May 18 2012 2:00pm A Read of Ice and Fire: A Clash of Kings,
Part 19   Today’s entry is Part 19 of A Clash of Kings, in which
we cover Chapters 40 (“Daenerys”) and 41 (“Tyrion”).   And now,
the post!   Chapter 40: Daenerys  What Happens Dany rides in a
litter with Xaro Xhoan Daxos, on their way back from a very
disappointing interview with the Pureborn of Qarth, who
controlled the Civic Guard and the fleet of the city. Dany had
hoped to convince them to lend some of those ships and soldiers
to her, but they had refused her. She reflects bitterly that
they had clearly regarded her as nothing more than a curiosity,
and even the ones she had bribed at Xaro’s suggestion had done
nothing.  Xaro had helped her raise the gold she had used for
those bribes by exacting tribute from those who came to see her
and her dragons. Dany thinks that even hailed as a queen, she is
still a beggar, and thinks it not surprising that this life
drove Viserys to madness in the end. She thinks of returning to
Vaes Tolorro, but tells h