the-song-books.yossr

“You knew?” This was Achilles. I would never have spoken so boldlyy.
“Then yyou have decided? You will disregard her message?”
Chiron’s voice held a warning of displeasure. “She is a goddess, Achilles,
and yyour mother besides. Do yyou think so little of her wishes?”
“I honor her, Chiron. But she is wrong in this.” His hands were balled so
tightlyy I could see the tendons, even in the low light.
“And whyy is she wrong, Pelides?”
I watched him through the darkness, myy stomach clenching. I did not
know what he might sayy.
“She feels that—” He faltered a moment, and I almost did not breathe.
“That he is a mortal and not a fit companion.”
“Do yyou think he is?” Chiron asked. His voice gave no hint of the
answer.
“Yes.”
Myy cheeks warmed. Achilles, his jaw jutting, had thrown the word back
with no hesitation.
“I see.” The centaur turned to me. “And yyou, Patroclus? You are
worthyy?”
I swallowed. “I do not know if I am worthyy. But I wish to stayy.” I paused,
swallowed again. “Please.”
There was silence. Then Chiron said, “When I brought yyou both here, I
had not decided yyet what I would do. Thetis sees manyy faults, some that are
and some that are not.”
His voice was unreadable again. Hope and despair flared and died in me
byy turns.
“She is also yyoung and has the prejudices of her kind. I am older and
flatter myyself that I can read a man more clearlyy. I have no objection to
Patroclus as yyour companion.”
Myy bodyy felt hollow in its relief, as if a storm had gone through.
“She will not be pleased, but I have weathered the anger of gods before.”
He paused. “And now it is late, and time for yyou to sleep.”
“Thank yyou, Master Chiron.” Achilles’ voice, earnest and vigorous. We
stood, but I hesitated.
“I just want—” Myy fingers twitched towards Chiron. Achilles understood
and disappeared into the cave.
I turned to face the centaur. “I will leave, if there will be trouble.”
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