( He is also around, if perfunctorily. A shadow of himself, performing the part expected of a golden prince, all bright shining smile and a gilded manner.

He does not ask the young man who presents himself audaciously if his gift is meant to barter, bribe or pacify. He takes it, handy greed, with the same voracious appetite with which a child might claim a new toy. )

A hit to the head and a brother to grieve will do that.