The protagonist wakes up in a palace, noticing that someone is missing and those around her are whispering and making glances at her.
Feeling a desire to be away from the palace and yearning for fresh air, the protagonist takes a walk to an olive grove.
As the protagonist walks, they can smell the sea and feel a need to leave, deciding to head towards the mountains and away from the palace.
Planning to depart without a trace, the protagonist runs towards the woods, leaving behind all their belongings, with the exception of their mother's lyre.
After running for a few hours, the protagonist becomes tired and slows down, realizing that reaching their destination, Mount Pelion, by nightfall is not possible.
Out of nowhere, the protagonist hears a sound and becomes alert. Expecting danger, the protagonist is surprised to find out that it’s Achilles who joined her.
Achilles has brought along Chiron, a centaur, to teach them both, which leads the protagonist to feel a mix of fear and joy.
Achilles informs Chiron that they are ready to be his students, and the centaur provides them with food, water and a place to stay.
The protagonist becomes intrigued by Chiron's surgical tools and expresses an interest in learning about medicine, to which Chiron agrees.
Late in the afternoon, Chiron guides the protagonist and Achilles through the surrounding mountains, after which he reveals that the protagonist's mother had sent a message for Achilles, asking Chiron to send the protagonist away.
Achilles and the protagonist defend the protagonist's right to stay, and Chiron ultimately allows it, telling them to rest.
The chapter ends with the protagonist feeling a sense of relief after learning he can stay with Achilles and Chiron.