Bill Kitson

The Shepherd's Lodge Bill Kitson

Close to the summit of the Red Hills in one of the most remote areas of the tiny Greek island of Tritinos, there is a mitato, a stone-built shepherd's lodge. It's 1941 and the shepherd is being hunted by the German invaders for his resistance activities. Near the mitato he cares for his flocks, safe in the wild terrain. His daughter, Anastasia has taken shelter with him as she mourns the death of her fiancé, and hides from the aggressors. A severely injured British soldier, unconscious and almost on the point of death, is found in the hills by the shepherd. Only Anastasia can tend his wounds, but with nothing more than mountain herbs and no medical knowledge, his survival prospects are slim. Despite the odds the soldier begins to recover, but when tragedy strikes the young couple are left alone, forced to remain in the mitato. With risk of capture they know that when the winter snows sever all contact with the outside world, they will be safe until spring. Unable to rejoin his unit, there is no escape from the island; he will be classed as a deserter - unless fate takes a hand. During their long sequestration, Anastasia and the soldier discover the magical quality of the humble dwelling - a kind of magic that will enchant future generations.