A Great Loss

I ... can't even think of anything clever to say. This was a disaster, pure and simple. And I couldn't even do anything about it, since I had a pike wound in my side the size of Tyre. Not that I think that I could have done much.

Poor Patroclus. He was a good kid, even if I did half wonder why he and Achilles were as tight as they were. Oh well, Achilles wouldn't be the first man of rank to favor a young good-looking officer. But the kid, showing an amazing amount of either courage or stupidity, asked Achilles if he could go out to battle wearing Achilles' armor, so our boys would *think* Achilles was back fighting again and morale would go back up. Not a bad idea all told, but it backfired. The worst happened. Patroclus, the favorite of Achilles and his closest companion, was actually doing quite well. The Trojans were beaten back from the ships, and were temporarily routed. I and everyone else was heartened.

Then it all just kind of curdled.

Next thing, I'm hearing that Patroclus is dead, killed by Hector when Apollo stuck his divine nose in again. And this after Hector, thinking Achilles had taken the field, tried to duck out twice! It just doesn't bloody seem fair. Ha! As if war is ever fair.

(Patroclus and Achilles)

Well, needless to say Achilles went batshit. I heard his scream all the way in the healers' tent. To add insult to injury they apparently stole Achilles' armor off of Patroclus and carried it off, so Achilles' divine mum went to have a new suit of armor made by the gods themselves for Achilles. Apparently the Trojans were still in possession of the kid's body, because another bellow from Achilles sounded through camp and the Trojans scampered off. Thus was Achilles able to recover the remains of his friend, though I hear he has sworn not to bury him until Hector is dead.

This is depressing. I wonder how Penelope is doing with her weaving? The thought of her waiting at home with my son cheers me greatly.