The Dance of the Dragons, the brutal war for the Iron Throne, grinds on. Both sides, the Blacks led by Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Greens led by Aegon Targaryen, nurse their wounds after the devastating Battle of Rook’s Rest.
The Blacks, lacking land forces, leverage their powerful dragons. Rhaenyra appoints Corlys Velaryon, a respected seafarer with a massive fleet, as her Hand. She fortifies key positions like Maidenpool and Crackclaw Point to block Green advances and dispatches forces to intercept the Lannister army before it reaches the Riverlands.
Rhaenyra recognizes the dragons’ unmatched power, especially after losing Meleys. She and Jace strategize about finding riders for the unclaimed dragons, Silverwing and Vermithor. This tactic could significantly tip the war in their favor.
Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s husband, pursues control of the Riverlands. He threatens the Brackens with his dragon to secure the Blackwoods’ army.
However, the Blackwoods unleash brutal vengeance on their enemies, using the war as an excuse for violence. This barbarity not only alienates other Riverlords but also tarnishes Rhaenyra’s reputation.
Blacks Gain New Support as Their Arryn Backing Breaks
In King’s Landing, the Greens parade Meleys’ head, expecting cheers. Instead, the smallfolk are terrified. They fear Rhaenyra’s retaliation and see the dead dragon as a bad omen. This fear spreads, further destabilizing the city. Aemond, the Green regent, enforces a harsh lockdown, worsening the plight of the starving masses.
Mysaria, Rhaenyra’s advisor, sees an opportunity in the smallfolk’s discontent. Rhaenyra sends Elinda, a lady-in-waiting, to speak with Dyana, a former Red Keep maid with a grudge against Aegon. Their goal is to sway the smallfolk to support the Blacks.
The Vale’s initial support for the Blacks wavers. Jeyne Arryn hasn’t sent her promised army, despite Rhaenyra sending Rhaena and her young sons on dragonback to secure the alliance.
However, the Blacks gain a new ally. Jace, without his mother’s permission, flies to the Freys to guarantee safe passage for Cregan Stark’s advancing Northern forces. The Freys agree in exchange for dragon protection and control of Harrenhal after the war. Jace concedes, promising protection and swearing them to Rhaenyra, not Daemon.
While the Greens hold a temporary troop advantage, the Blacks are actively maneuvering. They secure allies, and exploit the Greens’ weaknesses, and Rhaenyra’s bold actions might just give them the upper hand in this brutal Dance of the Dragons.
