Chapter 14: Confessions and Captures.

The cathedral was dark and silent as Zorro moved through it; as he had done for years. The place was lit only by the candles that glowed for those who had been lost to them. Many of the people had taken refuge in their faith and prayed that their sons and daughters would be returned to them. It was the only hope for some of them and Alejandro knew that there was a lot of doubt in the minds of men.

This old building was a central part of the community and had always stood as a center for hope. Zorro had very little hope after the conversation he had had with his family. He was torn between his duty to the people and his duty to his family. What could he say to his son in a situation that was out of his control? Was it right to hope that his son was not being affected by this old woman and her plans. Alejandro hoped that Joaquin was stronger than he showed but there was a fear that he was not telling them all that his face was betraying.

Alejandro found the note exactly where it was supposed to be. The note led him right to the docks and the ship that was sitting and waiting in the harbor. It did also bear a warning in it. There was a darkness that covered the ship and by the cover of nights; violent man and many secrets. Alejandro’s fear now was for his son who he had sent back to the ship to wait and watch but he knew his son and he worried what his actions would be.

***

Joaquin waited as he had been told. He was dressed in black, with his mask and cloak but did not resemble the Zorro that the people knew. He fell into shadows as easily as darkness itself and waited and watched. He watched as the same scene unfolded before his eyes. The men came and went. Another person was brought into the ship and again the figure in black appeared but aside from these actions Joaquin did not witness anything more.

The darkness was complete as a thick fog began to roll in off the water and blanket the harbor. The large cargo ships were becoming very difficult to see as the fog became thicker and thicker. Joaquin decided then that he had to get closer to the ship to really understand and investigate what he had come to do. His ears played tricks on him as things became unfamiliar and vile in the thick, choking, fog.

As he reached the old ship that was now, once again, at the loading docks he watched through the darkness for any signs that may show him into the ship. His luck was with him on this night because as he came toward the ship he saw the dark figure once again emerge from within and head in another direction, still aboard the vast vessel.

Joaquin followed along hesitantly as the dark figure moved about the ship. Hiding was not hard in this maze of decking and cargo. The ship was surprisingly well stocked. Much of the cargo looked to be local agricultural goods and very innocent in their packing. Joaquin continued onward, through the maze, staying hidden in crates and shadows.

He traveled on cautiously into the very depths of the ship. He had lost sight off the black lady but that was no longer his worry. He wanted to see where the belly of the ship would take him. He had never felt like he was in more danger then he was now and no amount of preparation could have prepared him for this feeling.

The darkness was complete and thick as he came to the bottom of a final latter. Silence crashed in all around him so that his movements screamed into the darkness. Suddenly he felt hands on his shoulders and something damp covered his mouth. The darkness faded to unconsciousness before he could feel the ground beneath him fading.

***

Angela watched from the recesses as the men captured the young man in the black cloak. She had seen him, out of the corner of her eyes board the ship and began following her. She tried very desperately to loose him and soon she was being the stalker rather than the prey. Her heart sank to see this scene unfolding before her very eyes. There were too many men for her to take on without risking her own capture. She believed that the man in black was the infamous Zorro and she lost her breath to watch him fall victim to these men and her grandmother’s villainy.

She followed them further into the secret passages that lay within this deceiving ship. The noise grew into a frenzy of wailing captives and pirate laughter as the dark secrets of the ship were revealed. She had not dared to venture this far into the ship before but seeing the young man in trouble drove her further beyond her better judgement.

The men laughed and taunted as they jostled their prisoner down into the ships hidden gallows. Angela gasped as they removed his mask and his cloak and the clothing that would bring some value at the market. The strange pirates threw Joaquin into a cell, with several other men, before they began to realize who he was.

“I know that boy,” one of them laughed as Angela stared on in horror, “he’s the son of one of the Don’s”

“Getting yourself into trouble, boy,” another man laughed as Joaquin began to realize what was happening to him.

“You had better let these people go,” Joaquin said groggily.

“Oh and what do you plan to do about it?” the first man laughed and left taking the only torch with him and the other men followed.

The light faded out of the passage and silence fell among the prisoners before Angela moved out of her hiding place, “Joaquin,” she whispered as she placed her hands on the cold bars.

“Who is there?” Joaquin asked as he moved toward the sound.

“Angela,” she whispered and hoped that no one else could hear them.

“You must find my father Angela and tell him that I am here!” Joaquin said in a fearful whisper, “If you can find your way off of this ship.”

“I can find my way, but Joaquin, this ship sails tomorrow at midnight!” she said breathlessly.

“Go straight to my family home, if my father is not there tell my mother and she will help you. If there is any family in all of California that can help it is mine,” Joaquin said as he found her hand on the bars.

“Why were you dress in such a way Joaquin?” she asked as she held his hand, “are you Zorro?”

“no, I am not, but all will be answered if you find my family, I promise you that,” he said, “but you must hurry, go now please!”

And with that she left him in darkness as thick as fog and as silent as the grave.