A Game of Thrones, Chapter 46, Daenerys
Summary
Dany goes through the ceremony of eating stallion’s heart. The prophecy for her son is announced. Viserys joins the feast that follows. He has a sword and threatens Dany. He demands army from Drogo. Khal melts his gold medallions and pours molten gold on Viserys’ head.
Quotes
“The prince is riding, and he shall be the stallion who mounts the world.”
“I want the crown he promised me. He bought you, but he never paid for you. Tell him I want what I bargained for, or I’m taking you back. You and the eggs both. He can keep his bloody foal. I’ll cut the bastard out and leave it for him.”
When the gold was half-melted and starting to run, Drogo reached into the flames, snatched out the pot. “Crown!” he roared. “Here. A crown for Cart King!” And upended the pot over the head of the man who had been her brother.
The sound Viserys Targaryen made when that hideous iron helmet covered his face was like nothing human. His feet hammered a frantic beat against the dirt floor, slowed, stopped. Thick globs of molten gold dripped down onto his chest, setting the scarlet silk to smoldering… yet no drop of blood was spilled.
He was no dragon, Dany thought, curiously calm. Fire cannot kill a dragon.
Commentary
The customs of Dorthaki are barbarous, however Dany finds it in herself to embrace them. She has always been a loyal sister to Viserys and now she transfers the loyalty to her husband, Drogo. And Drogo in turn repays her with kindness and pride from her doings, unlike Viserys, who only threatened and hurt her.
By finding a new family in Dorthaki Khalaasar and being respected and loved Dany finds herself detached from her obsessive brother. When Viserys comes to the feast, threats her like she’s his property again and threatens her child she does not hesitate. Knowing what will happen, she translates Viserys’ words to Khal Drogo. Horrible death of a “man who used to be her brother” does not move her. Dany is finally free.
Tags: Daenerys
