The Invincible Masked Rider

We're there soon. The castle is just ahead.

You're proven right.

The way is really just half as long.

Additionally, one's not bothered.

And most of all, one doesn't touch portuguese villages.

So, you are afraid of the plague, too?

It rages only in the south, in Lisbon.

Up here in the mountains, there is no place for it.

Nicolás is right. To hell with Portugal.

We are in Spain.

The plague doesn't reach us here.

Go ahead. Come on.

We are doomed.

Let's try to save some of the gold.

The rest is not as valuable.

Quick, flee to the bushes.

Damned ...!

Miserable idiot!

Robin Hood is in England. You made up this fairy tale.

No, I swear to you, Don Luis. I've seen him with my own eyes.

His horse flies along like a eagle without touching the ground.

Hold your tongue now!

As punishment, you won't get pay.

Let that be a lesson for the future for you.

But this time I was as careful as in any way possible.

I've chosen the path across the mountains, only to...

Be off with you!

Go, out with him!

Francisco,

when the next shipment is due,

we let it be watched be our own people.

You can't break the law that openly.

The law?

Who protects the law?

Perhaps this moron Don Gomez?

We have to comply,

at least as long as Don Gomez is alive.

Should he pass away,

you would rule this province as his rightful successor.

Then your transports can use the real streets

and don't have to hide in the mountains.

Don Gomez Levarez di Puerto Candiero asks to be received.

He just arrived at the castle.

Gomez?

If he learned something?

I don't think so. He wouldn't come here in that case.

I do think that he suspects something.

We'll see soon what brought him here.

This is inconceivable.

This is our highest nobility, but they still don't have taste.

Look at that garish gilded stuff.

Father!

Welcome, Don Gomez.

What a high honour!

Thanks, thanks, Don Luis.

What brought you to leave your marvellous castle Safra and come to my home?

Does something cause you sorrow?

We are going to talk about that in detail.

But before... May I introduce my daughter Carmencita.

On you last visit, she still was at the monastery in Sevilla.

You own a precious collection of gems.

But she is the most precious.

You must be tired.

Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

Forgive me for not being the good host I should be, but...

Don't worry my dear. We can't stay long anyway.

We have to get to Madrid as fast as possible.

Carmencita was invited to the court by Her majesty.

Congratulations!

My dear Don Luis.

Would you like to join our families more tightly?

What question, Don Gomez!

I assure you, that would be the highest honour for me.

Brilliant.

It's about the following:

Neither in Spain, nor in Portugal, we could find a partner for my doggy Mia.

Ah,

now I understand. That's what worries you.

Yes.

As it happens, I have dogs of this breed in my compound.

I know, I know. We set all our hope on you.

Isn't she lovely? She is almost as clever as a human.

But I am a bit upset, because of the many rumours about the plague, which are going around.

Who knows if dogs might be...

That is out of the question.

In any case, my personal physician will examine the dogs beforehand.

Rodrigo, Magister Bernalius shall come.

I heard that in Portugal, thousands died because of the plague.

There's no danger with us. We made arrangements.

Don't worry, the plague won't come to Spain.

No, I don't think so, too.

Don Luis.

I was told, you wanted to speak to me.

Yes, this is Magister Bernalius.

A luminary in science from the school of Salamanca.

And as great a dog lover as I am.

Bernalius, you have to examine this lady dog,

before they mate.

You don't have to be afraid, sweetie.

A magnificent specimen.

Take her to my examination room.

Magister,

she's afraid for sure.

May I accompany her?

Sure.

The good Carmencita doesn't have the heart to part with the doggy.

But what should I do? Bringing the little animal to court is impossible.

By the way, Don Luis, do you want us to do something for you in Madrid?

In Madrid? No.

I hope you take an escort party for your safety.

Only from the province's border on. Until there, the voyage is not that dangerous.

As long as I stay on your lands, I feel as save as in Abraham's lap.

I am convinced, that your strict regime put away all shady characters.

The girl is not to be harmed. Understood!?

What's that about? Don't you know...

Go on, we have to...

Don Gomez. For heavens sake!

You're wounded.

Who were those scoundrels?

Don Luis, dear friend.

I wanted you to... my daughter...

Yes.

I trust in...

No! Father, you mustn't die.

I know, that words don't mean much in these moments,

but I wanted to tell you nevertheless, that you are not alone.

No!

No!

Father!

I know who those scoundrels were. I recognized one by his voice.

It was...

Well done Tacuba. Come!

To the health of Don Luis! The new lord of Higuera shall live!

Are the streets free now?

As free as the mule drovers of our new duke.

Hear my first decree!

Woe betide anyone who doesn't drink with me!

Who are you?

I have never in my life seen such wonderful eyes.

Please. No. Let go of me.

Carmencita! Tacuba!

What are you doing?

Leave her alone.

Carmencita,

what are you doing here?

Rosalia...

Forgive me, I drank to much.

I wasn't in control of myself.

Don't apologize to me, but to the Señorita.

Please, forgive me!

This won't happen again. I guarantee that, Carmencita.

Come Carmencita.

Go to bed. You need rest.

I don't stay in your house.

But...

I want to go back to Safra.

I ordered you to watch her.

If this happens again, you will be whipped.

Don Gomez was very rich

and this girl is going to inherit all his riches.

Considering this portion, there will be many suitors.

Rich and beautiful, you can't demand more.

I wouldn't reject her.

It's not my intention to force her in any way to marry me.

Francisco?

Yes?

Send a messenger to Cádiz to my stepson Don Diego.

I wish him to come here.

The messenger will leave instantly.

It was many years ago, since Don Diego was here the last time.

When he departed, he was still a child.

Over this many years, a young person can change completely.

Perhaps he isn't the obedient son he used to be.

The fate of his mother...

Ah, that's nonsense.

I know that he will be my heir someday.

And he won't throw that away.

Neither my castle,

nor my titles,

nor my riches.

He will take the girl to be his wife.

What happens later is a different matter.

As a widow, she will be happy if you take her.

Yes.

To both of her weddings.

On these streets, walking is more pleasant.

I'm really glad that we don't have to climb over the mountains anymore, as we used to.

Be quiet. The guard there doesn't need to hear what we say.

Halt!

We travel by secret order of Don Luis di Higuera.

Let them pass through. Convey my subservient greetings to Don Luis.

I won't forget. We will pass through again in a few days.

All the best!

Thank you!

What's the matter? Why don't you eat?

I don't feel well.

I believe the journey was too strenuous.