COLD FIRE

love of my life

IVATZIS What's going on? Ivatzis asked. And where does the soldier go?

KOMBARSOS A child fainted.

He must have been the son of the Greek, added another. He was with the captives.

IVATZIS His son - a wild smile twisted his mouth. I should have known before! Something was happening with his son and the executioner...

And turning to an officer who was bowing in fear awaiting orders:

- To bring to the Tsar all the captives and everything valuable found, he ordered. And after the Tsar has chosen, I will divide to each soldier his possition.

25 years later.....

and that's exactely my story....

For days and days the weary, endless herd of captives walked, almost without rest, and many fell on the road where they were eaten by wild beasts or died of hunger and misery. At last Samuel decided to stop for two days for his army to rest, and he pitched his tents by the side of a small river.

Pagratis had gone down to the bank with Alexia and, sitting on the grass, they were silently looking at the men who were bringing the animals to water them. They also brought the royal horses and, among the soldiers, Pagratis saw two little boys and recognized his son Katepano and his friend

KONSTANTINOS- Pagratis!... muttered Konstantinos.

The old man pulled the boys into his arms and kissed them tightly. He was unable to speak because of the emotion.

MICHAEL- And Alexia... Michael whispered.

Frightened, he glanced around and, as if making sure that no one saw them, he took the little girl to him and kissed her. The little girl looked at him, then at Pagratis, and again at Michael and Konstantinos. But her lips remained closed.

KOSTANTINOS Alexia, don't you recognize us? Why don't you talk to us? Constantine asked.

Again the little girl silently looked at Pagratis.

PAGRATIS It's been like this since the day of the massacre, said the old man.

MICHAEL Why don't you talk to us, Alexia? Don't be afraid of us! We love you! said Michael, grabbing and caressing her little hand.

PAGRATIS He doesn't speak at all. They slaughtered a lot of people in front of us, and the little girl saw them and didn't speak anymore...

COSTANTINOS Out of terror? Constantine asked.

PAGRATIS This is what it looks like.

COSTANTINUS Ah, poor Alexia. I wished something better!