paused. "The answer you are looking for is not directly related to acts of violence."

"He united Hellas," Constantine blurted out.

Leonidas nodded his head in approval. "Indeed he did. All these facts you have mentioned contributed to his being given his title. However, it was his spread of Hellenistic culture and his tolerance of other religions and peoples that truly ensured that the world would bestow upon him the title of ‘the Great’. And let’s not forget he did this all in a very short time. Remember that he was only thirty-one years of age when he died."

Constantine hid his embarrassed smile by bending his head, understanding the actual lesson behind the historical story.

Leonidas continued, "It is a shame that aggressive measures must be taken in order to ensure changes or force developments that will better mankind. Alexander was ‘Great’ because he gave the world a new culture and he promoted tolerance through education. In other words, the peace at the end of his reign and his contributions to the improvement of human kind distinguished him from all other rulers."

Constantine raised his head proudly. "One day I will be known as Constantine the Great."

Leonidas smiled and walked over to him. He ran his hand through the boy’s wavy hair. "Your ambition reveals to me your capabilities. It is within you to pursue a destiny you already know exists." He paused. "But to choose to follow such a path is to choose a dark life, filled with adventure, but void of family and ordinary pleasures."

They moved on to the next lesson, although Constantine’s mind remained fixed on the last. He would never again admit his desire to anyone, but it would linger within his heart until his dying breath. He was a child with a dream, who did not comprehend what diversities his life would face in pursuit of it. He had made a vow to himself, and would, at various times, be reminded of fulfilling it. But he was still a child, and his future goal seemed intangible. He knew little about being a leader, running an empire, and as yet he had no idea what contributions he might offer the world. But he had a dream, and everything great starts with a dream.