Pella

During the flight to Thessaloniki, Blake and Megan reviewed their notes. The threads that connected them to the ancient city were not much more than they had for their last stop and in some ways, less; there was no book on ancient Greek art or culture. However, they had found a map with the city of Pella circled. Based on what they had learned in Selma and Florence, this was encouraging. Also, they had a photo of a marble bust of someone they assumed to be Alexander the Great. A little fact-checking led them to discover that not only was Pella the birthplace of Alexander, but the government had built a museum there largely to memorialize his accomplishments.

Once again, they had prearranged for a guide and driver to meet them at the airport. Their experiences with Maria and Sandra had been so helpful, they hoped their time with Gamal would be the same. The handwritten sign he held high was an easy find in the crowded arrival hall.

“Welcome to Greece! Is this your first visit?”

“Yes, for both of us,” Blake said.

“Please tell me again what you want to see. Your email mentioned only one place—the museum in Pella. Is that all?”

“Well, we think so . . .” Megan said hesitantly. “We’ll tell you more on the way.”

Gamal listened intently to the account of Blake and Megan’s journey thus far, including the objective of their search. He nodded politely but clearly thought the couple was suffering from jet lag—or worse!

Sensing his unspoken conclusion, Blake said, “I know this sounds crazy—it is crazy! It’s not rational at any level. However, Megan and I are long overdue for some time together, we love to travel, and the work my father started matters. I need to finish his journey . . . for me and my organization.”

“Okay, we’ll be in Pella soon. Do you want to go to your hotel?”

“Will the museum still be open this afternoon when we arrive?”

“Yes. For about an hour,” Gamal said.

“Let’s start there. If we don’t find what we are looking for, we’ll return tomorrow.”

“Again,” Gamal asked, “exactly what are we looking for?”

“We’re not sure.”

“Just as I thought,” Gamal mumbled under his breath. “Crazy Americans!”

“However, we know Alexander was a fantastic leader.”

“Yes,” Gamal said. “One of the best in the history of the world.”

“For him to be so successful as a leader, we’re betting his people really cared. We need to discover why they cared so deeply,” Megan said.

“From the grave, Alexander will speak,” Gamal said as they arrived at the museum.

Upon entering, Blake and Megan both realized they would need more than an hour to survey all that lay before them—there were many, many artifacts along with a seemingly endless number of placards providing information regarding the items on display. Undaunted, the couple jumped right in.

After their hour was up, they agreed to meet Gamal at their hotel the next morning to continue their search. Over dinner, Blake and Megan decided to review their notes.

“I must have missed a few days of class during my ancient history courses,” Megan began.

“What makes you say that?”

“Based on our quick visit to the museum this afternoon, I can tell you I knew virtually nothing about Alexander.”

“I don’t know much either,” Blake said. “What have we learned so far that might be helpful?”

“He was tutored by Aristotle, who was tutored by Plato, who was tutored by Socrates,” Megan said.

“Interesting. What does that tell you about why his army appeared to care so much?”

“Nothing. I just thought it was interesting,” Megan smiled playfully.

“Okay, thanks—I may have something a little more on point,” Blake said, returning the smile.

“Alexander made it his practice to visit the wounded after a battle and ask them to tell him their stories,” Blake added.

“That’s nice,” Megan said.

“No, not nice . . . Here’s the point: he would then go and tell the stories of courage and bravery to the other men.”

“I’m guessing that fired up the troops.”

“I would think so,” Blake said.

“Anything else?” Megan asked.

“Probably. Let’s get a good night’s sleep and see what we can find tomorrow.”

The next morning Blake, Megan, and Gamal were at the door when the museum opened.

“Gamal, based on our short visit last night, it appears as though Alexander really cared for his men. He didn’t just say he cared; he showed them with his actions.”

“Follow me.” Gamal took them into another room featuring the battles Alexander and his men fought, undefeated for fifteen years!

“Look over here at this display chronicling Alexander’s wounds; eight times, he was injured in battle, from a cleaver to the head, which split his helmet, to an arrow that pierced his lung after he jumped off the top of a wall into enemy forces.

“He didn’t just tell his men their cause was just and their struggle worth their willing sacrifice—he fought beside them time and time again,” Gamal said.

He didn’t just tell his men their cause was just and their struggle worth their willing sacrifice—he fought beside them time and time again.

“I’m guessing this contributed significantly to the engagement of his men,” Blake said.

“Okay, let’s connect the dots,” Megan said. “I think Affirmation is the theme we’ve been looking for. Alexander affirmed the courage of the wounded, the worth of every man under his command, and was even willing to share their struggles in battle,” Megan said.

“He affirmed them with word and deed,” Gamal offered with a note of pride in his voice. “He was a renowned strategist and warrior, but he was also a leader who knew his success ultimately rested with his army. He did everything he could to win their hearts.”

Interesting choice of words, Blake thought. “Thanks, Gamal, I think we’ve learned what we needed here. We’re going to the coast to enjoy more of your country before we return to the States.”