Original subtitles

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.

You break into perspiration.

You have a fever!

No, I'm cold.

Nicolás has a fever, too. Look at how he shivers.

As soon as the night's gone, I call a doctor.

Tomorrow, it will be better again.

I just need sleep, nothing else.

You're too late, doctor.

My husband and my brother-in-law died half an hour ago.

The plague.

The plague!?

No, that's not true, I don't believe that.

I know what I say.

There is no doubt.

You mustn't touch the bodies of the dead. Leave the house right away.

Immediately! Without taking anything.

I lock all entrances.

I watched the position of the stars tonight.

They don't bode well for all of us.

We know that without the stars.

Doctor Anguilera!

I don't want to see this quack doctor. To hell with him!

You will have to listen to me, Don Luis.

You don't have to be afraid of me.

I don't have the plague yet.

But in the village, there are five further cases.

Five within a day.

That's monstrous.

And what do you think I should do?

I wrote a report and it's your duty to sign it,

before it's sent to Bayados.

We have to isolate our land, so that the plague doesn't overlap to the whole of Spain.

Give me the report.

It says, that it were my men who introduced the plague.

Wasn't it so?

You gave the order to cross the border.

Every person in the village knows that.

I consider it advisable that you don't show yourself outside the castle.

The people are outraged.

Do you want to threaten me?

If a mule drover is allowed to cross the border, only because he says that he acts in my authority, it's the guards' fault.

Sure.

Please sign the document now.

I'd have to sent it without your signature.

Here you are.

And now go, before I let you get thrown out by my men.

Rodrigo.

The man who rides to Bayados with it, has to die.

I want to have this document back.

I will see to it.

And even if we all bite the dust. The plague won't enter my castle.

Someone's coming.

He has seen everything.

Arrest him.

Now come!

Let's go.

He can't be seen anymore.

I hope, the devil took him.

It's like hell itself swallowed him.

He mustn't get away.

Continue searching. He can't be far.

You won't get back to the castle,

until you have shut his mouth forever.

In the meantime, I ride to Don Luis and bring the document to him.

Go on!

Wonderful!

Well done!

Well done!

Avaunt!

Has a man come in here?

Yes, just moments ago.

Where is he?

Hey, Alvarez.

You are wanted.

Ah, in your service.

You want to make fun of me, eh?

You have to chose another one for that.

Forward, search all rooms.

And you give me an acceptable answer now.

Hurry up!

Leave him alone!

Show him!

Put the rapier away!

Who are you?

My name's not important.

Regardless of who you are, I thank you.

Why did he beat you?

They were after somebody.

If you won't us tell who you are, at least tell us where you're from.

I come from the mountains.

From the mountains!?

He comes from the mountains? How can that be?

Farewell my friends.

I'll hear from me again, soon.

Up on the mountains is the plague.

For heavens sake.

You know friends, if the pest grants us more such men,

I have nothing against it.

Don Luis' soldiers caused more havoc than the plague ever could.

Yes, he's right.

Yes.

We mustn't stay here any longer.

If we all don't want to die, we have to flee as quickly as possible.

But where to?

If I knew that...

I knew a retreat.

At least for our women and children.

Is it far away?

No, Maurilio.

Just a few minutes from here.

Don Luis' castle.

Very good.

We'd be safe there.

Yes, we mustn't let our women and children die.

Toward the castle!

But we don't belong there.

Friends, not everybody at once.

Listen to Maurilio.

It's about life and death.

Do you want to save yourselves or do want to surrender yourselves?

In the dungeons of the castle is enough space for every citizen of Higuera.

We have to move close together then, Maurilio.

Indeed.

But dying is worse.

You are right.

Besides,

if there's not enough space in the dungeons,

Don Luis has many private rooms, too.

Yes!

We'll force him to open them.

Let's go.

You poor father trusted me with your care.

But I couldn't do much for you, if you returned to Safra.

So I'd prefer, that you decided on staying here forever

and become the wife of my stepson Don Diego.

He is the Duke of Moralez and descends from ancient nobility on his mother's side.

I hope he'll arrive in a few days.

He is a very pleasant young man.

You won't be disappointed, Carmencita.

Don Luis,

I can't give you an answer at the moment.

The mourning for my father prohibits me that.

Besides, I don't even know your stepson.

In these lands, the father has always been deciding who marries the daughter.

And because your father won't...

Try to understand me Don Luis.

I cannot talk about such things now.

We can talk about the date another time.

In any case, we want to stay true to the old ways.

Everything else will fall into place then.

Carmencita,

I just mean well for you.

You probably are bored in this gloomy castle.

Or are you afraid of the plague?

You really don't have to be.

Here, we are completely safe from infection, my dear.

Excuse me, Don Luis.

But I have an important report.

A large crowd of people approaches the castle.

Notify the guard

and let the drawbridge get pulled up.

I have been on the tower,

there are coming more and more.

They shout something, but it's not understandable.

Be ready to fire.

What does that mean, Don Luis?

I don't know.

Quick, they want to pull up the drawbridge.

Hurry up, we have to prevent that.

Forward friends.

Bring near the longrunner!

I beg you, Don Luis.

At least, let the women and children in.

You mustn't shoot them.

Don't you have a heart?

What's the matter, Carmencita?

You interfere in things which aren't your business.

No...

I know what I am doing.

Do you think perhaps that the children are not contaminated by the plague?

You are very right, Don Luis.

The first onslaught was held back.

You are a scoundrel.

A murder.

You are...

Quiet already.

...an abject cowar...

Quiet I say!

Rodrigo,

arrest the wives of the leaders and teach them a lesson.

They shall receive the punishment they deserve.

I don't have to tell you more,

you understand me.

You can rely on me.

Shoot them down!

Take the women to the castle. Hurry up!

No, let go of me!

Maurilio.

Help, help!

Everybody assemble in the court yard.

Forward, hurry up, faster!

Go!

Go, faster!

Go on, forward! Forward!

Go on!

Forward!

Undress them.

Completely.

And burn the clothes immediately.

Now sweetheart! Off with the clothes!

Don't touch me!

You are to undress.

Scream all you want, it's useless.

You are supposed to undress, didn't you hear!

Now!

Mercy!

I beg you, please have mercy.

Why do you beg for mercy? You should be thankful.

We saved your skin. Don't you understand that?

We just want to rid you of the plague germs,

in cause you brought some in with you.

Forward, let's start!

Be careful, these are fumes from burnt sulphur.

You better keep your eyes shut.

I suffocate!

You should be happy. We relieve you of the plague!

Why are you crying?

Better sing a song.

All of you are going to be court ladies, if you weather this.

Hey driver!

How long until we reach our destination?

We arrive in Higuera in half an hour, Don Diego.

I long for a refreshing bath.

Are all streets here that outrageous?

Ride ahead!

Forward.

Forward.

What's going on driver?

I have seen a few suspicious fellows.

Don Luis isn't very well like with the people.

And you are his stepson after all.

Now friends, forward!

Forward!

Forward.

Faster! They approach fast.

The horses are tired.

Who are these people?

Bandits, Don Diego.

Don't do anything stupid, Don Diego.

Don't provoke them.

Get out!

Resistance is futile.

We'll shoot at the slightest movement.

Consider yourself lucky, that you didn't hit anybody.

I don't know you. Who are you?

It's enough, that I know you.

Bastard of a craven murderer.

You are Don Diego,

the stepson of the miserable scoundrel Don Luis.

Shoot him down!

It's not my fault, what happened here.

I wasn't here for many years.

It's not my business, what Don Luis does.

Give him a bullet, Maurilio!

No, no.

We keep you as hostage.

This way, you are more useful to our cause.

Now we'll see, how much you are worth to your stepfather

the murderer.

Now, tie him to a horse.

And what will become of my money and my things?

All my cash is in the wagon.

Thanks, that's good timing.

But you yourself are ten times more important to us than a bulging purse.

I don't know what you want.

I did shoot. Okay.

But I didn't hit anybody.

What you are doing, is a crime.

Are you aware of that?

We are just worried about your safety.

That's not true.

Quiet now!

Forward, mount!

What's going on here?

Mount!

Run!

Don Diego di Moralez?

That's me, Señor.

Don Diego di Higuera and di Moralez.

We come by order of your stepfather.

We are to escort you to the castle.

There are many rebels in the area.

Rebels?

These are robbers and murderers.

If you hadn't come, they would've killed me.

Well, do you like that, Carmencita?

Yes.

Yes, you don't get see something like that very often.

These are the best dancers in the province.

And you, Don Diego, are you delighted?

Everything is in your honour.

Be happy!

Rodrigo, drink to our health.

Bravo, you are splendid.

Bravo!

What do you think, Carmencita?

Isn't it gorgeous?

Magnificent!

Splendid!

Bravo, bravo, bravo!

My friends!

Raise you glasses and drink with me a toast to the happy return of my dear stepson

Don Diego, Duke of Moralez and Los Scientes.

He is my rightful heir and will one day,

which is hopefully still far away,

be my successor

and continue the reign of the province Higuera as I would.

Let's toast to the invincible life

and forget the plague and the death which surrounds us.

To your health, Carmencita and to your health, Don Diego.

Well what's the matter? Are you asleep?

I beg forgiveness, but...

the troublesome journey, the excitement...

Drink up and forget.

The vine will do you well, or are you afraid of that?

There has never been a quitter in our family.

I am not a quitter.

As you see, my glass is almost empty.

You should already have you fifth one.

The vine of Estro Madura is heavy.

Ah, we will break you loose of this squeamishness.

With ten years, you wanted to sail as a ship boy on a three-masted schooner to India.

I liked you better back then.

Your relatives in Cádiz have clipped your wings, eh?

Ah, India.

That must be a wonderful country.

One of my friends was there.

A wonderful country -

with beautiful women.

But it's a pity they eat garlic

and I imagine that to be horrible.

What's wrong friends? Is this a mourning ceremony?

Go on, drink!

Drink and laugh! Enjoy the big moment.

Rodrigo, Francisco, have a look where the other guests are.

Drink my dear.

Don't act stupid.

It won't help you.

Either you celebrate or you get whipped.

I just care if I am allowed to keep this gorgeous dress.

That's the main thing.

For you, but not for all.

Why should I care?

Be cheerful girls.

You owe Don Luis your lives.

Outside, the people die of hunger and the plague.

But you have it better,

you are safe.

Why the long face, girl?

You can rest assured

that we aren't maneaters.

Forward,

Don Luis expects you in the ballroom.

Don't be scared,

after two glasses of vine, you will have forgotten you misery.

Come!

Forward!

Go on!

Don't you hear?

Forward, my lovelies.

Be cheerful and drink.

Come on, sweetie.

Let go of me!

For heavens sake, help me,

I implore you.

Appeal to Rodrigo. He will help you for sure, my beauty.

He is used to that.

No, leave her.

The poor child is completely unhinged.

That doesn't matter.

Rodrigo will calm her.

Let go!

No!

No!

No!

That's dreadful.

Don't you feel sorry for her?

Well done! Just bring her here.

I know what you feel, Carmencita.

I condemn all this just like you do.

And why didn't you do something?

The respect for my stepfather forbids me that.

I'm a guest in the castle,

just like you,

do you understand?

Yes...

But if you want to, you can leave anytime.

I am denied this.

I don't have anybody anymore,

to whom I could travel.

I know what happened.

Nobody can empathize about that more than me.

I almost would have fared just like your father.

You must try to forget.

No, I don't want to forget.

There's so much injustice in this country.

The people can neither live nor die.

And here, large festivals are celebrated.

Who talks about forgetting under these circumstances, must be callous.

I don't understand you.

You've made a much better impression on me than Don Luis.

Your sympathy for the poor honours you.

But do you want to pass your youth

pitying the poor people?

That would be silly.

The people multiply like bunnies.

Even if a few die because of the plague, there will be more.

You should be glad that we are safe here.

You are just like your stepfather and I hoped that...

There are our little doves.

I am glad that you get along so well already.

How are things? Did you take a liking to one another already?

I'd be happy to announce your betrothal.

At least, respect my grief, Don Luis.

The only medicine against death is life.

Diego, give her a kiss, before she'll get even more sad or somebody beats you to it.

Only if Carmencita allows me to.

You don't know how to handle women at all.

You know, you lack confidence.

Drink with me!

The vine will make you brave.

Good night, my dove.

Sleep well. Tomorrow we will meet again.

Who are you?

Neither a street robber nor a rapist like you,

or you would recognize me.

I was told, you handle a blade well.

Defend yourself!

You will regret this boldness, wretched scoundrel.

Remove your mask of your face, you knave.

Yank it off, if you can!

Help!

...cisco.

"That was just the beginning"

Follow me!

Pull up the drawbridge!

You don't have to be afraid. Nothing will happen to you.

No! Don't let my enemies know. I beg you!

They are your enemies, too.

Who are you?

I can't tell you that.

But I am here to defend your honour and avenge the death of you father.

What do you say?

You knew my father?

Don Gomez had friends and admirers all over Spain.

But why do you wear a mask?

Don't ask. I'm your friend, that has to be enough.

They are looking for me.

Quick.

Hide in the wardrobe.

Carmencita, open!

Who's there?

Rodrigo.

What do you want this late?

We are concerned about your safety, Señorita.

Open!

In the name of the Duke.

Have you been sleeping, Señorita?

Didn't you see anybody?

Didn't somebody enter through the open window?

Do you want to insult me?

On the contrary. I want to prevent that somebody does.

Therefore it's my duty to search your room.

You go now.

Or I'll tell Don Luis.

I have the order to protect you, señorita.

Señor.

What?

He has to be downstairs. The guard saw him.

Who are you looking for?

That doesn't concern you.

Perhaps we just wanted to see you in a way,

you can't often see a lady.

You are disgusting.

Like a rat.

Thank you, Carmencita.

When he opened the wardrobe, I was frightened to death.

You'd be forsaken.

These are violent people, they don't have mercy.

Señorita...

Just a moment.

Mercy!

The hunger drove me.

Don Luis doesn't shy away from violence.

Your father was a victim of his intrigues, too.

What do you say?

But Don Luis saved my life then, during the attack on my father.

Your life.

Not your father's life.

Were his murderers ever caught?

No.

They never will be caught.

Because Don Luis ordered the murder.

No, I just can't believe that.

My father was a friend of Don Luis.

Don Luis has just one friend, his riches.

He wants your wealth, too.

Carmencita,

you mustn't marry Don Diego.

He'll force me, I'm afraid.

You mustn't despair.

Trust me.

The hour of reckoning isn't far.

You talk like a friend and don't know who you are.

But I believe you.

I feel I can trust you.

I'll come again, I promise.

No!

The way along the corridor is too dangerous.

Go to bed and try to sleep on.

For heaven's sake, what's going on here?

Didn't you see something suspicious?

No, but someone has screamed earlier.

Francisco was murdered.

What, here in the castle? How was that possible?

Search the tower rooms.

You take the farm buildings, especially the horse stables.

Arm yourself Don Diego and watch your back.

Yes, I'm going to protect Carmencita.

You're a true gentleman.

Thanks.

Here.

Forward!

Hurry up!

Search outside!

"That was just the beginning".

You'll be sorry, if you won't catch this masked scoundrel soon.

Do the people know that we put a bounty on his head?

They have torn down the notices.

But the worst is, that they start to worship him as a hero.

The people are fully on the side of this cursed masked scoundrel.

We only have supplies for a short time left.

Yes, we checked the supplies.

If we don't arrange new supplies soon, we are going to be in real troubles.

But that's not possible.

Why wasn't provided for two or three months, Rodrigo?

Bernalius did say, that the plague will last that long at least.

We'll have to be on the lookout at once and rob a few goods transports.

That's the only chance we have.

That way we save time and pay for the mule drovers.

Yes, but you mustn't forget

that our men are afraid.

What do you say?

That's nonsense. Since when are my men afraid?

Tacuba,

are you afraid?

Yes, I'm afraid of the plague.

To rob a transport is easy,

but who knows if the plague doesn't cling to the goods it carries, too.

May the Lord protect us.

Better turn to Allah.

The plague comes from your cursed country.

You're talking nonsense.

Shall we die of hunger to evade the death by plague?

Bernalius is to come here.

I am going to make sure, that he examines all foods and goods carefully.

That ought to be enough.

How can I be at your service?

Your science.

We need your advice in a medical question.

What do have there?

I asked you to get me some medication from Bayados.

I just received aforementioned.

I thank you for your speediness Rodrigo,

I believe, you got them.

You are mistaken.

Do you know something about that?

No, I know as little as you do.

I found them in storage and assumed

that they were reserved for Magister Bernalius.

Any way, we can be feel reassured now.

It's a highly potent cure, especially for animals.

You know, that the plague is often transmitted by horses.

What meticulous packaging.

No surprise with this valuable content.

You open it Pablo.

The plague!

No.

Don't move, you hear me!?

We have to get rid of him.

This is a sinister assault on all of us.

Beware of touching the casket.

Stay where you are!

He has to leave immediately.

I take care of that.

Have mercy Rodrigo.

Tacuba,

Back!

call the guard.

But they mustn't touch him.

We treat you with boiling water.

You can do that, but not here.

Have mercy Don Luis, I have four children.

Tacuba!

Tacuba, the poor Francisco is lonely.

He needs company.

No, no, no!

Pick up the casket at once!

Out!

No, I beg you. I don't want to die,

I haven't done anything.

No, no, no!

I could have tried to cure him.

Such cases are most successfully resolved by drastic measures.

Rodrigo, I want to know who did that.

Force the townspeople to talk.

In any way!

Bring that scoundrel to me.

It mustn't go on that way. We have to do something.

Forward, now!

In the name of the prophet. Do not kill me, I implore you.

What are you telling about the prophet?

You wear a cross on your arm,

but on the inside you always stayed a pagan.

Who sent us the package?

Answer me!

I know nothing, señor.

You will still die for that, dog!

And you, too!

You!

And you!

And the one there!

This means you. Are you deaf?

If you want to prevent that ten of you have to die,

you just have to tell me the name of the culprit.

It's me.

Arrest him!

Forward friends!

This was your death knell, Rodrigo.

Now I show you my face.

You shall know who sent you to hell.

You!?

I sent a bunch of cowards and idiots.

You undermined my authority.

I assure you, Don Luis, he was like a raging demon.

Quiet, coward!

You Africans see demons and ghosts everywhere.

Naturally, this is the easiest explanation.

Just don't expect me to believe in demons, too.

Even Rodrigo, the best of all of you,

was overcome by this flight of fancy.

Go to hell. Out!

Not you! I have to talk to you.

Did you call for Carmencita?

Yes, Don Luis.

Go! One has to run with the pack.

We're surrounded by too much hate.

We have to pretend to give in.

Take care, that the people think Don Luis punished you, like you deserved it.

The epidemic is over soon.

Then, it's not pleasant to be surrounded by hate.

We have to dissuade the populace of the idol;

destroy the fanatic believe in Robin Hood.

What? Do you want to grant refuge to the people?

No.

But as Duke of Higuera I am going to grant amnesty and distribute foods among the people.

But we don't have enough ourselves.

I am going to use your betrothal with Carmencita as an opportunity.

The girl has a different opinion.

She doesn't love me at all.

You called for me, Don Luis?

I wanted to tell you the pleasant news, that you betroth in one week -

namely to Don Diego.

What do think, Carmencita?

And a few weeks after, when the horrible plague is over,

we'll celebrate your wedding.

It's going to be a celebration, you never experienced before.

I regret to destroy your hopes, Don Luis.

But I neither marry Don Diego di Moralez nor anybody else you might chose for me.

Since when is it custom to show such arrogance toward ones guardian and lifesaver.

Either you do what I tell you to, or I force you into a monastery.

You can't punish me this way.

As a nun, you will wear a bride's veil, too.

Nobody asked you, Señor Tacuba.

Stop that nonsense.

Carmencita, you father trusted me with your care.

I give you one week to come to your senses.

If you won't obey by then, I'll force you to wear the veil -

as a nurse for the sufferers of the plague.

Then you will learn humbleness.

But you should write your will beforehand.

You have the choice between these two possibilities.

Think about it.

To the coming wedding!

I don't intend to force you, Carmencita.

I beg forgiveness for the insulting words of Don Luis.

Don Luis didn't insult anybody.

He is the lord and if he orders you, you have to obey.

I don't understand you.

I would be happy to marry this beautiful woman if he ordered me to.

It seems, you're brave in front of women.

But in front of men, you're more cautious.

I dare you.

The man, who went unpunished for insulting me, isn't born yet.

You can't be insulted.

But the man who brings you to justice, is already born.

You're lucky, you're the stepson of Don Luis.

Otherwise you wouldn't be still standing there.

Carmencita!

Leave me in peace.

I'll never become the wife of a coward.

Please listen to me!

That's all Aswena. You can go to sleep.

Why don't you go? I want to be alone.

You're already too much alone.

You!?

I promised you.

Take me far away from here.

Far away.

I much rather want to die of the plague than to stay here any longer.

You don't even know who I am.

That doesn't matter.

I trust you.

Why do you want away?

You are in good hands here.

Don Luis wants to marry me to his stepson Don Diego.

It's an honour to become the wife of Don Diego.

No, not for me.

I never would marry a coward like him.

I don't want to marry anybody other, too, because I...

Because you...?

I longed for your return.

I thought you have forgotten me.

Tell me who you are.

Have you really been a friend of my father?

As soon as my mission is completed, you'll get to know my name.

I already sent a few of these murderers to hell.

Francisco and Rodrigo.

The next is Don Diego.

No, you mustn't!

Why do you want me to spare him?

Because Don Diego was far away, when my poor father was murdered.

He can't be connected to this gruesome crime.

He was almost killed himself.

Do you love him?

No, I don't love him.

But he's better than the others.

If you want to thwart the wedding with Don Diego,

you have to behave differently towards Don Luis.

If I refuse, Don Luis sends me to the plague sufferers.

Then he'd get your wealth and that's his goal.

What shall I do?

You have to deceive Don Diego and Don Luis, by acting like you agreed with everything.

It's easier to defer the marriage, than to refuse entirely.

When do I see you again?

Very soon, Carmencita.

TACUBA!

Who's there?

No, no, stay in your grave!

TACUBA!

Whoever you are, nobody laughs about Tacuba unpunished, by Allah and Hell.

I'll tear your guts from your body.

Where are you?

Face the fight, you spawn of the hell.

I will take that smile of your face, Satan!

Bravo, Tacuba, you handle your rapier well.

So, it makes more fun to impale you.

Just you wait, you made a fool of me long enough.

You are at an end now.

I'd like to sent you all to hell, you idiots.

How could you let this scoundrel escape?

You will end the same way as Tacuba, if you don't start to watch your backs.

You behave more stupid then a bunch of mindless rabbits.

Don Luis!

What?

Three of the women escaped.

I'll let you hang. How could this happen?

The door was locked. I don't understand how they managed to escape.

I'll tell you how that was possible.

There has to be a traitor in this castle among my men.

Yes, one of you is a traitor.

I always suspected that.

But now I know for sure.

First Francisco, then Rodrigo and now Tacuba.

There's one among us who cooperates with this cursed Robin Hood.

Is it you, Otega?

Or you, Miguel?

Or even you, Passadini?

You won't suspect me, will you?

Why shouldn't you be the culprit?

Everybody is suspicious.

You mustn't doubt my loyalty, Don Luis.

But I'll put an end to this.

I'd tear the mask of this cursed scoundrels face,

if I knew where this bandit has his lair.

You just have to make public that, because of the three escaped women, you are going to...

That's bitter.

Do I have to take that every morning and evening from now on?

Well, I wanted to say, that you had to make public

that the women who are still here, are awaiting fustigation.

This wouldn't help us.

Or it might, the idea is not that bad.

Make it public, Grieso.

Very good.

The gallantry and bravery of this... mysterious gentleman, will cause him to come to the women's help.

If he appears, he is trapped

like an ox and won't get free.

Alarm Don Luis, Alarm! Guard!

Robin Hood is in the castle.

For heavens sake.

We don't need you. Lock yourself in your room.

We will get him this time. Come!

Pull up the drawbridge.

There he is! Quick!

Halt scoundrel, the game is over. This time you won't escape me.

Oh, I imagined him to be taller.

I'm curious to see the face behind the mask.

We'll see at once.

Maurilio Gonzalez.

I might have guessed.

You always were a rebel and set the people against me.

But that's just a simple peasant.

What a disappointment.

I always imagined the face of Robin Hood more noble.

I'm curious, what you are going to tell me.

But that can wait until tomorrow morning.

Throw him in the dungeon.

Tomorrow morning I'll take care of you myself.

We'll build a particularly high gallows for you.

But only as soon as I know everything.

Most importantly the names of the remaining rebels.

Let's go to bed.

We are going to sleep calmly.

The nightmare is over.

Give me!

Let's start.

You have come to free your wife, haven't you?

Yes.

Aha. Only because of this?

Yes.

You lie!

Tell the truth.

Were you the one who sent us the casket with the plague?

Answer!

Yes.

Yes.

Were you the one, who killed Francisco?

No. No. I was. Yes.

And Rodrigo?

Yes.

And Tacuba?

Admit that you killed Tacuba, too!

Go on!

You have frightened us for weeks.

There's no punishment which is severe enough for that.

Not every man puts his life at risk to save his wife.

Maurilio did that for you.

That's admirable.

I could be envious of you about that.

Please save his life.

I am going to stay in this castle voluntarily - as a slave.

But save him!

I think I can't do anything for him.

But perhaps...

stay and wait for me!

I won't be gone long.

Yes, please?

What are you doing there?

I am trying out a new hair styling.

I am wearing a wig.

Do you still want to marry me, Don Diego?

I daren't hope anymore.

I will be your wife.

Really?

Yes, under one condition.

Which one?

The man with the mask, who was caught and arrested here in the castle last night, tried to free his wife, who is detained here.

He risked very much.

Just out of love.

Save his life and I will be your wife.

Yes, but the man with the mask -

is the archenemy of my stepfather Don Luis.

I know that just as you do.

He risked his life to thwart your stepfather's plans.

Nobody in the castle knows this better than I do.

What do you want to say with that?

I can't explain that to you.

Perhaps you get to know that later.

I just ask you: save this man's life.

Then I will be your wife.

That's completely impossible.

The man with mask is much to dangerous.

He is the leader of the rebels, on top of this he killed Rodrigo.

And Francisco and Tacuba.

At least try for my sake.

Tell Don Luis, I was ready to obey and be your wife.

Perhaps he'll release him then.

And why do you want to marry me? Out of love?

No, but I do it for the sake of love.

Okay, I'll risk an attempt.

You put me up to a test, which is hard to pass.

I give you the opportunity to show that you are a man who deserves my respect.

You can count on me!

Thank you, Don Diego.

Did you achieve something?

We mustn't give up hope.

Come!

Let us pray to together.

Diplomacy is more important in this case.

If we pardon him to receive a prison sentence, Carmencita will agree immediately to be my wife.

Who knows what happens later.

Perhaps he tries to escape and is shot.

But I want to know the names of the remaining ones.

He can't be forced to reveal something.

He is too proud for that. You saw it.

You have to use different methods with him.

If you like, I can do that.

When I am alone with him, I will get him to tell me everything.

He is so proud, that he will try to save face under all conditions.

But without witnesses, he will talk.

You are smarter than I thought.

You always underestimated me, I know that. Even as a child.

I demand that half of Carmencita's wealth will be mine alone.

You surprise me more and more. I am going to follow your advice.

You can go, I don't need you anymore for now.

Help, help!

Diego! Open! Guard, come here!

Break open the door.

Help! Quick, help me!

He escaped.

What happened? Where is the prisoner?

He escaped.

Surround the whole castle immediately.

You blunderer, you are completely useless.

I almost got him.

Then I untied him to win his trust.

And why didn't open the door at once and called for help?

But he came at me like a devil.

I was stunned because of shock.

And his eyes...

he looked at me like the devil himself.

Be quiet! Spare me your nonsense.

It's the whole truth.

It seemed like beams of fire suddenly erupted from his eyes and his hair glowed.

Everything was fire, fire...

Fire!

I am cured. I am cured!

The plague is over, thank god.

We don't have to be afraid anymore.

Listen to the doctor.

You can be relieved.

The epidemic is over. The plague went like it came.

Sudden and unexpected.

The last cases don't end in death anymore.

The plague lost its power.

Life prevailed over death.

Everything has an end.

Now life will be like it used to be.

But the people started to hate us.

You're an irredeemable coward.

The poor always hate the rich. That's the run of things.

The weak always hate the strong.

But... we are hungry, more than ever.

As rules of Higuera, I grant amnesty.

I sent the women home and distribute bread and vine among the people.

As much as they want.

You'll be suprised how fast the plague and the hatred for me is forgotten.

Everybody gets one piece.

He believes that everyhing is forgotten now, but he is mistaken.

We don't sell ourselves for a loaf of bread and a gulp of vine.

All detainees are going to be released today.

A masquerade ball is held in all rooms at Higuera's castle.

All men and women of this town are invited.

At this ball, the betrothal of my stepson Don Diego with Señorita Carmencita di Levarez from Puerto Candiero will be solemnly announced.

I send my regards to the people of my province Higuera.

Thank the divine providence, that it relieved you of the scourge of the plague.

This is the will of your territorial lord.

Heavens, you are so gorgeous Carmencita, that I'd be happy to announce my own betrothal with you.

No.

What's the matter. I'm just joking.

But where's dear Diego?

Do you know how he dressed up as?

If we lack a groom, we can't celebrate a betrothal.

Midnight, Don Luis.

This masquerade...

Put that away!

Don Diego.

Put that away!

Don Luis!

My greetings to you, Don Luis di Higuera!

Who is the man who has the nerve to come here with this hated mask?

Take this mask off your face!

Before I break you on the wheel.

Are you deaf?

I said off with the mask.

Throw this scoundrel into prison.

Arrest him!

Go on, seize him!

I told you to arrest him!

Don Luis!

Defend yourself!

Whoever you might be, scoundrel.

I'll have you quartered.

Upon my life!

I'll have you torn to pieces.

You!?

Of course, I might have guessed.

Nobody except you could have had such a tasteless idea.

You are going to change your opinion.

It's over Don Luis.

Your minutes are numbered.

What is this nonsense?

Diego!

You will pay for that with your life.

I promise you, you miserable bastard.

I am going to impale you, even if you are my only heir.

I am not your stepson, vile scoundrel.

You stepson died because of the plague, before he reached this castle.

With the help of these people I assumed his place.

Rodrigo was the first who fell for that.

Here! That's for the torment!

Continue, Con Luis!

Oops, I am here Don Luis!

This is your end!

Now comes your unmasking, Don Luis!

Tell this Señorita who really killed Don Gomez.

Look at him, Carmencita!

This is the murderer of your father.

Watch, how he himself trembles before death.

Maurilio!

There's the scoundrel who tortured you.

Do you still remember the horrible pains?

Now he feels different.

You thought you could escape the plague at the cost of hundreds of other people.

Give him your rapier.

Here.

Now you can proof that you are no coward.

I will show you, who's a coward.

Now, prepare for your death.

I implore you, Robin Hood.

Stay with us - for ever.

No, Maurilio.

What happens now, you will manage without my help.

I have to go back, many tasks still await me.

Defend the freedom we won.

I admire you.

I feel like I have been dreaming.

It has been a horrible dream.

But it had its happy moments, too.

From now on, there will only be happy moments.

That is, for both of us.

Will you take me with you?

Yes, Carmencita.

I will take you with me - to my homeland.

There you'll forget your terrible experiences quickly.

I almost forgot them already.