AWAD: A Word A Day

I re-subscribed to A Word A Day (AWAD) this morning. (We used to call idiot schoolmates wads I recall... "Yeah, he's A WAD.") Nevermind... I suppose I need more coffee.

AWAD is a writer's spice cabinet, and although some of the words are quite obscure there's a lot that get you thinking about crafting sentences in different, more exciting ways. And admittedly, I need it. I'm getting stale, getting bored with myself which leads to a lot of self-doubt and lack of confidence as a writer.

Today's word is "Achates" (??????? Have YOU ever heard that one? Am I am idiot?) which means "a trusted friend or companion". So how does one use that in a sentence? (Which is my daily goal, you see.)

How about this:

"I jumped across the stream, losing my footing in the slippery mud and rock on the other side. Jimbo, my Achates, was immediately at my side, his hand on my forearm steadying me. "

Wow. That was terrible. And I wonder if you are supposed to capitalize Achates?

From the AWAD site:

"After Achates, the faithful companion and friend of Aeneas, in the epic poem Aeneid by the Roman poet Vergil (70-19 BCE). In the story, Achates is called fidus Achates (faithful Achates) and he accompanies Aeneas everywhere in his adventures."

Hmmmmm.

Anyhow, spicy cooking, spicy writing...I want to be all over that.

-Dev