In the days and years that followed, Isabella noticed a change in her son. He became quite a student of people and would often come to her with his observations about them. She watched as he began to take up for those among his friends who were being mistreated by another. And not just his friends. Anyone who was in need of help could count on her son.
Rosarita Cortez, in particular, looked to Diego as a peacemaker and defender of the weak. Isabella was amused at the young girl’s infatuation with her son. Diego was faithful to come to her aid or the aid of others, and if sometimes the lion won out over the fox, well, he was still a boy and learning as he went along. But Isabella had no doubt that when her son was grown he would be a man of whom she could be proud. A strong man, but one tempered by compassion for others.
There were many other life lessons that Diego learned from his mother and his father, but the one that he learned that day from his mother he treasured in his heart, for it was the first and most profound. Her words and the example she set before him shaped his life. Diego had only been fifteen years old when his mother had slipped away from this life, leaving Diego and his father with only each other and their memories of her.
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Diego returned to the present and looked back at his mother’s resting place. He spoke silently within himself.
“Yes, Mother, I have become the Fox just as you said I would. The example of compassion that you set before me in the plaza that day has never left my heart. You instilled in me your love of people; all people. But how right you were about compassion’s sacrifices. Because of what I must do as Zorro to preserve the life of my father, and to do what I can for the sake of justice and the people of Los Angeles, my father and I are now estranged.
What should have been a happy reunion of father and son after my return from Spain has become very uncomfortable for us both. His anger I can bear, but his disappointment in me as his son is a very heavy burden. But, in order to protect my father, and to keep him from doing those things that his pride and honor would demand of him, which would see him killed or branded a traitor, I am willing to shoulder this burden. It is much lighter than the one I would carry should I fail.”
Diego knelt by his mother’s headstone and put his hand upon it.
“I miss you, my Mother, with all of my heart,” he said, voice soft with emotion. “You were taken away from us all too soon. But as you look down on me from heaven, pray for me. Pray that I will do what is right and pray that I be given strength enough for me and my father. The same inner strength that I saw in you, Mother. The strength of honor, love, ......and compassion.”
After a moment’s silence, Diego said a final prayer and crossed himself. He stood and looked towards the hacienda as he wiped away the tear that threatened to spill. Squaring his shoulders, he pulled his hat up on his head and walked over to mount his palomino. As he rode away from her resting place, he knew difficult times lay ahead, but he was ready to do what he must, for he felt his mother’s love going with him.
Table of Contents
Part One
Part Two
