.

"Speaking about San Pedro," Pina added, trying to forget the glance Don Nacho sent him, "I have met two peculiar men in the harbor. They must have passed by Los Angeles no earlier than two hours ago. One was tall, young, in a blue suit embroidered with gold – very embroidered – and…

"It was the young de la Vega. Son of Alejandro," Monastario interrupted him. For a moment he wrinkled his brows, finally shook his head giving up: "I forgot his name. The sergeant will remember, he knew him before the boy left for Spain."

Pina stiffened and looked at the commandante in disbelief.

"No matter the name! Alejandro's son returned and you say it so calmly?"

"I do, because there is nothing to worry about," Monastario laughed. "I spoke with him, he is nothing more than a harmless dandy. Oh, no doubts he was a very glamorous gentleman in Madrid, but here… I think he will have too many difficulties with adapting himself to the life here to cause us any troubles," the commandante chuckled maliciously once again.

Pina didn't share his joyous mood. He tried not to show it, but he was always very afraid of Alejandro de la Vega. When the old don started to shout, the licenciado had to gather all his strength to resist the urge to run away. And now he will also have to face his son…

"Why did he return?" he asked sharply.

"Well, he seems to be quite comfortable man. I believe he just got tired with the efforts of living alone and returned under the care of his pápá…" replied Monastario waving for the licenciado to sit down, yet Pina remain on his feet, still stiff and alert.

"And the second one? Low, reddish, a bit plump?"

"It might have been his servant. I am not sure, I didn't look at him too exactly."

"There was something strange in him," said Pina with pensiveness. "If he is a servant, he appeared to be a bit too familiar with his master…"

"Oh, he cannot hear or speak, maybe they communicate in some strange manner," Monastario shrugged his shoulders and Pina nodded. That was possible. However, forgetting the servant, he still had many doubts concerning his master.

"But the young de la Vega?..." he started once again, though he noticed that Monastario is getting a bit impatient with the conversation. "Listen, personally I have nothing against this man, on the contrary, when I talked to him, he seemed to be quite likeable. A bit weird, but very polite. But the fact that he is Alejandro's son…"

"Don't worry, in this case the apple has fallen far from the tree," Monastario waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, yes, he is quite a bookworm, so occasionally he may quote us some laws, but it will be your task to cope with it. Nothing serious. I know men like him, they may protest, talk, complain for hours, but they never ever actually do something. Now, please, stop worrying and sit down. There are some things we have to discuss."

Pina didn't move.

"I am not sure if you are right. No matter what kind of man he is, the same fact that he is a Vega means we will have problems with him," he repeated stubbornly.

"No we won't!" yelled Monastario, losing his temper. "Stop crowing! He will have problems with moving around his father's rancho in his shiny shoes! His father will have problems with making him even enter the stables, not mentioning touching one of his famous horses! But we certainly won't have any problems with him!"

"All right, if you are so certain, the better," Pina raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "Because I met someone else, someone that could mean real troubles for us," he started taking the deep breath.

Monastario moaned, squeezing his head with the hands.

"No, not again! Are you a man, or a child afraid of its own shadow? Whom else have you met? Please, do tell me. What kind of new menace crossed your path? The governor on the tollgate of the pueblo, with the order of my dismissal in his sleeve? The king himself travelling the road, with the sentence of our exile? Or maybe Archangel Gabriel with the flame sword, to send us both straight to hell?"

Pina took the shouting with the offended face.

"I met some strange men in Santa Barbara," he said stiffly. "And do not joke in such way, all right? Not about hell."

The commandante only stared at him for a moment and Pina saw he is fighting with laughter.

"So, whom did you meet in Santa Barbara?" he asked in a tone indicating that he has just gathered the remains of his patience. The licenciado tried to gather his and finally sat on the chair Monastario showed him.

"I could rather say they met me. They approached me in the tavern I stayed in. Two men, seemingly wealthy, they didn't say their names. And they wanted to speak about you."

"About me?" Monastario looked at him with interest. "They asked about me?"

"No, they didn't ask about anything," Pina shook his head. "They said they know I am working closely with you. And they said they know all your sins and ambitions."

"Sins and ambitions?" repeated Monastario, staring at him in disbelief.

"That is the expression they used. Sounds strange, doesn't it?"

"Yes, but it doesn't mean anything," Monastario tried to appear oblivious, but Pina knew he felt a bit confused. "So, what was it they wanted? Revenge? Blackmail?"

"Here comes the best part," the licenciado smirked. "They said they might offer their help… in exchange for yours."

Monastario walked up and down the room, his hand folded behind his back.

"What precisely did they offer? And what did they want?"

"I don't know," Pina shook his head. "They said it is too early to speak about the details. They just wanted me to pass to you that… that there is someone who might help you become the most powerful man in this region. And that they will contact us soon once again. That's all."

For a few minutes Monastario continued to walk through the room. Suddenly he stopped, and to Pina's surprise, loudly laughed.

"That's all?" he asked and when Pina nodded, he laughed even louder. "And that is what you are so anxious about? That's too far, even for you! Two unknown men approach you saying that they are oh-so-powerful and fearsome and you immediately get panicked?"

"You should have seen them," muttered Pina reluctantly. "They were not some ordinary boasters."

"No, not boasters," agreed Monastario, "but scavengers, searching for carrion. Cheaters, trying to elude us and gain something… from our loot."

Pina wanted to protest, but Monastario smiled with indulgence:

"Can't you see? They not only didn't say what they can offer, but also what they want. And I will tell you why – because they don't know. They have just heard something about us, true, but nothing specific. So, they tried to frighten you, hoping they will frighten me as well. Soon they will come to Los Angeles, to get oriented in the situation and continue the intrigue. And then I will arrange for them the proper welcome," Monastario smiled in a very unpleasant way.

That all sounds reasonable, perhaps Enrique is right, thought Pina a bit heartened. Perhaps I am exaggerating? I got rather nervous recently. And yet…

"They didn't look for men who accept easily the refusal, apologize for the inconvenience and leave," Pina felt obliged to warn the commandante. Having said this he almost closed his eyes, afraid of the new outburst of his superior.

However, Monastario didn't start to shout.

"Tomás, look through the window," he said surprisingly calm, pointing him the view of the cuartel's yard and plaza of Los Angeles, filled with the usual crowd: colorful jackets of the lancers, natives and vaqueros in plain clothes, a few rancheros with their beautiful horses – all mixed together in the usual business day.

Pina followed obediently his glance, but frowned. Monastario hardly ever spoke to him by name. Was he starting to treat him as friend? No, not possible. Monastario had no friends. Neither did Pina. And yet it was… nice. Pina listened gladly when the commandante spoke:

"What you see is the world of sheep and wolves. Occasionally there are vultures, like these you met in Santa Barbara. When will you realize that in this world we are the most dangerous beasts? We are the wolves. We do not have to fear anyone. The others should fear us, do you understand?"

"You are right. After all, we are the…" Pina hesitated not knowing how to finish the sentence. The most evil? It didn't sound well.

"The strongest," concluded Monastario fiercely.

"And now, we have to talk seriously," he continued sitting in front of the licenciado. "Have you seen Nacho Torres in the cell? I must discuss with you how are we going to… finalize this matter."