Arven regarded his brother by law with a mixture of affection and… well, something more complicated. He certainly didn’t pity the fellow, which was something given that he was verily deceased, but he was impressed by Herbert’s special brand of optimism. So perpetually topped-up and ready to spill over at a moment’s notice.

”Perhaps I should go in your honour, then”, he responded at last. ”And bring back a story or ten.”