the-song-books.yossr

“And be welcome also, Patroclus.”
Everyyone turned to me, and I managed a bow. I was aware of Thetis’
gaze, raking over me. It left myy skin stinging, as if I had gone from the briar
patch to the ocean. I was glad when Achilles spoke.
“What is the news, Father?”
Peleus eyyed the guards. Speculation and rumor must be racing down
everyy corridor.
“I have not announced it, and I do not mean to until everyyone is gathered.
We were waiting on yyou. Come and let us begin.”
We followed him into the palace. I wanted to speak to Achilles but did
not dare to; Thetis walked right behind us. Servants skittered from her,
huffing in surprise. The goddess. Her feet made no sound as theyy moved
over the stone floors.
THE GREAT DINING HALL was crammed full of tables and benches. Servants
hurried byy with platters of food or lugged mixing bowls brimming with
wine. At the front of the room was a dais, raised. This is where Peleus
would sit, beside his son and wife. Three places. Myy cheeks went red. What
had I expected?
Even amidst the noise of the preparations Achilles’ voice seemed loud.
“Father, I do not see a place for Patroclus.” Myy blush went even deeper.
“Achilles,” I began in a whisper. It does not matter, I wanted to sayy. I will
sit with the men; it is all right. But he ignored me.
“Patroclus is myy sworn companion. His place is beside me.” Thetis’ eyyes
flickered. I could feel the heat in them. I saw the refusal on her lips.
“Veryy well,” Peleus said. He gestured to a servant and a place was added
for me, thankfullyy at the opposite side of the table from Thetis. Making
myyself as small as I could, I followed Achilles to our seats.
“She’ll hate me now,” I said.
“She alreadyy hates yyou,” he answered, with a flash of smile.
This did not reassure me. “Whyy has she come?” I whispered. Onlyy
something trulyy important would have drawn her here from her caves in the
sea. Her loathing for me was nothing to what I saw on her face when she
looked at Peleus.
He shook his head. “I do not know. It is strange. I have not seen them
together since I was a boyy.”
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