"And now it's your turn," she yelled. "You little traitor!" She got closer. "Prepare to see death with your own eyes."
The boy murmured faintly, "Long live the struggle ... Long live communism … " as the shot rang out. Anna, breathing heavily like a wounded lioness, took one of the guns and jumping from grave to grave and shouting incoherently, showered the small cemetery with bullets. Exhausted, she threw the gun on the ground.
"Oh God, dear God, why?" She lowered her head, dropping her shoulders in despair.
Irene cautiously scanned the surrounding area. It was already late afternoon. A haze began to creep through the olive groves surrounding the cemetery. The horse, now calm, grazed on the abundant grass.
"Dear Mother of God, they were full of life and so young. Why did their lives have to end like this?"
Anna gazed at the fields covered with bright yellow mustard flowers and dotted with crimson poppies. The sun faded behind the rolling hills. Both Anna and Irene found strength they never realized they had. They carried Mikis' body to the cemetery chapel and laid him before the altar, crossing his hands over his chest. Anna lit three candles and prayed:
"Ever Holy One, forgive his transgressions, let him rest in peace." Then she looked at Irene. "Let's get the other two bodies into the church, too."
"Are you sure?" asked Irene. "These people do not believe in God."
"Those are the people whom God wants," replied Anna. "Let's go."
However, as they turned around to the door, they encountered four rifles facing them. Three young men were dressed in torn, old army uniforms. The fourth one was in his late thirties, wearing a long leather jacket.
"Are we going somewhere?" he asked with a slight trace of sarcasm.
"We were just about to pick up those two bodies and bring them into the church," replied Irene as Anna nodded.
"How noble of you, first you kill them, then you bless them."
"We didn't kill them-" Anna tried to say, but was interrupted.
The man paced accusingly, then stopped.
"Do you know what the punishment is for murder?"
"They-" Irene started to protest, but the man cut her short.
"Hanging by your neck, or they might decide to shoot you. What a shame to ruin this beautiful blond hair." Anna pushed his hand away.
The other men had already taken Mikis' horse and loaded the dead bodies and guns.
"Come and get these two bitches! Tie them up," the commander ordered.
Irene glanced at Anna, and then both leaped quickly, like lightning and grabbed the man in the leather coat, ready to tear him apart. The other three men rushed to rescue their leader. Overpowering Anna and Irene, they tied the women up and led them away. Standing up, the disgraced man brushed off the dust from his coat.