Why have Varys/Illyrio supported Aegon for several years but also back Viserys?
Varys/Illyrio have been plotting to put Aegon on the throne. The evidence in ADWD implies that Varys/Illyrio have been grooming Aegon since he was spirited away from King's Landing during the sack. If they wanted him on the throne, why did the back Viserys? Viserys has the better claim to the throne, the son of the murdered king. Aegon would only be heir if Viserys died.The Golden Company complains about Illyrio's ever-changing plans. The first plan they were aware of was to meet up with Viserys and his 50k Dothraki screamers. It sounds like the plan was Viserys on the throne, not Aegon.
But if that was the plan, why groom Aegon for leadership for so many years? I don't get it.
Internet suggests that they backed Viserys to draw attention away from Aegon. The Lannisters would be distracted with news of Targs across the sea. They would continue to not think twice about Rhaegar's kids. If Viserys landed in Westeros with an army, the kingdom would be in shambles, where Aegon would "rescue" it.
Nice analysis of Aegon/Blackfyre theory here.
