From Olympus: A Novel of Love & Adventure in World War Two Greece

By E. A. Stillwell

It seemed a good idea. When Paul Corbin left Greece in ten days, he would take with him, a copy of the master list of hiding places of the priceless antiquities hidden to prevent their being plundered after the anticipated German invasion, and deliver it to the Hellenic Foundation in America.

 

But the invasion of Greece would o

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Sep 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949574128

E. A. Stillwell

E. A. Stillwell first caught the writing bug in college but then realized he couldn’t write about life if he hadn’t lived it. After a lengthy career as an architect, Stillwell is happy to be nurturing his passion for writing once again. He and his wife are avid travelers who divide their time between homes in Mexico and Florida. This is his fourth book. Visit his website at www.eastillwell.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sunday Morning, April 6, 1941

Victoria Winterton couldn’t stand Paul Corbin and now she would be alone with him for a week on this God forsaken island. As she reread the letter her brother had left for her, her anger grew like a volcano ready to erupt.

My Dear Victoria, it said.

"By the time you read this, Andreas and I will already have left Alonissos on the ferry which, by the way, only runs Saturdays and Sundays. I apologize for the deception, but there are times when you can be a royal pain.

You may find it an inconvenience; but, quite frankly, we are at war and as a result, I think it only fair and proper that Aunt Sarah and Uncle Arthur be allowed to spend some time alone together before you and she must leave Greece. I look forward to seeing you upon your return to Athens in a week’s time. Until then, please try to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a Greek island. Oh, and by the way. Please try not to vent your anger on Paul.

Your loving brother, Howard"

Damn Howard, she thought. Twice he had attempted to steer her away from the potential arms of another man and into the arms of a friend and each time the friend had been Paul Corbin. And insofar as being at war, one was hardly aware that a state of war existed when she had left England. The Polish conflict had seemed like only a tempest in a teapot which would soon blow over so it seemed a logical decision a year ago when she had boarded the ship at Southampton and left for Alexandria.

Paul Corbin was also as upset as Victoria, who sat across the breakfast table from him; but, for different reasons. Like she, he also had been given a letter by their host Alexander Maristrides.

Dear Paul, it said.

"Please forgive me for taking advantage of our friendship and involving you in the affairs of my country. But these are very troubling times and it is difficult to know who to trust. This is why I write this note to you in your language and not mine. But now that you are involved, I thought it best in view of the trust placed in you to forewarn you that all may not be as simple as we thought. Before we left Athens, I learned that there have been inquiries about you at your hotel. I have also learned that Miss Winterton’s home is being watched. There may be no connection; but, since you have been there and have no doubt been seen coming and going, I must fear the worst and urge you to become very cautious in your remaining days in Greece because it is possible that your life and the life of Miss Winterton might be in danger. My concern for your safety is one of the reasons you have been brought to Alonissos. Because the ferry only runs Saturday and Sunday, your safety should be assured seven of your remaining ten days in Greece. May the Gods we used to pray to in ancient times and the one we pray to now give us God speed. Until then,

Your friend, Andreas"

It was while Paul read the words ‘your life and the life of Miss Winterton might be in danger’ that Victoria while putting her own letter back in its envelope and placing it alongside her cup of tea, noticed the momentary twinge of Paul’s staid facial features. It had been there for only the briefest of moments but the twinge had given her pause for concern and had aroused her curiosity. Perhaps that’s why, when Paul left the table moments later to address a concern of Mrs. Maristrides, she reached across the table to the letter he had carefully returned to its envelope and laid by his plate.

I had always thought that a lady didn’t read a gentleman’s letter, the voice suddenly said as Paul’s hand reached for the letter she was quickly attempting to read. But then perhaps I was wrong or perhaps you’re not…..

Startled by the quickness of his return and embarrassed at being caught in an act of transgression, she attempted to regain her composure by saying, Perhaps neither of us is what we are supposed to be.

Perhaps, he said as he sat down once again at the breakfast table while folding the letter and sticking it in his pocket. Would you care to explain why you were so interested in what I had thought was a private communication?

She started to answer his question, but then with a slight shake of her head said, as she handed him her own letter, Here, inasmuch as I’ve read yours, feel free to read mine.

When Paul finished reading the letter, he carefully folded it and put it back into the envelope, the hint of a smile on his face as he did so. I must say, he said as he handed the envelope back to her, I’m in complete agreement.

The anger she felt toward Howard, fueled by the petrol of Paul’s insinuation that she was not a lady and his veiled comment that she was a pain caused her to reach an explosive point. Only the sudden appearance of Mrs. Maristrides again at their table prevented the explosion and enabled her to keep her composure.

Might I ask what that was all about, inquired Victoria, attempting to divert the prior direction of their conversation, after Mrs. Maristrides had left.

She was apologizing for there not being much to do on the island, particularly today with the car being unavailable. But, she did say that if we wished to go for a walk, there was a small village, with lovely views of the sea, about five kilometers from here, that was easy to get to via a path through the woods. She also said that there are some ruins of a small temple midway that we might find interesting, or at least I might find interesting. I told her that it sounded like a nice idea and that we would pursue her suggestion.

Don’t you think I should have been consulted first before making a decision that involved me? I would have thought that to be the gentlemanly thing to do?

Perhaps, responded Paul now becoming irritated with the tone and direction of their conversation. In another time, and another place. But under our current circumstances, I didn’t wish to appear unappreciative and I naturally assumed that as a lady you also would not want to appear to be an insensitive guest. Then after a pause to look at his watch he continued as he rose from his chair.

It’s almost nine-thirty now, he said. I suggest we leave about ten. That should give you time to do whatever ladies do before setting off.

Their walk to the temple ruins was a quiet one with neither of them speaking. The only sounds to be heard were the sounds of nature and their footsteps on the dirt and gravel path that wound through the pine trees. When they arrived at the temple ruins, Victoria immediately found a place to sit on one of the remnants of an old column as Paul studied the remains of the ancient structure.

About 1,500 B.C., he said as he slowly circled the ruins. At least that’s my best guess. There’s not really much to go on.

Victoria didn’t know what she had expected when they had set off, but she had expected a bit more than a ten foot by twenty foot raised area with a very weathered stone perimeter. The only indication that there had ever been a structure above was a round piece of stone in one corner and six intersecting pieces of carved stone in an opposite corner. She assumed the round piece of stone had once been part of a column and the pieces of intersecting stonework to be the remnants of walls. The only vestige of a floor was the occasional piece of weathered cut stone interspersed between the layers of pine needles that had fallen over the many years.

She started to respond to Paul’s remark and then thought better of it. She had other things on her mind that were more important than a temple ruin.

Getting no response from Victoria, Paul found a stone block across from Victoria and sat down. As he gazed through the pine trees to the sea beyond, the temple ruins became forgotten as his thoughts once again returned to Andreas’ letter. There was a war going on, a war that everyone knew was not really over even though the Italians had been defeated. That’s why the dig at Pella had closed down and he was about to leave Greece. And while he knew the States would ultimately be involved, just like it had been during the last war, and he along with hundreds of thousands of other young men would have to answer the call of duty, he never dreamed that he would become involved so early and that his involvement would commence in Greece and that because of his involvement, the life of his friend’s sister might be in jeopardy.

Almost five minutes passed before Victoria, her anger now replaced with frustration, spoke for the first time since they had set off on their walk. Paul’s letter had mentioned their lives being in danger, but Mrs. Maristrides’ sudden appearance at the breakfast table had prevented any discussion.

Mr. Corbin, she finally said. Are you going to tell me what is going on? Considering what I read, I do think I am entitled to an explanation.

Paul hesitated before turning to face her and attempt to respond to her question. Had she not read his letter he would never have told her anything and she could have spent the remainder of her time in Greece in blissful ignorance. But, after her reading his letter he knew that not only did she deserve an explanation, like a terrier with a bone, she would not be content unless one was given in detail.

Slowly he nodded his head. I was thinking, he finally said. Sitting here in such a tranquil setting, that it’s hard to believe there’s a war going on and that we’re involved in it.

We! she exclaimed. Exactly how are WE involved in it? And why?

"It’s a rather long story Victoria and also a bit complicated

I think, in view of the circumstances, we have plenty of time for stories Paul, even long complex stories.

Including the preamble?

Mr. Corbin, why do I think you are attempting to avoid the issue?

I’m not attempting to avoid anything. I’m merely attempting to figure out how to begin.

I would think at the beginning, that’s what they always say.

OK, he said after several moments to collect his thoughts. "Some background. Greece is in a bit of turmoil and has been for quite some time. Perhaps that’s why the Italians decided to invade last October. At least that’s my take on the situation. I don’t know. Anyway, they invaded Greece and the Greek army not only halted the invasion, it chased the Italians all the way across Albania. For a while there was euphoria and all Greece seemed to be united and then reality set in. That’s when certain people, call them the powers that be, started to plan for the inevitable.

You see, it’s only a matter of time before the Germans come to the aid of their Italian friends and invade Greece. That’s why your uncle was sent here last December and why British forces have since moved into Greece. And, that’s why the powers that be started on a program to keep the countries priceless antiquities from being plundered. And that’s why we’re in the situation we’re in. At least that’s the background.

And exactly what situation are we in Paul? And what does the plundering of antiquities have to do with us? It was only the second time since breakfast that she had used his first name; but, unlike the first time which was ill-tempered, this time it was spoken with a twinge of anxiety. Paul, she continued. Why do I get the feeling again that there is something you don’t want to tell me?

Victoria, he replied after pausing for a moment to look out at the Aegean. When I met Andreas in Athens I knew nothing about any program to keep Greek antiquities from being plundered. I only learned about that last night. In anticipation of an invasion, priceless antiquities from all over the country are quietly being stored in secret hiding places. Andreas’ grandfather is the coordinator and for security purposes, everything has been very compartmentalized. Only one person had a listing of all the hiding places. Now there are two

When Victoria raised her hand to her mouth and whispered ‘oh my God’ Paul knew she had connected the dots.

I’m to deliver a list to a Professor Lalos at the American Hellenic Foundation in New York, he said. I guess Andreas thought I might refuse if he had asked me in Athens that’s why I was tricked into coming here. Like with, how could I refuse the most eminent archaeologist in Greece?

But how could anyone else know Paul. You, yourself, didn’t know anything until last night.

I’ve probably asked myself that question a thousand times Victoria, maybe more. All I can surmise is that it might be a case of bad arithmetic.

Victoria cocked her head slightly, asking the obvious question without speaking.

"The hiding of antiquities would be a huge undertaking requiring many people and many resources. In fact, the scope of things would be so great that absolute secrecy would have been impossible. That was why the need for compartmentalization. Obviously, word got out and the dots started to get connected. First Andreas. Then his father also an archaeologist. Then his grandfather. Then me. You’ve been seen in my company. I’ve been seen coming and going from your uncle’s house. If they’ve been inquiring about me and watching your uncle’s place, I know all the wrong conclusions have been drawn.

And there’s another reason, Paul continued after a long pause. Perhaps the biggest one of all. You see Victoria. Your uncle is more than just a General in His Majesties service. He is the head of British Military Intelligence here in Greece.

With that, Paul rose from where he was sitting and extended his hand to Victoria saying as he stood, All this storytelling is making me hungry. May we continue onward?

It had been against his better judgment, but he had told her the truth as he knew she had wanted him to do. Now, until they left Alonissos, he would only have to worry about what to do on an island where there wasn’t much to do.

Victoria shuddered as she took Paul’s outstretched hand.

As he had surmised, she had connected the dots as he had spoken. Priceless antiquities, any one of which would be worth a small fortune. And a list of the hiding places of several fortunes? Much better than a children’s story book about Pirates maps and buried treasure. More than enough to kill for. For the first time since she had been in Greece, she was afraid.

Chapter 2

Sunday Afternoon, April 6, 1941

Like their walk to the temple ruins, their walk to the village of Gerakas was a quiet one with neither of them speaking. Unlike their walk to the temple ruin, this time they both carried the joint burden of fear and danger. As they neared the village, the path through the pine trees began to thin and then gave way to the Bougainville trees as their path started a downward descent into the village.

Hmm, said Paul as they entered the village. By the looks of things, it doesn’t seem like we’ll need much time exploring.

Victoria surveyed the collection of small whitewashed buildings that climbed the hillside, but was more concerned about them being able to find their way back to the path to the ruins than exploring a village.

I would guess this would make any village in Cornwall seem a metropolis, he continued with a chuckle. "Probably take about five minutes to check it out.

Contrary to Paul’s facetious remark, it took more than five minutes to survey the village as they made their way along the dirt paths between the buildings. As they walked, Victoria looked for restaurants and when it became obvious that there were no restaurants to be seen, started to wonder if they had wasted their time coming here. It was only when they had reached the small harbor filled with scattered fishing boats, which had obviously seen better years, floating peacefully on calm azure colored water and Paul spotted four tables adjacent to an open door in a small building near the harbor edge that she learned otherwise.

Finally, he said as he pointed toward the tables. I think we’ve found our eating place. It may not be the Savoy but it’s probably the only game in town.

They had no sooner sat down at one of the tables when an old man appeared alongside their table. In what Victoria felt to be a long period of time, the man and Paul engaged in conversation. When the conversation was finished, Paul turned to Victoria and said, Our waiter has asked us to come into the kitchen to select what we want to eat, but I told him we would do that after we had something to drink.

The kitchen!

"I told you it wouldn’t be the Savoy.

Victoria looked at him in disbelief and started to say something about menus, but Paul had read her mind. As I said, it’s not the Savoy. But I think you’ll find the food pretty good. You’ll also probably discover that our friendly waiter is the cook as well as the proprietor.

Within moments the friendly waiter returned to their table with a carafe of wine and two glasses which he quickly proceeded to fill.

I hope you enjoy Retsina, said Paul as he raised his glass. It was the only game in town unless you wanted beer or water. And, inasmuch as you are supposed to be a lady, I didn’t think you would want a beer and you know what they always say about not drinking the water.

Victoria didn’t appreciate his remark about her being a lady and started to say something, but then thought better of it and instead proceeded to take a sip of wine from her glass.

Happy trails, he said as he joined her. Then noticing how she wrinkled her nose after taking a sip, he continued. An acquired taste is usually requisite but it goes well with their food, particularly the Dolmades.

I guess beggars can’t be choosers," she replied in a reluctant tone of voice.

Look, Victoria, he said softly while looking directly into her soft brown eyes. "I don’t like being stranded here any more than you do, but we can’t change what’s happened. What happened, happened, and is beyond our control. The only thing we can control to any extent now is the rest of our time in Greece. We’ve got a week ahead of us here and three more days in Athens before we leave and there are really only two things that we can do. We can choose to make our time miserable or we can choose to make the best of things. Personally, I’ve never seen the wisdom of making hardship a virtue or attempting to make life miserable. Life is just too short, so I suggest we call a truce and try to make the rest of our time here pleasant. With that, he raised his glass to his mouth once again; but, just as he took another sip of his wine he said to himself, ‘oh shit.’

And just what kind of things do you suggest we do to make the most of?

At the moment, he replied, hoping that his faux pas about them leaving Greece had gone unnoticed, I don’t have a clue what to do as we’ve both come here unprepared for a long stay; but, I’m still for making the best of the situation.

That sounds easier said than done.

Things are always easier said than done. Now, with the benefit of a hundred percent hindsight, if I’d known we’d be here a week, I’d probably have brought along something to read.

If I knew we were going to be here a week, I wouldn’t be here.

I guess some people just don’t have any sense of adventure, he chuckled. We’ve got a whole island to tour. Not a big one according to Andreas. It’s only about three miles wide and twelve long. We could probably walk it all in a week.

Surely you are jesting, said Victoria while giving him a look that told him she thought he had lost all his marbles.

You asked what kind of things we should make the most of. I’ve noticed some secluded beach areas as we walked here. We could have a picnic and go for a swim.

We can forget that one as I didn’t bring my bathing costume.

Well, we could always go skinny dipping. I promise I won’t look unless you want me to.

Mr. Corbin, she said with exasperation. I’m not sure I appreciate your sense of humor."

Oh well, he responded. I’m just trying to be facetious. Perhaps when you get to know me better you’ll appreciate my humor. With that, he rose and said, Why don’t we go and check out the kitchen.

Their adventure in the kitchen to select something to eat was not quite the traumatic experience that Victoria had conjured up in her mind, yet she was still glad to return to their table. When they were both seated once again, Paul picked up his glass of wine and took another sip and then said, "Well, since you’re not interested in long walks or a nice dip in the Aegean, I guess we’re reduced to just sitting around eating, drinking and maybe telling each other stories.