Damian could not believe his eyes! His cousin Phiedippides lay dead on the ground. The events of this day had would change his life forever.

The morning was bright and sunny, as Damian skipped towards his uncle’s vegetable stand. He was not in a hurry to get there, but was excited at the thought of seeing his older cousin Phiedippides. As he turned the last corner, he saw only his uncle. "Oh, maybe Phiedippides has not arrived yet," he thought to himself.

The sun was getting high as he sat wondering about his cousin. His uncle had not said anything about Phiedippides all morning. Damian found himself getting very anxious. At last he made up his mind to ask his uncle about Phiedippides. He took a deep breath and timidly asked about his cousin’s whereabouts.

Before he got a chance to finish his sentence his uncle was already answering him.

"Phiedippides has gone with the Greek army to Marathon; the Persian King landed his soldiers there early this morning."

"Wow", thought Damian. He had always looked up to his cousin, and like him, yearned for the excitement of battle. Unfortunately, since the death of his father, he had promised his mother that he would work at his uncle’s vegetable stand to get enough food for his family. It was not hard work, but it was very boring.

At the end of his quiet day Damian decided to go and watch the battle from a safe distance.

"Uncle Nicos, I would like to catch some grasshoppers for my collection. I was wondering if you could take my daily food wage to my mother and sisters so they can eat, and tell them I will be home shortly."

"Of course", answered his uncle. Uncle Nicos had never been able to resist his nephew’s sparkling brown eyes.

Finally he was on his way to Marathon. Soon he was hiding in the long grass trying to get close enough to see something. As he got closer he heard some noise from behind him. He looked over his shoulder and saw a soldier and was immediately in the grips of his strong hands. The next thing he knew he was standing before the Greek King. The commander was looking at Damian very suspiciously.