The Avenger · Chapter
VII: The Swords and Bhag explained
Michael Brixan is left alone with Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers.
What happens
Michael Brixan is left alone with Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers. Penne, displaying a mix of insolence and sudden amiability, invites Michael to view his extensive sword collection. During the tour, Penne reveals a Borneo sword he claims to have taken from a man he killed, and speaks of his disdain for England and his annual voyages to the East. He then introduces Michael to his 'perfect servant,' a sinister figure named Bhag, by opening a hidden panel in the library.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and the 'Other'
Penne's collection of swords from Borneo and Sumatra, his ownership of a native servant (Bhag), and his condescending remarks about the East highlight colonial exploitation and the exoticization of non-Western cultures.
The Macabre and Grotesque
Penne's boast about killing the previous owner of a sword, his unsettling description of Bhag as a slave who 'never asks questions,' and the sudden appearance of Bhag from a hidden panel create a macabre and grotesque atmosphere.
Deception and Appearances
Brixan falsely claims to know Adele well to gain Penne's trust; Penne's amiable demeanor masks a sinister nature, and the hidden panel in the library suggests concealed truths.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Accompanies Sir Gregory Penne alone; inspects the sword collection; maintains self-control when confronted with Bhag.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Hosts Brixan; shows off his swords and boasts of killing the previous owner of a Borneo sword; reveals his hidden servant Bhag.
- Adele Leamington
Mentioned by Penne as a 'nice little girl' he wishes to invite to dinner; Brixan falsely claims to know her well.
- Bhag
Introduced by Penne as the 'perfect servant'; emerges from a hidden panel in the library; described as a sinister and terrifying figure.
- Sampson Longvale
Mentioned by Penne as a 'dithering old fool' and 'pompous old ass'; Knebworth had said Brixan was going on to him.
- Jack Knebworth
Mentioned by Penne as having said Brixan was going on to Longvale.
Key passages
“I killed the man who owned that. At least, I hope I killed him. I hope so!”
Penne admits to killing the previous owner of a Borneo sword, expressing uncertainty about whether the man actually died.
Reveals Penne's violent past and his unsettling ambivalence about the killing.
“Would you like to meet the perfect servant? Would you like to see the slave who never asks questions and never disobeys, who has no love but love of me—no hate but for the people I hate—my trusty—Bhag?”
Penne offers to introduce Brixan to Bhag, whom he describes as an utterly obedient slave devoted solely to Penne.
Highlights Penne's desire for total control and the dehumanizing nature of his relationship with Bhag.