[Achilles too, for all that he wears his heart upon his sleeve, counts few among his close personal friends. There is Patroclus, of course, occupying a space that none else could nor ever would share, and there were Phoenix, Antilochus, Automedon, his cousin Ajax. Then too were there men whom he calls friends, for all one need do to forge the bonds of friendship is share in wine and feast, but whom he holds not so closely. Men like Odysseus, Agamemnon, Nestor, all of whom he respects in full and trusts in some capacity, but this was business more often than leisure. Here among this crew too he has gathered a handful of people whom he trusts and respects, and who have made lighter his heart before: among these is Graham.]

Is it your missing heart that tears these holes in your memory too?

[This he utters softly, solemnly, musing to himself more so than expecting an answer.]

For this favor I give my sincerest thanks. Perhaps there shall come the day when I need not bother you over such a matter as this, but until then I shall humbly rely upon you, far-shooting Graham. Moreover, in these lessons you shall find more company in my dear companion Patroclus, who too should like to learn letters.