Also, I don't think it is right of the reader to 'excuse' Cnaiur's rape of Conphas.
Fixed that for myself, clearly a typo. I don't think Proyas was raped, other than whatever skeevyness of power dynamics/age dynamics. It's not like Earwa has age of consent laws, it's more like ancient times where you have your bar mitzvah and now you're an adult, no teenagers. if we were to assess it by today's standards their relationship would be statutory rape, of course.
I thought you meant Conphas but I'll admit I may have missed something.
Cnaiur does compare Proyas specifically as a son at some point?
Anyone, I don't think The Sharmat or I above were trying to "excuse" Cnaiur's rape of Conphas? Just that it was seems to be about power over and domination, rather than lust for Conphas specifically; not that Cnaiur doesn't lust inappropriately (for his culture, anyhow).
Anyway, I found the quote I was looking for that illustrate's Cnaiur's crush on Proyas. It's subtle. But remember Cnaiur has been REALLY close to Proyas for months.
And he thought of Proyas.
On the worst nights he hugged himself in the blackness of his tent, screaming and sobbing. He beat the earth with his fists, stabbed holes with his knife, then fucked them. He cursed the world. He cursed the heavens. He cursed Anasûrimbor Moënghus and his monstrous son.
Can't we just as ambiguously tie this line to Anasurimbor Moenghus and Kellhus, for whom all other men are substitute?
