Of Gods, Kings and Heroes: Christopher’S Journey

By Christine Paraskeva and Rachael Kingsford

Of Gods, Kings and Heroes is a detailed telling of the links between history and family, written with affection and insight. This book explores the triumphs and truths of Greek Cypriot history whilst relating the contemporary story of Christopher whose experience on visiting the land of his forebears is touched by myth and mystery. A book for those who appreciate the power of great ancestral stories told within the folds of family life today.Ann Rennie

The last thing Christopher saw was a golden hawk.Then, he was centuries away from home.

At eleven years of age, Christopher Nikitas thought his greatest challenge would be convincing his parents to allow him to walk to and from school without his yiayia, his Greek Cypriot grandmother.

What he didnt count on was being thrust back in time, when Cyprus was divided into ten kingdoms, to carry out the legends of his ancestors: King Evagoras I, King Nicocles and King Pnytagoras II.

Through this journey of self-discovery, Christopher will uncover what it means to live a legacy and begin to question the meaning of life ...

What is real? What is truth? What is a good life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Feb 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504306843

Christine Paraskeva

CHRISTINE PARASKEVA was born in Lemesos, Cyprus, and migrated with her family to Australia. She studied at the University of Melbourne and holds a mathematics degree and a master’s in education. A dedicated lover of history and philosophy. Christine aims to inspire young people to learn more about their family history and cultural identity.

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Copyright © 2017 By Christine Paraskeva.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Illustrated by Rachael Kingsford

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

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ISBN: 978-1-5043-0683-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-0684-3 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date: 02/23/2017

Contents

Acknowledgements

Eυχαριστίες

Prologue: The Field of Dreams

1. Battleground: Hawthorn—Present Day

2. The Pilgrimage

Story 1: The Kingdom of Salamis

3. Prince Nicocles—392 BC

4. Grace and Honour in Defeat—390–381 BC

5. The Heroes’ Return—381 BC

6. Time for Reckoning—Present Day

7. Presence of Mind—Present Day

Story 2: Maria, Anna, and Luke—1974

8. The Englezi

9. Friday’s Joy Ends in Saturday’s Tears—1974

10. Escape from Exile—1974

11. Bonds that Bind—1975

12. The Reunion with Luke—Present Day

Story 3: Tinos and Elena—The Roman Era, AD 57

13. Over the Edge

14. Elymas’s Revenge—AD 57

15. The Circle Closes—Present Day

Story 4: The Kingdom of Salamis—The Hellenic Era, 333 BC.

16. The Dawn of Liberation

Epilogue: The Journey Back

Hellas

Greek Words and Phrases

Dedicated to my children and grandchildren.

Image02MapofCyprus.tif

Acknowledgements

O f Gods, Kings, and Heroes is a work of fiction inspired by true stories of yesteryear. While the places in Cyprus, facts, and characters relating to its history are true, the plot and the characters from the modern era are imaginary; the exception being my cousin Irakli and his kafenio. The man, his deeds, and his spirit are forever emblazoned deep in my soul and forever in the hearts of those of us fortunate enough to have known him and thus touched by his love, generosity, and kindness.

If asked to acknowledge those special in your life, who would come to mind for you? My sister Doris’s mantra is to take every opportunity to express thanks to all who have positively affected you in some way. She is the first I express my thanks to for being my lifelong harbour. Thank you for your presence in my life and always being there for me.

To my parents, Stratis and Chrystala Mitas, the bravest, the most loving, and the humblest people I know. You left your homeland, your family, and loved ones behind for a new land with different customs and language with four children in tow. We, your children, are the people we have become today thanks to your adventurous spirits, the pride in your Hellenic heritage, and the sacrifices you made for all of us throughout our lives. You both never cease to amaze us with your wisdom, tenacity, and unending capacity for love and compassion. You have taught us that God and family are the crux of life and that hard work and good food are integral to a productive and healthy existence, but more important, to have compassion and love for others. Your kindness towards strangers and love for your fellow people were not shallow words but daily deeds that we learnt to live by. Your door was always open, and our home and meals were shared with anyone who needed food or shelter. You taught us that life was not about talking about ideals and beliefs but about living them. You taught us that people mattered, not money or possessions.

To my remarkable brother, John, and my amazing sisters—Kathy, Doris, and Helen—we not only share DNA, we have shared the best of times and the worst of times. Ours was not a pampered childhood, but we had our loving parents and each other. Thank you so much for your support and unconditional love. To my sister-in-law, Mary, and brothers-in-law—Michael, Marios, and Jon—you are all proof of how intelligent and, to some degree, how undeniably lucky my siblings are to have such wonderful people in their lives. Thank you to my superb nieces and nephews; I treasure and love you all dearly. Thank you to your spouses and beautiful children, who I had in mind when I wrote this story.

Thank you to my dear friends Rosie and Monica. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you Barb and Emma, my steadfast friends and supporters in life. Thank you especially Rachael Kingsford, artist extraordinaire, for your magnificent illustrations throughout this book and your belief in my story. To Virginia Curtis, my editor from afar, and Ann Rennie, thank you for your positive input and suggestions. As a teacher, I am privileged to work with young people who help to keep me grounded, humble, and in touch with my youth. Tharidi, especially thank you for your interest and support of my story from conception.

Thank you to my husband’s beautiful family who live in Cyprus. Thank you to my much-revered mother-in-law, formidable father-in-law, God rest his soul, and my adorable brothers-in-law and their families. In reconnecting with our heritage, we have found the most important part of Cyprus is all of you, our family.

To my greatest accomplishments—my children, James and Estelle—you two are the meaning of my life. You are my 42. I facetiously take total credit for all that you are and all that you have become, but I know God would not take too kindly to that untruth. The hand of God has touched and blessed you both. Basically, since your dad and I fumbled our way through as parents, it can be the only feasible explanation of how you both turned out so well. I am so proud of both of you and love you endlessly. You are both the kindest, smartest, and most genuine people I know.

James, my son, even in your imperfections you are perfect. Nobody holds a candle to you. We, your family, are so blessed and lucky to have you in our lives. James, thank you for meeting Jen and being astute enough to recognise what an amazing person she truly is and holding on tight to realize your dreams together. Jen, your intelligence and capacity for love is astounding. We are so grateful and think ourselves extremely lucky that you are part of our family and thank God and both of you for the miracle of our grandchildren. They are a living testament to their extraordinary parents. Christopher and Elena, this story is for you, my darlings.

Estelle, you are my shining light, my way out of the darkness. Your gifts of pure love and empathy are remarkable. I am fortunate to share in your brilliance. Thank you for being in my life and guiding me with your wisdom and inner light. Shine bright and strong, sweetheart. Your companion’s traits are a reflection of what characteristics you prize most in people: a true heart, loyalty, kindness and courage to overcome all that you are dealt with in life. May you and Christopher be blessed with love, harmony and joy.

To Christaki, my best friend and confidante, this isn’t the place to say all that you mean to me, but you have inspired me to be the best person I can be and always supported me and had faith that I can do anything once I put my mind to it. I love you.

Eυχαριστίες

‘ Τ ων Θεών και Βασιλέων’ αποτελεί ένα έργο φαντασίας εμπνευσμένο από αληθινές ιστορίες των περασμένων εποχών. Ενώ οι τοποθεσίες είναι στην Κύπρο, τα γεγονότα και οι χαρακτήρες που συσχετίζονται με την ιστορία του είναι πραγματικοί, η πλοκή και οι λοιποί χαρακτήρες από την σύγχρονη εποχή είναι φανταστικοί, με εξαίρεση τον ξάδελφος μου Ηρακλή και το καφενείο του. Ο άνθρωπος, οι πράξεις του, και το πνεύμα του έχουν χαραχθεί δια παντός βαθιά στην ψυχή μου, καθώς και στις ψυχές αυτών που ήμασταν τυχεροί αρκετά να τον έχουμε γνωρίσει και, συνεπώς, να μας έχει αγγίξει η αγάπη, γεναιοδωρία και η καλοσύνη του.

Αν σας ζητούσαν να ευχαριστήσετε εκείνους τους ξεχωριστούς ανθρώπους της ζωής σας, ποιοί θα σας έρχονταν κατά νου;

Το ορόσημο της αδελφής μου της Δώρας είναι να δράττουμε κάθε ευκαιρία έκφρασης των ευχαριστιών μας σε οτιδήποτε μας έχει αγγίξει με οποιονδήποτε τρόπο. Είναι η πρώτη που εκφράζω τις ευχαριστίες μου γιατί έχει υπάρξει το λιμάνι μου καθ΄ όλη τη διάρκεια της ζωής μου. Σε ευχαριστώ για την παρουσία σου στη ζωή μου και που πάντα ήσουν εδώ για εμένα.

Τους γονείς μου Στρατή και Χρυστάλλα Μίτα, οι πιο γενναίοι, πιο εγκάρδιοι και πιο ταπεινοί άνθρωποι που γνωρίζω. Αφήσατε την πατρίδα σας, την οικογένεια και τους αγαπημένους σας πίσω για μια νέα γη με διαφορετικά έθιμα και γλώσσα, και με τέσσερα παιδιά από πίσω. Εμείς, τα παιδιά σας, γίναμε οι άνθρωποι αυτοί που είμαστε σήμερα, χάριν του περιπετειώδους σας πνεύματος, της υπερηφάνειας για την Ελληνικής κληρονομιά σας, και των θυσιών που έχετε κάνει για όλους μας καθ’ όλη τη ζωή μας. Πάντοτε καταφέρνετε να μας καταπλήσσετε και οι δυο σας με τη σοφία και την επιμονή σας, καθώς και την αστείρευτη δυνατότητα για αγάπη και συμπόνια. Μας έχετε διδάξει ότι ο Θεός και η οικογένεια είναι οι πυρήνες της ζωής, και ότι η σκληρή δουλειά και η καλή τροφή είναι άκαιρα κομμάτια για μια παραγωγική και υγιή ύπαρξη, αλλά ότι το πιο σημαντικό από όλα όμως είναι να δείχνουμε συμπόνια και αγάπη στους άλλους. Η καλοσύνη σας προς τους αγνώστους και η αγάπη προς τον συνάνθρωπό σας, δεν ήταν απλά λόγια ρηχά, μα καθημερινές πράξεις βάσει των οποίων μάθαμε να ζούμε.

Η πόρτα σας ήταν πάντα ανοιχτή και το σπιτικό και τα γεύματά μας μοιράζονταν με οποιονδήποτε χρειαζόταν τροφή ή καταφύγιο. Μας διδάξατε πως η ζωή δεν είχε να κάνει με το να μιλάμε για ιδανικά και απόψεις, αλλά με το να τα ζούμε. Μας διδάξατε ότι οι άνθρωποι είναι αυτοί που έχουν σημασία, όχι το χρήμα ή οι ιδιοκτησίες.

Στον αξιοσέβαστο αδελφό μου Γιαννάκη, τις καταπληκτικές αδελφές μου Κούλα, Δώρα και Ελένη, με τους οποίους όχι μόνο μοιραζόμαστε το ίδιο DNA, αλλά έχουμε μοιραστεί τις καλύτερες και τις χειρότερες στιγμές μαζί. Μπορεί να μην