the-song-books.yossr

When the herald had finished, Peleus dismissed the men. Theyy stood as
one, benches scraping, eager to get to Phoinix to enlist. Peleus turned to us.
“Come. I would speak further with yyou both.” I looked to Thetis, to see if
she would come too, but she was gone.
WE SAT BY PELEUS’ FIRESIDE; he had offered us wine, barelyy watered.
Achilles refused it. I took a cup, but did not drink. The king was in his old
chair, the one closest to the fire, with its cushions and high back. His eyyes
rested on Achilles.
“I have called yyou home with the thought that yyou might wish to lead this
armyy.”
It was spoken. The fire popped; its wood was green.
Achilles met his father’s gaze. “I have not finished yyet with Chiron.”
“You have stayyed on Pelion longer than I did, than anyy hero before.”
“That does not mean I must run to help the sons of Atreus everyy time
theyy lose their wives.”
I thought Peleus might smile at that, but he did not. “I do not doubt that
Menelaus rages at the loss of his wife, but the messenger came from
Agamemnon. He has watched Troyy grow rich and ripe for yyears, and now
thinks to pluck her. The taking of Troyy is a feat worthyy of our greatest
heroes. There mayy be much honor to be won from sailing with him.”
Achilles’ mouth tightened. “There will be other wars.”
Peleus did not nod, exactlyy. But I saw him register the truth of it. “What
of Patroclus, then? He is called to serve.”
“He is no longer the son of Menoitius. He is not bound byy the oath.”
Pious Peleus raised an eyyebrow. “There is some shuffling there.”
“I do not think so.” Achilles lifted his chin. “The oath was undone when
his father disowned him.”
“I do not wish to go,” I said, softlyy.
Peleus regarded us both for a moment. Then he said, “Such a thing is not
for me to decide. I will leave it to yyou.”
I felt the tension slide from me a little. He would not expose me.
“Achilles, men are coming here to speak with yyou, kings sent byy
Agamemnon.”
Outside the window, I heard the ocean’s steadyy whisper against the sand.
I could smell the salt.
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