From Chiron, wisest of the centaurs, Achilles learned to tread the forest floor as softly as the sunlight that, passing through the leafy crowns of trees, plays its patterns across rock and root and moss. Thus, in this pale shadow of a boy he discerns the selfsame skill and grace. He knows that swiftness and stealth outweigh strength in the art of the hunt.

"All manner of beast have I hunted, from hare to deer to boar," the son of Peleus answers easily.

Of men, he has killed many but truly hunted only one: man-slaying Hector, son of Priam.

"What of you, who moves through the trees like shadow?"