The Song of Patroclus

Chapter 5

I stopped Patroclus just inside the bronze-studded doors of my father's audience chamber. "Wait here," I tell him.

My father's friend, Linus, stood near, and did not seem happy we had interrupted. Neither did my father, for that matter. I walk past the old weapons and rich tapestries to bow at my father's feet.

"Father, I have come to ask your pardon," I keep my head down.

"Oh?" My father raised an eyebrow. "Speak then." His tone was irked and cold.

"I have taken Patroclus from his drills," His name was as common on my tongue as my own.

"Who?" My father's memory was getting weak.

"Menoitiades," I further said.

"Ah," His gaze went to Patroclus, mine following soon behind. "Yes, the boy the arms-master wants to whip." Although he knew about this, the color drained from Patroclus' face. I did not know what I was going to say. But it was not hard to choose.

"Yes. But it is not his fault. I forgot to say I wished him for a companion," I had used the word was therapon. My father's eyes narrowed while Patroclus' widened.

"Come here, Patroclus," My father demanded. Patroclus slowly walked over and knelt next to me. "For many years now, Achilles, I have urged companions on you and you have turned them away. Why this boy?" It was a good question. The answer however, was easy on my tongue.

"He is surprising," It was true. Maybe it was his short temper or the flame in his eyes, but every time I think I have him figured out, he surprises me.

"Surprising," was all my father said. He did not ask me to articulate. I did not want to.

"Yes." My father rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"The boy is an exile with a stain upon him. He will add no luster to your reputation," My father tried.

"I do not need him to," I confessed. It was true. My companion did not need to be well-known or well-liked. He just needed to be someone I wanted around.

"Yet other boys will be envious that you have chosen such a one. What will you tell them?"

Oh, here we go again.

"I will tell them nothing," The answer came as quickly as my own name. "It is not for them to say what I will do." I looked up at my father and this time, I did not look back down. Since the first time I walked into the chamber, the faintest touch of smiles pulled at my father's lips.

"Stand up, both of you."

We did so.

"I pronounce your sentence. Achilles, you will give your apology to Amphidamas, and Patroclus will give his as well."

"Yes, Father," I bow my head once again.

"That is all," He turned his head to us in dismissal.

—

Outside the doors, there was a sinking feeling in my chest. I had to go to my drills, alone.

"I will see you at dinner." I turned to leave. I found myself hoping he stopped me. He did.

"Where are you going?" I turned around.

"Drills," I said simply.

"Alone?" He asked.

"Yes. No one sees me fight," The words were familiar on my tongue.