Several of the men walking hurriedly in different directions greeted the stocky man as they passed by. All were dressed in black shirts and wore what looked like short black trousers that actually consisted of several layers of cotton cloth pleated together under the crotch. Anna was amused looking at the unusual clothing. Their knee-high black boots were dusty and scuffed, making the Cretan men look even more rugged.
The man led Anna to the church, talking continuously, "We will congregate here tonight and plan our strategy for tomorrow. In the event the invasion takes place earlier, we must be ready." He looked at Anna. "I advised all the women to spend the night in the church. The priest will be here for an all-night vigil for those who wish to pray and confess."
Anna nodded her head in agreement.
"We will be invaded from sea and air. The massive airborne drop will be at Maleme airfield. This information is confidential and I am not supposed to know about it but I do." Anna knew how close Maleme was to
Souda Bay. "Mother of God, please protect my Nikolas," she prayed silently. An inexplicable energy engulfed her. She wanted to take action, to do something to help. She went to her host, who seemed to be in charge.
"I am sorry, but you didn't tell me your name."
"Oh yes, I didn't, did I?" He stood up straight and raised his head, combing his hands through his thick gray hair, suddenly looking taller than his meter and a half height. "Leo, my name is Leo."
Anna nodded in acknowledgment. "Leo, what can I do to help?" She looked him directly in the eyes. This took Leo by surprise, but he hesitated for only a moment.
"You can do plenty, daughter," said Leo, encouraged by the enthusiastic voice and manner in which Anna spoke. He continued, "You can work with the women. See if you can get them to show you how to use the guns." Leo paused, waiting for Anna's reaction.
"Yes," she responded. "Yes, I will do as you say."
"You might get some resistance," he warned as he looked at the women. "But I am certain you can handle it."
"Thank you, Leo."
Anna walked to the women, and stood in front of a tall, unusually handsome woman. "Can you show me how to use a gun?"
The woman sized Anna up and snarled, "Why should I? I don't know you, I don't know where you came from, but you are not welcome here."
"Even if I came to help?" retorted Anna as she went closer to the strong woman and stared straight into her eyes. "You are in charge of instructing all the women, including me, in the proper use of these guns. It is a matter of life and death!" She took a deep breath. "Do you understand? We have very little time. We must all work together to help our country." Anna was breathing heavily.