The Survival Tactics of Viserys and Daenerys After William Darry’s Death

After the death of their loyal attendant William Darry, Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen found themselves at the brink of ruin and desperation. Their struggle to survive in a world without the resources and protection they once had is a testament to their resilience and cunning. They employed a variety of strategies to maintain their existence, earning the notorious moniker of “Beggar King” and “the Madmen”.

The Early Years of Struggle

In the early days of their exile, Viserys and Daenerys faced severe challenges. They resorted to various survival tactics to eke out a living in a world that was hostile to their royal blood. One of the most common methods they employed was the sale of heirlooms to survive.

Practices to Maintain Survival:

Selling Heirlooms: Viserys and Daenerys sold heirlooms, such as their mother’s crown, to get by. This source of income was often the only means they had to keep themselves alive.

Reliance on Kindness: They would stay at the homes of magisters and merchants, living as exiled royalty, hoping to be treated with respect. However, their royal claims were often nothing more than a means to gain hospitality, as their demands were typically empty promises.

Lying and Deception: They often lied and cheated, using their royal titles to their advantage, only to find that these promises did not interest their hosts, leading to them being turned away.

Stealing: In their desperation, they found themselves resorting to theft, a practice that did not bode well for their long-term survival.

Viserys, in particular, earned the name “Beggar King” due to his behavior. He wandered from city to city, seeking shelter and often ending up in mercantile homes, hoping to leverage their hospitality. However, their royal airs often amounted to nothing more than empty boasts, and they were often seen as a liability rather than an asset.

The Climactic Mutation of Viserys

Daenerys comments that the moment Viserys sold their mother’s crown, he lost his mind. This act was a critical turning point in their journey. The funds from selling the crown were quickly squandered, much like how Daenerys spent money trying to impress sellsword companies in Qarth. She threw lavish feasts for the Golden Company, hoping to win their support, but the Golden Company’s response was to laugh him out the door.

Their desperation reached a peak as they wandered the streets of Braavos. They became increasingly reliant on the kindness of others, staying at various inns and manses, only to be disappointed when their royal pretensions did not lead to the support they needed. This period was marked by their growing desperation and the erosion of their once noble identity.

The Turning Point: Pentos and Illyrio Mopatis

Despite their struggles, Viserys and Daenerys managed to find a reprieve after their time in Braavos. They eventually came to Pentos, where they were hosted by Illyrio Mopatis, a powerful and influential figure. This period in Pentos served as a turning point for their journey, as Illyrio provided them with a secure haven that allowed them to rebuild their strength and plan for their future.

Under Illyrio’s care, they stayed for a year, a period during which they could lay low and regroup. This time was crucial in preparing them for the challenges ahead, particularly in their quest to reclaim the Iron Throne. The time in Pentos provided them with both physical and emotional rest, crucial for their survival and eventual resurgence as a formidable force.

Conclusion: The journey of Viserys and Daenerys from their initial desperation to their eventual resurgence is a compelling narrative of survival and resilience. Their willingness to adapt and their ability to leverage their royal blood in various ways kept them alive, even as they faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Their journey from exile to the throne is a testament to the power of adaptability and the determination to survive in a world of adversity.