He Was There: A Novel of Danger and Destiny

By Christina Dooley

An arranged marriage, a wartime struggle, a once-beautiful impoverished land… will the Stavrolaki family be shattered or persevere by supporting one another?  From the everyday to the dramatic, Greek island culture in the 1900s brought laughter and tears, hard work and celebration, historic significance and passion for life.  Es

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christina Dooley
• Release date: Nov 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781734039054

Book preview

Chapter 1

Nikolas Stavrolaki dismounted from his horse and took a deep breath of the brisk sea air. The ocean waves on the north shore of Crete were calm and rhythmical, lulling to sleep the builders taking their afternoon rest under the nearby tree. He gave his horse some water after the long journey from his hometown of Lithos and then walked towards the nearly-completed structure.

They had made great progress. In his mind, he could already smell his grandmother’s famous moussaka [casserole of seasoned potato, tomato, eggplant and sometimes meat], lemon chicken, and baklava for dessert. Combine those with fish grilled straight from the sea, a beautiful view of the ocean and close proximity to the ancient Minoan ruins, and he was sure to have a successful taverna [casual restaurant].

Karidia at the beginning of 1935 was a sparsely-populated paradise, with only about three villas spread out within the region. They were mostly used as summer homes for residents of the big city of Heraklion, about two hours west by wagon. Both the area and the endeavor were a departure from the agricultural community of Nikolas’ family about an hour inland, to the south. The mountainous terrain did not make travel between the towns and villages easy, but his excitement grew as he dreamed of all the possibilities in this new venture.

As he walked down to the sandy beach, he wondered if his little brother would have been proud of him or thought he was a little lofty in the head. He probably would have thought that Nikolas already had enough to manage with his hauling business, as well as his growing produce for the market. How he missed his brother who was also his best friend. Many years ago he had passed away of pneumonia as a twelve-year old boy. His grandmother and father were unquestionably supportive. His mother— well, she was complicated.

Should be ready on Saturday, said the contractor, walking up behind him, but it will need a few days after that for the plaster on the inside walls and maybe even some of the cement holding the stones together on the outside to set completely. Nikolas was elated, Thank you! I will bring the final payment in a couple of days when it is done. They shook hands, and Nikolas rode away to check on the crops in one of his fields nearby.

Arianna Kazandaki continued to crochet. She wished there was enough light in the cellar to read. She had only attended school for about a year, but thanks to her grandfather’s teaching, her reading had gotten much better. She really should be outside with her older brother Konstantine, planting the vegetables for the market and for her parents and ten siblings.

It was silly really. Why would her presence jeopardize negotiations between her older sister and her suitor? Arianna had been told that she is beautiful, but this seemed a little ridiculous. And why was it so important that the older daughter be married first, although Arianna had no desire to get married yet. Her mother had been married at fourteen years old. She was lucky to be several years older than that and still free.

It was hard for her to sit still when there was daylight remaining and work to be done. After a while, she started to feel a little uncomfortable. She thought to herself, How much longer? There is no bathroom down here.

She tried to concentrate on the crochet pattern that she was experimenting with. She was fascinated with creating new designs. Mother had always told her she was like Konstantine in her ability to put things together in new ways. Konstantine was architecturally creative as a craftsman and stonemason.

They were also alike in their work ethic. With their two oldest brothers in Heraklion running a building materials business, their father working as town mayor, butcher and shoemaker and their mother operating the café and taking care of the large household, the care of their many fields primarily fell to Konstantine, herself and her younger brother Antonios. I’m surprised Kosta hasn’t come to my rescue, she muttered under her breath.

Finally the cellar door opened, You can come up now— your sister is engaged! squealed her mother. "Endaxi [Okay]!" Arianna ran up the cellar stairs and straight to the outhouse in their courtyard.

On Saturday Nikolas, his father and grandmother journeyed with excitement to the new taverna. When do you think you will open? his father asked. Nikolas replied, I think next weekend. I have to go to Heraklion to pick up the several dozen place settings that I ordered. We can bring the furniture and cookware sometime next week, and then we should be set. He thought a minute and continued, I am not sure how much business we will have at the end of February, but I am too excited to show off Grandmother Georgia’s legendary food to put off the opening until spring. Nikolas smiled at his grandmother, who patted his hand fondly.

While Nikolas completed the transaction with the builders, his father and grandmother walked around and started cleaning. Later, Nikolas joined them and said, "After we open, I can gradually bring my stuff into the living quarters below the taverna and move out from your place in Lithos, Grandmother. The builders did a really fine job finishing everything like I wanted it. As he said that, he thought it was almost too good to be true. I’m proud of you, Niko, encouraged his grandmother. I couldn’t do it without you," he told her gratefully.

Monday around three o’clock in the morning there was a sudden sound like a rumble of thunder and a violent shaking. Nikolas jumped out of bed and ran to check on his grandmother, who was already on her feet. "Panayia mou [my Virgin Mary]!" she said as they ran outside. Nikolas’ mother, father and younger sister emerged from the adjacent house.

After a while, the earthquake stopped, although they themselves were all still shaking. Nearly the whole village was outside asking if everyone was okay. A few had found lanterns and were checking for major damage. Nikolas looked towards Karidia. If he could go check… but no, he wouldn’t risk it for the safety of his horse. The village would have some repair work to do, but nothing that couldn’t wait until morning. Nikolas wondered if he could sleep.

The next morning confirmed his fear— not his worst, since there were no deaths or major injuries in the area— but his new taverna by the sea had been leveled to the ground. He wandered around the rubble. They hadn’t furnished and stocked the taverna or the living area yet, but he would have to start building all over again. He examined several of the stones. Some may be salvaged.

Nikolas briefly wondered if the earthquake was a sign of his dreams becoming bigger than reality. But then he pictured families and friends having a great time with good food, music and swimming at the beach. No, he knew this was a sound business enterprise and something he would really enjoy.

He thought about the building’s position near the edge of the six-meter cliff leading down to the ocean. He may need to consult with more experts to make sure every precaution is taken structurally for rebuilding. But first he would have to strategize about his income.

Arianna’s oldest brothers, Petros and Markos Kazandaki, left their business in Heraklion for a few days and traveled to Prasinos Kampos to check on the family after the earthquake. They were relieved to find everyone okay and only minor repairs needed at their home.

So the brothers joined their father in checking on all the residents in the area. They chuckled that even in a time of crisis, their father the mayor, meticulous with tradition and proprieties, was dressed in the traditional Greek pantaloons, ornate vest, bright sash and cap. They made their rounds, helping their neighbors, starting with the widows and the elderly. Although their father sometimes protested the position that he never sought (as every year he was elected by acclamation), he did the job well since he genuinely cared for people.

After a long day, the mayor returned with some neighbors that they had found to be in need. My lady, I trust you have plenty of bread, as usual, he addressed his wife. Yes, my lord, she replied respectfully. It was not uncommon for her to bake sixty to seventy loaves of bread to be able to share meals with neighbors, family or those passing through. They gathered around the large table, gave the Lord thanks and caught up on all the news.

After they reported to the others that they had found some earthquake damage but for the most part had been lucky, the brothers from out of town congratulated their oldest sister on her upcoming wedding. Markos admired the ornately woven basket their mother brought in with fresh homemade bread. One of Arianna’s new creations, their mother said. To which Petros replied, You know it’s these little touches that we are missing in the city. Our business has grown, and we are getting more involved in the community. We need to entertain more, but Markos and I find ourselves pretty helpless in domestic areas. Father, what would you think of allowing one of our sisters to live with us in Heraklion?

Konstantine spoke up, You can’t have Arianna; she is my right-hand girl. He winked at her and she smiled. His father looked at his daughters thoughtfully. He was about to lose one to marriage and couldn’t quite accept the idea of letting another go just yet. We will think about it. There is still a lot of work to be done. Konstantine may be needed more with stonework damaged by the earthquake, leaving more to be done in the fields. We will see. Arianna thought to herself, I wonder if I would like big city life.

Since the scattered stones were unsightly and he didn’t know if the government would permit him to delay very long, Nikolas felt the pressure to rebuild the taverna. But he considered how he would pay for the materials and labor all over again. His mother had a lot of money, but a loan from her was not an option in his mind.

Nikolas pondered, Grandmother, what would you think of starting a smaller restaurant temporarily? There is a place for rent across the road from my vegetable field to the east, not too far from here but on the other side of the Minoan ruins. It’s not right along the beach, but we can fix it up quickly and maybe have a small room in which to stay in case we serve late. We can use the fresh vegetables from the garden across the road, and maybe I can buy a boat and find fishermen willing to split the catch. Georgia mulled it over and said, I think that is a good idea. We can start slowly and see how it goes.

Nikolas began to set his plan in motion. It was not difficult to find a boat and fishermen to partner with. The restaurant took more time to get in order, but he worked hard and was able to open it for the peak summer season. Although it was small, with the location near the Minoan ruins and his grandmother’s sumptuous recipes, the venue started to prosper.

When things ran smoothly at the temporary restaurant, he began to turn his attention to rebuilding the taverna. One fall day Nikolas decided to take a trip to Prasinos Kampos, about a kilometer east of his hometown of Lithos. There was always a little friendly rivalry between this village and his, but there was a stoneworker of high repute there. Getting his dream on firm footing was worth any funny looks he may get by being there.

Nikolas was directed to the café in the square to find Konstantine Kazandaki. The stonemason was resting at a table outside, with his tools set aside and a komboloi in his hand. A young girl from the village ran up and asked him, Why do you play with that? It almost looks like a necklace. Konstantine smiled, "These are my worry beads. As I move them with my fingers, my worries go plop! All gone." She laughed and ran to play with some other children.

Are you Konstantine Kazandaki? Nikolas asked. That’s me, Konstantine answered. Nikolas introduced himself and explained his project and predicament. You may need more support beams. I can come out and help and you can pay me when you can, said Konstantine. Nikolas was relieved, I am a man of my word and will pay you in installments as quickly as I am able. We can put a schedule in writing.

Kosta! Nikolas heard from behind. He turned and looked over his shoulder and saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, standing with a large basket at a distance. My sister, Arianna, Konstantine explained. Time to exchange these stone working tools for harvesting shears. The men arranged a time to meet in Karidia and said their goodbyes.

Nikolas stood there a few minutes, a little stunned. Up until then he had been so focused on his businesses that he usually didn’t notice women, but he couldn’t get Arianna out of his mind. He suddenly became more determined to make a success of things.

Chapter 2

A year later, Nikolas’ businesses were thriving. He wished he had thought of the fishing boat idea earlier— it brought in profits as well as fresh fish for the restaurant. The horses and wagons for hauling produce, wine or olive oil to market were contracted to laborers who could hardly keep up with the demands. The temporary restaurant had taken off, and his grandmother’s cooking became famous in the area. Some had even visited from Heraklion, so word was starting to spread there too.

Best of all, the restaurant by the sea was completed. This time as he made the final payment, he said a quick prayer acknowledging his dependence on God and asking for His protection and blessing. As he reflected over his life— his brother dying of pneumonia, his grandfather and aunt dying of the flu, how his mother had changed after that and her own issues as a young girl, how he broke his back in his youth after a wheel fell off his wagon, the earthquake… so much was out of his control. Yet he was alive, had the ability to work hard, and God willing, would persevere, trying to keep a positive outlook even through the tough times.

The next summer, Antonios and Arianna picked figs in one of their distant groves. They had been harvesting since morning, and Arianna was grateful for the shade from the fig trees and the mountainous cliff behind them. She was not looking forward to picking grapes in the hot August sun in the coming weeks.

Konstantine rode up to them and dismounted, Looks like a good time for a break. You’ve done more than I expected! They didn’t argue. As Arianna passed some bread and figs to her brothers, Konstantine teased, "Hmm, I could use some of your good spanakopita [spinach and feta cheese baked in fillo dough] to go with this. Arianna countered, And when would I have time to make that, since I am slaving out here all day? Konstantine replied, I have seen you handle many more things at once than that. Should be no problem for you, Miss Energy."

Antonios begged, Please don’t talk about foods we can’t eat during the fast. The Greek Orthodox Church observed the death of Virgin Mary in the middle of August and fasted from dairy, sweets and meat during the first two weeks of the month. Did you get the extra workers lined up to help us pick the grapes? Antonios asked Konstantine. Yes, Konstantine assured him, but since you two don’t seem to need my help, I’d better go get a team together for making the raisins. Thanks for the snack!

As Konstantine put one foot in the stirrup, a stray dog suddenly barked loudly from behind him on the rocky hill. The mule jumped in fear and tore off running with Konstantine’s foot caught in the stirrup, dragging him behind. Whoa! Konstantine yelled and tried to reach up and grab the reins. He tried to loosen his foot from the stirrup. KOSTA! Arianna screamed, terror filling her whole being.

Antonios ran to try to catch the mule, but it was already far ahead of him. Antonios shouted back to Arianna, Go get help! Arianna ran as fast as she could back to the village. Konstantine kept trying to calm the mule but he could barely speak from being dragged a horrifying distance over rough terrain.

After what seemed like an eternity, the mule slowed a little. Konstantine was able to release his foot from the stirrup, but he twisted free within the mule’s path, and the mule’s hind legs stomped heavily onto Konstantine’s stomach. Antonios’ heart went from panic to dread.

He reached his brother, who was curled up in pain and barely conscious but moaning softly. It’s going to be okay— help is coming, Antonios tried to soothe him in spite of his own fear.

A few minutes later they heard a horse and wagon racing towards them. Their father, mother, uncle and Arianna jumped out of the wagon and ran to Konstantine on the ground. Oh, my baby! his mother cried out. It’s bad, Antonios said. We need to take him to the hospital right now.

They lifted him carefully into the wagon and traveled as fast as they could the fifteen kilometers to Heraklion. Arianna and her mother used pieces of cloth to stop the bleeding from cuts all over his body. As they would hit bumps in the road, Konstantine would scream out in pain. It’s his stomach, Antonios explained.

They finally reached the hospital. The doctor examined him and did not have good news. He has massive internal bleeding. I don’t think there is a lot we can do. Arianna and her mother started sobbing, their hopes deflating. Can you do something, surgery? his father asked. We can try, but it’s risky, the doctor warned. Antonios, go get Petros and Markos, his father directed. Let me go, said the uncle, already walking towards the door.

After some discussion, the family opted for surgery, and each said a comforting word to Konstantine. Arianna pleaded, You cannot leave us, fight hard. The family members could hardly sit still as they waited and prayed during the operation.

After the long surgery, the doctor informed the family that they had taken out Konstantine’s appendix, but he also had a perforated small intestine. They repaired it as well as they could, but the damage was extensive and there was also risk of infection. They sat with him a while and then came up with a schedule to take turns staying with him, but Arianna wouldn’t leave his side.

Days after the surgery, he started to develop abdominal swelling and a high fever. He called Arianna over to him, I’m sorry to leave you with so much work to be done. You will be the oldest in the home now, and I know you can handle the responsibility. You have been my right hand and my best friend. Such beauty and so capable… Don’t cry for me, I am going to a better place. Carry on and make me proud. Arianna cried softly and said, You have been everything to me. I don’t want to see you go, but I don’t want you to worry. I will do my best for the family to make you proud of me.

They called for a priest to give Konstantine his last communion. The next day, with all his family gathered around, Arianna heard him whispering, Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary, praise Him in His mighty heavens. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Then Konstantine breathed his last breath. Arianna let out a small scream and sobbed. His mother started wailing. His father held his hand and quietly whispered, "Take care of him, Christe," as he choked back tears.

Nikolas had made a name for himself, although not really by choice. He enjoyed making his big dreams a reality, even if it took working from sunup to sundown. He had acquired more fields in addition to his other businesses. He was friendly, well respected and well liked. He was teased sometimes during times of celebration when he decorated his horse and wagon with things like beads and flowers. Maybe that was a little much when not everyone had a horse, but as he looked out at the ocean from the taverna, he knew that he admired beauty and wanted to enjoy life.

He became aware of the time and got a little nervous. A friend had told him that he and an acquaintance of his from another village were going to come by the taverna with his daughter that he wanted Nikolas to meet. They were all to come in the middle of the afternoon when business slowed so they could talk at leisure. Nikolas hastened to make sure everything was in order.

At last they came, and he welcomed them warmly. His grandmother served a few mezethes [appetizers] and wine while they sat out on the balcony overlooking the ocean. It’s really beautiful here, Barbara began. Thank you, Nikolas said, The ocean is calm today; sometimes it can get a little rough. Barbara was certainly pretty, but he wondered how she would weather life’s turbulent waters. Maybe he was judging too prematurely by her delicate, unspoiled hands and complexion.

They visited until the early evening crowd started coming in. The guests from the other village said their thanks and goodbyes, while Nikolas’ friend stayed behind a few moments. Well, what do you think? he asked Nikolas in private. He replied, She seems like a very nice girl, but I don’t think there was a real connection. I can’t really explain it. But thank you, I enjoyed meeting them and had a good time. You are a good catch, but don’t be too picky or wait too long, his friend advised as he departed.

Nikolas couldn’t explain it to his friend, but earlier as they were all talking, Arianna’s face came to his mind. He hadn’t seen or thought about her in a long time. He had heard of Konstantine’s sudden and tragic death and grieved for her. He knew the pain of losing a brother who was also a close friend. He had wanted to go to Konstantine’s funeral, but he didn’t know him that well and didn’t want to intrude on the family.

He then heard that Arianna had gone to Heraklion to keep house for her older brothers. Why should he think of her now when he would probably never see her again? He shook her from his mind and went to help his grandmother serve the customers.

Arianna was fascinated with the city. There was so much more to see and do, and the daily tasks were a lot less physically taxing than work in the fields. She quickly learned that her brothers were well respected in the community. And for a month now, she had been a help to them— ironing their shirts, cooking and cleaning. It was good for her to have a change after Konstantine died. Her brothers tried to coax her lively spirit back as much as they could, but she didn’t think she would ever have the same zest for life after losing her beloved Kosta.

One evening, Antonios came from the village into the city. He joined his older brothers at a restaurant in Heraklion for a dinner with some businessmen. After introductions were made, they sat down for the meal. They spoke of family, business and politics. Have you heard of this guy named Hitler in Germany? one of the businessmen asked. Yes, another answered, not sure what he is up to. It seems like he’s one that should be watched.

After the three brothers returned to Petros’ home, they sat with Arianna in the living room. Antonios disclosed the reason for his visit. You know Dorothea as the next oldest has helped me in the fields some. But she has been getting a skin rash from the sun. They have tried different things to treat and prevent it, but she is really uncomfortable. I think you have enjoyed it here, Arianna, and I hate to ask this, but is there any way you can change places with her and come back to help me with the harvests and planting? Arianna’s heart sank in disappointment, but she thought of her promise to Konstantine. I’ll go if that is really what is needed of me, she said.

Arianna was home before the end of the grape harvest in early fall. She joined in the reaping with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. There was a young man named Vasilis, a friend of her cousin, who especially seemed intent on making her laugh. She found that she enjoyed working with him. They took breaks with the others under the shade tree.

After the grapes were picked, Arianna did not see Vasilis in October during the pomegranate and fall vegetable gathering. But in November during the olive picking, he and her cousin were both back to help. He worked up in the trees with the men. With sticks they knocked the olives down to the blanket below for the women to gather them. At times, the ladies grabbed the edges of the blanket and carefully flung it up in the air so the leaves would blow away, leaving the olives on the blanket.

During breaks, Vasilis again tried to charm Arianna. She was used to men trying to capture her attention and flatter her. Most of them seemed insincere and more interested in themselves. But Vasilis seemed genuinely nice, and she was in good spirits because of the cooler autumn winds.

Over the next few months, Vasilis thought of Arianna. Conscious of customs prohibiting direct interaction, he enlisted her cousin to send several messages and coordinate a few escorted accidental encounters with Arianna.

In the early spring, Arianna’s cousin approached her privately. How would you feel if Vasilis’ family went to your parents about arranging a marriage with you? She thought for a moment, pondering her desire for independence. But she wasn’t entirely unfettered at home, and Vasilis was handsome and the nicest young man she had met. At last she said, I think I would like that. It didn’t take Arianna long to begin to dream happily of her new life with Vasilis.

Nikolas knew that Arianna was back in Prasinos Kampos. He also knew that she was the prettiest girl in the area and that other men would be trying to arrange a match with her. If he was going to approach the family, he had better do it now. He wasn’t sure of his chances. They would probably prefer someone they knew better from their own village, but then again, he had done pretty well for himself, so maybe… He couldn’t get Arianna out of his mind, so he had to at least try to pursue a relationship with her.

Having made his resolve, Nikolas almost wished he could immediately appeal to Arianna’s father. But on the other hand, the culture’s tradition of using the subtle intimations of go-betweens could protect his feelings, should he be rejected as an outsider from a disregarded town.

As he considered what he thought was his biggest impediment, he remembered that Arianna’s Aunt Alexandra also lived in his hometown. While he did not know her too well, her intervention could help to bridge the rift between the two villages. As for his side of the negotiations, although he was close to his father, maybe he was a little too close. This bond, along with a little Greek fervor, could make the situation too volatile. His Uncle Elias would be a more suitable advocate.

Uncle Elias was a shepherd of his own large flock of sheep. Even though he could have been resented by jealous neighbors for having gone to America in his younger years, Elias was so gentle and kind that he was well regarded. He cared for his sheep and even more for people. He loved to roam the countryside with his flock, gaze at the earth in its stillness and daydream. His temperament would be perfect to represent Nikolas.

Nikolas lost no time in searching out his Uncle Elias. After finding him and exchanging a few pleasantries, Nikolas revealed his heart’s desire. His uncle looked at Nikolas searchingly. Are you sure that is what you want, my boy? She is beautiful, to be sure, but do you know her character well enough to unite your life with hers and even lay down your own if necessary?

Nikolas respected the wisdom in his uncle’s question and thoughtfully answered, I don’t know her as well as I would like, but I have seen her loving loyalty to her family. She seemed to handle tragic grief without bitterness, sacrificed her own dreams for the needs of her loved ones, worked harder in the fields than I have seen some men do and had a twinkle in her eye in teasing her brother, showing a sense of humor that can be valuable in a life partner. I would love the opportunity to gain her respect as her husband. Uncle Elias smiled, Quite a speech… After they both chuckled, Uncle Elias slapped him on the back and promised, I will do what I can to help you.

It was agony waiting over the next weeks for Uncle Elias to inform him of how he fared with Arianna’s Aunt Alexandra. Nikolas tried to distract himself with work, but after a little while even his laborers began to look at him funny. He decided to take a swim to clear his head. Spring had barely begun so the ocean waves were cold and invigorating. He felt so insignificant in its vastness, yet a calm sense of purpose settled over him. He left his destiny in the hands of a very big and capable God.

Unbeknownst to Nikolas, Uncle Elias had already had an effective meeting with Aunt Alexandra. He was presently working on the next stage of conversations. Uncle Elias and Aunt Alexandra intended to approach Antonios as Arianna’s eldest brother in the home.

When the time with Antonios had been successfully arranged, the two matchmakers praised Nikolas’ hard work and successes as well as his unselfish devotion to Arianna. Antonios asked several questions and then requested time to consider it and speak to his parents. They agreed on a future appointment for continued discussion.

One afternoon, Uncle Elias came with his flock of sheep to visit with Nikolas at the taverna. Nikolas brought him a glass of water and joined him outside under the shade tree. Seeing the anxiety on Nikolas’ face, Uncle Elias sought to put him at ease, We have a meeting with Arianna’s father on Sunday afternoon. Nikolas was surprised and relieved, How…?

Elias explained that he had met with her Aunt Alexandra and that they both had met with Arianna’s brother Antonios a couple of times. Nikolas peppered him with questions, and after answering them, Elias said, You have found favor, my boy. Now her father wants to meet you before it is finally decided.

A little apprehensively, Nikolas, accompanied by his Uncle Elias, called upon Arianna’s father the next Sunday afternoon. The mayor had heard quite a bit about Nikolas but now with Nikolas’ petition sought to understand his character. They sat for an hour discussing life, goals, family and business.

When the older man perceived Nikolas to be humble, respectful and God-fearing, he asked what Nikolas would require as a dowry. Nikolas replied, I really don’t want anything. I would be more than blessed to have your daughter as my wife. Arianna’s father insisted, I must provide a wedding gift. Is there a piece of land that you have had your eye on?

Nikolas said, "There is a villa across the road pretty near the taverna that is for sale. I would like to have a place for my family that is separate from the business. If you like, I could pay for half and if you wanted to contribute half, we can put the deed in Arianna’s name as a present for her." The mayor, appreciating his unselfishness, agreed to the gift and to the match. Nikolas felt his heart take flight as they shook hands and said goodbye.

I can’t believe you have done this to me, Arianna shouted at her father and mother. You didn’t consult me at all— I don’t even know who he is! Her mother tried to soothe her, Your father has spent some time with him. He is of good character, has many respectable businesses and seems to really care about you.

You don’t understand, Arianna countered, Vasilis is who I want to marry. Vasilis? Do you know him so well as to defy your father’s wishes? her mother asked. I spent some time with him during harvests and, anyway, I know him better than this stranger, Arianna answered, completely frustrated. Her father spoke up, Vasilis is a nice young man who may do well for himself, but Nikolas is already established. Regardless, I have given my word.

Arianna, sobbing, stormed out of the room. She thought about appealing to her older brothers in the city, but she knew their sense of loyalty to their father and the family name. If only Konstantine… She grieved afresh at the loss of her older brother and best friend.

Her mother sought her out several minutes later, I’m sorry, Arianna. But it is a woman’s duty to follow her family’s wishes. Your father has given his word and you know how his honor rests on this. A God-fearing man who will provide for his family— what more do you need? You will learn to love him, as I did with your father. Arianna objected, It is so unfair. I will never force my daughter to marry any man she doesn’t want to.

Nikolas’ mother had one purpose in her visit to the Kazandaki family— to secure for her son more riches than he had asked for. She had never really understood Nikolas and his selflessness. The history of Crete with its various conquerors was such that you took what you could before someone else took it from you, at least from her perspective. She and her son may not have been close, but her own family pride was at stake, and she could be a force to be reckoned with.

Immediately after she introduced herself at their home, she demanded, What are you going to do for my son? Arianna’s father was taken aback, "We have agreed to an