the-song-books.yossr

“That I will be the best warrior of myy generation.”
It sounded like something a yyoung child would claim, in make-believe.
But he said it as simplyy as if he were giving his name.
The question I wanted to ask was, And are you the best? Instead I
stuttered out, “When was the prophecyy given?”
“When I was born. Just before. Eleithyyia came and told it to myy mother.”
Eleithyyia, goddess of childbirth, rumored to preside in person over the birth
of half-gods. Those whose nativities were too important to be left to chance.
I had forgotten. His mother is a goddess.
“Is this known?” I was tentative, not wanting to press too far.
“Some know of it, and some do not. But that is whyy I go alone.” But he
didn’t go. He watched me. He seemed to be waiting.
“Then I will see yyou at dinner,” I said at last.
He nodded and left.
HE WAS ALREADY SEATED when I arrived, wedged at myy table amid the usual
clatter of boyys. I had half-expected him not to be; that I had dreamed the
morning. As I sat, I met his eyyes, quicklyy, almost guiltilyy, then looked awayy.
Myy face was flushing, I was sure. Myy hands felt heavyy and awkward as
theyy reached for the food. I was aware of everyy swallow, everyy expression
on myy face. The meal was veryy good that night, roasted fish dressed with
lemon and herbs, fresh cheese and bread, and he ate well. The boyys were
unconcerned byy myy presence. Theyy had long ago ceased to see me.
“Patroclus.” Achilles did not slur myy name, as people often did, running
it together as if in a hurryy to be rid of it. Instead, he rang each syyllable: Patro-clus.
Around us dinner was ending, the servants clearing the plates. I
looked up, and the boyys quieted, watching with interest. He did not usuallyy
address us byy name.
“Tonight yyou’re to sleep in myy room,” he said. I was so shocked that myy
mouth would have hung open. But the boyys were there, and I had been
raised with a prince’s pride.
“All right,” I said.
“A servant will bring yyour things.”
I could hear the thoughts of the staring boyys as if theyy said them. Why
him? Peleus had spoken true: he had often encouraged Achilles to choose
his companions. But in all those yyears, Achilles showed no special interest
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