Summary

In Chapter 26, Barker writes from the third-person omniscient narrative perspective as Patroclus encounters his old friend Eurypylus while departing Nestor’s hut. When Patroclus notices an arrow protruding from Eurypylus’ thigh, he offers assistance. After guiding Eurypylus to the hospital tents, Patroclus removes the embedded arrow and proceeds to mix a pain-killing draught. As he works, Patroclus crosses paths with Briseis, who volunteers to help treat Eurypylus. Once Patroclus and Briseis finish cleaning and binding his wound, Eurypylus falls asleep. Patroclus asks about Briseis’ bruises, and she explains that Agamemnon punished her for failing to entice Achilles. As they part, Patroclus realizes that Briseis remained in the tent entrance to watch him go.

In Chapter 27, Barker continues writing from the third-person omniscient narrative perspective, describing how Achilles waits on the hut steps as Patroclus returns from his excursion. Once Patroclus explains that Machaon suffered...