19With the destruction of the bridge at Gorgopotamos, Zervas’ reputation reached a new height. His numbers swelled. The British began to drop more weapons, clothing, and gold sovereigns by parachute. Everyone in his band now received two gold sovereigns monthly, one for himself and one for the needs of his family. Papa Yiorgos was stunned when Maria Christina handed him an envelope she had carried in the mail from Zervas’ camp, which contained a gold sovereign and a note from Yiannis. Papa Yiorgos read the letter out loud. Yiannis would be sending one a month. He missed everyone – he underlined “everyone” – and would try to come home, even if only for a few days, for Zoitsa’s fifth birthday in January. He also advised at the end of every letter that, once having read it, they should immedi
