Chapters 5-8 Summary

Chapter 5

Achilles takes the blame for Patroclus having missed his lessons, and tells his father he has chosen Patroclus to be his Therapon: his brother-in-arms. That night Patroclus moves from his sleeping quarters to share Achilles room. They start to share stories of their lives. At first Patroclus expects to be returned to his regular living quarters, but in time, to his relief, he comes to see this will not happen.

When Achilles was born, a prophecy was made that he would be the best warrior of his generation. For this reason, he does his fighting drills in private. One day, though, he asks Patroclus to come with him. Achilles is faster with his weapons than anyone Patroclus has ever seen. This stirs in him again envy and anger; he challenges Achilles to fight but he will not. He tackles Achilles...