Scenes 6 to 10 - Scenes
11 to 15 - Scenes 16 to 20 - Sequel homepageCharacter sketches - Ideas and suggestions - Web Mall directory
Scenes 6 to 10 - Scenes
11 to 15 - Scenes 16 to 20 - Sequel homepage
WARNING: Some scenes contain explicit sexual content and are not
appropriate for children.
The stable door creaked open as Elena stepped into the room wondering what had happened to her husband and children who had set out that morning to feed and play with the horses. She moved further into the dimly lit stable, her lush black hair streaming behind her, and saw Tornado in his stall at the far end, quiet after his romp with his master and the children. Her eyes then traveled to the cot outside Tornado's stall and to the sleeping man and two small bodies sprawled across him, his arms wrapped around them protectively. She moved closer, not making a sound and crouched beside the cot, her eyes drinking in the scene before her.
Alejandro never looked more beautiful then when his face was relaxed in sleep, long lashes brushing his cheeks, sensuous lips slightly parted as he breathed deeply and evenly. Her eyes slowly traveled the length of him, his body dappled in the filtered sun from a nearby window, then returned to the children he cuddled.
Their son, Joaquin, was a toddler now and was dressed in an outfit that mimicked his father's: boots to his chubby knees, black pants and a loose white shirt. Elena smiled as she thought of how much the child was like Alejandro, a little boy with a quick, lopsided smile and twinkling eyes that charmed the servants to satisfy his every whim.
Baby Esperanza lay in the crook of Alejandro's other arm, her sweet face turned to his neck and her small hand resting against his cheek, totally at peace in the security of her papa's arm.
Elena bent and gently kissed her sleeping husband's forehead and the black curls that rested there. He didn't stir. She moved to his nose and kissed that too, then on to the beautiful mouth where she lingered a bit longer. Alejandro sighed and turned his head toward her without opening his eyes. Avoiding her sleeping daughter, Elena pressed her lips to Alejandro's neck, feeling the pulse of his heart and touching her tongue to his flesh. She raised her head and looked at him. He was smiling now but his eyes remained closed.
Gently opening the top of his shirt wider she pressed her lips to his throat and rained soft kisses down his chest, reveling in the texture of the wiry black hair that always tickled her nose. She found her own breathing coming faster now as she continued her journey down Alejandro's body until she reached his slender waist. There, a wide, ornate and studded black belt hindered her progress. Although he hadn't needed it in over two years a scabbard hung from the belt ready to carry his sword. She knew that the lithe body was in perfect condition and well-practised to use the sword with deadly skill at any time and a sudden chill made her shiver slightly. She stole another look at her husband and found his dark eyes fixed on her, the familiar twinkle in their soft depths, a smile still at his lips.
Feeling quite bold now, her fingers worked the belt until it lay open. Pushing his shirt aside she kissed his flat stomach and teased him with her tongue and teeth as her fingers moved to the top button of his pants. Alejandro's breathing deepened and quickened as he closed his eyes again.
His senses were reeling: Elena's lips, tongue and teeth moving ever lower on his body, her hair brushing the skin she had just kissed; his baby's tiny hand on his cheek and the sweet baby-scent of her in his nose; his son's solid weight on his shoulder and soft curls on his neck; his horse's velvet muzzle against his forehead as Tornado stretched over the stall door and tugged hard at his master's black curls with his big teeth. Alejandro reached up and batted the horse away.
"Not now, stop it," he muttered, slightly irritated at the horse's invasion into his languor.
Elena looked up quickly in surprise then laughed, her hands on the lower button of his pants. "You want me to stop?" she teased, quirking a fine eyebrow at her husband.
"No, not you...," he started to explain, but the moment had passed as their voices caused the children to stir and stretch. He sighed deeply and silently cursed his horse as he had done so many times in the past.
He gently eased out from underneath his children, making sure the baby Esperanza lay gurgling happily next to her brother, who watched his father with adoring eyes.
Standing next to Elena, he pulled his clothing together and refastened the belt, to both their regret. Smiling his irresistible smile, he murmured, "Do you remember the time we fought each other in this same spot, such a short lifetime ago?" Smiling even broader, he added, "I believe you lost, querida."
Her eyes alight with a fire to match his, she encircled his neck with her arms and whispered in his ear, "That is because you were young and vigorous then. Now you are old and out of shape. I would be able to beat you easily." She quickly closed her teeth around his soft earlobe and gently tugged.
Laughing delightedly he encircled her waist and lifted her easily in a twirl. Still holding her close, he looked into her lovely eyes and sighed as he said, "It isn't the dance of swords I am interested in now, but another dance. You promised to show me the steps you learned to that new waltz. The fiesta we are hosting is only a couple of days away and I want to show you off properly."
"Well, I would not wish to deprive the elegant Don Alejandro of properly presenting his wife before the Dons and vaqueros of Alta California."
Alejandro quickly picked up the new steps as Elena softly hummed the music of the new waltz. Adding his voice to hers, they glided across the stone floor of the stable. The children and Tornado their rapt audience. Their world complete, encapsulated into the rustling of Elena's skirts as they twirled to the music of their voices, drifting through the filtered light and golden motes of dust then shadow, then into light, in a hypnotic twirl caught in each others gaze.
"Don Alejandro, Dona Elena!" a familiar voice called from the stable entrance.
Startled, the couple turned to see Morning Dove, Elena's nursemaid and now nursemaid to the little Joaquin and baby Esperanza. "Pardon, but a visitor has just arrived to the hacienda. It is the Dona Carmen de la Almodovar. She has been given refreshments and is now waiting in the gardens."
This was indeed a surprise. The Dona Carmen was not expected until the time of the fiesta, when many guests were to arrive and spend several days. Sending Morning Dove back to the casa mayor with the baby Esparanza, Alejandro scooped up Joaquin and headed there himself to bathe and put on fresh clothes for the evening meal. Elena made her way to the garden, walking through the white stalks of romanias that grew in abundance around the stable. Picking one absently, she brought it to her nose and let its sweet fragrance clear her mind. What could Dona Carmen's reason be for arriving so soon? Elena was filled with pity at the thought of the woman's tragic history. It had been a year since she had lost her husband and young son to the fever. By all accounts they had been a loving family. Elena's thoughts turned to her own sweet Alejandro and children. The thought of losing them made her shudder as if a cold finger had traveled down her spine. Quickly turning her thoughts away from the unthinkable, she gazed approvingly at her rose garden as she made her way along the gravel path to the fountain, where she knew the Dona Carmen waited.
Alejandro quickly hugged and then kissed little Joaquin on his plump cheek and left him in the nursery under Morning Dove's competent care. Striding to the large bedroom that he and Elena shared, he entered the richly appointed room and pulled the white shirt over his head. As he undid the belt, he recalled Elena's teasing fingers undoing the leather such a short while ago. Sighing, he let the pants drop and walked to the tub, which had already been filled with hot water by the servants. Easing his tired body into the lemon scented water, he rested his arms along its side and his head against the high back of the tub. Rubbing his hand along his chest and stomach he recalled with delight the feel of Elena's fingers and lips tracing their way down his body. Sighing once again and giving himself a shake, he quickly set about the business of bathing and dressing.
The elegant Don gazing back at him from the mirror continued to surprise Alejandro, even after so long a time. He was no longer the thief Murrieta but Don Alejandro Bartolo del Castillo y Garcia and he was the picture of elegance from head to foot. In a black short coat and tie, with a burgundy satin waistcoat and white pants, he positively gleamed. Running a comb through his curls, he tried to contain their dark abundance. The curls at his neck only slightly damp from the bath.
Walking to the bedroom window, he gazed into the courtyard garden below. There, seated at a small table and overlooking the fountain, sat Elena and the Dona Carmen. A thoughtful frown creased his brow and the full lips compressed as he looked at the two women below. A strange sense of foreboding filling him.
Dona Carmen de la Almodovar sat watching the exquisitely lovely Elena with a mixture of envy and loathing. How could this woman have everything and she be left with nothing, nothing! It wasn't fair. God had failed her, but she was through with God. She was in charge of her life, now, and she would have back what had been taken from her. The calm surface of the Dona Carmen did not reveal the seething rage at her heart. She was too controlled for that, too sure of her purpose to give herself away so easily. Let Elena prattle on about her family. Soon it would be hers!
Elena gazed at the woman dressed in black, sitting so quietly before her. She felt there was such a mystery about her. Whenever their eyes met, Dona Carmen would lower her own, as if she were hiding something. She had informed Elena that she had arrived early in order to ask their assistance in helping her solve a string of unhappy occurrences which had beleaguered her property for many days. It seemed the cattle's drinking water had been poisoned, many had died. Some of the vaqueros had unfortunate accidents, leaving several of them injured and demoralized. There were even whispers circulating that the land was cursed. Elena was at a loss as to what she or Alejandro could do, but she was willing to offer the woman whatever help she could. Glancing up she saw Alejandro approaching.
Dona Carmen's back was to the house but upon seeing the expression on Elena's face, she knew who came to their table. Alejandro greeted his wife with a kiss upon both cheeks. Their love for each other blatantly evident to any who cared to see. He turned his attention to Dona Carmen and bowed gracefully over her hand. The warmth of his touch spread from Carmen's hand through her body, infusing the cold bitterness with a welcome heat. She could smell the faint scent of lemon from his bath. She, of course, had visited with his family when her husband had been alive and even then noted his beauty and charm. He was so close, now, so very close. She could see the long lashes that framed the huge eyes. Those eyes, she had never seen anything like them. They pierced her to her soul. Her eyes traveled to the mouth. She felt the dropping sensation in her stomach. It was the thought of those lips pressed against her skin. It had been so long since she had felt anything like that tender touch. She lowered her eyes, knowing they must have become entirely too bright and revealing. She slowly and reluctantly removed her hand from his.
Alejandro continued to gaze at Carmen as he welcomed her to their hacienda. She was only a few years older than himself and still in possession of a lush beauty. It was a different beauty than that of Elena's, more sensual. There had been something in her eyes, just before she lowered them. He could have sworn it was a look of intense hunger.
Alejandro was not alone in noticing Dona Carmen's expression. Elena found it somewhat disturbing, and in her most hospitable manner, observed that Dona Carmen's cup had grown cold and was in need of replenishment and warmth.
Alejandro acknowledged her observation with a direct gaze into Elena's eyes. "Yes, my love, but I am afraid you will have to call upon someone else to take care of that," he said, then placed one more delicate kiss upon her cheek as he sat down beside her. Elena smiled radiantly, basking in the knowledge that her husband, as always, had understood.
Dona Carmen, feeling the frustration of being on the outside of the lovers' thoughts, turned her attention back to the telling of her difficulties.
Mariana, evidently bestowed with the gift of a sixth sense, appeared with a tray of fruit and a steaming pot of tea even before Alejandro was seated. She was Morning Dove's only child, a loving and intelligent young woman. Mariana had been in awe of Elena from the moment she met her in the marketplace the day her mother recognized Elena as the daughter of Don Diego de la Vega and the beautiful Esperanza. How romantic the story had been the great Zorro and his beautiful daughter, who now had a handsome, vigorous husband who had given Elena two beautiful children. She smiled beautifully, having heard their exchange and also having understood. Although she said nothing her pleasantness only caused Dona Carmen's annoyance to increase.
Thankfully, the sound of another carriage arriving and several excited voices drew them all to through the garden's ivy-trellised gate and across the lawn.
As Mariana followed behind the others, she noted the still figure standing in the shadow of one of the Valencia orange trees found in abundance throughout the garden. Her heart stopped as she recognized the figure. Bleeding-Tiger O'Brien, a mysterious young man who Alejandro had brought to the hacienda a year ago. He had quickly worked his way up from vaquero to Don Alejandro's right-hand man. Indeed, at the young age of 23 he showed an unusual maturity and was the, best swordsman, except for Don Alejandro himself, of course, and they frequently fenced together. Her cheeks flamed whenever she thought of 'Tiger'. Such exotic features to go with his exotic name. He was like one of those old stone carvings she had seen of the Aztec warriors come to life. His Indian mother had given him the strong planes of his face, the slightly slanted, almond shaped eyes and the thick, straight, raven-black hair, which he kept in a long ponytail lying like a spear between his shoulder blades. His Irish father had given him the emerald color to his eyes and his fair skin, which the desert sun had turned a dark bronze. Pushing the exotic young man to the back of her mind, Mariana rushed to catch up with the others.
Tiger gazed silently and as eerily still as his namesake as he watched Mariana hesitate. He knew she had spotted him. She was quick, that girl. He liked her, but he had seldom time to think of her. There were other more important matters on his mind. Utmost in his mind at the moment was the protection of Alejandro and his family. Tiger's family were all dead and indeed he would be lying with them in the grave as well if it had not been for Alejandro. Alejandro had saved his life and his sanity and was the center of his existence now. An existence that was precarious at best, but recently there had been reason to suspect a threat to Alejandro's happy family. Tiger suspected the Dona Carmen. He did not trust her, her eyes were those of a hungry tigress. Pulling a small knife he carried hidden under his sleeve, he sliced a rose stem cleanly as he walked by. The slice so perfect the rose remained as it had been, until Tiger's long fingers gently lifted it and brought it to his nose and then absently tucked it into his belt as he went after the others.
Alejandro was perplexed at the sudden appearance of yet more visitors. He stood beside Elena as he waited to greet those emerging from the carriage. "Don Eusebio!" Alejandro cried in delight. "What a wonderful surprise." Stepping forward he greeted the man with a warm hug. Don Eusebio and Alejandro had become friends over the past two years. It was a rather odd friendship, for the two men were nothing alike. Don Eusebio was close in age to Alejandro, but he had lived a much softer life. While his body was fit enough, he did not deal in 'sweaty pursuits'. More attuned to the latest fashion trend than the latest rapier, he allowed his wit to do his fighting for him. It was this trait which pleased Alejandro, for it was always his experience that whenever Don Eusebio was around, there would be laughter.
Extricating himself from Alejandro's embrace, Don Eusebio smiled and said in a mocking tone, "Your exuberance has been the death of my perfectly starched shirt, Don Alejandro. I'll have to ask that in the future you try and restrain yourself. You must constantly be mortifying our dear Dona Elena's sensibilities with your rough ways." The twinkle in his eyes only brightened as he turned to Elena. "Ah, my dear, you grow ever more lovely. A shining counterpoint to the rough hewn Don Alejandro."
Elena laughed delightedly, "Don Eusebio, it is a delight as always. We did not expect you so soon. You have returned early from your travels; you must tell us in detail of your adventures."
Before Don Eusebio could answer, his wife began to emerge from the carriage; a procedure closely resembling a butterfly extricating itself from it's cocoon. Servants hovered nervously nearby as a pink satin slipper emerged, followed by wave upon wave of white lace petticoats and pink taffeta gown, then a lavender ostrich plume positioned at a jaunty angle in the fashionable hat atop the cascade of golden curls. Ostrich plume safely out in the open, Dona Julieta raised her head and stared with large, cornflower blue eyes at the ogling crowd.
"Well, are you just going to stand there like an oaf, Eusebio? Help me down!" Dona Julieta's voice was rather similar to a fishmonger...a fishmonger with allergies.
Don Eusebio quickly moved to grasp his wife's gloved hand as she made her final steps to the dusty ground. "We were just admiring you my dear. One must take time to fully appreciate true beauty such as yours."
Dona Julieta was apparently used to this sort of flattery and dismissed it with a withering look and a loud, "Humph!"
Extending her hand to Alejandro she smiled appreciatively as he bowed gracefully over it. Allowing her hand to linger as long as was seemly....perhaps just a moment longer.....in his hand, Dona Julieta snapped her fan and quickly set about waving it.
"The fact that we have arrived in one piece is a miracle of God and no credit to my husband. He grows more tiresome as each mile goes by. I implore you Don Alejandro and Dona Elena, may we impose upon your hospitality and recuperate from our journey here. I will simply perish if I must spend another hour in that carriage over these dreadful roads."
As Alejandro and Elena gave the servants instructions where to place the numerous trunks, Don Eusebio and Dona Julieta greeted Dona Carmen with the familiarity of long acquaintance.
Tiger helped remove some of the items from the carriage. Mariana came to stand next to him. She watched the face of the man beside her and marveled at the sadness in those eyes, eyes which had already seen far too much of the world, in the face of one so young. As he handed her a light bag, she grinned and lowered her head. Frowning, he whispered, "Why are you laughing?"
Shaking her head, she stopped grinning and whispered in her soft voice, "It was the look on your face. Such puzzlement."
His frown deepening, Tiger lowered his head and whispered in turn. "They don't seem very happy with each other. Why do they stay together if they make each other so miserable?"
"You mean Don Eusebio and Dona Julieta. The Dona Julieta needed a husband. One who would not make too many demands but could provide the proper escort in her society. Don Eusebio needed the money." Mariana shrugged at the end of her explanation.
Tiger shook his head and muttered, "His need must have been great, indeed."
Dona Carmen turned and took another appraising look at Tiger O'Brien and the servant girl as she made her way with the others toward the casa mayor. He was a strange creature, that one, keeping much to himself. A mystery. She had heard he was indispensable to Alejandro and Elena. Functioning as foreman on the hacienda and personal protection for the family. It was said only Alejandro could best him in a sword fight. She had watched him as he moved about the carriage. Each slight movement of the hands and feet controlled and balanced. When at ease, his hand rested lightly on the pommel of his sword. She wondered just how many weapons that one had hidden about his person. Nodding to herself, she made a mental note to find out more about this Tiger O'Brien.
That evening, past sundown, Tiger made his usual rounds. Needing to make secure those he loved before he turned in himself. Although, since Alejandro had brought him here, the night terrors had practically ceased. Still, sleep was not something he looked forward to. He paused at the stable door and then entered. Going to Tornado's stall he ran his hand along the smooth, richly muscled neck and gave a crooked grin as Tornado nudged his chest roughly. "So, it's the treat you want and not me. Well, here it is." He brought out an apple slice from his pocket and felt the horse's soft lips nuzzling atop his flat palm."
"You have a way with animals, Senor O'Brien."
Turning in a movement that was too quick for the eye to fully take in, Tiger crouched, a knife having mysteriously appeared in his hand. "Dona Carmen. I didn't hear you."
Standing in the stable entrance in her black widows dress, Dona Carmen was lit by the lights on either side of the entrance. Her white skin seemed to glow against the somber black, the white skin straining against the stricture of the innumerable tiny black buttons. The full red lips parted, "Don't feel too badly, Senor O'Brien. I can be quiet the ghost when I wish to be." Observing that Tiger still had the knife in hand, she glanced at it and then at his face, with a wry smile on her lips, she murmured, "Surely you don't need that to protect yourself against me, now do you?"
Straightening at last, he hastily returned the knife to it's resting place.
She walked slowly forward. "You seem to have made quiet a place for yourself here. Don Alejandro and his family must treasure you."
Tiger made no comment, just silently watched her approach.
"I'm sure you've heard of the troubles I've had at my hacienda."
Tiger nodded silently.
Smiling, Dona Carmen murmured, "You are the talkative one aren't you?" At this point she had come to stand next to him. She tangled her hand in Tornado's long mane and looked up into Tiger's face. "I could use a good man like you. Someone who could manage the men and help me with this 'curse' nonsense they've started gibbering about. I'll make it worth your while."
"I will never leave Don Alejandro."
"But, surely, you'll consider......," Dona Carmen stared up at the face above her, at it's utter stillness, and those eyes that glittered like a tiger's.
"Well, the offer stands, whenever you decide, it's yours." Turning abruptly she quickly left the stable.
Tiger stood for quite some time after she left, a frown on his face, absently stroking Tornado's nose.
Alejandro woke early the next morning and hurried to the practice building. Tiger was already there doing his warming exercises. Alejandro smiled broadly and gave the younger man a warm greeting. Tiger seemed to relax immediately.
Moving through their familiar routine relaxed Alejandro as well. He enjoyed these workouts with the sword that Tiger provided. The steady ring of the metal produced a musical language of it's own. As if they were speaking to each other through their swords. Both men were of a same build and evenly matched in strength and agility. At the end of the bout, both had worked up a sweat. Tossing a towel to Tiger and gathering one up for himself, he sprawled gracefully on the bench next to Tiger.
Wiping his face with the towel, he peered at the bent head beside him. "You're not having those night terrors again, are you?"
Tiger looked up, a perplexed look on his face, "No, no more since you brought me here." Pausing, Tiger continued, "Dona Carmen spoke to me last night."
Keeping his voice light, Alejandro asked, "Indeed!"
Looking up, Tiger met Alejandro's gaze, "Don't trust her Alejandro."
Alejandro laughed softly, "I don't think Elena trusts her enough to allow me alone with her, if that's what you mean."
Shaking his head, Tiger continued quietly, "She's filled with hunger. A need that I can't describe. She wants you, certainly. But it goes beyond that." Turning to face Alejandro, Tiger explained, "I have spoken to some of her men. They do talk of a 'curse' upon her land. Is it indeed a curse not of her making or is it something which she herself has had a hand in?"
Alejandro uttered in a startled voice, "Surely Dona Carmen would not destroy her own property and injure her own men!"
Looking away, Tiger only shrugged. Alejandro gripped him by the shoulder and gave him a shake. "You protect me well, my friend. I will take what you say seriously. I am glad to hear about the night terrors, though, that is indeed a relief."
Uttering a harsh laugh, Tiger exclaimed, "Some protector I am. You've entrusted me with your secrets and I don't even know......" His voice faded as he nervously pulled at a strand of hair which had come loose during the match.
Gripping the younger man's hand, Alejandro stilled it. "Don't, you'll tear your hair out. Tell me."
Tiger looked into the face gazing so kindly at him and he understood why the children always ran to Alejandro when they were hurt. There was something about him that promised protection and the easement of their pain.
Sighing, he said, "If anything happened to you.....if you....died...I'd go insane. You know it's true. You're the only reason I'm functioning now and if anything happened....I'd fly apart, go berserk. I'm damaged Alejandro, there's something broken inside, but being here, near you and your family, it anchors me." Turning desperate eyes to Alejandro he said quietly, "I'd die for you Alejandro."
Swallowing a lump in his throat and staring helplessly at the desperate, sad eyes before him, he could only think to say, "I don't want you to die for me, Tiger. I want you to stay here, as long as it takes." Gripping the younger man's hand tighter, he said, "I made a promise to you, Tiger, one day you'll be whole again, I swear it."
Alejandro lay on their bed that night watching Elena brush her hair at her dressing table. The soothing motion of the brush through the gleaming strands soothed him after the long day spent preparing for the festival that would begin tomorrow at noon.
Elena finished and laid the brush on the table. Standing up she let her robe slide from her shoulders. She was a vision as she moved toward him through the candlelight. Elena lay beside her husband and gently wrapped her arms about him. He hugged her close to him and kissed the top of her head, murmuring, "Yo quiero."
Smiling contentedly, Elena whispered, "My dark angel."
Laughing softly, Alejandro said, "Am I no longer your Zorro?"
"Zorro was also called the Dark Angel by some. To the people you are El Zorro. But for me, you are my dark angel."
Raising her head she covered his beautiful lips with hers.
The family rose early the day the fiesta was to begin, and shared a quiet breakfast -- the last moment of calm they knew they would enjoy for quite a few days. As she had been for weeks, Elena was absorbed in directing the servants and supervising every small detail of the lavish event that would last for days and include grand meals, dancing and singing, rodeos, horse racing and gambling, among other entertainment. Rooms were prepared to house the hundreds of guests that would arrive throughout the day. Closest friends and guests of honor would join them in the main house while other comfortable buildings on the estate would contain more distant families. Dona Carmen and Don Eusebio and his wife were already settled in their elegant quarters, having arrived yesterday. And not just the adults had to be considered. Every member of the family would attend including the smallest child, and families would be accompanied by multitudes of servants who would participate in their own raucous celebration when their duties were over.
Alejandro stood in a corridor overlooking the courtyard, oblivious to everything but the impending events and the squirming child on his hip. He smiled at Joaquin then laughed as he saw the lop-sided smile mirrored back at him.
"You've never experienced a fiesta, my son, but you certainly are excited. Mama's been telling you about all of the children that will arrive shortly, hasn't she? When they're here you'll be too busy for your papa, won't you?" he teased the boy.
Joaquin squirmed even harder then squealed with delight as Alejandro quickly hoisted his son to his shoulders where he could get a better view of the activities, holding tightly to the boy's ankles all the while. Childish giggles chimed the air above him and Alejandro felt two little fists knot in his hair as Joaquin clung to him the way he would a horse, his hair mistaken for a thick mane.
Disregarding how foolish he might appear to some, Alejandro picked up his knees and trotted down the corridor snickering and snorting like Tornado, his boot heels clomping on the stone floor. The giggles turned to screams of delight and servants stopped their work momentarily to admire the man and child, a picture of love and devotion.
Morning Dove rounded the corner. "There, I've been looking for you two. Come now, Joaquin, your papa has much work to do and you need a bath."
Alejandro reluctantly lifted the boy from his shoulders and passed him to his nursemaid. "You're right, of course," Alejandro sighed then laughed, "as always." He bent and looked at his son, now on Morning Dove's hip and with three fingers stuck in his mouth. "I'll see you later, chico." Alejandro reached out a large hand and ruffled his son's curls then watched as Morning Dove walked back down the corridor, a little face peering over her shoulder and tiny fingers wiggling at him. He wiggled his fingers back and winked broadly.
Alejandro momentarily felt at a loss without Joaquin hanging from some part of his body, but his mood quickly turned contemplative as he pondered the guest list. All of the dons for hundreds miles around would attend, of course -- their names included Martinez, Vallejo, Moraga, Castro and Peralta. And many of the dons he had become acquainted with when the corrupt Rafael Montero still held power would be there as well. Alejandro needed to keep abreast of everything that was happening in California and what better way to do that than to gather all of the players together, ply them with drink, entertain them and let them talk. He'd have to feign disinterest when conversation turned to Zorro, as it inevitably would.
Alejandro headed for the stables and, out of habit, glanced up the road leading to the hacienda. The landscape shimmered in the morning sun promising scorching heat by mid-day. In the distance he could see a cloud of dust kicked up by an approaching carriage and realized that he had dallied too long with his son. Guests were arriving. He picked up his pace then looked over his shoulder back up the road. This vehicle didn't move like the elegant carriages that would bring guests to his house and he groaned as he realized that a peddler had made his way through the main gate. Alejandro usually welcomed such visitors because they were an excellent source of information but the timing today was wrong. Nonetheless, the man would be provided with refreshments and Alejandro would find something to buy as he always did.
He could hear the wagon now, clanging and clanking as the wares that were strung from lines around the wagon crashed together. Elena heard it too and appeared at the door throwing an imploring look at Alejandro.
"Don't worry, my darling. I'll take care of it and get rid of him quickly," he reassured her.
Servants' children appeared as if by magic, drawn to the approaching noise. He could see the driver now, a thin man about his own age and looking much the way Alejandro Murrieta, the bandit, had -- unkempt and dirty with worn clothing. Despite the heat he was dressed in a heavy coat and layers of clothing, probably all of the apparel he owned.
Alejandro dug in his pockets and distributed coins to the children so they could buy sweets or any small trinket that caught their fancy. He was warmed by the sweet shy smiles of appreciation and he stroked a few shining heads and murmured soft words.
The wagon ground to a jarring halt beside him covering him in a layer of fine dust and Alejandro was grateful that he had not yet changed into his finery. The children, who had covered their ears to protect them from the din, now scrambled around the wagon.
"Hey there, kiddies! Look what I got for ya today!" The man cried out a cheery greeting as the youngsters surrounded the wagon squealing and pushing. He tipped a shapeless hat at Alejandro and introduced himself. "My name's Pete Davis an' I got goodies galore for you and the ladies of the house!" He looked at the children. "All these kiddies yours?" he asked.
Alejandro laughed and reached up and offered his hand, much to Pete's surprise. The peddler wiped his hand on his pants then clasped Alejandro's in a firm grip. "Well, in a way they are," he smiled.
"Well now, looks like yer gettin' ready for a party. I couldn't of come at a better time then!" Pete jumped down from his seat and opened the sides of the wagon to reveal a wide variety of items from herbal medicines and spices to bolts of cloth, leather goods, glittering beads, wooden toys, soap, candles, blankets as well of the source of the racket -- hanging pots and pans.
"Actually, the fiesta starts shortly and we really have everything that we need."
Pete's face fell and Alejandro regretted his abruptness. He quickly scanned the wagon looking for practical items. He pointed to the soap, candles and bolts of multicolored cloth. "Those could be useful," he decided.
"Which color, sir?" asked Pete, looking at the cloth.
Alejandro hesitated, he was anxious to be rid of the man, then simply said, "I'll take them all. I'm sure the women will find some use for them."
Pete beamed as he handed down bolt after bolt to Alejandro. He passed them on to the older children who stacked them neatly on the edge of the fountain.
"And, maybe those shoes would be worthwhile." Alejandro indicated a box of fine slippers made of the softest leather and tooled with intricate designs.
Pete hoisted himself on the side of the wagon and grabbed the box that Alejandro referred to. He turned with an exaggerated flourish and handed it to him. "Made from the finest leather, probably right from one of these ranchos 'round here. Maybe even yours!" Pete leered at Alejandro and grinned. "These here're made in Boston but the hides probably took two trips 'round Cape Horn and come back here as finished goods. Can't figure that out. You dons do nuthin' but graze cattle 'n horses and produce the finest hides money can buy, but then ya don't do nuthin' with them. Well, hell! Ya don't make nuthin' at all in this territory. Everything ya wear and use gotta be brought in from somewhere else." Pete turned and spat his derision on the ground, narrowly missing Alejandro's boot..
Alejandro decided that now was not the time for a long discussion about California's questionable economic and trade practices. Besides, he agreed with Pete. If the hides produced on the dons' ranchos were processed locally there would be jobs for everyone. He tried to humor the man. "Well if we did make everything we need on our land, my friend, you would be out of business."
"Some business." Pete spat again. "I came out here expectin' to get some land and set up a homestead and grow what I need to live. But there ain't a bit a land to be had 'cause you dons own every bit of it. Every bit! Yer government lets people like us Americans come here but then ya don't let us own land and make our own way. More Americans are arrivin' all the time and there's lots of unhappy people, I'll tell ya. Lots of grumbling." Pete showed his displeasure this time by wiping his nose on the back of his hand.
"You dons got so much land that whole towns could be built on yer property and ya wouldn't even notice! There's no room for nobody else."
"That's not completely true. There are Americans who are doing quite well here and some of them will arrive today with their families to join the festivities."
Pete snorted, "Sure, if ya wanta turn Cathlic' and ya can find a rich 'n purdy Californios girl who'll marry ya!" Pete leered again. "Ya think ya could introduce me ta some at yer party tonight?" He laughed heartily at his own suggestion. "Let me warn ya my friend. It happened in Texas Territory not too long ago and it'll happen here. You mark my words well. People like me are gonna take this for only so long and then there'll be trouble. We'll just take some land if ya won't share. The Mexicans couldn't stop us in Texas and they won't be able ta stop us here either."
None of this was news to Alejandro but he hadn't realized the depth of anger and frustration of the Americans who were coming daily to California searching for a better life than they had in the east. He continued to listen intently.
"An' another thing. It ain't just the Americans who want a piece of what you dons got. The harbors are full of ships from England and France and their eyein' the land too -- and the harbors. Real nice safe places to dock their boats." Pete stopped and looked down sheepishly. "Ah, I don't know why I'm rantin' at you. At least ya let me on yer property an ya don't shoot at me like some of the dons do."
"I know it seems very unfair. The dons have far more land than is needed but control of the land means control of power and the dons will never relinquish that voluntarily," said Alejandro.
Pete studied the elegant man closely. "Ya almost talk like you ain't one of them, but you got one of the biggest spreads of them all."
Alejandro realized he had slipped and cursed silently. Even after a few years he had trouble thinking of himself as a don. In his heart he was still Alejandro Murrieta. He decided it was time to dismiss the peddler. "Well, Pete, as you can see the children and I appreciate your visit but I have much to do and very little time left in which to accomplish my tasks. If you'll take your wagon over there," Alejandro pointed to the side of the hacienda, "we have refreshments for you before you continue your journey. But, I may as well warn you that visiting other haciendas will be fruitless for a few days because everyone will be here."
"Well," replied Pete, "you and the kiddies bought more than I usually sell in a week so I guess I can put my feet up for a few days an' pretend I'm a don."
Alejandro ignored the insult and smiled evenly at the man. As Pete pulled away Alejandro turned to continue his way to the stable when he caught sight of Dona Carmen standing in an open upper window. She was studying Pete carefully as he made his way around the side of the building. Startled, she noticed Alejandro looking at her and she ducked back quickly and disappeared into the cool depths of the house.
He had heard rumors that after Don Pedro de la Almodovar had died Dona Carmen had been seen with a handsome American ship's captain and trader, and Alejandro wondered if that had anything to do with the problems on her estate. Some of the dons were quite wary of the man and considered him to be nothing but trouble but Carmen was a beautiful woman and had probably just grown tired of her bereavement. Maybe Americans fascinated her. But, if she was enjoying a lusty relationship with the captain why did her eyes devour him? The captain wasn't on the guest list but that often didn't stop uninvited people from showing up. If he did he would be treated with the same courtesy extended to all of the guests and Elena was prepared to house a dozen more people than had been officially invited.
As he walked he pondered the mistake he had made with the peddler. He just didn't feel like a don and he didn't have to act like one either when he was on his own land with his own people. He would have to be very aware of what he said and how he acted during the fiesta.
Sometimes he longed for a small house somewhere near the sea where he and Elena could raise a dozen babies but Elena was accustomed to luxury and he didn't want to deprive her of it. Through marriage to his beautiful Elena he had inherited Montero's vast estate -- quite ironic he thought, smiling. So, technically, he was also a don and that is the way he needed everybody to see him. But he knew what he really was, as did hundreds of others including the servants whom he considered family, whom he loved and protected and were equally devoted to him, especially Tiger.
The hundreds of prisoners that he and Elena had freed at the mine had seen his face, and though they may not recognize him in his finery without the cape and black outfit, he knew that many did. But, he had saved their lives and he was certain that they would do the same for him if necessary. He actually employed many of them -- far more than he needed to run his vast estate. He had even secretly parceled off plots of his land and given it to the workers so they could set up their own homes and grow their own food. Because the estates were so large the other dons were none the wiser. They would certainly be shocked, though, if they discovered the substantial sums he paid his workers and his people were sworn to secrecy.
Final preparations for the fiesta were underway. The musicians had arrived, tuned their instruments, and were practicing some lively pieces in the courtyard. He wondered if he could entice Elena to dance another fandango with him. Obviously a dance that is akin to a mating ritual wouldn't be as scandalous now that they were married and parents, or would it?
Alejandro grinned wickedly as he headed to the stables to hide Tornado. That magnificent black stallion would give him away in an instant. His Zorro clothing and swords were always securely hidden. If, for some reason, Alejandro needed a weapon during the fiesta Tiger would have a sword in his hand in the blink of an eye.
His thoughts now were only with the coming festivities and he whistled melodically with the music that filled the air. He heard a high-pitched answering neigh from the stable as Tornado responded to his whistle and he threw back his head and laughed. He'd have to be wary about where he whistled! Tornado hadn't changed a bit -- one could always count on him to do exactly what you didn't want him to do. The animal wouldn't like being hidden in the underground passages that Alejandro had had constructed but it would only be for a few days. There was lots of light and plenty of provisions for him there.
It was time to turn back into the insufferable Don Alejandro. Although it was against every competitive bone in his body, he'd have to be careful not to win the horse races. He'd choose the slowest and most ornery beast he owned.
Alejandro could see carriages kicking up dust in the distance. Guests were arriving and it was time to relax and have some fun.