Chapter 5
Excited shouts from outside attracted de la Vega�s attention, and he ran out to see two horsemen enter the yard. The first rider was his son, and that was enough for Alejandro to disregard the second one and rush toward Diego, who barely had time to dismount before being squeezed firmly in his father�s grip. �Diego, my son, I was so worried . . . so worried,� Alejandro kept repeating, keeping the boy close to his chest, paying no attention to the happy tears that ran down his cheeks.
�I am alright, father,� Diego winced slightly, trying to free himself from the tight embrace. His father let go, finally, and looked up at the second rider who sat motionless on his horse, observing calmly the melodramatic scene that passed before his eyes.
�His name is Lone Wolf, father,� Diego explained. �He helped me find my way through the woods.�
�Your son is brave one,� the Indian said, forestalling Alejandro�s attempt to thank him. �He saved my son life when earth shook.� He dismounted and pulled a knife out of a leather case on his belt. �This � good knife for brave warrior.� He handed it to Diego. �You will be great warrior.�
Diego took the knife with awe. The moonlight glistened on the blade throwing a pale reflection onto the boy�s delighted face. �Gracias, se�or.�
Lone Wolf nodded, remounting, and rode away. Diego looked pensively after him until the Indian disappeared into the night. His thoughts were miles away, and he did not respond at once to his father�s question.
�Why did you leave like that, Diego?�
�I think,� Diego answered, finally, �that I was trying to prove something to myself . . . to redeem myself�.�
�Well, did you?� Alejandro asked softly.
Diego turned to him, and the elder de la Vega noticed a new look in his hazel eyes � a grave pensive expression that made him seem somehow much older. �S�, father,� the boy said softly. �I believe I did. And so did el Diablo.� He smiled wearily, �You would not mind if I stay out here for a few minutes?�
�No, mi hijo,� Alejandro said tenderly. �I would not mind. But do not be too long. Maria has probably already prepared a bath for you.�
Diego nodded silently, as his father walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
* * *
As the yard slowly became empty again, Diego looked up at the pale circle of the moon in the dark starry sky. The tension wall between him and his father has been broken, he knew that. And things will be better from now on. The de la Vegas will be happy again.
A tiny tear glistened in the corner of his eye and rolled slowly down his cheek. �Te quero, mam�,� he whispered almost inaudibly. �Te quero.�
As if in response to his quiet words, a light breath of the warm nightly breeze gently ruffled his hair, and Diego could swear that he felt a soft kiss on his forehead. He smiled, �Buenas noches, mam�,� and, taking a deep breath of the fresh night air, he ran back toward the house.
The end.