his mien was wise and brave , his arm was strong and swift , and he loved nothing better than to go a-hunting in the dark , wild wood ... . -from the legend of the herla king the earl of brightmore was many things , artemis thought that night : a respected peer , a man very aware of his wealth , and-in his best moments-a christian capable of adhering to the letter , if not the spirit , of compassion , but what he was not was an attentive father .