Difference between revisions of "Dance of the Dragons"

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:''For the book, see [[A Dance with Dragons]]. For the song, see [[The Dance of the Dragons (song)]].''
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:''For the book, see ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]''. For the song, see "[[The Dance of the Dragons]]".''
 
{{Infobox Military Conflict
 
{{Infobox Military Conflict
 
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| result = Deaths of both claimants, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]<br>[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]]'s ascension to the throne<br>Marriage of [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] to [[Jaehaera Targaryen]]
 
| result = Deaths of both claimants, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]<br>[[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]]'s ascension to the throne<br>Marriage of [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] to [[Jaehaera Targaryen]]
 
<!-- combatant 1 -->  
 
<!-- combatant 1 -->  
| combatant1 = [[House Targaryen]] ([[the blacks]])
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| combatant1 = [[House Targaryen]] ([[Blacks]])
 
: [[House Velaryon]]
 
: [[House Velaryon]]
 
: [[House Stark]]
 
: [[House Stark]]
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| losses1 =  
 
<!-- combatant 2 -->  
 
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| combatant2 = [[House Targaryen]] ([[the greens]])
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| combatant2 = [[House Targaryen]] ([[Greens]])
 
: [[House Hightower]]
 
: [[House Hightower]]
 
: [[House Lannister]]
 
: [[House Lannister]]
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}}
 
}}
  
The '''Dance of the Dragons''' was a civil war during [[House Targaryen|Targaryen rule]]. A war of succession between [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and his half-sister [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] over their father [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I's]] throne, the war was fought from {{Date|129}} to {{Date|131}}. It saw the deaths of both rival monarchs, and the crowning of Rhaenyra's son, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]].  
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The '''Dance of the Dragons''' was a civil war during [[House Targaryen|Targaryen rule]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. A war of succession between [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and his half-sister [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] over their father [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I's]] throne, the war was fought from {{Date|129}} to {{Date|131}}. It saw the deaths of both rival monarchs, and the crowning of Rhaenyra's son, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]].  
  
 
In early 2013 it was announced that the anthology ''Dangerous Women'', previously expected to include the fourth ''[[Dunk and Egg]]'' story, would instead include a novella by [[George R. R. Martin]] named ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' which he described as "(...) the true (mostly) story of the origins of the Dance of the Dragons."{{ref|tpatq}} The abridged version in ''The Princess and the Queen'' consists of 30,000 words, while the complete 80,000 word history of the civil war is planned for ''[[Fire and Blood]]''.<ref>Not A Blog: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/331218.html The Princess and the Queen]</ref>
 
In early 2013 it was announced that the anthology ''Dangerous Women'', previously expected to include the fourth ''[[Dunk and Egg]]'' story, would instead include a novella by [[George R. R. Martin]] named ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' which he described as "(...) the true (mostly) story of the origins of the Dance of the Dragons."{{ref|tpatq}} The abridged version in ''The Princess and the Queen'' consists of 30,000 words, while the complete 80,000 word history of the civil war is planned for ''[[Fire and Blood]]''.<ref>Not A Blog: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/331218.html The Princess and the Queen]</ref>
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King Viserys I had three children by his first queen [[Aemma Arryn]], but only one, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], survived to adulthood. Lacking a son to succeed him, Viserys began to train Princess Rhaenyra to be his heir. Young Rhaenyra was included in discussions of the affairs of state, and was allowed to participate in meetings of the [[small council]]. Many of the nobles took note, and Rhaenyra soon acquired a clique of adherents and supporters. However, after his queen died, the king remarried in {{date|106}}, this time to [[Alicent Hightower]] and had four more children, including three sons, the eldest son named [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]]. Nonetheless, Viserys I strengthened Rhaenyra's place in the succession; he married her to Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] - who himself had Targaryen blood through his mother, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. Rhaenyra gave birth to three sons during her marriage, although there were rumours that the father of these boys was not Ser Laenor, but Ser [[Harwin Strong]].{{Ref|TRP}}
 
King Viserys I had three children by his first queen [[Aemma Arryn]], but only one, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], survived to adulthood. Lacking a son to succeed him, Viserys began to train Princess Rhaenyra to be his heir. Young Rhaenyra was included in discussions of the affairs of state, and was allowed to participate in meetings of the [[small council]]. Many of the nobles took note, and Rhaenyra soon acquired a clique of adherents and supporters. However, after his queen died, the king remarried in {{date|106}}, this time to [[Alicent Hightower]] and had four more children, including three sons, the eldest son named [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]]. Nonetheless, Viserys I strengthened Rhaenyra's place in the succession; he married her to Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] - who himself had Targaryen blood through his mother, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. Rhaenyra gave birth to three sons during her marriage, although there were rumours that the father of these boys was not Ser Laenor, but Ser [[Harwin Strong]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
When [[Laenor Velaryon]] passed away Rhaenyra married anew, this time her own uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], younger brother to [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Her sons by him are the future [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] (called Aegon the Younger in his youth, to distinguish him from his uncle, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], who on occasion was called Aegon the Elder) and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]]. Her father's intention that she should follow him on the [[Iron Throne]] was confirmed by proclamation and the will of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. In {{date|105}}, hundreds of [[Lord]]s and landed [[knight]]s had done obeisance to the Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]].{{Ref|TRP}}
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When [[Laenor Velaryon]] passed away Rhaenyra married anew, this time to her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], younger brother to [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Her sons by him were the future [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] (called Aegon the Younger in his youth, to distinguish him from his uncle, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], who on occasion was called Aegon the Elder) and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]]. Her father's intention that she should follow him on the [[Iron Throne]] was confirmed by proclamation and the will of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. In {{date|105}}, hundreds of [[Lord]]s and landed [[knight]]s had done obeisance to the Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
In {{date|111}}, a great tourney was held at [[King’s Landing]] on the fifth anniversary of the king’s marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Princess Rhaenyra]] dressed dramatically in Targaryen red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “[[The greens|greens]]” and “[[The blacks|blacks]]” when talking of the queen’s party and the party of the princess, respectively. In the tourney itself, the blacks had much the better of it when Ser [[Criston Cole]], wearing Princess Rhaenyra’s favor, unhorsed all of the Queen’s champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TRP}}
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In {{date|111}}, a great tourney was held at [[King’s Landing]] on the fifth anniversary of the king’s marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Princess Rhaenyra]] dressed dramatically in Targaryen red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “[[greens]]” and “[[blacks]]” when talking of the queen’s party and the party of the princess, respectively. In the tourney itself, the blacks had much the better of it when Ser [[Criston Cole]], wearing Princess Rhaenyra’s favor, unhorsed all of the Queen’s champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TRP}}
  
 
Rhaenyra and Alicents relationship had gone bad early in Alicent's marriage to Viserys, since both ladies had been trying to be the realm's first lady, and there could only be one. As a consequence of their bad relation, Alicent's sons did not take to Rhaenyra's sons. Ser Otto Hightower had also disliked Prince Daemon since the beginning of Viserys' reign, though the exact reasons are unknown.{{Ref|TRP}}
 
Rhaenyra and Alicents relationship had gone bad early in Alicent's marriage to Viserys, since both ladies had been trying to be the realm's first lady, and there could only be one. As a consequence of their bad relation, Alicent's sons did not take to Rhaenyra's sons. Ser Otto Hightower had also disliked Prince Daemon since the beginning of Viserys' reign, though the exact reasons are unknown.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
 
==The Dance of the Dragons==
 
==The Dance of the Dragons==
[[File:Dance of the Dragons map.png|500px|thumb|right|1. Aegon's coronation; [[Fall of King's Landing]] 2. [[Dragonstone]] 3. [[Driftmark]], including [[Hull]] and [[High Tide]] 4. [[Storm's End]] 5. Dance over Shipbreaker Bay 6. Battle at the [[Stone Hedge]] 7. [[Duskendale]] 8. [[Battle of Rook's Rest]] 9. the Eyrie 10. [[Battle in the Gullet]] 11. [[Battle on the Honeywine]] 12. [[Battle by the Lakeshore]] 13. [[Battle at the stony ridge]] 14. [[First Battle of Tumbleton]]/[[Second Battle of Tumbleton]] 15. [[Maidenpool]] 16. [[Dance over Harrenhal]]]]  
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[[File:Dance of the Dragons map.png|500px|thumb|right|1. Aegon's coronation; [[Fall of King's Landing]] 2. [[Dragonstone]] 3. [[Driftmark]], including [[Hull]] and [[High Tide]] 4. [[Storm's End]] 5. Dance over Shipbreaker Bay 6. Battle at the [[Stone Hedge]] 7. [[Duskendale]] 8. [[Battle of Rook's Rest]] 9. the Eyrie 10. [[Battle in the Gullet]] 11. [[Battle on the Honeywine]] 12. [[Battle by the Lakeshore]] 13. [[Butcher's Ball]] 14. [[First Battle of Tumbleton]]/[[Second Battle of Tumbleton]] 15. [[Maidenpool]] 16. [[Dance over Harrenhal]]]]  
  
 
===The Small Council meeting===
 
===The Small Council meeting===
Upon the death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], on the third day of the third month of {{Date|129}}, Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] send out the [[Kingsguard]] to summon the [[Small Council]] members. During the gathering, the conversation quickly stirred towards [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] coronation, but Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], told those who had gathered that it would be a new King who would be crowned, whilst Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]], the [[Master of Coin]], insisted Rhaenyra should be crowned a queen.  
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Upon the death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], on the third day of the third month of {{Date|129}}, Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] send out the [[Kingsguard]] to summon the [[small council]] members. During the gathering, the conversation quickly stirred towards [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] coronation, but Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], told those who had gathered that it would be a new king who would be crowned, whilst Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]], the [[master of coin]], insisted Rhaenyra should be crowned a queen.  
  
Lord Beesbury argued in favour of Rhaenyra, but several other council members countered him. Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] argued that the oaths made to Rhaenyra in {{Date|105}} had not been made by them, since it had been twenty-four years. [[Jasper Wylde|Ironrod]] mentioned that the [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Old King]] twice chose a male heir over [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|the female heir]] and her descendants, and Ser [[Otto Hightower|Otto]] reminded them all that Rhaenyra was married to [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], who would become the true ruler, should Rhaenyra gain the crown. Both Hightowers argued that not only they, but also Alicent’s children would lose their lives should Rhaenyra become their Queen. It would later be said that Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] only reluctantly accepted the crown because his mother, brothers, sister and children would otherwise be killed by [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]].
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Lord Beesbury argued in favour of Rhaenyra, but several other council members countered him. Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] argued that the oaths made to Rhaenyra in {{Date|105}} had not been made by them, since it had been twenty-four years. [[Jasper Wylde]] mentioned that the Old King, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], twice chose a male heir over [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|the female heir]] and her descendants, and Ser Otto reminded them all that Rhaenyra was married to [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], who would become the true ruler, should Rhaenyra gain the crown. Both Hightowers argued that not only they, but also Alicent’s children would lose their lives should Rhaenyra become their queen. It would later be said that Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] only reluctantly accepted the crown because his mother, brothers, sister and children would otherwise be killed by Rhaenyra.
  
Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] predicted a war, believing that [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenya]] would never be willing to give up her birth right, since she had dragons at her disposal. Lord [[Lyman Beesbury|Beesbury]] declared Rhaenyra had friends as well, and that he was not willing to sit there and listen to people plotting to steal Rhaenyra’s crown. He rose to leave, but Ser [[Criston Cole]] forced him back into his seat and opened his throat. This made Lord Beesbury the first casualty of the Dance of the Dragons.
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Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] predicted a war, believing that Rhaenya would never be willing to give up her birthright, since she had dragons at her disposal. Lord Beesbury declared Rhaenyra had friends as well, and that he was not willing to sit there and listen to people plotting to steal Rhaenyra’s crown. He rose to leave, but Ser Criston Cole forced him back into his seat and opened his throat. This made Lord Beesbury the first casualty of the Dance of the Dragons.
  
After Beesbury’s death, the green council made their plans, vowing their loyalty to their new King, and arresting all those in King's Landing who could be loyal to Rhaenyra. To all those who might be loyal to Aegon, ravens were sent. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra remained on [[Dragonstone]], unaware of what had happened.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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After Beesbury’s death, the green council made their plans, vowing their loyalty to their new king, and arresting all those in King's Landing who could be loyal to Rhaenyra. To all those who might be loyal to Aegon, [[raven]]s were sent. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra remained on [[Dragonstone]], unaware of what had happened.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===Coronation of Aegon II===
 
===Coronation of Aegon II===
Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] was sent out to [[Storm's End]], to betroth himself to one of Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros’]] daughters, so he might fight for [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]]. By the time he left, the smell coming from [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys’]] room was all over [[Maegor's Holdfast]], so seven days after Viserys had died, his death was announced to the [[King's Landing|city]] and the [[Silent Sisters]] were sent for.
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Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] was sent to [[Storm's End]] to betroth himself to one of Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros’]] daughters, so he might fight for [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]. By the time he left, the smell coming from [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I’s]] room was all over [[Maegor's Holdfast]], so seven days after Viserys had died, his death was announced to [[King's Landing]] and the [[Silent Sisters]] were sent for.
  
 
Aegon’s coronation was prepared in short time. Ser [[Criston Cole]] placed the crown of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] on Aegon’s head, while [[Alicent Hightower]] placed a crown upon the head of Aegon’s Queen,  his sister [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]].
 
Aegon’s coronation was prepared in short time. Ser [[Criston Cole]] placed the crown of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] on Aegon’s head, while [[Alicent Hightower]] placed a crown upon the head of Aegon’s Queen,  his sister [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]].
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===The Black Council===
 
===The Black Council===
Rhaenyra made her own council, called the Black Council. Participants were, amongst others, Rhaenyra’s husband [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], her three eldest sons [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], and his wife Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]].
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[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] made her own council at [[Dragonstone]], the black council. Participants were, amongst others, Rhaenyra’s husband [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], her three eldest sons [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], and his wife Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]].
  
Despite having more dragons, the Blacks knew that wouldn’t be an advantage, since the Greens possessed [[Vhagar]], and from the nine dragons belonging to the Backs, only five were big enough for battle.
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Despite having more dragons, the [[blacks]] knew that would not be an advantage, since the [[greens]] possessed [[Vhagar]], and from the nine dragons belonging to the blacks, only five were big enough for battle.
  
Believing to have allies in the [[Riverlands]] who were only waiting for a place to gather, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] decided to conquer [[Harrenhal]] as a base, using his dragon [[Caraxes]], while [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] would remain on [[Dragonstone]] to recover her strength. [[House Velaryon]] closed off the [[Gullet]], and Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]] expressed hope of goading [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon the Elder]] into a rash attack, believing him to be a green boy.
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Believing to have allies in the [[riverlands]] who were only waiting for a place to gather, Prince Daemon decided to conquer [[Harrenhal]] as a base, using his dragon [[Caraxes]], while Rhaenyra would remain on Dragonstone to recover her strength. [[House Velaryon]] closed off the [[Gullet]], and Princess Rhaenys expressed hope of goading [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon the Elder]] into a rash attack, believing him to be a green boy.
  
Princess Rhaenys was convinced that Storm's End would declare for Rhaenyra, since Lord [[Boremund Baratheon|Boremund]], the deceased father of Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros]], had always been a supporter of Rhaenys herself. Though they believed the [[North]] to be too remote to play an important part in the war, the Blacks decided to send messages to those lords as well. [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], Rhaenyra’s heir, would bring messages to the [[Jeyne Arryn|Maiden of the Vale]], the [[House Stark|Starks]] of [[Winterfell]] and the [[House Manderly|Manderly’s]] of [[White Harbor]]. [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]], Rhaenyra’s second son, would go to [[Storm's End]], a safer, shorter journey, according to the Blacks.  
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Princess Rhaenys was convinced that [[Storm's End]] would declare for Rhaenyra, since Lord [[Boremund Baratheon|Boremund]], the deceased father of Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros]], had always been a supporter of Rhaenys herself. Though they believed the [[North]] to be too remote to play an important part in the war, the blacks decided to send messages to those lords as well. Jacaerys, Rhaenyra’s heir, would bring messages to [[Jeyne Arryn]], the Maiden of the Vale, the [[House Stark|Starks]] of [[Winterfell]], and the [[House Manderly|Manderlys]] of [[White Harbor]]. Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s second son, would go to Storm's End, a safer, shorter journey, according to the blacks.  
  
After these decisions, Rhaenyra was crowned a Queen, using the crown her father and great-grandfather had worn, thanks to Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]], who had arrived from [[King's Landing]]. Prince Daemon, Rhaenyra’s husband, was named Protector of the Realm, and Jacaerys was officially named Prince of Dragonstone, and heir to the [[Iron Throne]]. Declaring [[Otto Hightower]] and Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] traitors, Rhaenyra allowed for her half-siblings to be forgiven if they would bend the knee. Upon hearing about these developments, King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] declared [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] and [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] traitors as well.
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After these decisions, Rhaenyra was crowned queen, using the crown her father and great-grandfather had worn, thanks to Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]], who had arrived from [[King's Landing]]. Prince Daemon, Rhaenyra’s husband, was named Protector of the Realm, and Jacaerys was officially named [[Prince of Dragonstone]] and heir to the [[Iron Throne]]. Declaring [[Otto Hightower]] and Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] traitors, Rhaenyra allowed for her half-siblings to be forgiven if they would bend the knee. Upon hearing about these developments, King Aegon II declared Rhaenyra and Daemon traitors as well.
  
Hoping for a peaceful end to the war, Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] was allowed to visit [[Dragonstone]] and speak with Rhaenyra. The terms he brought with him, allowed Rhaenyra and all their supporters generous terms. Rhaenyra refused. Soon after, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys’]] ships took sail to close off the [[Gullet]], and [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jace]] and [[Lucerys Velaryon|Luke]] left on their dragons with their messages, and [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] left on [[Caraxes]] to the [[Trident]].
+
Hoping for a peaceful end to the war, Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] was allowed to visit Dragonstone and speak with Rhaenyra. He offered Rhaenyra and her supporters generous terms, but Rhaenyra refused. Soon after, Lord Corlys’s ships took sail to close off the Gullet, and Jacaerys and Lucerys left on their dragons with their messages, and Daemon left on [[Caraxes]] to the [[Trident]].
  
[[Harrenhal]] fell quickly to Daemon. Ser [[Simon Strong]], the elderly castellan, was captured. Daemon had a dozen valuable hostages (including Ser Simon and his grandsons). In the mean time, [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jace]] allied Lady [[Jeyne Arryn|Arryn]], and the Lords [[House Manderly|Manderly]], [[House Borrell|Borrell]] and [[House Sunderland|Sunderland]], and [[Cregan Stark]] to Rhaenyra’s cause.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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[[Harrenhal]] fell quickly to Daemon. Ser [[Simon Strong]], the elderly castellan, was captured. Daemon had a dozen valuable hostages (including Ser Simon and his grandsons). In the mean time, Jacaerys gained Lady Arryn and the Lords Manderly, [[House Borrell|Borrell]] and [[House Sunderland|Sunderland]], and [[Cregan Stark]] to Rhaenyra’s cause.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===The Dance over Shipbreaker Bay===
 
===The Dance over Shipbreaker Bay===
 
[[File:Arrax_storms_end.png‎|Arrax washes up beneath Storm's End by [http://ashleyhunterrice.tumblr.com/ Ashley Hunter Rice] |thumb|500px|right]]
 
[[File:Arrax_storms_end.png‎|Arrax washes up beneath Storm's End by [http://ashleyhunterrice.tumblr.com/ Ashley Hunter Rice] |thumb|500px|right]]
[[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] had meanwhile flown to [[Storm's End]], arriving before a gathering storm. When he arrived, however, he found Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and his dragon [[Vhagar]] already present. Aemond tried to goad Lucerys into a fight, insulting him, calling him a [[House Strong|Strong]] bastard, but Lucerys, having sworn to his mother not to fight, refused him, and instead delivered his message to Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros]]. Lord Borros responded by asking which one of his daughters Luke would marry, should he do what [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] wanted him to do. Luke, already betrothed, told Lord Borros he could not marry any of the girls, upon which Lord Borros told Luke to leave.
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[[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] flew to [[Storm's End]], arriving before a gathering storm. When he arrived, however, he found Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and his dragon [[Vhagar]] already present. Aemond tried to goad Lucerys into a fight, insulting him, calling him a [[House Strong|Strong]] bastard, but Lucerys, having sworn to his mother not to fight, refused him, and instead delivered his message to Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros]]. Lord Borros responded by asking which one of his daughters Luke would marry, should he do what [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] wanted him to do. Luke, already betrothed, told Lord Borros he could not marry any of the girls, upon which Lord Borros told Luke to leave.
 
 
[[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] drew his sword before [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] could go outside, and Lord [[Borros Baratheon|Borros’]] men had to hold him back.
 
  
 +
[[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] drew his sword before Lucerys could go outside, and Lord Borros's men had to hold him back.
  
 
{{Quote|He came an envoy. I want no blood shed beneath my roof.}}
 
{{Quote|He came an envoy. I want no blood shed beneath my roof.}}
  
…is what Lord Borros said, growing uneasy. At that, Lucerys went outside, mounted [[Arrax|his dragon]], and left. Lord Borros then told Aemond that he could not tell Aemond what not to do when Aemond was no longer beneath his roof, upon which Borros’ men moved aside and let Aemond out.
+
…is what Lord Borros said, growing uneasy. At that, Lucerys went outside, mounted his dragon [[Arrax]], and left. Lord Borros then told Aemond that he could not tell Aemond what not to do when Aemond was no longer beneath his roof, upon which Borros’s men moved aside and let Aemond out.
 
 
Outside the storm was raging. Though younger and faster, the storm was slowing [[Arrax]] down, leading to [[Vhagar]] catching up. The fight between the two dragons did not last long. [[Vhagar]], being five times bigger, had the advantage, and [[Arrax]] fell broken. His head and neck would wash ashore three days later, along with the corpse of Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 +
Outside the storm was raging. Though younger and faster, the storm was slowing Arrax down, leading to Vhagar catching up. The fight between the two dragons did not last long. Vhagar, being five times bigger, had the advantage, and Arrax fell broken. His head and neck would wash ashore three days later, along with the corpse of Prince Lucerys Velaryon.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
{{Quote|And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.}}
 
{{Quote|And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.}}
  
 
===[[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]]===
 
===[[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]]===
[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] collapsed when learning of [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys’]] death. Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], at [[Harrenhal]], send a raven to his wife.
+
[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] collapsed when learning of [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys’s]] death. Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], at [[Harrenhal]], send a raven to his wife.
 
 
  
 
{{Quote|An eye for an eye, a son for a son. Lucerys shall be avenged.}}
 
{{Quote|An eye for an eye, a son for a son. Lucerys shall be avenged.}}
Line 136: Line 133:
 
[[Daemon Targaryen]] had friends in the low places of [[King's Landing]] and at court, and followers amongst the gold cloaks. One of his friends enlisted the help of a former serjeant in the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]], known to history as [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]], and a rat-catcher from the [[Red Keep]], known to history only as [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]].
 
[[Daemon Targaryen]] had friends in the low places of [[King's Landing]] and at court, and followers amongst the gold cloaks. One of his friends enlisted the help of a former serjeant in the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]], known to history as [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]], and a rat-catcher from the [[Red Keep]], known to history only as [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]].
  
[[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]] sneaked [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] into the [[Red Keep]], using secret tunnels and hidden doors, bringing them into the [[Tower of the Hand]]. Blood killed Queen Alicents bedmaid, whilst Cheese bound and gagged [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] herself. Then they waited for Queen [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], who would visit her mother every evening with her three children. As Helaena and the children entered, Blood barred the door and killed the guardsmen accompanying Helaena. Cheese picked up [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Cheese sneaked Blood into the [[Red Keep]], using secret tunnels and hidden doors, bringing them into the [[Tower of the Hand]]. Blood killed Queen Alicent's bedmaid, whilst Cheese bound and gagged [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] herself. Then they waited for Queen [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], who would visit her mother every evening with her three children. As Helaena and the children entered, Blood barred the door and killed the guardsmen accompanying Helaena. Cheese picked up [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
 
  
 
{{Quote|”Which one you want t’ lose, Your Grace?”}}
 
{{Quote|”Which one you want t’ lose, Your Grace?”}}
  
 
+
Calling themselves debt collectors, they gave Helaena the choice of chosing which of her two sons would die. Haelena offered herself instead, but they refused and stated if she didn't choose Blood would rape her daughter. In the end, Helaena reluctantly chose Maelor, but Blood did the opposite and killed Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], six year of age. True to their word, they did not hurt anyone else, but fled with Prince Jaehaerys’s head. After this event, Queen Helaena slowly went mad, staying in her chambers, no longer being able to look at her son Maelor, knowing she had named him to die. Dowager Queen Alicent took over the care of the remaining two children.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
Calling themselves debt collectors, they gave [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] the choice of chosing which of her two sons would die. Haelena offered herself instead, but they refused and stated if she didn't choose Blood would rape her daughter. In the end, Helaena reluctantly chose [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], but [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] did the opposite and killed Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], six year of age. True to their word, they did not hurt anyone else, but fled with Prince Jaehaerys’ head. After this event, Queen Helaena slowly went mad, staying in her chambers, no longer being able to look at her son Maelor, knowing she had named him to die. Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] took over the care of the remaining two children.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 
===The [[Battle of Rook's Rest]]===
 
===The [[Battle of Rook's Rest]]===
 
:{{Main|Sack of Duskendale|Battle of Rook's Rest}}
 
:{{Main|Sack of Duskendale|Battle of Rook's Rest}}
After the fall of Harrenhal, King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] suffered defeats at the [[Burning Mill]] and [[Stone Hedge]], making the young king realizing his situation was severe. Ravens returned from the [[Reach]], and while [[House Hightower]] of [[Oldtown]] and the [[Arbor]] stood firmly behind Aegon, [[Owen Costayne|Lord Costayne]] of [[Three Towers]], [[House Mullendore|Lord Mullendore]] of [[Uplands]], Lord [[Alan Tarly]] of [[Horn Hill]], [[House Rowan|Lord Rowan]] of [[Goldengrove]] and [[House Grimm|Lord Grimm]] of [[Greyshield]] all declared for [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], as did the [[Vale]], [[White Harbor]], [[Winterfell]], the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]] and other riverlords, who were assembling at [[Harrenhal]].
+
After the fall of [[Harrenhal]], King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] suffered defeats at the [[Burning Mill]] and [[Stone Hedge]], making the young king realizing his situation was severe. Ravens returned from the [[Reach]], and while [[House Hightower]] of [[Oldtown]] and the [[Arbor]] stood firmly behind Aegon, Lord [[Owen Costayne]] of [[Three Towers]], [[House Mullendore|Lord Mullendore]] of [[Uplands]], Lord [[Alan Tarly]] of [[Horn Hill]], Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] of [[Goldengrove]] and [[House Grimm|Lord Grimm]] of [[Greyshield]] all declared for [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], as did the [[Vale]], [[White Harbor]], [[Winterfell]], the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]] and other riverlords, who were assembling at Harrenhal.
 
 
This, and the closing of the [[Gullet]] that kept going, made [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] angry at his [[Otto Hightower|Hand]]. Ser Otto believed that [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], Rhaenyra’s greatest pillar of support, was her greatest weakness. He reached out to one such foe, the [[Kingdom of the Three Daughters]] across the [[Narrow Sea]], hoping to use them against the [[Corlys Velaryon|Sea Snake]].
 
  
Aegon II was running out of patience, however, and fired Otto as Hand. Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]] was named in his stead, and decided actions were necessary.
+
This, and the closing of the [[Gullet]], made Aegon angry at his Hand, [[Otto Hightower]]. Ser Otto believed that [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], Rhaenyra’s greatest pillar of support, was her greatest weakness. He reached out to one such foe, the [[Kingdom of the Three Daughters]] across the [[narrow sea]], hoping to use them against the Sea Snake, [[Corlys Velaryon]].
  
 +
Aegon II was running out of patience, however, and removed Otto as Hand. Ser [[Criston Cole]] was named in his stead, and decided actions were necessary.
  
 
{{Quote| It is not for you to plead for support from your lords, like a beggar pleading for alms.  You are the lawful king of Westeros, and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason.}}
 
{{Quote| It is not for you to plead for support from your lords, like a beggar pleading for alms.  You are the lawful king of Westeros, and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason.}}
  
[[Larys Strong]] had a list of all those who had gathered on [[Dragonstone]] to attend Rhaenyra’s coronation. Those lords living on islands could not be touched, but those on the main land could. [[Sack of Duskendale|Duskendale fell easily]], and Lord Darklyn was beheaded. Ser Criston then turned his attention to [[Rook's Rest]].
+
[[Larys Strong]] had a list of all those who had gathered on [[Dragonstone]] to attend Rhaenyra’s coronation. Those lords living on islands could not be touched, but those on the main land could. [[Sack of Duskendale|Duskendale fell easily]], and [[House Darklyn|Lord Darklyn]] was beheaded. Ser Criston then turned his attention to [[Rook's Rest]].  
 
 
[[Lord Staunton]] closed his gates and defied his attackers, but could not protect his small folk. His provisions running low, he send a raven to [[Dragonstone]], asking for help. The help that arrived was Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]] on dragon [[Meleys]]. Unbeknownst to [[the blacks]], however, Ser Criston had been expecting a dragon to appear. His men attacked the dragon with scorpions, longbows and crossbows, it only served to anger Meleys.
 
  
Next, [[Sunfyre]] and [[Vhagar]] appeared. [[Meleys]] had no chance against [[Vhagar]] and [[Sunfyre]] combined. The dragons fought a thousand feet above the ground. Meleys’ jaws closed around Sunfyre’s neck, and Vahgar fell upon them, causing all three dragons to crash into the ground. From the ashes, only [[Vhagar]] rose again. [[Sunfyre]] had one wing half torn from his body, whilst his rider, King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], suffered from several broken bones and severe burns. Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]] was found completely burned next to the dead body of [[Meleys]]. After the battle, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Ser Criston took [[Rook's Rest]] and put the garrison to death. The head of [[Meleys]] was brought back to [[King's Landing]], inspiring fear amongst the small folk, causing thousands to flee the capitol until the gates were barred by Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]].
+
[[Lord Staunton]] closed his gates and defied his attackers, but could not protect his small folk. His provisions running low, he send a raven to [[Dragonstone]], asking for help. The help that arrived was Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]] on dragon [[Meleys]]. Unbeknownst to the [[blacks]], however, Ser Criston had been expecting a dragon to appear. His men attacked the dragon with scorpions, longbows and crossbows, it only served to anger Meleys.
  
King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] was brought back to [[King's Landing]], where maesters attended to his wounds. He was severely wounded, sleeping nine hours out of every ten, under the influence of milk of the poppy. [[Sunfyre]] was too large to be moved, and due to his injuries unable to fly. The dragon thus remained at [[Rook's Rest]], where guards were posted to keep him safe and feed him. With Aegon unable to rule, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] assumed the style of Protector of the Realm.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Next, [[Sunfyre]] and [[Vhagar]] appeared. [[Meleys]] had no chance against Vhagar and Sunfyre combined. The dragons fought a thousand feet above the ground. Meleys’s jaws closed around Sunfyre’s neck, and Vhagar fell upon them, causing all three dragons to crash into the ground. From the ashes, only Vhagar rose again. Sunfyre had one wing half torn from his body, whilst his rider, King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], suffered from several broken bones and severe burns. Princess Rhaenys was found completely burned next to the dead body of [[Meleys]]. After the battle, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Ser Criston took [[Rook's Rest]] and put the garrison to death. The head of Meleys was brought back to [[King's Landing]], inspiring fear amongst the small folk, causing thousands to flee the capitol until the gates were barred by Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]].
  
 +
King Aegon II was brought back to King's Landing, where maesters attended to his wounds. He was severely wounded, sleeping nine hours out of every ten, under the influence of milk of the poppy. Sunfyre was too large to be moved, and due to his injuries unable to fly. The dragon thus remained at Rook's Rest, where guards were posted to keep him safe and feed him. With Aegon unable to rule, Prince Aemond assumed the style of Protector of the Realm.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
{{Quote|You must rule the realm now, until your brother is strong enough to take the crown again.}}
 
{{Quote|You must rule the realm now, until your brother is strong enough to take the crown again.}}
 
  
 
===The Dragonseeds===
 
===The Dragonseeds===
Line 172: Line 164:
 
{{Quote|It should have been you.}}
 
{{Quote|It should have been you.}}
  
Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]], upon learning of the death of his [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|wife]], threatened to leave Rhaenyra’s side, until Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] named him [[Hand of the Queen]]. Together, grandfather and grandson planned an assault on [[King's Landing]], sent Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] to the [[Vale]] with Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena]] and three dragons eggs and Joffrey’s dragon [[Tyraxes]]. Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]] were sent to [[Pentos]] by [[Gay Abandon|ship]], to be fostered with the Prince of Pentos, a friend of Prince Daemons, until Rhaenyra had secured the throne.
+
Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], upon learning of the death of his wife [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], threatened to leave Rhaenyra’s side, until Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] named him [[Hand of the Queen]]. Together, grandfather and grandson planned an assault on [[King's Landing]], sent Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] to the [[Vale of Arryn]] with Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena]] and three [[dragon egg]]s and Joffrey’s dragon [[Tyraxes]]. Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]] were sent to [[Pentos]] by [[Gay Abandon|ship]], to be fostered with the Prince of Pentos, a friend of Prince Daemon's, until Rhaenyra had secured the throne.
  
With only [[Vhagar]] left to defend the city ([[Dreamfyre]] was at [[King's Landing]] as well, but could not fight due to her rider being unable), [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] wanted to attack the capitol with as many dragons as possible. With six riderless dragons present on [[Dragonstone]], Jacaerys called out to the dragonseeds, vowing that any man who could master one of the dragons would be raised to knightship and gain wealth. Many men tried, and some women as well. Sixteen men died, amongst them Lord Commander [[Steffon Darklyn]], and forty-eight were burned or maimed. Four people eventually succeeded: [[Vermithor]] was claimed by [[Hugh Hammer]], [[Silverwing]] by [[Ulf the White]], [[Seasmoke]] by [[Addam Velaryon|Addam of Hull]], and [[Sheepstealer]] by a girl named [[Nettles]]. Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]] asked Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from Addam and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]], making them true Velaryons, and named Addam heir to [[Driftmark]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
With only [[Vhagar]] left to defend the city ([[Dreamfyre]] was at [[King's Landing]] as well, but could not fight due to her rider being unable), Jacaerys wanted to attack the capital with as many dragons as possible. With six riderless dragons present on [[Dragonstone]], Jacaerys called out to the dragonseeds, vowing that any man who could master one of the dragons would be raised to knightship and gain wealth. Many men tried, and some women as well. Sixteen men died, amongst them Lord Commander [[Steffon Darklyn]], and forty-eight were burned or maimed. Four people eventually succeeded: [[Vermithor]] was claimed by [[Hugh Hammer]], [[Silverwing]] by [[Ulf the White]], [[Seasmoke]] by [[Addam Velaryon|Addam of Hull]], and [[Sheepstealer]] by a girl named [[Nettles]]. Lord Corlys asked Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from Addam and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]], making them true Velaryons, and named Addam heir to [[Driftmark]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===[[Battle in the Gullet]]===
 
===[[Battle in the Gullet]]===
 
:{{Main|Battle in the Gullet}}
 
:{{Main|Battle in the Gullet}}
Meanwhile, ninety warships were sailing from the [[Stepstones]] chanced upon the [[Gay Abandon]], carrying Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]]. The escorting ships were sunk or taken, and Prince Aegon managed to escape by clinging to the neck of his dragon, [[Stormcloud]]. During the flight, [[Stormcloud]] was injured terribly. Prince Viserys, having only a dragon egg, had no such option, and was made a captive of admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]].
+
Meanwhile, ninety warships were sailing from the [[Stepstones]] chanced upon the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'', carrying Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]]. The escorting ships were sunk or taken, and Prince Aegon managed to escape by clinging to the neck of his dragon, [[Stormcloud]]. During the flight, Stormcloud was injured terribly. Prince Viserys, having only a dragon egg, had no such option, and was made a captive of admiral [[Sharako Lohar]] of [[Lys]].
  
Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon’s]] arrival on [[Dragonstone]], with [[Stormcloud]], spread the tale, and so Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] mounted [[Vermax]] and flew to the Lysene galleys, quickly followed by the four dragonseeds. The warships tried to flee, and all seemed lost for the Lyseni, until [[Vermax]] flew too low and crashed into the sea. [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] leapt free, and managed to hold on to a piece of wreckage, until he was pierced by quarrels. The prince was swallowed by the sea.
+
Prince Aegon’s arrival on [[Dragonstone]], with Stormcloud, spread the tale, and so Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] mounted [[Vermax]] and flew to the Lysene galleys, quickly followed by the four dragonseeds. The warships tried to flee, and all seemed lost for the Lyseni, until Vermax flew too low and crashed into the sea. Jacaerys leapt free, and managed to hold on to a piece of wreckage, until he was pierced by quarrels. The prince was swallowed by the sea.
  
The lysine ships, who had set sail originally with ninety, sailed back with only twenty-eight ships. They passed [[Dragonstone]], but believed the island too strong to take. Instead, they sacked [[Spicetown]] and butchered men, women and children. [[High Tide]], containing all the [[Corlys Velaryon|Sea Snakes]] treasures, was consumed by fire, one third of his fleet brought down.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
The lysine ships, who had set sail originally with ninety, sailed back with only twenty-eight ships. They passed Dragonstone, but believed the island too strong to take. Instead, they sacked [[Spicetown]] and butchered men, women and children. [[High Tide]], containing all the [[Corlys Velaryon|Sea Snake's]] treasures, was consumed by fire, one-third of his fleet brought down.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===The [[Battle on the Honeywine]]===
 
===The [[Battle on the Honeywine]]===
 
:{{Main|Battle on the Honeywine}}
 
:{{Main|Battle on the Honeywine}}
A fortnight later, Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] found himself stuck between two armies: Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] and [[Tom Flowers]], from [[Goldengrove]] and [[Bitterbridge]], came down on him from the northeast, while Ser [[Alan Beesbury]], Lord [[Alan Tarly]] and Lord [[Owen Costayne]] were cutting off the retreat route back to [[Oldtown]]. They closed around him, when Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] on his dragon joined the battle. [[Tom Flowers]] died, Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan|Rowan]] fled, the Alans were captured, and Lord [[Owen Costayne|Costayne]] was dying. The victory lead to Lord Hightower knighting Prince Daeron, naming him Daeron the Daring.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
A fortnight later, Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] found himself stuck between two armies: Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] and [[Tom Flowers]], from [[Goldengrove]] and [[Bitterbridge]], came down on him from the northeast, while Ser [[Alan Beesbury]], Lord [[Alan Tarly]] and Lord [[Owen Costayne]] were cutting off the retreat route back to [[Oldtown]]. They closed around him, when Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] on his dragon joined the battle. [[Tom Flowers]] died, Lord Rowan fled, the Alans were captured, and Lord Costayne was dying. The victory lead to Lord Hightower knighting Prince Daeron, naming him Daeron the Daring.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===[[Fall of King's Landing]]===
 
===[[Fall of King's Landing]]===
 
:{{Main|Fall of King's Landing}}
 
:{{Main|Fall of King's Landing}}
Tide turned for [[the blacks]]. Jace’s death seemd to give [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] strength. Filled with anger and hatred, she resolved to use her dragons.  
+
Tide turned for the [[blacks]]. Jacaerys’s death seemed to give [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] strength. Filled with anger and hatred, she resolved to use her dragons.  
  
Meanwhile Lord [[Walys Mooton|Mooton]] retook [[Rook's Rest]], and attempted to kill [[Sunfyre]], who still remained there, wounded. The dragon fought back, and burned three score men before the others fled. Lord Mooton himself died as well. When the survivors dared to return to the field again, the dead were still there, but Sunfyre had disappeared. There were no tracks, suggesting Sunfyre had taken wing again despite his wounds.
+
Meanwhile, Lord [[Walys Mooton]] retook [[Rook's Rest]], and attempted to kill [[Sunfyre]], who still remained there, wounded. The dragon fought back, and burned three score men before the others fled. Lord Mooton himself died as well. When the survivors dared to return to the field again, the dead were still there, but Sunfyre had disappeared. There were no tracks, suggesting Sunfyre had taken wing again despite his wounds.
  
 
With the [[North]] assembling forces, Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]] saw danger, should these troops join up with [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
With the [[North]] assembling forces, Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]] saw danger, should these troops join up with [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 
{{Quote|The whore on Dragonstone is not the threat. No more than Rowan and these traitors in the Reach. The danger is my uncle. Once Daemon is dead, all these fools flying our sister’s banners will run back to their castles and trouble us no more.}}
 
{{Quote|The whore on Dragonstone is not the threat. No more than Rowan and these traitors in the Reach. The danger is my uncle. Once Daemon is dead, all these fools flying our sister’s banners will run back to their castles and trouble us no more.}}
  
The host Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]]  had gathered at [[Harrenhal]] was still growing, and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] believed him to be the real danger, not Rhaenyra. Aemond and Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]] rode forth from [[King's Landing]] with a host of four thousand and the dragon [[Vhagar]]. Daemon knew of their plans even before Aemond had left the capitol. He hastened south on [[Caraxes]], staying well away from Criston’s line of march.
+
The host Prince [Daemon had gathered at [[Harrenhal]] was still growing, and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] believed him to be the real danger, not Rhaenyra. Aemond and Ser Criston rode forth from [[King's Landing]] with a host of four thousand and the dragon [[Vhagar]]. Daemon knew of their plans even before Aemond had left the capitol. He hastened south on [[Caraxes]], staying well away from Criston’s line of march.
 
 
  
 
{{Quote|When told that Aemond and Ser Criston Cole had left King's Landing, it is said that Prince Daemon laughed and said, “Past time,” for he had long anticipated this moment. A murder of ravens took flight from the twisted towers of Harrenhal.}}
 
{{Quote|When told that Aemond and Ser Criston Cole had left King's Landing, it is said that Prince Daemon laughed and said, “Past time,” for he had long anticipated this moment. A murder of ravens took flight from the twisted towers of Harrenhal.}}
  
 
+
Expecting to find Daemon, instead Aemond and Criston found [[Harrenhal]] abandoned after a nineteen day march, and believed themselves victorious. The truth was very different. With [[Vhagar]] away from [[King's Landing]], only [[Dreamfyre]] remained, and [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] was in no condition to fly. Daemon and Caraxes had not fled, but joined up with Rhaenyra and [[Syrax]] above [[King's Landing]], leaving the small folk below in terror. [[Corlys Velaryon]]'s ships sailed into [[Blackwater Bay]], and the only one left to defend the city was Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]]. Grand Maester [[Orwyle]], trying to dispatch ravens asking for help, was arrested before a single letter could be send. The riders bearing messages were arrested at the city gates, and the seven captains commanding the gates we killed or arrested, all by those gold cloaks still loyal to Prince Daemon. The city gates were opened for the men arriving with the Velaryon fleet.
Expecting to find Daemon, instead Aemond and Criston would find [[Harrenhal]] abandoned after a nineteen day march, and would believe themselves victorious. The truth was very different. With [[Vhagar]] away from [[King’s Landing]], only [[Dreamfyre]] remained, and [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] was in no condition to fly. [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] and [[Caraxes]] had not fled, but joined up with [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] and [[Syrax]] above [[King's Landing]], leaving the small folk below in terror. [[Corlys Velaryon|The Sea Snake]]s ships sailed into [[Blackwater Bay]], and the only one left to defend the city was Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]]. Grand Maester [[Orwyle]], trying to dispatch ravens asking for help, was arrested before a single letter could be send. The riders bearing messages were arrested at the city gates, and the seven captains commanding the gates we killed or arrested, all by those gold cloaks still loyal to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]]. The city gates were opened for the men arriving with the Velaryon fleet.
 
  
 
[[King's Landing]] fell in less than a day.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
[[King's Landing]] fell in less than a day.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 
{{Quote|Then she bid her stepmother choose: yield, or burn.}}
 
{{Quote|Then she bid her stepmother choose: yield, or burn.}}
  
All those from the green council who had been in [[King's Landing]] when the attacks began were arrested, safe for Lord [[Larys Strong]], who had disappeared, taking with him King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], and Ser [[Willis Fell]] and [[Rickard Thorne]] of the [[Kingsguard]]. The other green council members yielded, and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] took her place on the [[Iron Throne]].
+
All those from the green council who had been in [[King's Landing]] when the attacks began were arrested, save for Lord [[Larys Strong]], who had disappeared, taking with him King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], and Ser [[Willis Fell]] and [[Rickard Thorne]] of the [[Kingsguard]]. The other green council members yielded, and Rhaenyra took her place on the [[Iron Throne]].
 
 
Dowager Queen Alicent would be spared, but her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower|Otto]] was beheaded, as was [[Jasper Wylde|Ironrod]]. Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] would be given to the torturers, in the hopes of regaining some of the gold he had hidden.  
 
  
While Rhaenyra’s return to [[King's Landing]] was cheered and celebrated at first, the amount of heads on spikes and increasing taxes made the small folk dub her '''“King Maegor with teats”'''. Despite this, Princes [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] and [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] were called to King’s Landing.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Dowager Queen Alicent was spared, but her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower|Otto]] was beheaded, as was [[Jasper Wylde]]. Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] was given to the torturers, in the hopes of regaining some of the gold he had hidden.  
  
 +
While Rhaenyra’s return to [[King's Landing]] was cheered and celebrated at first, the amount of heads on spikes and increasing taxes made the small folk dub her “King Maegor with teats”. Despite this, Princes [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] and [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] were called to King’s Landing.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
{{Quote|And for a hundred years thereafter “Maegor’s Teats” was a common curse amongst kingslanders.}}
 
{{Quote|And for a hundred years thereafter “Maegor’s Teats” was a common curse amongst kingslanders.}}
 
  
 
===[[Battle by the Lakeshore]]/The Fishfeed===
 
===[[Battle by the Lakeshore]]/The Fishfeed===
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{{Quote| Best make an end to these lions before the dragons come.}}
 
{{Quote| Best make an end to these lions before the dragons come.}}
  
While the news of the [[fall of King's Landing]] reached Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], fighting in the Riverlands continued. A [[House Lannister|Lannister]] host was on the move, lead by the old [[House Lefford|Lord Lefford]]. At the western shores of the [[Gods Eye]], they came across [[Roderick Dustin|Roddy the Ruin]] with his [[Winter Wolves]], who had combined his forces with Lord [[Forrest Frey]] and [[Robb Rivers|Red Robb Rivers]]. From the south, [[Longleaf|Longleaf the Lionslayer]], Lords [[House Bigglestone|Bigglestone]], [[House Chambers|Chambers]] and [[House Perryn|Perryn]] locked him in. Lords [[Garibald Grey]], [[Jon Charlton]] and [[Benjicot Blackwood]] joined up with the army from the [[North|north]] and [[Riverlands|riverlands]] the following day, whilst Lord Leffords ravens were all shot down. The day after, they began their battle, which would be called the bloodiest land battle of the Dance. Hundreds died that day.
+
While the news of the [[fall of King's Landing]] reached Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], fighting in the riverlands continued. A [[House Lannister|Lannister]] host was on the move, led by the old [[House Lefford|Lord Lefford]]. At the western shores of the [[Gods Eye]], they came across Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] with his [[Winter Wolves]], who had combined his forces with Lord [[Forrest Frey]] and [[Robb Rivers|Red Robb Rivers]]. From the south, [[Longleaf|Longleaf the Lionslayer]] and Lords [[House Bigglestone|Bigglestone]], [[House Chambers|Chambers]], and [[House Perryn|Perryn]] locked him in. Lords [[Garibald Grey]], [[Jon Charlton]] and [[Benjicot Blackwood]] joined up with the northmen and other rivermen the following day, whilst Lord Lefford's ravens were all shot down. The day after, they began their battle, which would be called the bloodiest land battle of the Dance. Hundreds died that day in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], also called the Fishfeed.
  
Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] at [[Harrenhal]] could no longer agree on a plan of action. They were running short of food. Criston wished to withdraw to the south, to join strength with Lord [[Ormund Hightower|Hightower]] and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], while [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], enraged by losing [[King's Landing]] and the outcome of the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], wished to attack the capitol. And so they parted ways, with Criston taking the army south, whilst Prince Aemond remained to ravage the Riverlands, waiting until such a time when [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] would send out “a dragon or two” to stop him, so [[Vhagar]] could destroy them.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] at [[Harrenhal]] could no longer agree on a plan of action. They were running short of food. Criston wished to withdraw to the south, to join strength with Lord [[Ormund Hightower|Hightower]] and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], while [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], enraged by losing [[King's Landing]] and the outcome of the Battle by the Lakeshore, wished to attack the capital. And so they parted ways, with Criston taking the army south, whilst Prince Aemond remained to ravage the riverlands, waiting until such a time when [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] would send out “a dragon or two” to stop him, so [[Vhagar]] could destroy them.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===The Red Kraken===
 
===The Red Kraken===
After Lord Beesbury had been killed in the beginning of the war, Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] had been made Master of Coin, to take Beesbury's place. This had left the office of Master of Ships vacant. The green council had assumed that [[Dalton Greyjoy]] could be persauded to their allegiance by offering him the vacant council seat.  Ironically, at the beginning of the war Aegon II had also thought his reign unassailable, given that he controlled the three largest and wealthiest cities in the realm (King's Landing, Oldtown, and Lannisport) and the previous royal treasury from Viserys I's reign.   
+
After Lord Beesbury had been killed in the beginning of the war, Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] had been made [[master of coin]], to take Beesbury's place. This left the office of [[master of ships]] vacant. The green council assumed that [[Dalton Greyjoy]] could be persauded to their allegiance by offering him the vacant council seat.  Ironically, at the beginning of the war Aegon II had also thought his reign unassailable, given that he controlled the three largest and wealthiest cities in the realm (King's Landing, Oldtown, and Lannisport) and the previous royal treasury from Viserys I's reign.   
  
 
Rhaenyra's black council offered Lord Dalton something more to his liking, however, and so House Greyjoy declared for Rhaenyra.  Little was to be gained by sailing around Westeros to attack Rhaenyra's supporters in the Vale and the North, but the wealth of Oldtown and Lannisport (which Aegon II had prided himself on) was nearby, and a much more tempting target.  With the Lannister armies destroyed at the Fishfeed and the green armies of the Reach marching east to Tumbleton, the coasts only had skeleton defenses.  For two years, Dalton and his Ironborn raided and pillaged the coasts of the Westerlands and the Reach. Greyjoy captured Kayce and Fair Isle, and though the ironborn could not force entry into Casterly Rock, they sacked Lannisport.
 
Rhaenyra's black council offered Lord Dalton something more to his liking, however, and so House Greyjoy declared for Rhaenyra.  Little was to be gained by sailing around Westeros to attack Rhaenyra's supporters in the Vale and the North, but the wealth of Oldtown and Lannisport (which Aegon II had prided himself on) was nearby, and a much more tempting target.  With the Lannister armies destroyed at the Fishfeed and the green armies of the Reach marching east to Tumbleton, the coasts only had skeleton defenses.  For two years, Dalton and his Ironborn raided and pillaged the coasts of the Westerlands and the Reach. Greyjoy captured Kayce and Fair Isle, and though the ironborn could not force entry into Casterly Rock, they sacked Lannisport.
  
===The Feasting Corpses/The [[Butcher's Ball]]===
+
===The [[Butcher's Ball]]===
 
:{{Main|Butcher's Ball}}
 
:{{Main|Butcher's Ball}}
Aemond burned [[Darry]], [[Lord Harroway's Town]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Buckle]], [[Claypool]], [[Swynford]] and [[Spiderwood]]. Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]], going south, found everything in front of him dead: forests, villages, horses, men. His scouts found scenes where armored corpses sat beneath the trees, rotting away, a mockery of the fallen throwing a feast. Four days out of [[Harrenhal]], attacks made Criston lose a few men every single time. Seeing multiple “corpse feasts”  Criston and his men grew accustomed to the sight. At [[Crossed Elms]], however, the corpses were no true corpses at all, and attacked Criston and his men when they were riding past. In his flight, Criston fell upon the Lords of the Trident, with [[Roderick Dustin]] leading.  Cole challenged the leaders of the black host to single combat, but was refused.  The battle was the most decisive in the Dance, and after Criston died, his remaining men broke and ran, and were killed by the hundreds in the rout.  The massacre became known as the Butcher's Ball, and it marked the high point of Rhaenyra's fortunes.
+
Aemond burned [[Darry]], [[Lord Harroway's Town]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Buckle]], [[Claypool]], [[Swynford]] and [[Spiderwood]]. Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]], going south, found everything in front of him dead: forests, villages, horses, men. His scouts found scenes where armored corpses sat beneath the trees, rotting away, a mockery of the fallen throwing a feast. Four days out of [[Harrenhal]], attacks made Criston lose a few men every single time. Seeing multiple “corpse feasts”  Criston and his men grew accustomed to the sight. At [[Crossed Elms]], however, the corpses were no true corpses at all, and attacked Criston and his men when they were riding past. In his flight, Criston fell upon the Lords of the Trident, with [[Roderick Dustin]] leading.  Cole challenged the leaders of the black host to single combat, but was refused.  The battle was the most decisive in the Dance, and after Criston died, his remaining men broke and ran, and were killed by the hundreds in the rout.  The massacre became known as the [[Butcher's Ball]], and it marked the high point of Rhaenyra's fortunes.
  
Living in fear of [[Vhagar]], Lord [[Manfryd Mooton|Mooton]] had meanwhile invited [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] and [[Nettles]] to take [[Maidenpool]] as their base. [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] still terrorized the [[Riverlands]], stricking at [[Stonyhead]], the [[Mountains of the Moon]], [[Sweetwillow]] and [[Sallydance]], and many more. Each day [[Caraxes]] and [[Sheepstealer]] would take wing from Maidenpool, and each day they would return, with Vhagar unfound.
+
Living in fear of [[Vhagar]], Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] had meanwhile invited [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] and [[Nettles]] to take [[Maidenpool]] as their base. [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] still terrorized the [[riverlands]], striking at [[Stonyhead]], the [[Mountains of the Moon]], [[Sweetwillow]] and [[Sallydance]], and many more. Each day [[Caraxes]] and [[Sheepstealer]] would take wing from Maidenpool, and each day they would return, with Vhagar unfound.
  
Piteous news soon reached Rhaenyra in King's Landing, which proved just as controversial as the death of Aegon's elder son Jaehaerys.  While his daughter Jaehaera had safely arrived at Storm's End, his last son Maelor was discovered and stopped by a mob of pro-Rhaenyra supporters at Bitterbridge.  The mob of men and women clamored over the three-year old boy, each trying to claim the reward, until little Maelor was torn to pieces.  When the Hightower army worked its way up the Roseroad to Bitterbridge some time later, it razed the castle to the ground in revenge.
+
Piteous news soon reached Rhaenyra in King's Landing, which proved just as controversial as the death of Aegon's elder son Jaehaerys.  While his daughter Jaehaera had safely arrived at Storm's End, his last son Maelor was discovered and stopped by a mob of pro-Rhaenyra supporters at Bitterbridge.  The mob of men and women clamored over the three-year old boy, each trying to claim the reward, until little Maelor was torn to pieces.  When the Hightower army worked its way up the [[Roseroad]] to [[Bitterbridge]] some time later, it razed the castle to the ground in revenge.
  
 
===The [[First Battle of Tumbleton]]===
 
===The [[First Battle of Tumbleton]]===
 
:{{Main|First Battle of Tumbleton}}
 
:{{Main|First Battle of Tumbleton}}
[[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] still remained a threat in the [[Riverlands]], stricking unexpectedly. Yet the real threat was Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] and the great army of Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]. Slowly advancing on [[King's Landing]], they were defeating the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Queens]] loyalists wherever they went, as Rhaenyra’s armies fled before [[Tessarion]]. To defeat Aemond and [[Vhagar]], Prince Daemon and [[Caraxes]] had left for the [[Riverlands]] with the girl [[Nettles]] and her dragon [[Sheepstealer]]. To defeat Daeron and Tessarion, [[Ulf the White]] and [[Hugh Hammer]] flew to [[Tumbleton]].
+
[[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] still remained a threat in the [[riverlands]], stricking unexpectedly. Yet the real threat was Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] and the great army of Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]. Slowly advancing on [[King's Landing]], they were defeating [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra's]] loyalists wherever they went, as her armies fled before [[Tessarion]]. To defeat Aemond and [[Vhagar]], Prince Daemon and [[Caraxes]] had left for the riverlands with the girl [[Nettles]] and her dragon [[Sheepstealer]]. To defeat Daeron and Tessarion, [[Ulf the White]] and [[Hugh Hammer]] flew to [[Tumbleton]].
  
Rhaenyra´s forces at Tumbleton greatly outnumbered the Hightower army. People fleeing into the city for safety from Lord Hightowers army, were secretly part of the army, and infiltrated the ranks of defenders. In addition, Ser Ulf the White and Ser Hugh Hammer, since then known as the [[Two Betrayers]], changed their allegiance. Though Lord Ormund and his cousin Ser [[Bryndon Hightower|Bryndon]] died in the battle, killed by [[Roderick Dustin|Roddy the Ruin]] as he himself was mortally injured, the Hightower army kept the advantage, as [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]] joined [[Tessarion]] in the air, and loosened their flames upon [[Tumbleton]] unexpectedly. A savage sack followed.
+
Rhaenyra´s forces at Tumbleton greatly outnumbered the Hightower army. People fleeing into the city for safety from Lord Hightower's army were secretly part of the army, and they infiltrated the ranks of defenders. In addition, Ser Ulf the White and Ser Hugh Hammer, since then known as the [[Two Betrayers]], changed their allegiance. Though Lord Ormund and his cousin Ser [[Bryndon Hightower|Bryndon]] died in the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], killed by [[Roderick Dustin|Roddy the Ruin]] as he himself was mortally injured, the Hightower army kept the advantage, as [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]] joined [[Tessarion]] in the air, and loosened their flames upon Tumbleton unexpectedly. A savage sack followed.
  
Upon learning of the betrayels, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] ordered the [[King's Landing|city]] gates closed and barred. The Betrayels at Tumbleton made the Black Council question the loyalty of the other dragonseeds, [[Addam Velaryon]] and [[Nettles]]. Most of the Black Council urged Rhaenyra to arrest both, and only Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]] spoke in their defense, declaring Addam and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] true Velaryons. His protests, though passionate, were in vain. Rhaenyra, already suspicious, ordered the arrest of Nettles, at [[Maidenpool]] with Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], and Addam, currently guarding the dragons in the [[Dragonpit]]. Ser [[Luthor Largent]] went to arrest Addam, but upon his arrival at [[Rhaenys's Hill]], saw [[Seasmoke]] take wing, with Ser Addam on his back. Ser Luthor arrested Lord Corlys instead, since the old man did not deny helping his heir escape. Slowly, chaos started to arise again in King's Landing.
+
Upon learning of the betrayels, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] ordered the [[King's Landing|city]] gates closed and barred. The Betrayels at Tumbleton made the black council question the loyalty of the other dragonseeds, [[Addam Velaryon]] and [[Nettles]]. Most of the black council urged Rhaenyra to arrest both, and only Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] spoke in their defense, declaring Addam and his brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] true Velaryons. His protests, though passionate, were in vain. Rhaenyra, already suspicious, ordered the arrest of Nettles, at [[Maidenpool]] with Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], and Addam, currently guarding the dragons in the [[Dragonpit]]. Ser [[Luthor Largent]] went to arrest Addam, but upon his arrival at [[Rhaenys's Hill]], saw [[Seasmoke]] take wing, with Addam on his back. Luthor arrested Corlys instead, since the old man did not deny helping his heir escape. Slowly, chaos started to arise again in King's Landing.
  
In [[Tumbleton]], meanwhile, chaos reigned. Lord Hightowers army remained there. Ormunds sons remained in [[Oldtown]] and were still green boys. Though Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] had been knighted, he was still a boy, used to following commands. Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]], another Hightower cousin, presumed to take command. Prince Daeron commanded Ser Hobert to stop the savage sacking, but Hightower proved to be very ineffective. Ser [[Ulf the White|Ulf]] and [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh]] were worse. Ser Ulf drank heavy and fed women to his dragon, and became angry when he was named Lord of [[Bitterbridge]], dreaming of [[Highgarden]] instead. Ser Hugh was worse, dreaming of a crown of his own.
+
In [[Tumbleton]], meanwhile, chaos reigned. Lord Hightower's army remained there. Ormund's sons remained in [[Oldtown]] and were still green boys. Though Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] had been knighted, he was still a boy, used to following commands. Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]], another Hightower cousin, presumed to take command. Prince Daeron commanded Ser Hobert to stop the savage sacking, but Hightower proved to be very ineffective. Ser [[Ulf the White|Ulf]] and [[Hugh Hammer|Hugh]] were worse. Ser Ulf drank heavy and fed women to his dragon, and became angry when he was named Lord of [[Bitterbridge]], dreaming of [[Highgarden]] instead. Ser Hugh was worse, dreaming of a crown of his own.
  
 
In the Hightower army, no decision of a course of action could be made, and the army became smaller every day due to desertions.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
In the Hightower army, no decision of a course of action could be made, and the army became smaller every day due to desertions.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===Dancing dragons at [[Dragonstone]]===
 
===Dancing dragons at [[Dragonstone]]===
Around the time of the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], the merchant cog ''[[Nessaria]]'' made a stop at [[Dragonstone]] for repairs and provisions, having been driven off course by a storm. They had passed the [[Dragonmont]] before arriving at [[Dragonstone]]´s port, and there they had spotted two fighting dragons.
+
Around the time of the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], the merchant cog ''[[Nessaria]]'' made a stop at [[Dragonstone]] for repairs and provisions, having been driven off course by a storm. They had passed the [[Dragonmont]] before arriving at Dragonstone's port, and there they had spotted two fighting dragons.
  
 
Inspired by the story from those of [[Volantis]], local fisherman took their boats out for a look the next morning, and they reported having seen the burned and broken remains of a dead dragon. From the color of its scales and wings, they concluded the dead dragon was [[Grey Ghost]], completely torn apart. Ser [[Robert Quince]], Dragonstones castellan, named the [[Cannibal]] as the killer. Only later in the war would the truth surface.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
Inspired by the story from those of [[Volantis]], local fisherman took their boats out for a look the next morning, and they reported having seen the burned and broken remains of a dead dragon. From the color of its scales and wings, they concluded the dead dragon was [[Grey Ghost]], completely torn apart. Ser [[Robert Quince]], Dragonstones castellan, named the [[Cannibal]] as the killer. Only later in the war would the truth surface.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Having smuggled [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] and [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] out of [[King's Landing]], Lord [[Larys Strong|Larys]] dispatched Jaehaera and a Kingsguard to Lord [[Ormund Hightower|Hightower]], and Maelor and another Kingsguard to [[Storm's End]], while he disguised King Aegon and smuggled him to [[Dragonstone]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] seat, the last place anyone would look for him. Aegon was kept hidden in disguise, and would have remained such, as [[Sunfyre]] had not found them. Unbeknownst to those in the castle, it had been Sunfyre who had fought and killed [[Grey Ghost]], and not the [[Cannibal]].
 
Having smuggled [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] and [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] out of [[King's Landing]], Lord [[Larys Strong|Larys]] dispatched Jaehaera and a Kingsguard to Lord [[Ormund Hightower|Hightower]], and Maelor and another Kingsguard to [[Storm's End]], while he disguised King Aegon and smuggled him to [[Dragonstone]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] seat, the last place anyone would look for him. Aegon was kept hidden in disguise, and would have remained such, as [[Sunfyre]] had not found them. Unbeknownst to those in the castle, it had been Sunfyre who had fought and killed [[Grey Ghost]], and not the [[Cannibal]].
  
Rider and dragon went out flying again, regaining strength, while Aegons loyal men had found people enough who were willing to betray Rhaenyra, due to mislike for her. Dragonstone had not been well defended, and it had fallen easily. There had only been one problem. Lady [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]], Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon’s]] daughter, had managed to escape her attackers and mount her [[Moondancer|dragon]]. She met [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and [[Sunfyre]] in the sky, unexpectedly, where the two dragons fought. Sunfyre blinded Moondancer with fire, but the younger dragon fought on. The dragons eventually fell on the earth. On the ground, Sunfyre won the battle. King Aegon had jumped off Sunfyre’s back before the dragon hit the ground, but had broken both his legs. Baela had stayed strapped on Moondancer, and was burned and battered. She was taken captive, and King Aegon the Elder now held [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Rider and dragon went out flying again, regaining strength, while Aegon's loyal men had found people enough who were willing to betray Rhaenyra, due to mislike for her. Dragonstone had not been well defended, and it had fallen easily. There had only been one problem. Lady [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]], Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon’s]] daughter, had managed to escape her attackers and mount her dragon, [[Moondancer]]. She met Aegon II and Sunfyre in the sky, unexpectedly, where the two dragons fought. Sunfyre blinded Moondancer with fire, but the younger dragon fought on. The dragons eventually fell on the earth. On the ground, Sunfyre won the battle. King Aegon had jumped off Sunfyre’s back before the dragon hit the ground, but had broken both his legs. Baela had stayed strapped on Moondancer, and was burned and battered. She was taken captive, and King Aegon the Elder now held Dragonstone.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===The [[Dance over  Harrenhal]]===
 
===The [[Dance over  Harrenhal]]===
 
[[File:Sir-Heartsalot Daemon Targaryen v Aemond One-Eye.JPG|Daemon and Aemond, fighting on top of Caraxes and Vhagar, with Dark Sister in Daemons hand.|thumb|350px|right]]
 
[[File:Sir-Heartsalot Daemon Targaryen v Aemond One-Eye.JPG|Daemon and Aemond, fighting on top of Caraxes and Vhagar, with Dark Sister in Daemons hand.|thumb|350px|right]]
 
:{{Main|Dance over Harrenhal}}
 
:{{Main|Dance over Harrenhal}}
Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] found himself in a difficult situation, when the message from [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] arrived from [[King's Landing]], telling Mooton to send her the head of [[Nettles]]. Nettles, during her time with Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], was said to have become his lover, according to Rhaenyra, and was thus guilty of high treason. Prince Daemon was to not be harmed. The decision Lord Mooton had to make was a difficult one, for Nettles was a guest beneath his roof, and killing her would mean breaking the [[guest right]], and facing Prince Daemons wroth. Refusing Rhaenyra, however, would mean being attainted a traitor.  The [[Norren|maester]] suggested that they had never read the letter, and later that night, went to inform Daemon of Rhaenyra´s command.
+
Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] found himself in a difficult situation, when the message from [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] arrived from [[King's Landing]], telling Mooton to send her the head of [[Nettles]]. Nettles, during her time with Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], was said to have become his lover, according to Rhaenyra, and was thus guilty of high treason. Prince Daemon was to not be harmed. The decision Lord Mooton had to make was a difficult one, for Nettles was a guest beneath his roof, and killing her would mean breaking the [[guest right]], and facing Prince Daemons wroth. Refusing Rhaenyra, however, would mean being attainted a traitor.  Maester [[Norren]] suggested that they had never read the letter, and later that night, went to inform Daemon of Rhaenyra´s command.
 
 
  
 
{{Quote|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King]] would never have asked this, of any man of honor.}}
 
{{Quote|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King]] would never have asked this, of any man of honor.}}
Line 278: Line 263:
  
 
Prince Daemon told Lord Mooton to spread the word that he would fly for [[Harrenhal]], so [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] could come face him, alone. Once Daemon was gone, Lord Mooton took down Rhaenyra’s banners, and raised the golden dragons of King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
Prince Daemon told Lord Mooton to spread the word that he would fly for [[Harrenhal]], so [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] could come face him, alone. Once Daemon was gone, Lord Mooton took down Rhaenyra’s banners, and raised the golden dragons of King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 
{{Quote|”You were a fool to come alone.”<br> “Were I not alone, you would not have come.”}}
 
{{Quote|”You were a fool to come alone.”<br> “Were I not alone, you would not have come.”}}
  
Prince Daemon took Harrenhal from the few who still remained there, and waited for thirteen days. On the fourteenth day, [[Vhagar]] appeared in the sky, and on her back rode Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and his bedmaid, the pregnant seer [[Alys Rivers]]. Dropping Alys on the ground, Daemon and Aemond had one last conversation before both Targaryens mounted their dragons and climbed into the sky. Caraxes fell down upon Vhagar, starting the fight. Their fight ended as the two dragons, locked together, tumbled down towards the lake. According to the tales, this was when Prince Daemon leapt from one dragon to the other, [[Dark Sister]] in his hand. Aemond looked up in terror, but was chained to his saddle, and could not do anything when Daemon ripped off Aemonds helm and drove the sword through Aemonds blind eye. The dragons struck the lake half a heartbeat later.
+
Prince Daemon took Harrenhal from the few who still remained there, and waited for thirteen days. On the fourteenth day, [[Vhagar]] appeared in the sky, and on her back rode Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and his bedmaid, the pregnant seer [[Alys Rivers]]. Dropping Alys on the ground, Daemon and Aemond had one last conversation before both Targaryens mounted their dragons and climbed into the sky. Caraxes fell down upon Vhagar, starting the fight. Their fight ended as the two dragons, locked together, tumbled down towards the lake. According to the tales, this was when Prince Daemon leapt from one dragon to the other, [[Dark Sister]] in his hand. Aemond looked up in terror, but was chained to his saddle, and could not do anything when Daemon ripped off Aemond's helm and drove the sword through Aemond's blind eye. The dragons struck the lake half a heartbeat later.
  
[[Caraxes]] lived long enough to crawl back onto the land, beneath the walls of [[Harrenhal]], where he died. [[Vhagar]] died in the water, and was found some years later, when the Dance was over, with Aemond’s armored bones still chained to the saddle, and with [[Dark Sister]] still in his eye-socket.
+
[[Caraxes]] lived long enough to crawl back onto the land, beneath the walls of [[Harrenhal]], where he died. [[Vhagar]] died in the water, and was found some years later, when the Dance was over, with Aemond’s armored bones still chained to the saddle, and with Dark Sister still in his eye-socket. Daemon's remains, however, were never found, causing singers to tell that he survived to spend his last days with [[Nettles]]. It was the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of the year {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
 
There’s no doubt that Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] died that day, as he could not possibly have survived the impact. His remains, however, were never found, causing singers to tell that he survived to spend his last days with [[Nettles]]. It was the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of the year {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
 
===The [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|Riots at King's Landing]]===
 
===The [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|Riots at King's Landing]]===
 
:{{Main|Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|Storming of the Dragonpit}}
 
:{{Main|Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|Storming of the Dragonpit}}
In [[King's Landing]], the [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] fleet, counting more than half the army that had sailed from [[Dragonstone]], had abandoned [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] when they learned Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]] was in the Black Cells. Those who remained could no longer be trusted.
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In [[King's Landing]], the [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] fleet, counting more than half the army that had sailed from [[Dragonstone]], had abandoned [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] when they learned Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]] was in the black cells. Those who remained could no longer be trusted.
 
 
That same day, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] threw herself from her window in [[Maegor's Holdfast]] and died impaled upon the iron spikes that lined the dry moat below. The stories told of Helaena’s death on the streets and in inns, by nightfall, were much darker. The people believed she had been murdered, as her sons before her. The rumours were believed very quickly. Tales tell that at the moment of Helaena’s death, her dragon [[Dreamfyre]] rose with  a roar, snapping two of her chains.
 
 
 
That night a [[Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|riot]] rose in [[King's Landing]]. The chaos was big, and neither noble nor lowborn was spared. Sailors unable to return to their ships attacked the [[River Gate]]. Ser [[Luthor Largent|Luthor]] and his [[Gold Cloaks]] went to [[Cobbler's Square]], to disperse the rioters, but after the first had fled, there were ten thousand more, and they believed Luthor to have killed Helaena: the mere sight of him angered them even more. The rioters were ten thousands where the gold cloaks were only five hundred, and so the Gold Cloaks were slaughtered, Ser Luthor amongst them.
 
  
A hedge knight, Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], crowned his squire [[Trystane Truefyre]], declaring him to be King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys’]] bastard. Ser Perkin then began dubbing all those who would support Trystane knights, and so many fled to their cause.
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That same day, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] threw herself from her window in [[Maegor's Holdfast]] and died impaled upon the iron spikes that lined the dry moat below. The stories told of Helaena’s death on the streets and in inns, by nightfall, were much darker. The people believed she had been murdered, as her sons before her. The rumours were believed very quickly. Tales tell that at the moment of Helaena’s death, her dragon [[Dreamfyre]] rose with a roar, snapping two of her chains.
  
The next day, some order was restored to parts of [[King's Landing]] again, but in the rest of the city, chaos remained.  
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That night a [[Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|riot rose in King's Landing]]. The chaos was big, and neither noble nor lowborn was spared. Sailors unable to return to their ships attacked the [[River Gate]]. Ser [[Luthor Largent|Luthor]] and his [[gold cloaks]] went to [[Cobbler's Square]], to disperse the rioters, but after the first had fled, there were ten thousand more, and they believed Luthor to have killed Helaena: the mere sight of him angered them even more. The rioters were ten thousands where the gold cloaks were only five hundred, and so the gold lloaks were slaughtered, Ser Luthor amongst them.
  
That night [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] learned about [[Maidenpool]]s betrayel, and [[Nettles]] escape. Rhaenyra send ravens to [[Winterfell]] and the [[Eyrie]], pleading for more aid, and named a new Lord Commander to her [[Queensguard]], Ser [[Glendon Goode]]. Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] donned his armor and begged to fight, but he was forbidden.
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A hedge knight, Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], crowned his squire [[Trystane Truefyre]], declaring him to be King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I's]] bastard. Ser Perkin then began dubbing all those who would support Trystane knights, and so many fled to their cause. The next day, some order was restored to parts of [[King's Landing]] again, but in the rest of the city, chaos remained.  
  
The night came once more, and Ser Perkin and “King” Trystane were gaining strength. The [[King's Gate]] and the [[Lion Gate]] were opened by rioters, the [[Gold Cloaks]] at the [[King's Gate]] having fled, and those guarding the [[Lion Gate]] having joined the rioters. With Ser Perkin holding the [[River Gate]], three out of seven gates were now open to enemies.
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That night [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] learned about [[Maidenpool]]'s betrayel and the escape of [[Nettles]]. Rhaenyra send ravens to [[Winterfell]] and the [[Eyrie]], pleading for more aid, and named a new Lord Commander to her [[Queensguard]], Ser [[Glendon Goode]]. Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] donned his armor and begged to fight, but he was forbidden.
  
 +
The night came once more, and Ser Perkin and “King” Trystane were gaining strength. The [[King's Gate]] and the [[Lion Gate]] were opened by rioters, the gold cloaks at the King's Gate having fled, and those guarding the Lion Gate having joined the rioters. With Ser Perkin holding the [[River Gate]], three out of seven gates were now open to enemies.
  
 
{{Quote|Bring him back, bring him back, he does not know. My son, my sweet, my son …}}
 
{{Quote|Bring him back, bring him back, he does not know. My son, my sweet, my son …}}
  
The people of [[King's Landing]] no longer believed [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] could protect them and a mob twice as big as the one of the night before formed in the city. A crazed prophet made the mob turn their attention to the [[Dragon Pit]] and the entire mob moved towards [[Rhaenys's Hill]] to kill the dragons. By the time they reached the hill, their numbers had doubled. Rhaenyra was watching all this unfold from [[Maegor's Holdfast]]. Prince Joffrey pleaded, fearing [[Tyraxes]], his own dragon, would be killed, but Rhaenyra would not listen, insisting the mob would burn. Joffrey, dissatisfied, went outside and mounted [[Syrax]], Rhaenyra’s she-dragon, the dragon that was not his own, to fly to the Pit. All attempts to get him back failed, as Syrax threw Joffrey off her back as arrows and spears flew up from below. Joffrey, not having used a saddle, fell from Syrax’ back and crashed into the ground.
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The people of King's Landing no longer believed Rhaenyra could protect them and a mob twice as big as the one of the night before formed in the city. A crazed prophet made the mob turn their attention to the [[Dragonpit]] and the entire mob moved towards [[Rhaenys's Hill]] to kill the dragons. By the time they reached the hill, their numbers had doubled. Rhaenyra was watching all this unfold from [[Maegor's Holdfast]]. Prince Joffrey pleaded, fearing [[Tyraxes]], his own dragon, would be killed, but Rhaenyra would not listen, insisting the mob would burn. Joffrey, dissatisfied, went outside and mounted [[Syrax]], Rhaenyra’s she-dragon, the dragon that was not his own, to fly to the Pit. All attempts to get him back failed, as Syrax threw Joffrey off her back as arrows and spears flew up from below. Joffrey, not having used a saddle, fell from Syrax's back and crashed into the ground.
 
 
  
 
{{Quote|Seldom have so many men rushed so eagerly onto their funeral pyres, but a madness was upon them.}}
 
{{Quote|Seldom have so many men rushed so eagerly onto their funeral pyres, but a madness was upon them.}}
  
The battle in the Dragonpit began. Four dragons there were: [[Shrykos]], who died first, slain by a [[Hobb the Hewer|woodsman]] who slamed his axe into her skull. [[Morghul]] was killed by the [[Burning Knight]]. [[Tyraxes]] went into his lair and roasted many before finally dying. And last [[Dreamfyre]], who broke free of her remaining bonds, plunging into the mob with fire, tooth and claw. Dreamfyre slew more than the other three dragons combined, until a crossbow blinded one of her eyes. Dreamfyre then tried to leap free, and the weakened dome cracked under her force, only to crash down on both dragon and dragonslayers.
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The battle in the Dragonpit began. Four dragons there were: [[Shrykos]], who died first, slain by a [[Hobb the Hewer|woodsman]] who slamed his axe into her skull. [[Morghul]] was killed by the [[Burning Knight]]. Tyraxes went into his lair and roasted many before finally dying. And last [[Dreamfyre]], who broke free of her remaining bonds, plunging into the mob with fire, tooth and claw. Dreamfyre slew more than the other three dragons combined, until a crossbow blinded one of her eyes. Dreamfyre then tried to leap free, and the weakened dome cracked under her force, only to crash down on both dragon and dragonslayers.
  
[[Syrax]] was still alive and free in the air, and descended on the survivors.  Rhaenyra, watching from atop [[Maegor's Holdfast]], would not dare let go of her last remaining son, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]]until she saw Syrax fall.  
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Syrax was still alive and free in the air, and descended on the survivors.  Rhaenyra, watching from atop [[Maegor's Holdfast]], would not dare let go of her last remaining son, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], until she saw Syrax fall.  
  
 
Rhaenyra’s councilers agreed that the city was lost. Rhaenyra was persuaded to leave the next day, slipping through the [[Dragon Gate]], starting the journey to [[Duskendale]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
Rhaenyra’s councilers agreed that the city was lost. Rhaenyra was persuaded to leave the next day, slipping through the [[Dragon Gate]], starting the journey to [[Duskendale]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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===The [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]===
 
===The [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]===
 
:{{Main|Second Battle of Tumbleton}}
 
:{{Main|Second Battle of Tumbleton}}
News of unrest in [[King's Landing]] reached [[Tumbleton]], making the Hightower army believe they should advance upon the city, but Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]] doubted, and the [[Two Betrayers]] refused to join unless their demands were met.
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News of unrest in [[King's Landing]] reached [[Tumbleton]], making the Hightower army believe they should advance upon the city, but Ser [[Hobert Hightower]] doubted, and the [[Two Betrayers]] refused to join unless their demands were met.
 
 
With [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] slain and [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] still missing, [[the Greens]] found themselves without a leader and a king. Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] was now next in line for the throne and there were some who wanted to name him Prince of Dragonstone, or even King, but the [[Two Betrayers]] did not agree. Lord [[Hugh Hammer]] wanted to be crowned king, by the rights of conquest. He had the [[Vermithor|oldest and largest dragon alive]], trice as big as [[Tessarion]], Daeron’s dragon.
 
  
Offended by the arrogance of the Betrayers, the lords and knights of the [[Reach]], and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], grew wroth. The [[Two Betrayers]] plotted together Hammers coronation, and indeed [[Hugh Hammer|Hard Hugh]] later wore a crown of black iron. When insulted, Hard Hugh’s men came to blows with loyalists, and Lord [[Unwin Peake|Peake]] and Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]] summoned eleven other lords and landed knights, who together became known as the [[Caltrops]], as to discuss what to do about the dragonseeds. They agreed that disposing of [[Ulf the White]] would be easy, but that Hammer was dangerous, surrounded by men and women day and night.  They decided Hammer had to die first.
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With [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] slain and [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] still missing, the [[greens]] found themselves without a leader and a king. Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] was now next in line for the throne and there were some who wanted to name him [[Prince of Dragonstone]], or even king, but the Two Betrayers did not agree. Lord [[Hugh Hammer]] wanted to be crowned king, by the rights of conquest. He had the oldest and largest dragon alive, [[Vermithor]], thrice as big as [[Tessarion]], Daeron’s dragon.
  
With Prince Daerons consent, the [[Caltrops]] carried out their plans. But the day the Caltrops planned to strike, the people at [[Tumbleton]] woke at night to find themselves under attack. The dragon attacking was [[Seasmoke]], with [[Addam Velaryon]] on his back, and with an army of four thousand loyal to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] behind them. The great host encamped at [[Tumbleton]] outnumbered their attackers, but due to their long stay, they had grown lax.
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Offended by the arrogance of the Betrayers, the lords and knights of the [[Reach]] and Prince Daeron grew wroth. The Two Betrayers plotted together [[Hugh Hammer|Hard Hugh Hammer]]'s coronation, and indeed Hugh later wore a crown of black iron. When insulted, Hard Hugh’s men came to blows with loyalists, and Lord [[Unwin Peake]] and Ser Hobert summoned eleven other lords and landed knights, who together became known as the [[Caltrops]], as to discuss what to do about the dragonseeds. They agreed that disposing of [[Ulf the White]] would be easy, but that Hammer was dangerous, surrounded by men and women day and night.  They decided Hammer had to die first.
  
Ulf was asleep inside [[Tumbleton]], his dragon outside the town. They tried to wake him, but he slept through [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|the entire battle]]. [[Hugh Hammer|Hard Hugh]] did respond, and rushed to the yard, screaming for a horse so he could go and mount his dragon, when Lord [[Jon Roxton]], one of the [[Caltrops]],  met up with him. He offered Hammer his condolences, and when asked why, he told the new made King he had died in battle, before killing Hammer. He was shortly after killed himself by Hammers men in revenge. Prince Daeron died in the battle as well, though no one knows exactly how. Three different accounts exist on his death.
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With Prince Daeron's consent, the Caltrops carried out their plans. But the day the Caltrops planned to strike, the people at Tumbleton woke at night to find themselves under attack. The dragon attacking was [[Seasmoke]], with [[Addam Velaryon]] on his back, and with an army of four thousand loyal to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] behind them. The great host encamped at Tumbleton outnumbered their attackers, but due to their long stay, they had grown lax.
  
 +
Ulf was asleep inside Tumbleton, his dragon outside the town. They tried to wake him, but he slept through the entire [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]. Hard Hugh did respond, and rushed to the yard, screaming for a horse so he could go and mount his dragon, when Lord [[Jon Roxton]], one of the Caltrops, met up with him. He offered Hammer his condolences, and when asked why, he told the new made King he had died in battle, before killing Hammer. He was shortly after killed himself by Hammer's men in revenge. Prince Daeron died in the battle as well, though no one knows exactly how. Three different accounts exist on his death.
  
 
{{Quote|Lord Hammer, my condolences.<br>For what?<br>You died in the battle.}}
 
{{Quote|Lord Hammer, my condolences.<br>For what?<br>You died in the battle.}}
  
The three dragons encamped at [[Tumbleton]] were unchained, however, and all had been roused by the battle. [[Addam Velaryon|Addam]] turned [[Seasmoke]] to meet [[Tessarion]], and the two dragons danced around each other in the sky. [[Vermithor]] eventually rose into the sky as well, attacking everything he came across. And thus Addam turned Seasmoke towards him, to protect those men who were helping them, although he must have known Seasmoke could not beat Vermithor. The dragons were so locked together, neither could get free. Tessarion joined the fight, which ended with Vermithor ripping off the head of Seasmoke. Vermithor, due to his wounds, died next. Tessarion, after trice trying to fly, remained in pain, until Lord Blackwood ordered her killed to end her suffering.
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The three dragons encamped at Tumbleton were unchained, however, and all had been roused by the battle. Addam turned Seasmoke to meet Tessarion, and the two dragons danced around each other in the sky. Vermithor eventually rose into the sky as well, attacking everything he came across. And thus Addam turned Seasmoke towards him, to protect those men who were helping them, although he must have known Seasmoke could not beat Vermithor. The dragons were so locked together, neither could get free. Tessarion joined the fight, which ended with Vermithor ripping off the head of Seasmoke. Vermithor, due to his wounds, died next. Tessarion, after trice trying to fly, remained in pain, until Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] ordered her killed to end her suffering.
  
Though having won the battle, the [[Rivermen]] had not been able to take the town. Tumbletons walls were closed, and without a dragon or equipment, they could not start a siege, so the rivermen took all that they found useful and left. Only one dragon now remained at the city: [[Silverwing]].
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Though having won the battle, the [[rivermen]] had not been able to take the town. Tumbleton's walls were closed, and without a dragon or equipment, they could not start a siege, so the rivermen took all that they found useful and left. Only one dragon now remained at the city, [[Silverwing]].
  
Eight of the thirteen Caltrops had died in the battle, and one would die the next day. Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]] and Lord [[Unwin Peake|Peake]] remained, and both found [[Ulf the White]], the last dragonrider, proclaiming himself their last hope. White now proposed to take the throne for him, since Prince Daeron was dead.  And so Ser Hobert visited him the next day with two casks of wine, one red for himself, one golden arbor for White. Ulf, however, became suspicious of Ser Hobert, and insisted they drank the arbor gold together.
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Eight of the thirteen Caltrops had died in the battle, and one would die the next day. Ser Hobert and Lord Unwin Peake remained, and both found Ulf the White, the last dragonrider, proclaiming himself their last hope. White now proposed to take the throne for him, since Prince Daeron was dead.  And so Ser Hobert visited him the next day with two casks of wine, one red for himself, one golden arbor for White. Ulf, however, became suspicious of Ser Hobert, and insisted they drink the arbor gold together.
  
 
And so Ser Hobert drank deep, and asked for more. Having seen this, Ulf drank three cups, and died shortly after due to the poison mixed in the wine. Ser Hobert tried to retch, but for him it was too late as well, and he died within the hour.
 
And so Ser Hobert drank deep, and asked for more. Having seen this, Ulf drank three cups, and died shortly after due to the poison mixed in the wine. Ser Hobert tried to retch, but for him it was too late as well, and he died within the hour.
  
Without a leader, and without a rider for [[Silverwing]], the army started to fall apart. And so [[Unwin Peake|Lord Peake]] called defeat, and retreated. [[King's Landing]] had been saved.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Without a leader, and without a rider for Silverwing, the army started to fall apart. Lord Peake called defeat and retreated. [[King's Landing]] had been saved.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] retreat to [[Dragonstone]]===
 
===[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra’s]] retreat to [[Dragonstone]]===
Yet [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] did not know about this. She had been refused entry at [[Rosby]] and was allowed to stay only one night at [[Stokeworth]], half her [[Gold Cloaks]] deserted on the road, and attackers killed several of her knights. At [[Duskendale]] they were admitted, but not allowed to stay long. Refusing to part from [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], and without ships, Rhaenyra sold her crown to buy passage on a Braavosi ship. And so she returned to [[Dragonstone]], where she knew were more dragon eggs, for she needed a new dragon.
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Yet [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] did not know about this. She had been refused entry at [[Rosby]] and was allowed to stay only one night at [[Stokeworth]], half her [[gold cloaks]] deserted on the road, and attackers killed several of her knights. At [[Duskendale]] they were admitted, but not allowed to stay long. Refusing to part from her son [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], and without ships, Rhaenyra sold her crown to buy passage on a [[Braavos]]i ship. And so she returned to [[Dragonstone]], where she knew were more dragon eggs, for she needed a new dragon.
  
At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra found her [[Robert Quince|castellan]] slain. As Ser [[Alfred Broome|Alfred]], angered when he had not been named castellan, showed Ser Roberts burned body, his men killed all of Rhaenyra’s men, and imprisoned [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], her ladies, and [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]]. Once inside the gates of the castle, Rhaenyra stood face to face with [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] and [[Sunfyre]].
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At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra found her castellan, [[Robert Quince]], slain. As Ser [[Alfred Broome]], angered when he had not been named castellan, showed Robert's burned body, his men killed all of Rhaenyra’s men, and imprisoned Rhaenyra, her ladies, and [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]]. Once inside the gates of the castle, Rhaenyra stood face to face with [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon the Elder]] and [[Sunfyre]].
  
 
Not long after Dragonstone had secretly fallen to Aegon II, ravens had arrived telling him about Rhaenyra’s return to Dragonstone. This had given Aegon the opportunity to prepare for the arrival of his half-sister.
 
Not long after Dragonstone had secretly fallen to Aegon II, ravens had arrived telling him about Rhaenyra’s return to Dragonstone. This had given Aegon the opportunity to prepare for the arrival of his half-sister.
 
  
 
{{Quote|Mother, flee!}}
 
{{Quote|Mother, flee!}}
  
And so it was the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Queen]] found her brother in her own seat. [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] wasted no time, and had Rhaenyra fed to his [[Sunfyre|dragon]], whilst [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] looked on. With the chance that Rhaenyra’s loyalists would continue the fight in her sons name, Aegon the Younger became a hostage. It was the twenty-second day of the tenth month of {{Date|130}}.
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And so it was that Rhaenyra found her brother in her own seat. Aegon II wasted no time, and had Rhaenyra fed to his [[Sunfyre|dragon]], whilst Aegon the Younger looked on. With the chance that Rhaenyra’s loyalists would continue the fight in her son's name, Aegon the Younger became a hostage. It was the twenty-second day of the tenth month of {{Date|130}}.
  
On the ninth day of the twelfth month, Sunfyre the Golden died on Dragonstone. After this, Aegon started planning his return to [[King's Landing]]. Though [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] had died, her cause lived on. [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] would sit the throne again, but it would only lest another half of a year.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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On the ninth day of the twelfth month, Sunfyre the Golden died on Dragonstone. After this, Aegon started planning his return to [[King's Landing]]. Though Rhaenyra had died, her cause lived on. Aegon II would sit the throne again, but it would only lest another half of a year.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
{{Quote|The time for hiding is done. Let the ravens fly that the realm may know the pretender is dead, and their true king is coming home to reclaim his father’s throne.}}
 
{{Quote|The time for hiding is done. Let the ravens fly that the realm may know the pretender is dead, and their true king is coming home to reclaim his father’s throne.}}
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In the end, it was Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] and his stormlanders who seized King's Landing back. Trystane Truefyre was executed, though not before he received the boon of knighthood. Gaemon Palehair was arrested, and would survive the war. King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] arrived back at King's Landing, and installed himself in the [[Red Keep]] once more. Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], who had been arrested by Rhaenyra and left in the dungeons when she fled the city, was freed and named to Aegon's small council.
 
In the end, it was Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] and his stormlanders who seized King's Landing back. Trystane Truefyre was executed, though not before he received the boon of knighthood. Gaemon Palehair was arrested, and would survive the war. King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] arrived back at King's Landing, and installed himself in the [[Red Keep]] once more. Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], who had been arrested by Rhaenyra and left in the dungeons when she fled the city, was freed and named to Aegon's small council.
  
As King Aegon II's only remaining heir was his daughter [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], the widowed King agreed to marry a daughter of Lord Borros.
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As King Aegon II's only remaining heir was his daughter [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], the widowed king agreed to marry a daughter of Lord Borros.
  
 
===The Battle of the Kingsroad/The Muddy Mess===
 
===The Battle of the Kingsroad/The Muddy Mess===
 
:{{Main|Battle of the Kingsroad}}
 
:{{Main|Battle of the Kingsroad}}
With King's Landing secured for King Aegon II, Lord Borros led his armies against the riverlanders who were approaching the city. The riverlanders were being led by Lord [[Kermit Tully]], Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] (together known as "the Lads").{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon and Benjicot's aunt, [[Alysanne Blackwood]]}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon}}<ref>Clarification [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/?p=6435302]</ref>
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With King's Landing secured for King Aegon II, Lord Borros led his armies against the riverlanders who were approaching the city. These [[Lads]] were led by Lord [[Kermit Tully]], Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon}} and Ben's aunt, [[Alysanne Blackwood]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon}}<ref>Clarification [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/?p=6435302]</ref>
  
Lord Borros, upon learning this, grew more confident in his victory, but it was Benjicot Blackwood, thereafter known as Bloody Ben Blackwood, who broke his flank, and "Black Aly" who led the archers that brought down Borros' knights. Lord Borros fought on, and killed the Lords Darry and Mallister, before he himself was killed by Kermit Tully.{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Tully}}
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Lord Borros, upon learning this, grew more confident in his victory, but it was Ben Blackwood, thereafter known as Bloody Ben Blackwood, who broke his flank, and "Black Aly" who led the archers that brought down Borros's knights. Lord Borros fought on, and killed Lords [[House Darry|Darry]] and [[House Mallister|Mallister]], before he himself was killed by Kermit Tully.{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Baratheon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| House Tully}}
  
 
This left King's Landing with only meager defenses, with the Lads only a short distance away, while Lord [[Cregan Stark]] and his forces were marching south as well to reinforce them.
 
This left King's Landing with only meager defenses, with the Lads only a short distance away, while Lord [[Cregan Stark]] and his forces were marching south as well to reinforce them.
  
 
===The end of the Dance===
 
===The end of the Dance===
The black army of "the Lads" was now a day's march outside of King's Landing, and there were no significant green forces to stop them.  Lord Cregan Stark was coming south, and other armies were coming from the Vale as well. Yet King Aegon II refused to surrender, even when Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], now Master of Ships on Aegon II's small council, advised him that the only remaining option was to surrender and join the [[Night's Watch]]. Instead, King Aegon II gave orders to have [[Aegon III Targaryen|his nephew's]] ear cut off and sent to the Lads as a warning - if his bloodline died, so would Rhaenyra's.  Aegon climbed back into his litter, to be carried to his chamber, and was given a cup of wine along the way to ease his pain.  When his escort arrived at his private chamber and lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was dead, with blood on his lips.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon II}} Who exactly poisoned the king remains unknown to history, though twenty-two men would later be arrested for this crime (Lord Corlys Velaryon and Larys Strong amongst them).{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
+
The black army of the Lads was now a day's march outside of King's Landing, and there were no significant green forces to stop them.  Lord Cregan Stark was coming south, and other armies were coming from the Vale as well. Yet King Aegon II refused to surrender, even when Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], now master of ships on Aegon II's small council, advised him that the only remaining option was to surrender and join the [[Night's Watch]]. Instead, King Aegon II gave orders to have cut off the ear of his nephew, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], and have it sent to the Lads as a warning - if his bloodline died, so would Rhaenyra's.  Aegon climbed back into his litter, to be carried to his chamber, and was given a cup of wine along the way to ease his pain.  When his escort arrived at his private chamber and lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was dead, with blood on his lips.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon II}} Who exactly poisoned the king remains unknown to history, though twenty-two men would later be arrested for this crime.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
 
==Aftermath==
 
==Aftermath==
 
===The False Dawn===
 
===The False Dawn===
With King Aegon II dead, Aegon the Younger was crowned as King Aegon III Targaryen. Despite the hopes that the troubles were done - Aegon II's host had been defeated, the Velaryon fleet once more served the Iron Throne - the period that followed the war immediately was named "the False Dawn".{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
+
With King Aegon II dead, Aegon the Younger was crowned as King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Despite the hopes that the troubles were done - Aegon II's host had been defeated, the Velaryon fleet once more served the Iron Throne - the period that followed the war immediately was named "the False Dawn".{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
The realm faced numerous problems. The cruel winter that had begun the year before on Maiden's Day of {{Date|130}} would last until {{Date|135}}.  Much of the realm had been burned out by dragonfire - in particular, Aemond Targaryen's one-man war riding Vhagar, which had burned out most of the Riverlands.  Broken men and outlaws roamed the countryside in the hundreds and thousands, and public order had collapsed in many places.  The ironborn, under the command of the Red Kraken - who had only nominally sided with the blacks as a pretext to attack wealthy green kingdoms - now refused to acknowledge the boy-king's commands to stop raiding.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
+
The realm faced numerous problems. The cruel winter that had begun the year before on Maiden's Day of {{Date|130}} would last until {{Date|135}}.  Much of the realm had been burned out by dragonfire - in particular, Aemond Targaryen's one-man war riding Vhagar, which had burned out most of the riverlands.  Broken men and outlaws roamed the countryside in the hundreds and thousands, and public order had collapsed in many places.  The ironborn, under the command of the Red Kraken - who had only nominally sided with the blacks as a pretext to attack wealthy green kingdoms - now refused to acknowledge the boy-king's commands to stop raiding.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
 
Lord Cregan Stark and his army of childless and homeless men, unwed men, and younger sons, had marched to King's Landing with the hopes of war, adventure and plunder, and for a glorious death. The sudden death of King Aegon II had robbed them of that chance, leaving Lord Cregan furious. He had wanted to punish Storm's End, Casterly Rock and Oldtown for having supported Aegon over Rhaenyra, but upon his arrival, Lord Corlys Velaryon had already send out ravens, suing for peace.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
 
Lord Cregan Stark and his army of childless and homeless men, unwed men, and younger sons, had marched to King's Landing with the hopes of war, adventure and plunder, and for a glorious death. The sudden death of King Aegon II had robbed them of that chance, leaving Lord Cregan furious. He had wanted to punish Storm's End, Casterly Rock and Oldtown for having supported Aegon over Rhaenyra, but upon his arrival, Lord Corlys Velaryon had already send out ravens, suing for peace.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
 
===Hour of the Wolf===
 
===Hour of the Wolf===
 +
{{main|Hour of the Wolf}}
 
Lord Cregan could not be dissuaded in punishing the betrayers and poisoners of King Aegon II. He found the poisoning fould murder, and had twenty-two men arrested in the name of Aegon III (Lord [[Larys Strong]] and Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] amongst them). He then made the young King Aegon III name him [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
 
Lord Cregan could not be dissuaded in punishing the betrayers and poisoners of King Aegon II. He found the poisoning fould murder, and had twenty-two men arrested in the name of Aegon III (Lord [[Larys Strong]] and Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] amongst them). He then made the young King Aegon III name him [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
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With the war over, a council of seven regents was established for the young Aegon III.  They would continue to reign until {{Date|136}}, the day when King Aegon III came of age. This regency period was still filled with many troubles as the realm struggled to rebuild from the war.  Out of the seven original regents, only Grand Maester [[Munkun]] would serve the full term.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
 
With the war over, a council of seven regents was established for the young Aegon III.  They would continue to reign until {{Date|136}}, the day when King Aegon III came of age. This regency period was still filled with many troubles as the realm struggled to rebuild from the war.  Out of the seven original regents, only Grand Maester [[Munkun]] would serve the full term.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}
  
During the regency, King Aegon III was married to the only remaining child of the late King Aegon II: Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen]]. Jaehaera would die two years later however, and the King would remarry, this time to a cousin of Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]: Lady [[Daenaera Velaryon]]. This second marriage would give the King five children.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
+
During the regency, King Aegon III was married to the only remaining child of the late King Aegon II: Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen]]. Jaehaera would die two years later however, and the king would remarry, this time to a cousin of Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]]: Lady [[Daenaera Velaryon]]. This second marriage would give the king five children.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Aegon III}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
  
The Red Kraken, meanwhile, continued to raid the western coasts.  With peace restored, the devastated Westerlands and Reach gradually built up enough strength to contest the ironborn.  This private war between the Greyjoys and the lords of the western coasts dragged on for another three years during the heart of winter.  Eventually, Dalton Greyjoy died on Fair Isle, when after he finished raping a girl in Lord Farman's own bedchamber, she opened his throat as he slept.  Dalton had never taken a rock wife, and only had young sons by several salt wives, which led to a fight over the succession. A Lannister force, with the aid of Ser [[Leo Costayne]], attacked the isles in {{Date|134}}, exacting revenge. Entire villages were put to the sword, man, woman, and child.  Most of the attacking host was lost, but those who returned home returned with plunder - and with one of Dalton's salt sons.  Lady [[Johanna Lannister]] had the boy gelded and mutilated, and forced him to be her son's fool.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Red Kraken}}
+
The Red Kraken, meanwhile, continued to raid the western coasts.  With peace restored, the devastated westerlands and the Reach gradually built up enough strength to contest the ironborn.  This private war between the Greyjoys and the lords of the western coasts dragged on for another three years during the heart of winter.  Eventually, Dalton Greyjoy died on Fair Isle, when after he finished raping a girl in Lord Farman's own bedchamber, she opened his throat as he slept.  Dalton had never taken a rock wife, and only had young sons by several salt wives, which led to a fight over the succession. A Lannister force, with the aid of Ser [[Leo Costayne]], attacked the isles in {{Date|134}}, exacting revenge. Entire villages were put to the sword, man, woman, and child.  Most of the attacking host was lost, but those who returned home returned with plunder - and with one of Dalton's salt sons.  Lady [[Johanna Lannister]] had the boy gelded and mutilated, and forced him to be her son's fool.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Red Kraken}}
  
 
==Consequences of the Dance==
 
==Consequences of the Dance==
 
In {{Date|171}}, after the death of King [[Baelor I Targaryen]], the succession of the throne was not crystal clear. Baelor had not appointed an heir, and thus, after his death, there were some, both of the smallfolk and lords, who felt that the Iron Throne should pass to the eldest of Baelor's sisters, Princess [[Daena Targaryen]]. However, the memories of Rhaenyra on the throne, and all the woes that had befallen Westeros during that time, were still fresh. Thus the Dance of the Dragons became part of the reason why Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], King Baelor's uncle, was chosen to ascend the throne over Daena.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Viserys II}}
 
In {{Date|171}}, after the death of King [[Baelor I Targaryen]], the succession of the throne was not crystal clear. Baelor had not appointed an heir, and thus, after his death, there were some, both of the smallfolk and lords, who felt that the Iron Throne should pass to the eldest of Baelor's sisters, Princess [[Daena Targaryen]]. However, the memories of Rhaenyra on the throne, and all the woes that had befallen Westeros during that time, were still fresh. Thus the Dance of the Dragons became part of the reason why Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], King Baelor's uncle, was chosen to ascend the throne over Daena.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Viserys II}}
  
By chosing Viserys over Daena, since the Dance, women came after all men in Targaryen succession.<ref>Comic Con San Diago [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Comic_Con_San_Diego_CA_July_20_232/]</ref>
+
By chosing Viserys over Daena, since the Dance, women came after all men in Targaryen succession.<ref>Comic Con San Diego [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Comic_Con_San_Diego_CA_July_20_232/]</ref>
 
 
 
 
The war is the subject of the song "[[The Dance of the Dragons (song)|The Dance of the Dragons]]", as well as [[The Dance of the Dragons, A True Telling|a somewhat inaccurate history]] by [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]. [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] wrote a history of it called ''The Princess and the Queen or the Blacks and the Greens''.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
  
==Books and Scrolls about the Dance of the Dragons==
+
The war is the subject of the song "[[The Dance of the Dragons]]", as well as ''[[The Dance of the Dragons, A True Telling]]'', a somewhat inaccurate history by [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]. [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] wrote a history of the war, ''[[The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens (by Archmaester Gyldayn)|The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens]]''.{{Ref|TPATQ}} Maester [[Yandel]] also discusses the Dance in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire (Yandel)|The World of Ice and Fire]]''.{{ref|TWOIAF}}
* ''[[The Dance of the Dragons, A True Telling]]'' - by [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]  
 
* ''[[The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens (by Archmaester Gyldayn)|The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens]]'' - by Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]
 
  
 
==Family Tree of House Targaryen during the Dance==
 
==Family Tree of House Targaryen during the Dance==
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[[Category:Dance of the Dragons| ]]
 
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons| ]]
 
[[Category:Wars]]
 
[[Category:Wars]]
[[category:Westeros]]
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[[Category:Westeros]]
 
[[Category:House Targaryen wars|Dance]]
 
[[Category:House Targaryen wars|Dance]]
  

Revision as of 17:03, 13 March 2015

For the book, see A Dance with Dragons. For the song, see "The Dance of the Dragons".
Dance of the Dragons
War of succession
Deaths of Lucerys and Arrax.jpg
Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax are killed by Aemond One-Eye and Vhagar in one of the first confrontations of the Dance of Dragons
Art by Chase Stone, from The World of Ice and Fire

Date 129-131 AC
Location Westeros
Result Deaths of both claimants, Aegon II and Rhaenyra
Aegon III's ascension to the throne
Marriage of Aegon III to Jaehaera Targaryen
Belligerents
House Targaryen (Blacks)
House Velaryon
House Stark
House Arryn
House Manderly
House Celtigar
House Bar Emmon
House Dustin
House Darklyn
House Blackwood
House Staunton
House Beesbury
House Rowan
House Tarly
House Targaryen (Greens)
House Hightower
House Lannister
House Baratheon
House Wylde
House Reyne
House Strong
House Redwyne
House Lefford
House Crakehall
House Swyft
House Fossoway of Cider Hall
House Peake
Notable commanders
Queen Rhaenyra I
Prince Daemon Targaryen, Protector of the Realm
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Lord Corlys Velaryon, Hand of the Queen
Lord Cregan Stark
Lord Roderick Dustin
Lord Dalton Greyjoy
Lord Kermit Tully
King Aegon II
Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower
Ser Otto Hightower, Hand of the King
Lord Commander Criston Cole, Hand of the King
Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen, Protector of the Realm
Lord Ormund Hightower
Admiral Sharako Lohar of Lys
Ser Tyland Lannister
Lord Borros Baratheon

The Dance of the Dragons was a civil war during Targaryen rule of the Seven Kingdoms. A war of succession between Aegon II and his half-sister Rhaenyra over their father Viserys I's throne, the war was fought from 129 AC to 131 AC. It saw the deaths of both rival monarchs, and the crowning of Rhaenyra's son, Aegon III.

In early 2013 it was announced that the anthology Dangerous Women, previously expected to include the fourth Dunk and Egg story, would instead include a novella by George R. R. Martin named The Princess and the Queen which he described as "(...) the true (mostly) story of the origins of the Dance of the Dragons."[1] The abridged version in The Princess and the Queen consists of 30,000 words, while the complete 80,000 word history of the civil war is planned for Fire and Blood.[2]

Background

King Viserys I had three children by his first queen Aemma Arryn, but only one, Princess Rhaenyra, survived to adulthood. Lacking a son to succeed him, Viserys began to train Princess Rhaenyra to be his heir. Young Rhaenyra was included in discussions of the affairs of state, and was allowed to participate in meetings of the small council. Many of the nobles took note, and Rhaenyra soon acquired a clique of adherents and supporters. However, after his queen died, the king remarried in 106 AC, this time to Alicent Hightower and had four more children, including three sons, the eldest son named Aegon. Nonetheless, Viserys I strengthened Rhaenyra's place in the succession; he married her to Ser Laenor Velaryon - who himself had Targaryen blood through his mother, Princess Rhaenys. Rhaenyra gave birth to three sons during her marriage, although there were rumours that the father of these boys was not Ser Laenor, but Ser Harwin Strong.[3]

When Laenor Velaryon passed away Rhaenyra married anew, this time to her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen, younger brother to Viserys I Targaryen. Her sons by him were the future Aegon III (called Aegon the Younger in his youth, to distinguish him from his uncle, Aegon II, who on occasion was called Aegon the Elder) and Viserys II. Her father's intention that she should follow him on the Iron Throne was confirmed by proclamation and the will of Viserys I Targaryen. In 105 AC, hundreds of Lords and landed knights had done obeisance to the Princess Rhaenyra.[3]

In 111 AC, a great tourney was held at King’s Landing on the fifth anniversary of the king’s marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst the Princess Rhaenyra dressed dramatically in Targaryen red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “greens” and “blacks” when talking of the queen’s party and the party of the princess, respectively. In the tourney itself, the blacks had much the better of it when Ser Criston Cole, wearing Princess Rhaenyra’s favor, unhorsed all of the Queen’s champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower.[1][3]

Rhaenyra and Alicents relationship had gone bad early in Alicent's marriage to Viserys, since both ladies had been trying to be the realm's first lady, and there could only be one. As a consequence of their bad relation, Alicent's sons did not take to Rhaenyra's sons. Ser Otto Hightower had also disliked Prince Daemon since the beginning of Viserys' reign, though the exact reasons are unknown.[3]

The Dance of the Dragons

The Small Council meeting

Upon the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, on the third day of the third month of 129 AC, Queen Alicent and Ser Criston Cole send out the Kingsguard to summon the small council members. During the gathering, the conversation quickly stirred towards Rhaenyra’s coronation, but Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, told those who had gathered that it would be a new king who would be crowned, whilst Lord Lyman Beesbury, the master of coin, insisted Rhaenyra should be crowned a queen.

Lord Beesbury argued in favour of Rhaenyra, but several other council members countered him. Ser Tyland Lannister argued that the oaths made to Rhaenyra in 105 AC had not been made by them, since it had been twenty-four years. Jasper Wylde mentioned that the Old King, Jaehaerys I Targaryen, twice chose a male heir over the female heir and her descendants, and Ser Otto reminded them all that Rhaenyra was married to Daemon, who would become the true ruler, should Rhaenyra gain the crown. Both Hightowers argued that not only they, but also Alicent’s children would lose their lives should Rhaenyra become their queen. It would later be said that Prince Aegon II only reluctantly accepted the crown because his mother, brothers, sister and children would otherwise be killed by Rhaenyra.

Grand Maester Orwyle predicted a war, believing that Rhaenya would never be willing to give up her birthright, since she had dragons at her disposal. Lord Beesbury declared Rhaenyra had friends as well, and that he was not willing to sit there and listen to people plotting to steal Rhaenyra’s crown. He rose to leave, but Ser Criston Cole forced him back into his seat and opened his throat. This made Lord Beesbury the first casualty of the Dance of the Dragons.

After Beesbury’s death, the green council made their plans, vowing their loyalty to their new king, and arresting all those in King's Landing who could be loyal to Rhaenyra. To all those who might be loyal to Aegon, ravens were sent. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra remained on Dragonstone, unaware of what had happened.[1]

Coronation of Aegon II

Prince Aemond was sent to Storm's End to betroth himself to one of Lord Borros’ daughters, so he might fight for Aegon II. By the time he left, the smell coming from Viserys I’s room was all over Maegor's Holdfast, so seven days after Viserys had died, his death was announced to King's Landing and the Silent Sisters were sent for.

Aegon’s coronation was prepared in short time. Ser Criston Cole placed the crown of Aegon the Conquerer on Aegon’s head, while Alicent Hightower placed a crown upon the head of Aegon’s Queen, his sister Helaena.

The night before Aegon’s coronation, however, the first defection had taken place. Ser Steffon Darklyn had left the city, with, amongst other things, the crown Kings Viserys I and Jaehaerys I had worn.

On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra had learned about the death of her father and the betrayal of her siblings. Anger had made her go into labour, which lasted for three days and brought forth a still born, deformed girl, whom Rhaenyra named Visenya. Rhaenyra, in answer to Aegon’s betrayal, swore revenge against the Greens.[1]

The Black Council

Rhaenyra made her own council at Dragonstone, the black council. Participants were, amongst others, Rhaenyra’s husband Daemon, her three eldest sons Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey, Lord Corlys Velaryon, and his wife Princess Rhaenys.

Despite having more dragons, the blacks knew that would not be an advantage, since the greens possessed Vhagar, and from the nine dragons belonging to the blacks, only five were big enough for battle.

Believing to have allies in the riverlands who were only waiting for a place to gather, Prince Daemon decided to conquer Harrenhal as a base, using his dragon Caraxes, while Rhaenyra would remain on Dragonstone to recover her strength. House Velaryon closed off the Gullet, and Princess Rhaenys expressed hope of goading Aegon the Elder into a rash attack, believing him to be a green boy.

Princess Rhaenys was convinced that Storm's End would declare for Rhaenyra, since Lord Boremund, the deceased father of Lord Borros, had always been a supporter of Rhaenys herself. Though they believed the North to be too remote to play an important part in the war, the blacks decided to send messages to those lords as well. Jacaerys, Rhaenyra’s heir, would bring messages to Jeyne Arryn, the Maiden of the Vale, the Starks of Winterfell, and the Manderlys of White Harbor. Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s second son, would go to Storm's End, a safer, shorter journey, according to the blacks.

After these decisions, Rhaenyra was crowned queen, using the crown her father and great-grandfather had worn, thanks to Ser Steffon Darklyn, who had arrived from King's Landing. Prince Daemon, Rhaenyra’s husband, was named Protector of the Realm, and Jacaerys was officially named Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne. Declaring Otto Hightower and Queen Alicent traitors, Rhaenyra allowed for her half-siblings to be forgiven if they would bend the knee. Upon hearing about these developments, King Aegon II declared Rhaenyra and Daemon traitors as well.

Hoping for a peaceful end to the war, Grand Maester Orwyle was allowed to visit Dragonstone and speak with Rhaenyra. He offered Rhaenyra and her supporters generous terms, but Rhaenyra refused. Soon after, Lord Corlys’s ships took sail to close off the Gullet, and Jacaerys and Lucerys left on their dragons with their messages, and Daemon left on Caraxes to the Trident.

Harrenhal fell quickly to Daemon. Ser Simon Strong, the elderly castellan, was captured. Daemon had a dozen valuable hostages (including Ser Simon and his grandsons). In the mean time, Jacaerys gained Lady Arryn and the Lords Manderly, Borrell and Sunderland, and Cregan Stark to Rhaenyra’s cause.[1]

The Dance over Shipbreaker Bay

Arrax washes up beneath Storm's End by Ashley Hunter Rice

Lucerys flew to Storm's End, arriving before a gathering storm. When he arrived, however, he found Prince Aemond and his dragon Vhagar already present. Aemond tried to goad Lucerys into a fight, insulting him, calling him a Strong bastard, but Lucerys, having sworn to his mother not to fight, refused him, and instead delivered his message to Lord Borros. Lord Borros responded by asking which one of his daughters Luke would marry, should he do what Rhaenyra wanted him to do. Luke, already betrothed, told Lord Borros he could not marry any of the girls, upon which Lord Borros told Luke to leave.

Aemond drew his sword before Lucerys could go outside, and Lord Borros's men had to hold him back.

He came an envoy. I want no blood shed beneath my roof.

…is what Lord Borros said, growing uneasy. At that, Lucerys went outside, mounted his dragon Arrax, and left. Lord Borros then told Aemond that he could not tell Aemond what not to do when Aemond was no longer beneath his roof, upon which Borros’s men moved aside and let Aemond out.

Outside the storm was raging. Though younger and faster, the storm was slowing Arrax down, leading to Vhagar catching up. The fight between the two dragons did not last long. Vhagar, being five times bigger, had the advantage, and Arrax fell broken. His head and neck would wash ashore three days later, along with the corpse of Prince Lucerys Velaryon.[1]

And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.

Blood and Cheese

Rhaenyra collapsed when learning of Lucerys’s death. Prince Daemon, at Harrenhal, send a raven to his wife.

An eye for an eye, a son for a son. Lucerys shall be avenged.

Daemon Targaryen had friends in the low places of King's Landing and at court, and followers amongst the gold cloaks. One of his friends enlisted the help of a former serjeant in the City Watch, known to history as Blood, and a rat-catcher from the Red Keep, known to history only as Cheese.

Cheese sneaked Blood into the Red Keep, using secret tunnels and hidden doors, bringing them into the Tower of the Hand. Blood killed Queen Alicent's bedmaid, whilst Cheese bound and gagged Alicent herself. Then they waited for Queen Helaena, who would visit her mother every evening with her three children. As Helaena and the children entered, Blood barred the door and killed the guardsmen accompanying Helaena. Cheese picked up Maelor.[1]

”Which one you want t’ lose, Your Grace?”

Calling themselves debt collectors, they gave Helaena the choice of chosing which of her two sons would die. Haelena offered herself instead, but they refused and stated if she didn't choose Blood would rape her daughter. In the end, Helaena reluctantly chose Maelor, but Blood did the opposite and killed Prince Jaehaerys, six year of age. True to their word, they did not hurt anyone else, but fled with Prince Jaehaerys’s head. After this event, Queen Helaena slowly went mad, staying in her chambers, no longer being able to look at her son Maelor, knowing she had named him to die. Dowager Queen Alicent took over the care of the remaining two children.[1]

The Battle of Rook's Rest

After the fall of Harrenhal, King Aegon II suffered defeats at the Burning Mill and Stone Hedge, making the young king realizing his situation was severe. Ravens returned from the Reach, and while House Hightower of Oldtown and the Arbor stood firmly behind Aegon, Lord Owen Costayne of Three Towers, Lord Mullendore of Uplands, Lord Alan Tarly of Horn Hill, Lord Thaddeus Rowan of Goldengrove and Lord Grimm of Greyshield all declared for Rhaenyra, as did the Vale, White Harbor, Winterfell, the Blackwoods and other riverlords, who were assembling at Harrenhal.

This, and the closing of the Gullet, made Aegon angry at his Hand, Otto Hightower. Ser Otto believed that Daemon, Rhaenyra’s greatest pillar of support, was her greatest weakness. He reached out to one such foe, the Kingdom of the Three Daughters across the narrow sea, hoping to use them against the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon.

Aegon II was running out of patience, however, and removed Otto as Hand. Ser Criston Cole was named in his stead, and decided actions were necessary.

It is not for you to plead for support from your lords, like a beggar pleading for alms. You are the lawful king of Westeros, and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason.

Larys Strong had a list of all those who had gathered on Dragonstone to attend Rhaenyra’s coronation. Those lords living on islands could not be touched, but those on the main land could. Duskendale fell easily, and Lord Darklyn was beheaded. Ser Criston then turned his attention to Rook's Rest.

Lord Staunton closed his gates and defied his attackers, but could not protect his small folk. His provisions running low, he send a raven to Dragonstone, asking for help. The help that arrived was Princess Rhaenys on dragon Meleys. Unbeknownst to the blacks, however, Ser Criston had been expecting a dragon to appear. His men attacked the dragon with scorpions, longbows and crossbows, it only served to anger Meleys.

Next, Sunfyre and Vhagar appeared. Meleys had no chance against Vhagar and Sunfyre combined. The dragons fought a thousand feet above the ground. Meleys’s jaws closed around Sunfyre’s neck, and Vhagar fell upon them, causing all three dragons to crash into the ground. From the ashes, only Vhagar rose again. Sunfyre had one wing half torn from his body, whilst his rider, King Aegon II, suffered from several broken bones and severe burns. Princess Rhaenys was found completely burned next to the dead body of Meleys. After the battle, Prince Aemond and Ser Criston took Rook's Rest and put the garrison to death. The head of Meleys was brought back to King's Landing, inspiring fear amongst the small folk, causing thousands to flee the capitol until the gates were barred by Dowager Queen Alicent.

King Aegon II was brought back to King's Landing, where maesters attended to his wounds. He was severely wounded, sleeping nine hours out of every ten, under the influence of milk of the poppy. Sunfyre was too large to be moved, and due to his injuries unable to fly. The dragon thus remained at Rook's Rest, where guards were posted to keep him safe and feed him. With Aegon unable to rule, Prince Aemond assumed the style of Protector of the Realm.[1]

You must rule the realm now, until your brother is strong enough to take the crown again.

The Dragonseeds

Netty and Sheepstealer by Ashley Rice

It should have been you.

Lord Corlys Velaryon, upon learning of the death of his wife Rhaenys, threatened to leave Rhaenyra’s side, until Prince Jacaerys named him Hand of the Queen. Together, grandfather and grandson planned an assault on King's Landing, sent Prince Joffrey to the Vale of Arryn with Lady Rhaena and three dragon eggs and Joffrey’s dragon Tyraxes. Prince Aegon the Younger and Prince Viserys were sent to Pentos by ship, to be fostered with the Prince of Pentos, a friend of Prince Daemon's, until Rhaenyra had secured the throne.

With only Vhagar left to defend the city (Dreamfyre was at King's Landing as well, but could not fight due to her rider being unable), Jacaerys wanted to attack the capital with as many dragons as possible. With six riderless dragons present on Dragonstone, Jacaerys called out to the dragonseeds, vowing that any man who could master one of the dragons would be raised to knightship and gain wealth. Many men tried, and some women as well. Sixteen men died, amongst them Lord Commander Steffon Darklyn, and forty-eight were burned or maimed. Four people eventually succeeded: Vermithor was claimed by Hugh Hammer, Silverwing by Ulf the White, Seasmoke by Addam of Hull, and Sheepstealer by a girl named Nettles. Lord Corlys asked Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from Addam and his brother Alyn, making them true Velaryons, and named Addam heir to Driftmark.[1]

Battle in the Gullet

Meanwhile, ninety warships were sailing from the Stepstones chanced upon the Gay Abandon, carrying Prince Aegon the Younger and Prince Viserys. The escorting ships were sunk or taken, and Prince Aegon managed to escape by clinging to the neck of his dragon, Stormcloud. During the flight, Stormcloud was injured terribly. Prince Viserys, having only a dragon egg, had no such option, and was made a captive of admiral Sharako Lohar of Lys.

Prince Aegon’s arrival on Dragonstone, with Stormcloud, spread the tale, and so Prince Jacaerys mounted Vermax and flew to the Lysene galleys, quickly followed by the four dragonseeds. The warships tried to flee, and all seemed lost for the Lyseni, until Vermax flew too low and crashed into the sea. Jacaerys leapt free, and managed to hold on to a piece of wreckage, until he was pierced by quarrels. The prince was swallowed by the sea.

The lysine ships, who had set sail originally with ninety, sailed back with only twenty-eight ships. They passed Dragonstone, but believed the island too strong to take. Instead, they sacked Spicetown and butchered men, women and children. High Tide, containing all the Sea Snake's treasures, was consumed by fire, one-third of his fleet brought down.[1]

The Battle on the Honeywine

A fortnight later, Lord Ormund Hightower found himself stuck between two armies: Lord Thaddeus Rowan and Tom Flowers, from Goldengrove and Bitterbridge, came down on him from the northeast, while Ser Alan Beesbury, Lord Alan Tarly and Lord Owen Costayne were cutting off the retreat route back to Oldtown. They closed around him, when Prince Daeron on his dragon joined the battle. Tom Flowers died, Lord Rowan fled, the Alans were captured, and Lord Costayne was dying. The victory lead to Lord Hightower knighting Prince Daeron, naming him Daeron the Daring.[1]

Fall of King's Landing

Tide turned for the blacks. Jacaerys’s death seemed to give Rhaenyra strength. Filled with anger and hatred, she resolved to use her dragons.

Meanwhile, Lord Walys Mooton retook Rook's Rest, and attempted to kill Sunfyre, who still remained there, wounded. The dragon fought back, and burned three score men before the others fled. Lord Mooton himself died as well. When the survivors dared to return to the field again, the dead were still there, but Sunfyre had disappeared. There were no tracks, suggesting Sunfyre had taken wing again despite his wounds.

With the North assembling forces, Ser Criston saw danger, should these troops join up with Daemon at Harrenhal.[1]

The whore on Dragonstone is not the threat. No more than Rowan and these traitors in the Reach. The danger is my uncle. Once Daemon is dead, all these fools flying our sister’s banners will run back to their castles and trouble us no more.

The host Prince [Daemon had gathered at Harrenhal was still growing, and Prince Aemond believed him to be the real danger, not Rhaenyra. Aemond and Ser Criston rode forth from King's Landing with a host of four thousand and the dragon Vhagar. Daemon knew of their plans even before Aemond had left the capitol. He hastened south on Caraxes, staying well away from Criston’s line of march.

When told that Aemond and Ser Criston Cole had left King's Landing, it is said that Prince Daemon laughed and said, “Past time,” for he had long anticipated this moment. A murder of ravens took flight from the twisted towers of Harrenhal.

Expecting to find Daemon, instead Aemond and Criston found Harrenhal abandoned after a nineteen day march, and believed themselves victorious. The truth was very different. With Vhagar away from King's Landing, only Dreamfyre remained, and Helaena was in no condition to fly. Daemon and Caraxes had not fled, but joined up with Rhaenyra and Syrax above King's Landing, leaving the small folk below in terror. Corlys Velaryon's ships sailed into Blackwater Bay, and the only one left to defend the city was Dowager Queen Alicent. Grand Maester Orwyle, trying to dispatch ravens asking for help, was arrested before a single letter could be send. The riders bearing messages were arrested at the city gates, and the seven captains commanding the gates we killed or arrested, all by those gold cloaks still loyal to Prince Daemon. The city gates were opened for the men arriving with the Velaryon fleet.

King's Landing fell in less than a day.[1]

Then she bid her stepmother choose: yield, or burn.

All those from the green council who had been in King's Landing when the attacks began were arrested, save for Lord Larys Strong, who had disappeared, taking with him King Aegon II, Princess Jaehaera, Prince Maelor, and Ser Willis Fell and Rickard Thorne of the Kingsguard. The other green council members yielded, and Rhaenyra took her place on the Iron Throne.

Dowager Queen Alicent was spared, but her father, Ser Otto was beheaded, as was Jasper Wylde. Ser Tyland Lannister was given to the torturers, in the hopes of regaining some of the gold he had hidden.

While Rhaenyra’s return to King's Landing was cheered and celebrated at first, the amount of heads on spikes and increasing taxes made the small folk dub her “King Maegor with teats”. Despite this, Princes Joffrey and Aegon the Younger were called to King’s Landing.[1]

And for a hundred years thereafter “Maegor’s Teats” was a common curse amongst kingslanders.

Battle by the Lakeshore/The Fishfeed

Best make an end to these lions before the dragons come.

While the news of the fall of King's Landing reached Prince Aemond, fighting in the riverlands continued. A Lannister host was on the move, led by the old Lord Lefford. At the western shores of the Gods Eye, they came across Lord Roderick Dustin with his Winter Wolves, who had combined his forces with Lord Forrest Frey and Red Robb Rivers. From the south, Longleaf the Lionslayer and Lords Bigglestone, Chambers, and Perryn locked him in. Lords Garibald Grey, Jon Charlton and Benjicot Blackwood joined up with the northmen and other rivermen the following day, whilst Lord Lefford's ravens were all shot down. The day after, they began their battle, which would be called the bloodiest land battle of the Dance. Hundreds died that day in the Battle by the Lakeshore, also called the Fishfeed.

Prince Aemond and Ser Criston Cole at Harrenhal could no longer agree on a plan of action. They were running short of food. Criston wished to withdraw to the south, to join strength with Lord Hightower and Prince Daeron, while Aemond, enraged by losing King's Landing and the outcome of the Battle by the Lakeshore, wished to attack the capital. And so they parted ways, with Criston taking the army south, whilst Prince Aemond remained to ravage the riverlands, waiting until such a time when Rhaenyra would send out “a dragon or two” to stop him, so Vhagar could destroy them.[1]

The Red Kraken

After Lord Beesbury had been killed in the beginning of the war, Ser Tyland Lannister had been made master of coin, to take Beesbury's place. This left the office of master of ships vacant. The green council assumed that Dalton Greyjoy could be persauded to their allegiance by offering him the vacant council seat. Ironically, at the beginning of the war Aegon II had also thought his reign unassailable, given that he controlled the three largest and wealthiest cities in the realm (King's Landing, Oldtown, and Lannisport) and the previous royal treasury from Viserys I's reign.

Rhaenyra's black council offered Lord Dalton something more to his liking, however, and so House Greyjoy declared for Rhaenyra. Little was to be gained by sailing around Westeros to attack Rhaenyra's supporters in the Vale and the North, but the wealth of Oldtown and Lannisport (which Aegon II had prided himself on) was nearby, and a much more tempting target. With the Lannister armies destroyed at the Fishfeed and the green armies of the Reach marching east to Tumbleton, the coasts only had skeleton defenses. For two years, Dalton and his Ironborn raided and pillaged the coasts of the Westerlands and the Reach. Greyjoy captured Kayce and Fair Isle, and though the ironborn could not force entry into Casterly Rock, they sacked Lannisport.

The Butcher's Ball

Aemond burned Darry, Lord Harroway's Town, Lord's Mill, Blackbuckle, Buckle, Claypool, Swynford and Spiderwood. Ser Criston, going south, found everything in front of him dead: forests, villages, horses, men. His scouts found scenes where armored corpses sat beneath the trees, rotting away, a mockery of the fallen throwing a feast. Four days out of Harrenhal, attacks made Criston lose a few men every single time. Seeing multiple “corpse feasts” Criston and his men grew accustomed to the sight. At Crossed Elms, however, the corpses were no true corpses at all, and attacked Criston and his men when they were riding past. In his flight, Criston fell upon the Lords of the Trident, with Roderick Dustin leading. Cole challenged the leaders of the black host to single combat, but was refused. The battle was the most decisive in the Dance, and after Criston died, his remaining men broke and ran, and were killed by the hundreds in the rout. The massacre became known as the Butcher's Ball, and it marked the high point of Rhaenyra's fortunes.

Living in fear of Vhagar, Lord Manfryd Mooton had meanwhile invited Daemon and Nettles to take Maidenpool as their base. Aemond still terrorized the riverlands, striking at Stonyhead, the Mountains of the Moon, Sweetwillow and Sallydance, and many more. Each day Caraxes and Sheepstealer would take wing from Maidenpool, and each day they would return, with Vhagar unfound.

Piteous news soon reached Rhaenyra in King's Landing, which proved just as controversial as the death of Aegon's elder son Jaehaerys. While his daughter Jaehaera had safely arrived at Storm's End, his last son Maelor was discovered and stopped by a mob of pro-Rhaenyra supporters at Bitterbridge. The mob of men and women clamored over the three-year old boy, each trying to claim the reward, until little Maelor was torn to pieces. When the Hightower army worked its way up the Roseroad to Bitterbridge some time later, it razed the castle to the ground in revenge.

The First Battle of Tumbleton

Aemond still remained a threat in the riverlands, stricking unexpectedly. Yet the real threat was Prince Daeron and the great army of Lord Ormund Hightower. Slowly advancing on King's Landing, they were defeating Rhaenyra's loyalists wherever they went, as her armies fled before Tessarion. To defeat Aemond and Vhagar, Prince Daemon and Caraxes had left for the riverlands with the girl Nettles and her dragon Sheepstealer. To defeat Daeron and Tessarion, Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer flew to Tumbleton.

Rhaenyra´s forces at Tumbleton greatly outnumbered the Hightower army. People fleeing into the city for safety from Lord Hightower's army were secretly part of the army, and they infiltrated the ranks of defenders. In addition, Ser Ulf the White and Ser Hugh Hammer, since then known as the Two Betrayers, changed their allegiance. Though Lord Ormund and his cousin Ser Bryndon died in the First Battle of Tumbleton, killed by Roddy the Ruin as he himself was mortally injured, the Hightower army kept the advantage, as Vermithor and Silverwing joined Tessarion in the air, and loosened their flames upon Tumbleton unexpectedly. A savage sack followed.

Upon learning of the betrayels, Queen Rhaenyra ordered the city gates closed and barred. The Betrayels at Tumbleton made the black council question the loyalty of the other dragonseeds, Addam Velaryon and Nettles. Most of the black council urged Rhaenyra to arrest both, and only Lord Corlys Velaryon spoke in their defense, declaring Addam and his brother Alyn true Velaryons. His protests, though passionate, were in vain. Rhaenyra, already suspicious, ordered the arrest of Nettles, at Maidenpool with Prince Daemon, and Addam, currently guarding the dragons in the Dragonpit. Ser Luthor Largent went to arrest Addam, but upon his arrival at Rhaenys's Hill, saw Seasmoke take wing, with Addam on his back. Luthor arrested Corlys instead, since the old man did not deny helping his heir escape. Slowly, chaos started to arise again in King's Landing.

In Tumbleton, meanwhile, chaos reigned. Lord Hightower's army remained there. Ormund's sons remained in Oldtown and were still green boys. Though Prince Daeron had been knighted, he was still a boy, used to following commands. Ser Hobert, another Hightower cousin, presumed to take command. Prince Daeron commanded Ser Hobert to stop the savage sacking, but Hightower proved to be very ineffective. Ser Ulf and Hugh were worse. Ser Ulf drank heavy and fed women to his dragon, and became angry when he was named Lord of Bitterbridge, dreaming of Highgarden instead. Ser Hugh was worse, dreaming of a crown of his own.

In the Hightower army, no decision of a course of action could be made, and the army became smaller every day due to desertions.[1]

Dancing dragons at Dragonstone

Around the time of the First Battle of Tumbleton, the merchant cog Nessaria made a stop at Dragonstone for repairs and provisions, having been driven off course by a storm. They had passed the Dragonmont before arriving at Dragonstone's port, and there they had spotted two fighting dragons.

Inspired by the story from those of Volantis, local fisherman took their boats out for a look the next morning, and they reported having seen the burned and broken remains of a dead dragon. From the color of its scales and wings, they concluded the dead dragon was Grey Ghost, completely torn apart. Ser Robert Quince, Dragonstones castellan, named the Cannibal as the killer. Only later in the war would the truth surface.[1]

Fall of Dragonstone

Having smuggled Aegon, Jaehaera and Maelor out of King's Landing, Lord Larys dispatched Jaehaera and a Kingsguard to Lord Hightower, and Maelor and another Kingsguard to Storm's End, while he disguised King Aegon and smuggled him to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra’s seat, the last place anyone would look for him. Aegon was kept hidden in disguise, and would have remained such, as Sunfyre had not found them. Unbeknownst to those in the castle, it had been Sunfyre who had fought and killed Grey Ghost, and not the Cannibal.

Rider and dragon went out flying again, regaining strength, while Aegon's loyal men had found people enough who were willing to betray Rhaenyra, due to mislike for her. Dragonstone had not been well defended, and it had fallen easily. There had only been one problem. Lady Baela, Prince Daemon’s daughter, had managed to escape her attackers and mount her dragon, Moondancer. She met Aegon II and Sunfyre in the sky, unexpectedly, where the two dragons fought. Sunfyre blinded Moondancer with fire, but the younger dragon fought on. The dragons eventually fell on the earth. On the ground, Sunfyre won the battle. King Aegon had jumped off Sunfyre’s back before the dragon hit the ground, but had broken both his legs. Baela had stayed strapped on Moondancer, and was burned and battered. She was taken captive, and King Aegon the Elder now held Dragonstone.[1]

The Dance over Harrenhal

Daemon and Aemond, fighting on top of Caraxes and Vhagar, with Dark Sister in Daemons hand.

Lord Manfryd Mooton found himself in a difficult situation, when the message from Rhaenyra arrived from King's Landing, telling Mooton to send her the head of Nettles. Nettles, during her time with Prince Daemon, was said to have become his lover, according to Rhaenyra, and was thus guilty of high treason. Prince Daemon was to not be harmed. The decision Lord Mooton had to make was a difficult one, for Nettles was a guest beneath his roof, and killing her would mean breaking the guest right, and facing Prince Daemons wroth. Refusing Rhaenyra, however, would mean being attainted a traitor. Maester Norren suggested that they had never read the letter, and later that night, went to inform Daemon of Rhaenyra´s command.

The Old King would never have asked this, of any man of honor.

The next day, Nettles mounted her dragon Sheepstealer, with tears on her cheeks. Daemon and Nettles spoke no word of farewell, but when Sheepstealer climbed the sky, Caraxes gave a scream. Nettles and her dragon disappeared that day, and were never seen again.

Prince Daemon told Lord Mooton to spread the word that he would fly for Harrenhal, so Aemond could come face him, alone. Once Daemon was gone, Lord Mooton took down Rhaenyra’s banners, and raised the golden dragons of King Aegon II.[1]

”You were a fool to come alone.”
“Were I not alone, you would not have come.”

Prince Daemon took Harrenhal from the few who still remained there, and waited for thirteen days. On the fourteenth day, Vhagar appeared in the sky, and on her back rode Prince Aemond and his bedmaid, the pregnant seer Alys Rivers. Dropping Alys on the ground, Daemon and Aemond had one last conversation before both Targaryens mounted their dragons and climbed into the sky. Caraxes fell down upon Vhagar, starting the fight. Their fight ended as the two dragons, locked together, tumbled down towards the lake. According to the tales, this was when Prince Daemon leapt from one dragon to the other, Dark Sister in his hand. Aemond looked up in terror, but was chained to his saddle, and could not do anything when Daemon ripped off Aemond's helm and drove the sword through Aemond's blind eye. The dragons struck the lake half a heartbeat later.

Caraxes lived long enough to crawl back onto the land, beneath the walls of Harrenhal, where he died. Vhagar died in the water, and was found some years later, when the Dance was over, with Aemond’s armored bones still chained to the saddle, and with Dark Sister still in his eye-socket. Daemon's remains, however, were never found, causing singers to tell that he survived to spend his last days with Nettles. It was the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of the year 130 AC.[1]

The Riots at King's Landing

In King's Landing, the Velaryon fleet, counting more than half the army that had sailed from Dragonstone, had abandoned Rhaenyra when they learned Lord Corlys was in the black cells. Those who remained could no longer be trusted.

That same day, Queen Helaena threw herself from her window in Maegor's Holdfast and died impaled upon the iron spikes that lined the dry moat below. The stories told of Helaena’s death on the streets and in inns, by nightfall, were much darker. The people believed she had been murdered, as her sons before her. The rumours were believed very quickly. Tales tell that at the moment of Helaena’s death, her dragon Dreamfyre rose with a roar, snapping two of her chains.

That night a riot rose in King's Landing. The chaos was big, and neither noble nor lowborn was spared. Sailors unable to return to their ships attacked the River Gate. Ser Luthor and his gold cloaks went to Cobbler's Square, to disperse the rioters, but after the first had fled, there were ten thousand more, and they believed Luthor to have killed Helaena: the mere sight of him angered them even more. The rioters were ten thousands where the gold cloaks were only five hundred, and so the gold lloaks were slaughtered, Ser Luthor amongst them.

A hedge knight, Ser Perkin the Flea, crowned his squire Trystane Truefyre, declaring him to be King Viserys I's bastard. Ser Perkin then began dubbing all those who would support Trystane knights, and so many fled to their cause. The next day, some order was restored to parts of King's Landing again, but in the rest of the city, chaos remained.

That night Rhaenyra learned about Maidenpool's betrayel and the escape of Nettles. Rhaenyra send ravens to Winterfell and the Eyrie, pleading for more aid, and named a new Lord Commander to her Queensguard, Ser Glendon Goode. Prince Joffrey Velaryon donned his armor and begged to fight, but he was forbidden.

The night came once more, and Ser Perkin and “King” Trystane were gaining strength. The King's Gate and the Lion Gate were opened by rioters, the gold cloaks at the King's Gate having fled, and those guarding the Lion Gate having joined the rioters. With Ser Perkin holding the River Gate, three out of seven gates were now open to enemies.

Bring him back, bring him back, he does not know. My son, my sweet, my son …

The people of King's Landing no longer believed Rhaenyra could protect them and a mob twice as big as the one of the night before formed in the city. A crazed prophet made the mob turn their attention to the Dragonpit and the entire mob moved towards Rhaenys's Hill to kill the dragons. By the time they reached the hill, their numbers had doubled. Rhaenyra was watching all this unfold from Maegor's Holdfast. Prince Joffrey pleaded, fearing Tyraxes, his own dragon, would be killed, but Rhaenyra would not listen, insisting the mob would burn. Joffrey, dissatisfied, went outside and mounted Syrax, Rhaenyra’s she-dragon, the dragon that was not his own, to fly to the Pit. All attempts to get him back failed, as Syrax threw Joffrey off her back as arrows and spears flew up from below. Joffrey, not having used a saddle, fell from Syrax's back and crashed into the ground.

Seldom have so many men rushed so eagerly onto their funeral pyres, but a madness was upon them.

The battle in the Dragonpit began. Four dragons there were: Shrykos, who died first, slain by a woodsman who slamed his axe into her skull. Morghul was killed by the Burning Knight. Tyraxes went into his lair and roasted many before finally dying. And last Dreamfyre, who broke free of her remaining bonds, plunging into the mob with fire, tooth and claw. Dreamfyre slew more than the other three dragons combined, until a crossbow blinded one of her eyes. Dreamfyre then tried to leap free, and the weakened dome cracked under her force, only to crash down on both dragon and dragonslayers.

Syrax was still alive and free in the air, and descended on the survivors. Rhaenyra, watching from atop Maegor's Holdfast, would not dare let go of her last remaining son, Aegon the Younger, until she saw Syrax fall.

Rhaenyra’s councilers agreed that the city was lost. Rhaenyra was persuaded to leave the next day, slipping through the Dragon Gate, starting the journey to Duskendale.[1]

The Second Battle of Tumbleton

News of unrest in King's Landing reached Tumbleton, making the Hightower army believe they should advance upon the city, but Ser Hobert Hightower doubted, and the Two Betrayers refused to join unless their demands were met.

With Aemond slain and Aegon II still missing, the greens found themselves without a leader and a king. Prince Daeron was now next in line for the throne and there were some who wanted to name him Prince of Dragonstone, or even king, but the Two Betrayers did not agree. Lord Hugh Hammer wanted to be crowned king, by the rights of conquest. He had the oldest and largest dragon alive, Vermithor, thrice as big as Tessarion, Daeron’s dragon.

Offended by the arrogance of the Betrayers, the lords and knights of the Reach and Prince Daeron grew wroth. The Two Betrayers plotted together Hard Hugh Hammer's coronation, and indeed Hugh later wore a crown of black iron. When insulted, Hard Hugh’s men came to blows with loyalists, and Lord Unwin Peake and Ser Hobert summoned eleven other lords and landed knights, who together became known as the Caltrops, as to discuss what to do about the dragonseeds. They agreed that disposing of Ulf the White would be easy, but that Hammer was dangerous, surrounded by men and women day and night. They decided Hammer had to die first.

With Prince Daeron's consent, the Caltrops carried out their plans. But the day the Caltrops planned to strike, the people at Tumbleton woke at night to find themselves under attack. The dragon attacking was Seasmoke, with Addam Velaryon on his back, and with an army of four thousand loyal to Rhaenyra behind them. The great host encamped at Tumbleton outnumbered their attackers, but due to their long stay, they had grown lax.

Ulf was asleep inside Tumbleton, his dragon outside the town. They tried to wake him, but he slept through the entire Second Battle of Tumbleton. Hard Hugh did respond, and rushed to the yard, screaming for a horse so he could go and mount his dragon, when Lord Jon Roxton, one of the Caltrops, met up with him. He offered Hammer his condolences, and when asked why, he told the new made King he had died in battle, before killing Hammer. He was shortly after killed himself by Hammer's men in revenge. Prince Daeron died in the battle as well, though no one knows exactly how. Three different accounts exist on his death.

Lord Hammer, my condolences.
For what?
You died in the battle.

The three dragons encamped at Tumbleton were unchained, however, and all had been roused by the battle. Addam turned Seasmoke to meet Tessarion, and the two dragons danced around each other in the sky. Vermithor eventually rose into the sky as well, attacking everything he came across. And thus Addam turned Seasmoke towards him, to protect those men who were helping them, although he must have known Seasmoke could not beat Vermithor. The dragons were so locked together, neither could get free. Tessarion joined the fight, which ended with Vermithor ripping off the head of Seasmoke. Vermithor, due to his wounds, died next. Tessarion, after trice trying to fly, remained in pain, until Lord Benjicot Blackwood ordered her killed to end her suffering.

Though having won the battle, the rivermen had not been able to take the town. Tumbleton's walls were closed, and without a dragon or equipment, they could not start a siege, so the rivermen took all that they found useful and left. Only one dragon now remained at the city, Silverwing.

Eight of the thirteen Caltrops had died in the battle, and one would die the next day. Ser Hobert and Lord Unwin Peake remained, and both found Ulf the White, the last dragonrider, proclaiming himself their last hope. White now proposed to take the throne for him, since Prince Daeron was dead. And so Ser Hobert visited him the next day with two casks of wine, one red for himself, one golden arbor for White. Ulf, however, became suspicious of Ser Hobert, and insisted they drink the arbor gold together.

And so Ser Hobert drank deep, and asked for more. Having seen this, Ulf drank three cups, and died shortly after due to the poison mixed in the wine. Ser Hobert tried to retch, but for him it was too late as well, and he died within the hour.

Without a leader, and without a rider for Silverwing, the army started to fall apart. Lord Peake called defeat and retreated. King's Landing had been saved.[1]

Rhaenyra’s retreat to Dragonstone

Yet Rhaenyra did not know about this. She had been refused entry at Rosby and was allowed to stay only one night at Stokeworth, half her gold cloaks deserted on the road, and attackers killed several of her knights. At Duskendale they were admitted, but not allowed to stay long. Refusing to part from her son Aegon, and without ships, Rhaenyra sold her crown to buy passage on a Braavosi ship. And so she returned to Dragonstone, where she knew were more dragon eggs, for she needed a new dragon.

At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra found her castellan, Robert Quince, slain. As Ser Alfred Broome, angered when he had not been named castellan, showed Robert's burned body, his men killed all of Rhaenyra’s men, and imprisoned Rhaenyra, her ladies, and Aegon the Younger. Once inside the gates of the castle, Rhaenyra stood face to face with Aegon the Elder and Sunfyre.

Not long after Dragonstone had secretly fallen to Aegon II, ravens had arrived telling him about Rhaenyra’s return to Dragonstone. This had given Aegon the opportunity to prepare for the arrival of his half-sister.

Mother, flee!

And so it was that Rhaenyra found her brother in her own seat. Aegon II wasted no time, and had Rhaenyra fed to his dragon, whilst Aegon the Younger looked on. With the chance that Rhaenyra’s loyalists would continue the fight in her son's name, Aegon the Younger became a hostage. It was the twenty-second day of the tenth month of 130 AC.

On the ninth day of the twelfth month, Sunfyre the Golden died on Dragonstone. After this, Aegon started planning his return to King's Landing. Though Rhaenyra had died, her cause lived on. Aegon II would sit the throne again, but it would only lest another half of a year.[1]

The time for hiding is done. Let the ravens fly that the realm may know the pretender is dead, and their true king is coming home to reclaim his father’s throne.

The Moon of the Three Kings

After Rhaenyra's forces abandoned King's Landing, chaos took control of the city for several weeks. The Shepherd had survived the destruction of the Dragonpit, and his mob ruled much of the city.[4]

Two pretender kings came to be in the city. The first was Trystane Truefyre, the squire of the hedge knight Ser Perkin the Flea, who claimed the boy was a bastard son of the late King Viserys I. Ser Perkin had previously already been gathering support for Trystane, and after Rhaenyra's flight, installed Trystane in the Red Keep.[4]

The second pretender king was a four year old boy named Gaemon Palehair, the son of a whore, who claimed the boy had been fathered by King Aegon II Targaryen. Given King Aegon's philandering ways, this was not seen as improbable, though the boy's mother would later admit that Gaemon had been the son of an oarsman from Lys when she was hanged. Gaemon ruled from atop of Visenya's Hill, from the House of Kisses, and gathered thousands of followers. He issued a series of edicts,[4] amongst them one declaring that females should be equal to males in matters of inheritance. According to Archmaester Gyldayn, Mushroom claims that these edicts were almost certainly the work of the paramour of Gaemon's mother Essie, a dornish whore named Sylvenna Sand.[5]

In the end, it was Lord Borros Baratheon and his stormlanders who seized King's Landing back. Trystane Truefyre was executed, though not before he received the boon of knighthood. Gaemon Palehair was arrested, and would survive the war. King Aegon II Targaryen arrived back at King's Landing, and installed himself in the Red Keep once more. Lord Corlys Velaryon, who had been arrested by Rhaenyra and left in the dungeons when she fled the city, was freed and named to Aegon's small council.

As King Aegon II's only remaining heir was his daughter Jaehaera, the widowed king agreed to marry a daughter of Lord Borros.

The Battle of the Kingsroad/The Muddy Mess

With King's Landing secured for King Aegon II, Lord Borros led his armies against the riverlanders who were approaching the city. These Lads were led by Lord Kermit Tully, Lord Benjicot Blackwood,[4][6] and Ben's aunt, Alysanne Blackwood.[6][7]

Lord Borros, upon learning this, grew more confident in his victory, but it was Ben Blackwood, thereafter known as Bloody Ben Blackwood, who broke his flank, and "Black Aly" who led the archers that brought down Borros's knights. Lord Borros fought on, and killed Lords Darry and Mallister, before he himself was killed by Kermit Tully.[6][8]

This left King's Landing with only meager defenses, with the Lads only a short distance away, while Lord Cregan Stark and his forces were marching south as well to reinforce them.

The end of the Dance

The black army of the Lads was now a day's march outside of King's Landing, and there were no significant green forces to stop them. Lord Cregan Stark was coming south, and other armies were coming from the Vale as well. Yet King Aegon II refused to surrender, even when Lord Corlys Velaryon, now master of ships on Aegon II's small council, advised him that the only remaining option was to surrender and join the Night's Watch. Instead, King Aegon II gave orders to have cut off the ear of his nephew, Aegon the Younger, and have it sent to the Lads as a warning - if his bloodline died, so would Rhaenyra's. Aegon climbed back into his litter, to be carried to his chamber, and was given a cup of wine along the way to ease his pain. When his escort arrived at his private chamber and lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was dead, with blood on his lips.[4] Who exactly poisoned the king remains unknown to history, though twenty-two men would later be arrested for this crime.[9]

Aftermath

The False Dawn

With King Aegon II dead, Aegon the Younger was crowned as King Aegon III Targaryen. Despite the hopes that the troubles were done - Aegon II's host had been defeated, the Velaryon fleet once more served the Iron Throne - the period that followed the war immediately was named "the False Dawn".[9]

The realm faced numerous problems. The cruel winter that had begun the year before on Maiden's Day of 130 AC would last until 135 AC. Much of the realm had been burned out by dragonfire - in particular, Aemond Targaryen's one-man war riding Vhagar, which had burned out most of the riverlands. Broken men and outlaws roamed the countryside in the hundreds and thousands, and public order had collapsed in many places. The ironborn, under the command of the Red Kraken - who had only nominally sided with the blacks as a pretext to attack wealthy green kingdoms - now refused to acknowledge the boy-king's commands to stop raiding.[9]

Lord Cregan Stark and his army of childless and homeless men, unwed men, and younger sons, had marched to King's Landing with the hopes of war, adventure and plunder, and for a glorious death. The sudden death of King Aegon II had robbed them of that chance, leaving Lord Cregan furious. He had wanted to punish Storm's End, Casterly Rock and Oldtown for having supported Aegon over Rhaenyra, but upon his arrival, Lord Corlys Velaryon had already send out ravens, suing for peace.[9]

Hour of the Wolf

Lord Cregan could not be dissuaded in punishing the betrayers and poisoners of King Aegon II. He found the poisoning fould murder, and had twenty-two men arrested in the name of Aegon III (Lord Larys Strong and Lord Corlys Velaryon amongst them). He then made the young King Aegon III name him Hand of the King.[9]

Lord Cregan reigned as Hand of the King for only a day, a day filled with trials and executions. Most of those accused chose to take the black - chief amongst them was Ser Perkin the Flea - yet two chose death (Ser Gyles Belgrave of the Kingsguard and Larys Strong the Clubfoot). The day after the executions, Lord Cregan resigned as Hand, and returned to the north, leaving many of his northmen behind in the south.[9]

The Regency

With the war over, a council of seven regents was established for the young Aegon III. They would continue to reign until 136 AC, the day when King Aegon III came of age. This regency period was still filled with many troubles as the realm struggled to rebuild from the war. Out of the seven original regents, only Grand Maester Munkun would serve the full term.[9]

During the regency, King Aegon III was married to the only remaining child of the late King Aegon II: Princess Jaehaera Targaryen. Jaehaera would die two years later however, and the king would remarry, this time to a cousin of Lord Alyn Velaryon: Lady Daenaera Velaryon. This second marriage would give the king five children.[9][10]

The Red Kraken, meanwhile, continued to raid the western coasts. With peace restored, the devastated westerlands and the Reach gradually built up enough strength to contest the ironborn. This private war between the Greyjoys and the lords of the western coasts dragged on for another three years during the heart of winter. Eventually, Dalton Greyjoy died on Fair Isle, when after he finished raping a girl in Lord Farman's own bedchamber, she opened his throat as he slept. Dalton had never taken a rock wife, and only had young sons by several salt wives, which led to a fight over the succession. A Lannister force, with the aid of Ser Leo Costayne, attacked the isles in 134 AC, exacting revenge. Entire villages were put to the sword, man, woman, and child. Most of the attacking host was lost, but those who returned home returned with plunder - and with one of Dalton's salt sons. Lady Johanna Lannister had the boy gelded and mutilated, and forced him to be her son's fool.[11]

Consequences of the Dance

In 171 AC, after the death of King Baelor I Targaryen, the succession of the throne was not crystal clear. Baelor had not appointed an heir, and thus, after his death, there were some, both of the smallfolk and lords, who felt that the Iron Throne should pass to the eldest of Baelor's sisters, Princess Daena Targaryen. However, the memories of Rhaenyra on the throne, and all the woes that had befallen Westeros during that time, were still fresh. Thus the Dance of the Dragons became part of the reason why Prince Viserys Targaryen, King Baelor's uncle, was chosen to ascend the throne over Daena.[12]

By chosing Viserys over Daena, since the Dance, women came after all men in Targaryen succession.[13]

The war is the subject of the song "The Dance of the Dragons", as well as The Dance of the Dragons, A True Telling, a somewhat inaccurate history by Grand Maester Munkun. Archmaester Gyldayn wrote a history of the war, The Princess and The Queen, or, The Blacks and The Greens.[1] Maester Yandel also discusses the Dance in The World of Ice and Fire.[14]

Family Tree of House Targaryen during the Dance

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jocelyn
Baratheon
 
Aemon
 
Daella
 
Rodrik
Arryn
 
Baelon
 
Alyssa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corlys
Velaryon
 
Rhaenys
 
 
 
 
 
Aemma
Arryn
 
Viserys I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alicent
Hightower
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Rhea
Royce
 
Aegon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laena
Velaryon
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Laenor
Velaryon
 
Rhaenyra
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Son
 
Baelon
 
Aegon II
 
Helaena
 
Aemond
 
Daeron
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaena
 
Baela
 
Stillborn
son
 
Jacaerys
Velaryon
 
Lucerys
Velaryon
 
Joffrey
Velaryon
 
Viserys II
 
Visenya
 
Aegon III
 
Jaehaera
 
Jaehaerys
 
Maelor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
  1. 1.0 1.1 Prince Daemon Targaryen was married to Lady Rhea Royce from 97 AC to 115 AC, to Lady Laena Velaryon from 115 AC to 120 AC, and to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen from 120 AC to 130 AC.


References and Notes