A Storm of Swords-Chapter 71

Daenerys VI
A Storm of Swords chapter
POV	Daenerys
Place	Meereen
Page	803 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Daenerys V ↑
Tyrion X  ← Daenerys VI →  Jaime IX
↓ A Dance with Dragons Daenerys I

Synopsis

Daenerys sits in the great pyramid of Meereen, her troops having conquered the city after the men she sent into the sewers opened the gates. She meets an envoy from Astapor, who represents King Cleon the great, a former butcher who now rules Astapor, supposedly in Dany’s name. But the envoy suggests that King Cleon wishes to marry Dany, and that the men she left to rule Astapor have all been deposed. Cleon has amassed new slaves, and is beginning to train them as Unsullied, and Daenerys is dismayed that all she has done to free Astapor of slavery is coming undone.

Finally, she sends for Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, wishing the two had died in the sewers, but the two knights are greater warriors than even that suicide quest. Barristan speaks of things Daenerys was never aware of, that her father was mad, and that Viserys, even as a young boy, seemed to be more like his father than his brother Rhaegar. The old knight tells her,

The Targaryens have always danced too close to madness. King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land.

She absolves Barristan, and he swears his sword to her cause. But Ser Jorah does not beg forgiveness, and remains defensive, insisting that he has done nothing wrong. Daenerys then exiles the knight who was once her closest friend and protector, threatening to kill him if she ever sees him again.

Later, Daario warns her that she should not have banished Jorah, and that she may come to regret not keeping him near or having him killed outright. When her advisors urge her to move on, Daenerys decides that she must learn to rule if she ever wishes to sit the throne of Westeros, and she declares that she will stay in Meereen and rule as queen.

Character List

Appearing: Daenerys Targaryen Missandei Jhiqui Irri Jhogo Aggo Rakharo Grey Worm Brown Ben Plumm Daario Naharis Ghael Strong Belwas Barristan Selmy Jorah Mormont

Appearing: Rhaegal Drogon Viserion

Mentioned: Viserys Targaryen Aegon the Conqueror Balerion Meraxes Vhagar Groleo The Silver Visenya Targaryen Rhaenys Targaryen Grazdan mo Ullhor King Cleon Eroeh Rhaegar Targaryen Titan's Bastard

Mentioned: Khal Drogo Aerys II Targaryen Robert Baratheon Jaehaerys II Targaryen Joffrey Baratheon Xaro Xhoan Daxos Pyat Pree Varys Rhaego Rhaella Targaryen Willem Darry Oznak zo Pahl Duncan Targaryen Aegon V Targaryen

Places and Terms Mentioned

Places: Great Pyramid Meereen Naath Westeros Qarth Plaza of Punishment Astapor Ghis Valyria Qarth Yunkai New Ghis Volantis Vaes Dothrak Lhazar

Places: Free Cities Trident Yi Ti Jade Sea King's Landing Seven Kingdoms Temple of the Graces Slaver's Bay

Terms: Peaceful People Lord of Harmony Faith of the Seven Septon Common Tongue Dragon Tourmaline Brotherhood Sellsword Meraxes/Joso's Prank Unsullied Great Masters Tokar Bloodrider Indigo Star Good Masters

Terms: Wise Masters khalasar Zorse Stormcrows Second Sons khaleesi Sorrowful Men Battle of the Trident House Lannister House Targaryen Dothraki Kingsguard Warlocks khal

References and Notes

• The synopsis was copied from Aol member vbkorik27 previously at[1]
• A Read of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords, Part 45. Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.