I don't think that Relius's mangled hand is Gen's revenge. I don't think he'd put anyone through that exact punishment, even Nahuseresh (maybe). Gen isn't present for Relius's torturing, and he doesn't order it -- it's just something everyone knows will happen, since there's been a betrayal. Also, he seems to have more pity (maybe not pity? mercy?) and empathy for Relius than a desire for revenge, maybe becaus he knows what it's like. I definitely agree that Gen sees the similarities in their circumstances (that all you guys have wonderfully talked about), but he also knows that Relius doesn't.
It seems like Relius believes that this is basically the end of his life, his inevitable downfall, that it's acceptable for Attolia to punish him and Gen to rub it in. There's definitely a role reversal between the two guys, but Gen wants to show Relius that the reversal also means that he UNDERSTANDS Relius inside and out and can't put him through any more suffering. So he gives him a new chance and visits him when he's alone at night. After the first few visits, after Relius starts to see the real king, it must be a relief for Gen to be around someone who doesn't hate him anymore, or take him for a total idiot.
But also -- I forget if anyone's mentioned this -- Gen's "mercy" to both Relius and Teleus is for Attolia's sake. I think there's a quote about that... :)
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Date: 7/7/11 10:56 pm (UTC)It seems like Relius believes that this is basically the end of his life, his inevitable downfall, that it's acceptable for Attolia to punish him and Gen to rub it in. There's definitely a role reversal between the two guys, but Gen wants to show Relius that the reversal also means that he UNDERSTANDS Relius inside and out and can't put him through any more suffering. So he gives him a new chance and visits him when he's alone at night. After the first few visits, after Relius starts to see the real king, it must be a relief for Gen to be around someone who doesn't hate him anymore, or take him for a total idiot.
But also -- I forget if anyone's mentioned this -- Gen's "mercy" to both Relius and Teleus is for Attolia's sake. I think there's a quote about that... :)