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"Dignity does not consist in possessing honours, but in deserving them"
Aristotle BC 384-322, Greek Philosopher
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I turn to Luisa and nod in agreement, “My lady I think we need to see the villages leaders now, I am sure that they need to return to their homes”

Louisa waves her hand to the guard and he calls for them.

Three men enter the room and the one that seems older moves closer to where we are, “My Queen, at this time of need the people of Tripiti joined you in arms and fought together with our brothers from the other villages of Crete, thanks to general Agrafiotis and his leading skills we quickly repealed the pirates from Kommos and we will now return to our towns and villages, I wish you health and prosperity as yours means ours too” the man from Tripiti pauses for a moment and looks at me, “General I don’t know who or what brought you to our Island but whatever it was I hope you stay here, the people of Crete are in need of a genuine leader and a wise man as your self, my blessings go to you also” he steps back.

Louisa stays silent and I guess she wants me to address them.

I slowly and painfully stand up, “Thank you for your kind words my good man, it was a great honor to have fought along side with such courageous men and a privilege to have known you…remember that a leader is no more than a common man if the men he leads are not exceptional, and all of you have been exactly that” I pause to catch my breath, “ I sincerely thank you for you most valuable help and I hope I see you all next time I visit your beautiful homes”

I sit down and I look at Louisa, hoping she can add something more than words as a reward to their selfless act of help.