House of the Dragon: The Dance of Dragons war between House Targaryen and House Hightower begins as Westeros is divided in half

HBO’s House of the Dragon returns Sunday night for the fourth episode of the eighth episode season, setting up a back half filled with war.

Last week’s episode found Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) making the bold move to see her friend Alicent Hightower in person to try and stave off the war.

That gambit failed, with this week’s episode – A Dance With Dragons – marking both the beginning of this war between House Targaryen and House Hightower and the end of the first half of this eight-episode season. 

The promo at the end of last week’s episode teased that the soldiers and dragons are being put into position as the war is about to begin.

Who will strike first remains to be seen, though House Targaryen has a massive advantage with their fire-breathing dragons. 

The promo at the end of last week’s episode teased that the soldiers and dragons are being put into position as the war is about to begin.

The episode begins with Daemon (Matt Smith) entering an empty room at the Harenhaal castle, as he hears voices in High Valyrian as he approaches the throne.

He sees another vision of a young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), telling her she is,, ‘destroying’ him.

He cuts the vision’s head off as the crown clangs to the ground as the beheaded Rhaenyra says, ‘There has been a raven.’

He’s woken up by Ser Simon Strong, telling him there has been a raven, which does not bring good news.

‘Aegon’s army departed King’s Landing a fortnight ago. The castles of Rosby and Stokeworth have both fallen without siege,’ Strong says.

‘They have raised Aegon’s banner and added their levies to Ser Criston Cole’s host. Both houses cited that sad business with the usurper’s son in their declarations,’ Strong adds. 

‘Ser Criston’s army, now tripled in strength, might have Harrenhal as its destination. Even if you can raise a host of Rivermen, they will not be ready in time to face him,’ Simon says, as Daemon says, ‘Let’s see what your Lord Paramount is made of.’

Daemon is introduced to Ser Oscar Tully, grandson to Grover Tully and heir to Riverrun and future Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. 

Daemon asks Oscar how his grandfather fares, and Oscar tells him, ‘Sadly, he remains incapacitated. He lies in a kind of waking sleep, unable to do much more than take meager drink. It is barely enough to sustain him.’

Daemon asks ‘So, he’s alive?’ Oscar responds, ‘Yes, gods be good,’ but Daemon says, ‘Well, my time is short and I have need of an army. Perhaps you might place a feather pillow over his head and speed along your inheritance?’

Oscar insists, ‘I love my grandsire, like a father. My own lord father died suddenly, himself a young man. Lord Grover raised me in his stead.’

‘All very touching. Are you here to speak with your grandsire’s voice? For House Tully and the Riverlands?’ Daemon ask.

‘While he still lives? That is not our way,’ Oscar says, as Daemon says, ‘Then you’re of no use to me. I can see why the Blackwoods and the Brackens did not fear to start a war beneath the nose of their liege lords.’

Daemon adds, ‘House Tully is a fish with no head. Remind me which of your countrymen claim to fight in the name of Aegon? Was it, was it Bracken or Blackwood?’

Simon says, ‘It was House Bracken that declared Green, Your Grace,’ as Daemon says, ‘Who could remember. Summon the Blackwoods here. I require men of action to lead my host of Rivermen.’

The episode cuts back to a harbor where Rhaenys (Eve Best) meets with Alyn, the man who saved her husband Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint).

Rhaenys says, ‘I’m given to understand my lord husband owes you his life. But I was not told his savior was so comely. Your mother must’ve been very beautiful.’

Corlys calls to Alyn asking if his work is finished and he says no and leaves, as Rhaenys says, ‘I just had a word with your captains. He was the sailor who plucked you from your watery grave? You did not think to mention it?’ 

Corlys says, ‘I did not think it relevant,’ but Rhaenys says, ‘I know who he is, Corlys.’

Corlys adds, ‘Alyn’s past is no fault of his. He saved his lord’s life. He should be raised up and honored, not hidden beneath the tides. Is this why you came? To subject me to an inquisition?’  

She says, ‘I came to tell you that Baela has called me to Dragonstone,’ as Corlys says, ‘Baela? That council is going to dine on her and Jace for supper. They grow restless in Rhaenyra’s absence. Still… Where has that woman gone?’ 

Rhaenys says, ‘I suspect to try and draw us all back from the abyss.’

Meanwhile, Alicent chats with the Grand Maester, who gives her a remedy that is to be delivered discretely.

‘The tea is known to disagree with the gut,’ he says, as she agrees to, ‘watch the girl closely.’

She asks, ‘You’ve ever been a practical man, an honorable servant to the crown. And you served my lord husband in his darkest hours.’

She asks, ‘Tell me. Do you believe Viserys wanted Aegon to succeed him?’

‘I could not know. His Grace never raised the matter with me,’ the Maester adds.

The episode continues with Baela Targaryen saying, ‘Ser Criston Cole’s host has taken to exploiting the tree cover to conceal its movements. He now only travels by night to confound our dragons.’

Bartimos Celtigar adds, ‘And what is Cole’s heading?’ He’s told, ‘It is difficult to say, but there were signs of an army moving northwest, I believe.’  

Gormon Massey adds, ‘She believes. You should’ve burned them when you had the chance,’ as Baela fires back, ‘Perhaps you can, Ser Alfred, when you next sight them on your dragon.’

More bickering ensues as Bartimos asks, ‘What do we know, my prince? If you ask me, it is little and less. We know that Cole possesses a host that is growing in strength and that it is a problem.’

Gormon says, ‘Can Daemon hope to meet it with his own in time? And if I know the Riverlands, he has more disentangling ahead of him than the end of a Lyseni orgy. Have you heard word from your father?’

Baela says no as Maester Gerardys says, ‘Ravens were sent to Harrenhal seeking news of Daemon’s progress with the Riverlords. None have, as yet, returned.’

Alfred Broome says, ‘Just so. An enemy host, growing in constitution, marches somewhere in the vastness of the Crownlands. We could, perhaps, act if only we had a host of our own. Or someone here to lead us.’

Alfred is told to, ‘Mind your tongue, Ser Alfred,’ but he fires back, ‘Does it speak falsely, my prince? This council is rudderless.’

Rhaenys says, ‘I’m doing my best to steer it, Ser Alfred,’ but Alfred says, ‘Why should your voice be any louder than ours, Princess? The queen did not name you Hand. It is her voice, and that of the king consort, that we need to raise alliances and command our vassals.

Corlys enters and says, ‘What has come of this council? Our enemy is on the March. Is there naught to be done in the absence of the queen, but to grouse and claw for power?’

Bartimos says, ‘We do not know the queen’s doings. But we must trust that she seeks the same as each of us at this table. An end to this conflict.’

The episode cuts to Criston Cole who tells Men of House Darklyn, ‘All who bend the knee to the true king, Aegon, will be spared. You can earn back your honor by raising his banner and fighting in his name against the Whore of Dragonstone. All who refuse… Will have their death.’

Cole comes to Lord Darklyn, who says, ‘Is there no honor left in this world, Cole? Sacking your queen’s own castles and putting her people to the sword? “Kingmaker.” You are not fit for the white cloak.’

Cole tells him, ‘This is a better death than a traitor deserves. You should thank me for it,’ though Lord Darklyn says, ‘Yours will come in kind’ before Cole beheads him.

Cole tells Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox), ‘Lord Hand. We’ll lead the van northeast, follow the coastline.’

Gwayne says, ‘I realize you were neither born nor bred anywhere near the Crownlands, my good Lord Hand, but Harrenhal is to the west.’

Cole nods and says, ‘Indeed it is.’

The episode cuts back to the Red Keep, where King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) tells Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), ‘F**k you. I told you we should’ve sent our dragons. And now look what’s happened. Daemon, of all people, has taken Harrenhal. I give you a job, and now you just sit there. It’s your f**king castle!’

Larys responds, ‘Well, that castle is more crippled than I am, Your Grace. It’s like to drive Daemon to madness as he attempts to make use of it. It is beyond his faculties. It is also penniless, as I happily control all of its gold. So, as Harrenhal saps Daemon’s resolve, the false queen remains trapped on her island, and Ser Criston continues felling castles in the Crownlands. 

Aegon insists, ‘I need to be informed of these things if I am to make informed rulings. I will not be made to look a fool in front of -my allies and enemies.’

Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) says, ‘Harrenhal must wait. Ser Criston is marching on Rook’s Rest.’

Aegon says, ‘Rook’s Re– a pathetic prize. -I gave no such command,’ as Aemond adds, ‘The castle is small, weakly defended, and Lord Staunton sits on Rhaenyra’s council. After Cole smashes it, we’ll have Dragonstone effectively cut off by land. This war will not be won with dragons alone, but with dragons flying behind armies of men.’

Aegon says, ‘No! Have him turn about. I want Harrenhal back,’ but Aemond says, ‘Cole is already preparing his attack.’

Aegon asks, ‘How do you know this’

Aemond says, ‘He sent word to me,’ as Aegon adds, ‘To you? The two of you have been plotting… Without my authority?’

The brothers both speak in High Valyrian before Aemond says, ‘Harrenhal is a useful morass. It will keep Daemon well-occupied while we strengthen our host and weaken Rhaenyra’s support on the mainland. We will deal with it in the Riverlands in time. But right now. Rook’s Rest is an easy target and a worthy effort. Don’t you agree, my king?’

Lord Larys goes to check on Alicent, stating, ‘Your Grace, after your absence from the small council. I feared something was amiss.’

‘You’re kind to do so, my lord, but indulgence was my sin. I… Ventured into the lamprey pie at last night’s supper. Too far, I fear.’

Larys says, ‘That is a rich indulgence. But I believe it is a sin to deny your appetites. They are what make us fully alive as mortal men.’

Alicent asks, ‘Was anything of note discussed at the council?’

Larys says, ‘Daemon having seized Harrenhal and His Grace’s resulting displeasure,’ as Alicent says, ‘I would’ve thought you would be the most aggrieved, my lord.’

Larys adds, ‘I see it as a loss for our greater good. Dragonstone’s attentions are greatly divided. First in the Riverlands and the Gullet, and now the Crownlands. Ser Criston wins every challenge he faces there. That truth alone is like to incite Rhaenyra’s fury.’

Alicent says, ‘He’s covered himself in glory, to be sure,’ as Larys adds, ‘And you must worry for him? Your sworn sword… On the March, ever exposed to dragons? It is a perilous road.’ 

Alicent says, ‘Ser Criston is the Hand of the King. We should all pray for his victory and safe return.’

Larys says, ‘Indeed. If I may be so bold, my queen… You have not seemed yourself of late.’

Alicent responds, ‘Only weeks ago, my lord husband was alive and the realm was at peace. Now, I’ve… Barely had the hours to grieve one tragedy before suffering the next. I regret if I have not been myself.’

Larys adds, ‘I did not know you shared your lord husband’s love… For the histories,’ as Alicent says, ‘If not his love, then certainly an– an abiding interest. The voices of history guided Viserys. He knew that his wisdom alone could only reach so far.’

Larys asks, ‘Do you think that is why he changed his mind… In the end? No matter how suited he thought Rhaenyra for the crown, the, uh, voices of history, as you say, would have told him how the realm would react to her succession.’

Alicent says, ‘It was impossible to know what steered his thoughts in those final hours.’

Larys adds, ‘Do you now doubt his intentions?’ Alicent says, ‘Rhaenyra’s supporters will believe what they wish. And so will Aegon’s. The war will be fought, many will die… And the Victor will eventually ascend the throne. The significance of Viserys’ intentions died with him.’

‘Yes it did,’ Larys says, as the episode cuts to Harrenhal, where Daemon wakes suddenly and grabs his sword, stalking about the castles, when he finds Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who says, ‘It’s a touch late to be stalkin’ about a strange castle, putting its people to the sword.’

He asks if she’s a maester and she says, ‘In a manner of speaking. I inherited the duties after the last one fled in the night.’

‘How are you settling in? I’ve come to know the face of tortured rest well enough. Sleep can be… Thin in this place,’ Alys says. 

‘What would you know of my sleep?’ Daemon says, as Alys says, ‘Harrenhal’s been cursed since its first stone was laid. Black Harren felled the grove of weirwood trees that grew on these lands. Heart trees, imbued with the spirits of those who lived long before he came. It’s said their whispers can still be heard sometimes.’

Daemon dismisses it as, ‘A midwife’s tale,’ but Alys says, ‘the very bed you sleep in was made from such a heart tree. Have you experienced anything… Of note?’ 

Daemon says, ‘You are a strange kind of woman,’ but Alys says, ‘I’m no woman at all. I’m a barn owl. Cursed to live in human form.’

Alys says, ‘So, you’ve come here after quarreling with your wife? You arrive here alone to claim the castle and yet, send no ravens. Do you now plan to make your own claim? Perhaps to prove yourself to her.’

Daemon tells her, ‘Do not try me with your insolence, witch,’ as Alys says, ‘It’s a hard thing, I imagine, to give obeisance to one who replaced you as heir. And a woman too. A… Girl child you bounced on your knee. I mean, does it please you that her legitimacy is contested? As you stand here… With a castle and a dragon… Attempting to draw an army of men. Here. Drink this. You’ll need your sleep if you’re to win this place to your side.’

Daemon meets with Willem Blackwood, who says, ‘I now rule my house as regent until my nephew Benjicot comes of age. The Brackens are venal Cravens, and they must pay for their treachery against the laws of gods and men.’

 A confused Daemon asks, ‘Who are you?’ Simon says, ‘Ser Willem Blackwood of House Blackwood, Your Grace, as I said.

Simon says, ‘It was you who summoned me, Your Grace. I was given to understand that you wanted an army.’

Daemon says, ‘Well, who doesn’t these days? You Blackwoods certainly never miss a chance to bloody your swords… Do you?’

Willem says, ‘Some 20 years ago, my lord bent the knee to King Viserys and acknowledged the Princess Rhaenyra as his rightful heir. 

Daemon says, ‘So you fight for this old oath? Not, of course, for your thousand-year-old feud with the Brackens. I once vied for Queen Rhaenyra’s hand… Before she wed Ser Laenor. I always liked her spirit. She had the true blood of the dragon. And you’re prepared to March without the leave of your lord… And once you and your dragon bring the queen’s justice to the Brackens… Our armies will be yours.’

Larys says, ‘Our lords in the Crownlands are grousing. Their herds of livestock struggle to keep pace with the dragons’ relentless appetites. Vhagar’s in particular.’

Ironrod says, ‘They can either provide the crown what it needs, or we can claim their holdings.’

Tyland Lannister adds, ‘Oh, that would be a relief, as we have no more coin to lend to the effort. Resources are certainly growing no more plentiful in the face of the blockade. The demand on the blacksmiths, armorers and tanners for equipment has only grown apace with Ser Criston’s army.’

Ironrod says, ‘Well, Cole’s done splendidly, at the least, turning every castle and army he’s faced, -including Duskendale, gods bless him.  The Kingmaker, they’re calling him. And with Aemond and Vhagar also at the ready, we are a formidable opponent.’

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO’s flagship series Game of Thrones, and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros.

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO’s flagship series Game of Thrones, and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros.

By the end of Season 1, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) had died, with his only son, Aegon II, taking claim to the Iron Throne.

Rhaenyra felt that she had a right to the throne, as House Targaryen became divided between factions led by Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Rhaenyra’s former best friend and wife of King Viserys.

The Season 2 premiere suffered a bit of a ratings hit, with 7.8 million viewers tuning in last week through all platforms.

That number was a 22% drop from the 10 million viewers that tuned in for the series premiere back in August 2022.

The drop was attributed to linear viewing, those who watched the episode live on HBO, which was 1 million fewer than the series premiere.

The second episode of Season 1 actually increased to 10.2 million, representing a series peak, with 9.3 million viewers watching the Season 1 finale.

The Season 2 premiere suffered a bit of a ratings hit, with 7.8 million viewers tuning in last week through all platforms

That number was a 22% drop from the 10 million viewers that tuned in for the series premiere back in August 2022

The show’s season two debut was penned by showrunner Ryan Condal and directed by Alan Taylor, who previously directed episodes of Game of Thrones, as well as HBO staples such as Boardwalk Empire, Sex and the City, The Sopranos and its prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.

The show’s second season kicked off with a revised opening titles sequence that was noticeably different than the one broadcast in the show’s first season.

The first season of House of the Dragon featured an animated opening that incorporated Old Valyria in a stone model.

It had been presided over by the late King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine). It included red blood streaming through Valyria’s streets, with symbolism alluding to the Targaryen leaders.

House of the Dragon airs new episodes Sundays at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT only on HBO.