True to the title ( La Espada y La Rosa ), this chapter features a pivotal romantic moment. Zorro intercepts Esmeralda, perhaps in the market or near her home. Unlike the soldiers who fear him, Esmeralda stands her ground.
Zorro is struck by her beauty and her spirit. In a classic move, he leaves her a symbol: a (or a red rose, depending on the specific edit, but often a black rose signifies his mysterious nature). He tells her that while his sword fights for justice, his heart fights for her. This establishes the central theme: the sword (violence/justice) vs. the rose (love/peace). el zorro la espada y la rosa capitulo 3