Dance of the Dragons

The **Dance of the Dragons** was a conflict between many rivaling factions from 129AC until 131AC, ending with the end of the green line of house Targaryen. It saw rise of many claimants, eventually ending in the ascencion of young Aegon II. as king of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First men. It originally started as a struggle and civil war between Rhaenyra I. and her half brother claimant Aegon the Green.

## 129AC

### Taking of Harrenhal

With Lucerys Velaryon dead, prince Daemon swears to his wife to avange her son and leaves with small host to take Harrenhal, which is loosely held by Larys Strong, who during the time resided in King's Landing. Daemon joins up with the river lords who support Rhaenyra at the Trident shortly after that he takes Harrenhal with low casaulties.

A raven is then sent to lord Kermit Tully, demanding he sends forth his troops. Lord Kermit does not support Rhaenyra, but in fear of dragons half thousand sword join Daemon at Harrenhal. Daemon also sends word to his friends in King's Landing at the time, his promised vengeance is drawing closer.

### Death of the princes

With Lucerys Velaryon dead Deamon comes forth with a plan. Two men sneak up into the Red keep and invade the chambers of queen Helaena Targaryen, giving her the choice to choose which one would be killed. Helaena choses her younger son Maelor, in hopes that her husband's heir would live on, Rat and Cheese still kill the crown prince, Jaehaerys and leave the keep.

Meanwhile ser Arryk Cargyll is charged with task of killing Rhaenyra. He gets on a boat and secretly lands in Dragonstone, sneaking into a hall where he finds prince Jacaerys. A fight breaks out, where Arryk is wounded by the prince but manages to strike him a mortal wound. His brother Erryk finishes him off at the cost of his own life. Jacaerys is tended by the local maester, yet after a week he dies of his wounds, his mother falls into grieving, while Helaena Targaryen grieves for her lost son too.

### Defeat of house Tarly

One of the strongest houses in the Reach, the Tarlys declare for the Blacks. While they gather up their armies Daeron Targaryen and his distant kin Ormund Hightower defeat other black reachlords in the battle of Honeywine, turning their sight onto Horn Hill. Lord Alan prepares and army, marching out to meet lord Ormund in a place of his choosing, but he is ambushed and captured, his army defects of is destroyed by the dragon Tessarion and Daeron the Daring.

Daeron and Ormund give the man chance to yield his castle and pledge his support to Aegon, when he refuses Daeron beheads him. Hightower armies march to Alan's castle and give his people another chance to yield, after they are turned away Ormund charges the walls while Daeron burns rest of the castle. After two days Horn Hill is a smoking ruin and most members of house Tarly are killed, thus Daeron declares that any noble who would join the Greens would be granted Tarly's ancestrial seat for his second son of close kin.

### Battle of Pendrick Hills

Rhaenyra prepares for action, starting with securing the Westerlands. In her name Corlys Velaryon sends Daemon commands to take Casterly Rock and all the Lannister gold, sending Hugh Hammer and Ulf the White to hold Harrenhal while Daemon is away. While they stay over Daemon proclaims them as Rhaenyra's good supporters and promises them more lands after the war is over.

He then takes the river host and marches along the Gold Road to Westerlands. Emory Hill the bastard of Lannisport is charged of commanding an army to stop Daemon at Golden Tooth, but he instead tries to lure Daemon to a golden mine at Pendrick Hills. Daemon takes the bait and his army at foot struggles to escape the attackers, but Daemon takes flight and burns his enemy, Emory manages to leave, warning his kin at Casterly Rock about the upcoming war.

### Baratheon march

Aemond One - Eye is meanwhile sent to Storm's End, where lord Borros rallies his forces. Aegon commands the two to destroy all of Rhaenyra's supporters in Crownlands and Stormlands. Borros proposes to attack Dragonstone, but ultimately this move is deamed rash by his soon to be son-in-law. So the two march to Fellwood, the castle yields after seeing great Vhagar, so do the Bucklers. They continue up the Wendwater river, where they defeat lord Wendwater, who changes his aligiance shortly after and together they besiege Stonedance, the seat of house Massey.

The Masseys refuse to surrender, yet Aemond refuses to burn the castle down, prefering to besiege them for a month or two, which angeres lord Borros. They eventually settle their dispute and Aemond swears to use Vhagar if necessary, he insists that destroying a whole house like his brother Daeron did would be unwise. After six weeks and Vhagar landing at the castle almost a dozen times the Masseys bend the knee to Aemond.

### First battle of Bitterbridge

Daeron's host reached Bitterbridge roughly at the same time Aemond took Massey's Hook. Caswells were black supporters and they evacuated their seat before the fight, leaving only small number of men who would resist the Hightowers, ending in Daeron taking the keep swiftly. But Corlys Velaryon was afraid of losing more allies in the Reach and sent Silver Denys, the rider of Cannibal to Bitterbridge before Greens even came.

Denys came only few hours after Hightower takeover and was very unhappy about the fact that the blacks lost. Under a white banner Ormund Hightower wanted to make a deal, granting Denys and his sons Horn Hill would he join them. Denys refused and unpolitely spat into Ormund's face before leaving the camp. This angered young Daeron and he chalenged Denys to a duel, which he refused.

After Denys left the angered prince took flight and charged Cannibal with his beautiful blue she-dragon Tessarion. At first the dragon had advantage, cyrcling around Denys, but when the dragonseed lost his patiance, he snapped off Tessarions left wing, tail and part of his body. The dragon crashed into Bitterbridge, Daeron's remains were never found. Silver Denys proceeded to loose flame onto Ormund's army, almost destroying it. Lord Ormund himself saved his life by escaping in a boat. Some of the Reacher lords yield to Rhaenyra, led by Jon Roxton, as Silver Denys takes charge of the army.

### Battle of the Gullet

A small battle broke out as Lyseni warships attacked the Velaryon fleet at Gullet. Rhenys the Queen who never was was to be sent to Bitterbridge too, to support Silver Denys as Corlys did not trust the man. Rhaenys flew up when the Lyseni attacked black fleet. The attack was so sudden that most of Seasnake's captains were killed and his ships sunken, only Rhaenys saved the day as she descended upon Sharako Lohar, who died that day. After Lyseni grand captain died, the daughter's fleet broke and it wasn't hard for Velaryons to return the attack and destroy the enemy, with Rhaenys taking her flight shortly after.

### Burning of Lannisport and faith of Emory Hill

Daemon attacked the Lannisters again, this time completely destroying their armies outside of Lannisport. He wanted to make peace with lord Jason, but lord Lannister was found burned to a charcoal after the battle outside Lannisport ended. Daemon then attacks Casterly Rock with Caraxes while the foot soldier raid Lannisport. The gates of Lannister citadel stay closed and it is hard for Daemon to destroy it, yet lord Jason's close kin are almost all killed and Lannisport is burned afterwards, with the greens unleashing hell upon the city.

Emory Hill still manages to pull out his last trick, escaping south to Crakehall, firm supporters of Aegon the Green. Daemon seated himself in a throne made from wooden planks in the burned city and as a joke he styles himself commander of the city watch. Yet when the news of Emory's second escape reach him he gets very angered and flies over to Crakehall, destroying Emory and his armies in less then two days, single handedly.

## 130AC

### Battle above Stonedance

As Rhaenys Targaryen approached the Baratheon army, someone informed prince Aemond of her flight. The alarmed commander immidately saddled Vhagar and rose up to meet Rhaenys and Meleys. The duel is described by Baratheon maester named Arnold who observed it from the battlements beneath where the dragons danced. Meleys started out using her flames, burning Vhagar left wing and maester Arnold writes that the flames engulfed also prince Aemond. The army begun to lose their hope when they saw Aemond's alleged death and chaos broke out in Baratheon camp. Rhaenys tried to destroy Borros's army, but she was wounded by an arrow and retreated to the Stormlander highlands.

The chaos was eventually put down by Baratheon at the cost of hundred men. Lord Borros planned to attack Rhaenys in a swift surprise skirmish, but Vhagar apperead just a day after the incident, indicating that prince Aemond could still be alive. Borros then let maester Arnold tend the dragon's wounds, which ended in Arnold's death. Search partys set out all around Massey's Hook and at the end of fourth day after the incident prince Aemond was found. He was severly burned around his left leg and his lower body, maester Torryn from Stonedance helped him to heal, but Aemond's manhood did not survive the fight, making the prince eunuch. Aemond was wounded but not maimed and remainded formidable warrior with not that many loses.

### Second battle of Bitterbridge

Silver Denys enjoyed his stay at Bitterbridge, raising up new commanders for his army and executing those whom he deemed traitors. His dragon Cannibal oft raveged the lands around the castle and the armies also took their toll on the lands, plundering and trying to find Ormund Hightower. Daeron's body was humilitated, burned and his ash was scattered around Bitterbridge. Silver Denys also took two wives there and eagerly awaited next battle, while he had to wait for princess Rhaenys.

New of Stonedacne reached Bitterbridge after a week, the rash Silver Denys then declared that Rhaenys was, "But a weak bitch, now we can make the damn greens red from blood!" When Silver Denys's host started gathering to march out another two hosts were approaching Bitterbridge. The surviving Ormund Hightower now commanded a second army from Stormlands, mostly made up from Caron, Selmy, Peasburry, Peake and Swann men. The second army was a retinue from Rysleys, Ambroses, Serretts and few Riverlanders led by lord Serrettt.

The night before Denys started his march the two armies surrounded Bitterbridge and stormed it's walls, killing most of the guard unnoticed. When the gates were opened from inside the armies rushed in, waking up the blacks and starting a massacre inside the walls. Few men sneaked into Cannibals lair and tried to kill him. The large beast got very very angered and killed them all, eventually unleashing hell upon the castle, killing blacks and greens alike. When Denys managed to tame the dragon again the battle was almost over with Ormund Hightower captured and Serrett dead. Silver Denys wanted to kill Hightower, yet thanks to Jon Roxton's council, he was secretely supporting greens, he was spared and taken prisoner.

### Ironborn

Dalton Greyjoy declared officialy for Rhaenyra and meant to fight, but not for her cause. He raised his men and large fleet and started raiding the coast of Westerlands. The undefended castles were mostly easy prey for the raider and even the remenants of Lannisport fell, with Casterly Rock still staying barren and closed off, held by few men whose name we don't know, but they refused to surrender even after their castle was almost destroyed by dragons and when the Greyjoys plundered the coastlines.

Dalton himself took Fair Isle and his Ironborn made the Fair keep their war seat for now, plundering from their newly conquered base. The Kayce, Feastfires, Maunhill, Lannisport, Banefort and later even the Crag all fell under the preasure of sea raiders, making the Red Kraken one of the most powerful men in Westeros.

### Sack of Silverhill

Prince Daemon was now commanded to join Silver Denys, before the news of second Bitterbridge even reached him or Dragonstone, and to aid him in taking the Reach. Unknown to him about the Ironborn nor that Rhaenys did not arrive to Bitterbridge he set out. What is also interesting that this command was issued by Rhaenyra herself, she presumably came out of hiding and grieving for her eldest son and named Joffrey Velaryon her heir, the letter also stated that when Daemon reaches Bitterbridge he is to set out wiht Denys and Rhaenys to King's Landing where he would meet the armies of Dragnstone and take the capital.

During the march his men had very high morale after sacking Lannisport and Crakehall, their victories made them more then dangerous. When they continued up the Goldroad they were ambushed by few men, mostly Serrett men. Daemon realized that leaving the strongest houses of Westerlands whole would create a dagger in his back and so he led his men to Silverhill, which was brutally sacked even before they could surrender. He then summoned houses from southern Westerlands, yet he learned that most of them were now ruled by little children, their fathers laying dead with the Lannisters. Castle Cornfield was later taken too, this time in a more peacefull manner as the garrison surrendered after seeing Caraxes fly over them.

### Aemond's retaliation

Prince One - Eye or One - Eye and even less balls as the soldiers started calling him grew stronger and stronger, both him and Vhagar quickly returned to their fighting health. Aemond wanted to hunt Rhaenys down as wanted his soon to be father-in-law, yet Aemond wanted him to stay at Stonedance and await his return, Borros undestood and let Aemond to fly away.

It is said that after week and a half he finally found his kinswoman, Rhaenys was flying over Summerhall, seat of house Toyne when he found her, their fight would sometimes be called battle above Summerhall for that matter. It was a savage and short fight, with Vhagar forcing Meleys to try and escape. Rhaenys managed to fly under the larger she dragon and attack Vhagar's belly, but in a smart move Aemond headed straight down, crashing into Meleys and burning Rhaenys' flesh off her bones. Just before Vhagar would hit the ground the prince managed to stabilize the dragon and fly down to Summerhall, finding broken Meleys dead and Rhaenys' corpse. Out of respect she was burrried the same day in a tomb near where she died.

### Before King's Landing

Rhaenyra retired for some time, spending msot of her time in grief for her lost children. Lord Corlys Velaryon ruled Dragonstone for a time and also issued commands to the armies, only sometimes speaking with the queen, as he wanted to consult his commands with her. It was past time the queen would start ruling again, and after a time she finally did. After commanding Daemon to join up the army at Bitterbridge she started planning a grand attack with Corlys and others. Baela and Rhaena were to be left in Dragonstone as Rhaenyra deemed them too young to fight. With them her heir Joffrey would also stay, guarded by the Seasnake and Alyn Velaryon. Robert Quince was named castellan while Rhaenyra was away.

Corlys advised her to not attack King's Landing first, instead aiming for Duskendale. Rhaenyra eventually agreed, striking a deal that she would wait for her husband and his army to come. The dragonseeds were also to be employed. Addam Velaryon, rider of Vermax, Nettles, rider of Sheepstealer and Rhaenyra herself, rider of Syrax would land at Duskendale, ruled by Darklyns, which supported Rhaenyra I.

### Battle of King's Landing

Silver Denys also got the commands to join up with Daemon and Rhaenys, but he was the first one to learn of Rhaenys' death. The news scared him. For now Denys had the biggest dragon around, until Aemond showed up. Fearing that prince One - Eye would attack him he started retreating down the Mander. Yet Daemon continued his march down and found no one at Bitterbridge, proclaimed Silver Denys a traitor and also learned of Rhaenys' death. Daemon chose to advance still, as he believed his wife would wait for him near King's Landing.

Aegon the Green also learned of Rheanys' death and of Rhaenyra's landing in Duskendale with Daemon marching up from the roseroad he called his council, making Criston Cole his hand of the king after his grandfather dissapointed him. At ser Criston's notion he took Helaena, still depressed, yet her husband convinced her to fight Daemon as he was the one who ordered their son's death. With thousands of men and two adult dragons they marched out to meet Daemon, who was just nearby King's Landing at the moment.

Not even thinking about peace negotiatons Aegon attacked, destroying first rows of Deamon's army in matter of minutes. The foot soldiers were slow to counterattack, but Caraxes wasn't. The bloodwyrm started attacking Sunfyre the Golden and dealth Aegon some damage before both of the dragons crashed to the ground. Helaena was too slow to join their fight but she at least dealt some blows to Daemon's army, before one of Dreamfyre's eyes was pierced by a spear, Dreamfyre came crashing into the ground. It is unknown if he died instantly but Daemon's soldiers were common to say that they had to finish off the beast. Green armies were shocked and in terror they started retreating, eventually leaving the battlements to the safety of the capital, led by ser Criston Cole.

Sunfyre died when he crashed down, Caraxes tore the dragon apart. Aegon survived the encounter, with broken body, unable to move. Daemon and Caraxes prevailed, as the Rogue Prince emerged from the battlements with broken Aegon and proclaimed that the usurper was defeated. He planned to take his nephew to King's Landing, though the claimant died of his maiming few hours after the fight.

### Golden Red Keep

With the king dead, chaos spread in King's Landing. Larys Strong, Aegon's master of whisperers was one of the few men who knew the secret passages of King's Landing very well. With the aid of ser Criston Cole he managed to send ser Rickard Thorne and Tyland Lannister to safety with dowager queen Alicent Hightower, princess Jaehaera and secretly proclaimed king, claimant Maelor I. Targaryen, the children being very young at the time.

Shortly after dissapearence of these people Otto Hightower had Criston Cole seized and accused him of baiting Aegon to attack, which was doomed from the beggining. Criston tried to protest, but thanks to advise of Larys Strong he accepted this and was moved to the black cells. Otto commanded commander of city watch, ser Luthor Largent to protect the Red keep at all costs, but just a day after the battle Helaena Targaryen was shown to the city and Daemon threatened to have her killed and the city burned if they did not surrender. Luthor Largent was murdered overnight and man named Perkin the Flea seized control of five out of the seven gates, laying siege to the Red Keep, demanding Otto to step down as hand of the king and letting the city watch "protect" young Maelor, unknown to him that the prince was gone at the moment.

Daemon deemed that the city would soon fall and sent word to Rhaenyra that she must come to the capital as soon as possible to take power and decide what was to be with Baratheons, Hightowers and other green supporters. He was right with the assumption that the city would fall soon. Two days after Perkin besieged Red Keep, princess Jaehaera, dowager queen Alicent and ser Rickard Thorne were seized at the harbor. Ser Perkin demanded that Otto surrender, or his kin would face death. Otto ultimately decided for his daughter to live and let the gold cloaks into the Red Keep. Ser Perkin immidiately sent Otto and Larys Strong to the dungeon, lord Jasper Ironrod was to be sent too, but he resisted killing two gold cloaks, to he was put to the axe. Princess Jaehaera was confined to her old chamber alongside her grandmother, most of the court was arrested in Maegor's Holdfast, ser Perkin and Trystane Waters took residence in tower of the hand.

Ser Perkin now styled himself lord Perkin Flea and was willing to negotiate terms with Daemon, coming to his tent with a white banner, accompanied by ser Rickard and his freshly knighted squire, ser Trystane. Perkin offered Deamon a surrender, though with terms. He requested to be named into queen's small council and that his former squire, Trystane, would be granted lands, preferably Harrenhal. Daemon first laughed at the notion and showed lord Perkin his dragon and maimed Helaena, who lost and arm and was pale as a corpse, as ser Trystane later described her. Perkin informed him that the gold cloaks still controled the city and would Rhaenyra want to feel safe in the capital, Daemon would need him, to which the prince laughed too pointing ou that he still had friends in the city. Ser Rickard stepped into their conversation, telling him that there were none left, thanks to the green king. Daemon eventually agreed to Perkin's demands, officialy naming him commander of gold cloaks and his companion a lord too, but left Rhaenyra to decide what castle he would gain.

### King One - Eye

News of Aegon's death spread quickly. Some laid down their weapons, but only few really remained, being Baratheon army at Stonedance and retinue led by prince Aemond in Summerhall. The small castle wasn't able to host many men, yet Aemond decided to stay there for some time. When the news reached him, rage seized the prince and he started asking questions. No news about Jaehaera or Maelor reached Summerhall, leaving Aemond to believe that he was now Aegon's rightful heir. He quickly had a bronze crown died to look as if it was made out of gold made, with lord Toyne crowning him as Aemond the first.

His first move was to secure allies. Word was sent to lord Borros. He was to stay at Stonedance and to not risk any conflict with dragons whatsoever. Lord Toyne countead amongst Aemond's strongest new supporters, and for that reason his second son was promised lands in Driftmark. The next potential allies would be found in the Reach. Tyrells wouldn't join the war, but Aemond sought support between the green houses. Peakes of Starpike were the first ones to bend their knees after Aemond came to their seat. They did not have much of an army left. Lord Unwin was captured at the second battle of Bitterbridge and the castle was controled by ser Amaury who joined Aemond's host.

With that done, Aemond set out to Longtable, seat of house Merryweather, currently neutral but supporting Rhaenyra. The biggest reason for their support was that Silver Denys took the castle and hosstages from house Merryweather. Aemond had a plan and this plan had to work, or Aemond would be dead and the greens would loose. They met in Longtable itself. Silver Denys opened his gates willingly and agreed to negotiate, not only that but lord Ormund Hightower was also present at the negotiations, sign of good will. Silver Denys was later described as craven. He was not afraid to kil weaker men and dragons, but the notion of fighting against the largest dragon scared him very much. Not even two hours after Aemond entered Longtable, Denys switched sides. He took the green after negotiating that he would be named Aemond's heir, legitimized Targaryen and given the seat of Dragonstone, continuating the tradition of giving heirs title prince of dragonstone.

### Black capital

From Duskendale almost ten thousand men descended into King's Landing, all of them celebrating the black victory. Mushroom later writes that the queen was seen smiling for the first time after the war started. Her husband Daemon gave her Blackfyre, captured from th dead claimant and opened the gates for her. With her came also her fiercest warriors, Nettles and Addam Velaryon, alongside many like Adrian Redfort or Corwyn Corbray. A ship was sent to Dragonstone, to bring the prince of Dragonstone and heir Joffrey Velaryon to King's Landing with Corlys Velaryon, others would remain on the island for the purpose of safety.

City rejoyced, yet it was not safe for the family to ride out into King's Landing, support for Aegon was still rooted deep between the common folk. High Septon also started making preparations for Rheanyra's coronation. Crown of Aegon the Conqueror was also brought to her, but Rhaenyra refused to wear it, insetad chosing the crown with which she was crowned at dragonstone, crown of her great grandsire Jaehaerys I. With most of the preparations done she was crowned when her son and heir came to King's Landing and many swore alligiances to her.

Yet the same day news of Silver Denys' treatchery reached them. Daemon did not like the bastard and proclaimed him traitor before this event. To the queen's dismay two of her trusted advisors were bastards themselves. She brought Nettles and Addam Velaryon before the small council, but Corlys Velaryon defended the boy and Daemon the girl, eventually they swore their alligiance once more.

There was also the question of the prisoners. Perkin the Flea gave all of them to Daemon, excluding ser Rickard Thorne and princess Jaehaera, both of them vanished under mysterious circumstances. Queen Alicent pleeded for the life of prince Aemond, but Rhaenyra just shook her off by pointing out he took the life of her son and supported Aegon. Most of the prisoners remained captives, except for two, ser Criston Cole and Otto Hightower. Daemon wanted to have both executed, and so did Rhaenyra, for high treason. But the two made a pact in the dungeons. Ser Criston demanded trial by combat, would he prevail both of them would be freed. Rhaenyra of course accepted and many knights offered themselves, most notably Adrian Redfort and Deamon targaryen. The queen refused to choose her husband and chosed ser Adrian. Later the day Daemon managed to convince ser Adrian to refuse and eventually he forced Rhaenyra to choose him, as he wanted to kill ser Criston himself.

The trial started two days afterwards and it was a quick one. Mushroom states that three minutes after the trial started Daemon managed to cut Criston's left leg and then pierce his neck through. Otto Hightower colapsed on the place and was executed the same day. But the same day another tragedy for the greens struck. Princess Helaena, engulfed in depression jumped out of a window, ending her life on metal spikes. The same night angry mob led by the Shepherd, a religious fanatic apperead, and ravaged the gold cloaks. Ser Perkin was lost during this raid, leading Daemon to canceling their agreement. Ser Trystane was engered by this and also dissapeared.

### Fall of Harrenhal

Aemond's host set out immidiately, led by him, Silver Denys, Ormund Hightower and Roger Corne. The army passed Bitterbridge that was now destroyed and held by neutral garrison. Aemond pointed out it would be pointless to attack them and urged to get to Harrenhal as soon as possible. Not only did Rhaenyra now have around thirty thousand men and too many dragons in King's Landing, but also lord Cregan Stark was descending down upon the Riverlands, the news stated he left Moat Cailin shortly before the greens marched out. Skirmishes were also reported from Stonedance, lod Borros fended off three attacks of Alyn Oakenfist and Baela Targaryen.

After Rhaenyra's coronation the army took Stoney Sept in a short but brutal fight that did not involve any dragons. Aemond still did not give his men too much of a rest and instead kept marching. And they marched until the great cavernous Harrenhal apperead on the horizon. Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer were controlling the castle and barred the gates, leaving Aemond to set up a camp and start building siege towers. Silver Denys saw this as a stupid idea and wanted to burn the castle down, but Aemond only said that the two were not as black as they seemed.

The claimant had the truth of it. Fortnight after they coming Hugh Hammer was seen escaping on dragonback up north, while Ulf the White and Silverwing landed before Aemond's camp. Ulf gave Aemond his brother's hammer and kneeled before him. The gates were opened and the tired men poured in. Ulf was made lord of Harrenhal and lord paramount of the Riverlands by Aemond.

### Rhaenyra's final march

After learning of Harrenhal, queen proclaimed that this would end once and for all. Deamon was to stay in King's Landing protecting little prince Joffrey, as much annoyed as he was this time he obeyed his wife, and Addam Velaryon alongside Nettles were to fight alongside Rhaenyra at Harrenhal. The queen had five thousand more men as Aemond and at the time it was not known that Ulf has betrayed them, instead it was widely believed that the two dragonseeds were killed in the fall of Harrenhal.

Still Rhaenyra had a formidable force and at least some chance as both Cannibal and Vhagar had minor wounds. Queen's last march took a short time and when she reached God's Eye it is said that she finally learned of Ulf's treatchery, from unexpected ally. Jon Roxton started spying for the blacks. At first he was strong green supporter, but he supported Aegon and stated that he himself despised Aemond and Ulf, moreso came to hate Silver Denys. Thanks to his informations about the upcomming battle Rhaenyra chose supperior tactics and was more then prepared to defeat the Greens once and for all.

The battle of Smyrching Birch, named after a village nearby started at dawn when Rhaenyra's cavalry charged Aemond's heavy knights. The fighting was very brutal and also death of Jon Roxton alongside capture of Raylon Rivers. This first charge left green army crippled and more Targaryen knights started advancing against Aemond's men. But not for long, as three great dragons were spotted and unleashed seven hells upon the battlefield. Rheanyra's response was then surprisingly quick. Nettles and Addam Velaryon took flight first, distracting the bigger dragons while Rheanyra counter attacked green forces from the Reach. The turning point came when Nettles' dragon Sheepstealer was snapped in half by Silver Denys. The dragons death caused havoc in black lines, yet the battle continued on.

Rhaenyra took the opportunity and drove Syrax right into Cannibal, Seasmoke joined her shortly after, the great dragon would be killed were it not for Aemond's strike. Vhagar and his sharp claws pierced Syrax at cost of wounding Cannibal's wings, yet it was a graet victory for Aemond. As he held Syrax in the dragon's talons he crashed Syrax into ground, instantly killing him and Rhaenyra. The dragon was torn to pieces as Aemond dragged his corpse around the battlements, to show that the bitch queen was dead.

Cannibal prevailed against Seasmoke afterwards. They had a heated fight up in the skies, ultimately getting back to Harrenhal, above the King's Tower. There Cannibal was wounded some more and both dragons destroyed King's Tower, which collapsed onto the ruined castle. If it weren't enough destruction the whole castle was ablaze again, common folk described it as Harren the Black's faith come again. After their battle Cannibal was left wounded at the shores of God's Eye while Addam vanished.

The Battle still raged on, even after most of Rhaenyra's forces surrendered. Adrian Redfort was captured and Ulf the White with his dragon were raging on the battlefield until a bolt from a scorpion bolten the dragon's belly and pierced through Ulf's body like a cake. The Dragon fell into the battlements afterwards. It was on Silverwing's corpse that Aemond cried out to the blacks to surrender, eventually Rhaenyra's soldier saw that there was no point in fighting anymore and trully surrendered. After the battle was done, Silver Denys apperead with crown of Jaehaerys the Conciliator and placed it on Aemond's head.

## 131AC

### Riots in King's Landing

Addam Velaryon reached the capital month after the battle. He was wounded and Seasmoke as well, both were tended by maesters afterwards. When he returned the city was still in the hands of Daemon Targaryen. Joffrey was named king and his coronation was coming closer, just two months after his mother was crowned. Joffrey would also be crowned with Aegon's crown, as that was the only one left, Aenys' crown being lost.

Prince Flea Bottom also fell into sadness, yet still remained somewhat cold and preparing counter attack against Aemond. It wasn't easy for him neither. Corlys Velaryon, Bartimos Celtigar, ser Steffon Darklyn and lord Ondrew Crabb were ruling as regents with him, yet they spent most of the times in Red Keep and did not see the terror in the streets. Daemon himself was named commander of gold cloaks by himself and he took his job very seriously. A bounty was placed on Shepherd, yet his herds still kept comming and attacking the gates or whorehouses, most of whorehouses in the city were destroyed. Some parts of the city were fully controlled by the fanatics, even Mud Gate was held by them for a time. Daemon had the gate taken by force loosing more men. In all truth the city watch was now only around hundred men strong, with their main strenght being Caraxes who sometimes burned whole houses where the herds were found.

But as Addam returned Daemon started creating new plans. First he had to take out Aemond, but the claimant was out of their reach, leaving Harrenhal and invading the Vale of Arryn, with Stonyhead being taken and more lands attacked. Daemon called for more dragonseeds. Hugh Hammer seemed lost, Addam was hurt and he did not want to risk lives of his daughters. Jacaerys Velaryon's dragon Vermax still stood unclaimed at Dragonstone and he sent out a word that anyone who would claim the dragon would be rewarded hundred thousand golden dragons.

Soon fresh armies came from the Crownlands and Crackclaw Point, Daemon decided to set out with still not fully healed Addam to Maidenpool, to take the town and sail for Gulltown. Corlys the Seasnake would remain main regent with the help of the black council.

### Destroying Eyrie

Aemond and Denys continued onwards, they took many castles in the foothills of Mountanins of the Moon, yet their main prize awaited them. Wickenden, Stonyhead and Ninestars were under green control now. When they reached the Bloody Gate a short battle followed. The garrison was strong, but no match to dragonfire. Their knight, ser Eldrick Arryn was taken prisoner, but died of his burns. When residing at the gate for a short while an answer finally came from Redfort. The castle yielded, if ser Adrian would be allowed to return home, to which Aemond agreed, but Adrian would be kept as a hostage until the end of war.

Aemond also tried to negotiate with lady Jeyne Arryn, but the stubborn lady did not even want to talk with him. Roger Corne offered to take the castle under the cover of darkness, while Silver Denys wanted to infiltrate it, but Aemond had already decided the faith of Eyrie. It is believed that he said, "The Eyrie has stood here for thousands of years, unimpregnable stronghold. Thorn in the strenght of house Targaryen. We gave the Maid a choice, now she has chosen." The next day Cannibal and Vhagar started burning the caslte. At first the stronghold stood still, but under dragonfire even stone melted. After a day of constant exposure to dragonflame Eyrie was left a smoking ruin, another Harrenhal. But not only was the Eyrie destroyed, but also all the Arryns living in there, leaving only the cadet branch of Arryns of Gulltown as the last remenants of the once proud ancient family.

Still Aemond chose not to dwell here for too long. He descended down the mountains and right into Redfort, where he remained for a week until news of Daemon's march reached him. He sent word to all his allies. Myrish ships, Tyroshi warfleet and Redwyne fleet were all in Myr at the time, waiting for commands, and now Aemond finally sent word out, that he shall meet them at Gulltown.

### Four kings in one city

Tensions rose high after Daemon left. Ondrew Crabb was thrown out of a tower and ser Steffon killed by a rabble, leaving Bartimos Celtigar and Corlys as the sole regents. They invited Thaddeus Rowan and new lord Elmo Tully, supported of the blacks, into the small council, but none of them came. Tully wrote that he was too busy dealing with bandits, while lord Rowan did not even write an answer. Larys Strong started having influence over the court and eventually Corlys Velaryon let him out of the dungeon, naming him master of whisperers. Larys tried to calm the situation down, by giving the faith more rights, yet the Shepherd called him clubfooted feet loving demon and the next night he stormed dragon pit. Dreamfyre and Shrykos were both killed, Shepherd was proclaimed king in the ruins of Dragonpit and Corlys Velaryon decided to flee the city. Bartimos Celtigar had the same intentions, until he was cut down by a cutthroat. Larys was now in hard position, his king hated him and had him sent to dungeon, yet Larys remained in power, killed king's man and tried to seize the boy. Joffrey managed to escape with lord Corwyn Corbray, fleeing to Stokeworth.

Shepherd wouldn't remain the only king. Gaemon Palehair was declared king by his mother Essie in Flea bottom. She claimed that he was the natural son of king Viserys and with many reforms that Essie preached the whole Flea Bottom eventually joined Palehair, thy even took the sept of rememberance and High Septon who was trying to return to Oldtown was cut down by rabble. The gold cloaks were in need of a leader and Larys Strong, who freed Alicent Hightower offered the position to Gwayne Hightower. Alicent's brother tried to fight Palehair, but he failed and was killed in the skirmish.

Amongst the gold cloaks ser Perkin the Flea apperead again and took control over the force. He laid ultimatum to Larys, swearing that he would not kill him if he surrendered the Red Keep, but Strong refused, instead he, Alicent and the remaining black men withdrew to Maegor's Holdfast. A short siege followed, after some time ser Perkin managed to break one of the windows and invade the Holdfast. Larys was slain by ser Trystane, later revealed to be Trystane I. Truefyre, alleged bastard of Viserys I. When Alicent was captured Trystane offered to marry her, but the queen dowager said that life had no meaning anymore, resulting in her being thrown into a deep dungeon, never to be found again. Trystane also took control of the throne room and seized Blackfyre. By holding the sword of kings and sitting the iron throne some saw him as the legitimate king for some time. Some time after taking the throne, Tyland Lannister and Jaehaera Targaryen were found hiding in the walls. Ser Tyland eventually joined Trystane, while Jaehaera was forced to marry the claimant.

### Asault on Dragonstone

Even more shocking then Perkin's return was Aemond's next move. While the Velaryon fleet set sail to Maidenpool from Claw Isle, Baratheons crossed the Gullet and took Driftmark, where Corlys had just ran off. Seasnake was captured by Borros and he demanded a trial by combat. For his champion he chose Alyn Velaryon, but the man had vanished and so he had to fight himself with Borros, resulting in his death.

While Baratheons took Driftmark, Aemond and Denys themselves sailed to Dragonstone and took the isle by surprise. Robert Quince was eaten by Cannibal as was a smaller wild dragon named Grey Ghost. Silver Denys then burned the rest of the garrison, hoping that Aemond would be proud. Yet his pride came with a prize. Daemon's daughters Rhaena and Baela took their dragons up, Morning and Moondancer respectively and attacked Cannibal together. It was a brutal fight and at the end, Cannibal crashed down into dragonmont, with Rhaena sustaining several injuries. Shortly afterwards the fleet landed and Vhagar came. The princesses attacked Vhagar, hoping to gain leverage from their surprise attack, but Aemond expected them and immidiately Rheane came crashing dead into the ocean, burned with her dragon. Baela tried to attack Aemond instead of Vhagar herself, but in the end Moondancer was killed and she fell from twenty feet high, breaking her legs and being crippled for the rest of her life. Yet when Aemond seized the castle she begged him to finish her off. Seing the suffering of his kinswoman he pierced her heart with a spear.

Lord Borros came two days after that. When he arrived he was awarded with the lands of house Merrywaeather and Massey's hook. Later two princes were finally found as Quince sent them into hiding. Daemon's and Rhaenyra's children Aegon and Viserys, boys of eleven and nine years. Aemond decided to actually spare them and even forced Aegon to become his heir, naming him the prince of Dragonstone, same title that Joffrey actually gave him. Yet Aemond felt that he had to do something and so he cut off Viserys' left ear and killed all their childhood friends, making Aegon traumatized for the rest of his life, while Viserys did not truly see the killings.

### Starks in the south

Cregan Stark and twenty thousand northmen finally arrived at Harrenhal just before Aemond's attack on Dragonstone. The castle was left to a young lord Rysley, who surrendered it instantly. But what came as a surprise was the fact that Hugh Hammer lived. He came from the Trident with lord Cregan, prepared to fight. Daemon also wanted to waste no time and sent a word to Cregan, he was to join him at Maidenpool. Harrenhal was left to ser Medrick Manderly and the northmen set out to Maidenpool as soon as possible.

While that was happening, Alyn Velaryon was forced into hiding at Driftmark, when he stumbled upon Vermax and managed to tame the dragon. Now a dragon rider he flew to Stokeworth, where he found the king and Corwyn Corbray. A raven came from Maidenpool, urging the king to come to the town with Corwyn.

It was a surprise for Daemon to see two more dragonriders at Maindenpool, but a welcome one, to be sure. Blacks now had northerners and four dragons plus Joffrey I. and his dragon. While Daemon was against the notion that Joffrey should fight at Gulltown, Cregan Stark and Hugh Hammer both defended the king, saying that he could prove himself in the battles to come. It was when the Velaryon fleet came that Daemon learned of the attacks... and deaths of his daughters.

### Last battle

Moon's turn after they set out from Maidenpool, blacks finally landed on the opposite side of Dragonstone. Cregan Stark and Corwyn Corbray led the foot troops, while the dragons would be unleashed upon the greens, led by Daemon. Aemond also had a long time for preparations. He prepared the castle for fighting, tended to Vhagar's wounds and increased morale of his warriors by letting them raid Driftmark and Crackclaw Point before the attackers came. Now Monford Velaryon, his lord of the tides was given the castle to protect and Borros led the troops.

The armies finally met on the right side on Dragonmont when noon came. As the sword clashed above a great fight broke out. Daemon, Addam and Hugh were the first ones to attack Vhagar. While Aemond knew that he was outnumbered, this was his last stand, last chance to take the throne. As Caraxes started attacking Vhagar, Aemond paid him no mind. Instead he tried to burn Addam and Hugh, which surprisingly worked and the two of them retreated. Now Aemond had the chance to avenge his brother. An epic fight broke out between Vhagar and Caraxes, both dragons clenching their jaws and claws against each other, while Daemon jumped from the Bloodwyrm right next to Aemond and Dark Sister came through Aemond's last eye through his brain and came out of his skull. The Dragons crashed into the sea and both seemed dead, yet none of the men fighting nearby had any idea about those events.

Hugh Hammer turned out to be alright, he returned to where Vhagar was, but after finding no one he started attacking the soldiers. Addam Velaryon had worse faith. He was burned to bone, Seasmoke fell into the Dragonmont and managed to free himself from his saddle, leaving Dragonstone. Two months later his body washed ashore in Pentoshi lands.

While the dragons danced, the battle raged on with heavy loses on both sides. Eventually lord Borros Baratheon was killed in single combat by lord Cregan Stark, sometimes called the Stagslayer thanks to his deed. Cregan also led his forces into Dragonstone itself, taking the fortress and securing both princes. While that was going on, atop a drum tower two scorpions were set and they aimed for one dragon that passed by, who turned out to be Tyraxes, dragon of king Joffrey I. One arrow took down the dragon's wing and another bolt pierced his head, both dragon and rider died after their fall. Black men eventually managed to find young king's body and crown, though these were grievious news. Alyn Velaryon eventually managed to slay Monford Velaryon in single combat, finally claiming Driftmark back.

## Aftermath

### Liberation of King's Landing

Daemon, Hugh, Cregan, Corwyn, Alyn and maester Roland eventualy formed a small council at Dragonstone, freed Adrian Redfort, who was named to the kingsguard and proclaimed Aegon king Aegon the second of his name. At Dragonstone more men were named into the kingsguard. Cregan's brother Brandon, Tom Tanglebeard, rooted black supporter, freed Glendon Goode too and ser Robin Massey, who did not betray the blacks even after his home was taken.

With the remaining men and dragons, blacks landed near King's Landing and sent ultimatum to both kings. There were only two now, Shepherd was killed by his own herd, three more shepherds rose afterwards, none managed to live longer then a week. Trystane meanwhile married Jaehaera and was crowned with Aenys' crown. Ser Perkin also found prince Maelor, at least what remained of him after he was torn off, limb by limb.

Gaemon's regent Essie was the first one to surrender. Thanks to her Daemon's army entered the city and took some buildings by force, yet all the gates were soon under king's support and only Red Keep itself was still in the hands of Trystane. Trystane tried to surrender, but ser Perkin called Daemon a monster, bastard and poxy - scarred goat fucker. A siege was lain onto the Red Keep, but after a Fortnight Perkin's men brought Jaehaera's, Trystane's and Perkin's body wrapped in black cloaks to Daemon, surrendering last of the rebelling kingsladner kigndoms. Gaemon Palehair was also allowed to stay at Red Keep to grow out to be a knight, becoming only friend of king Aegon II.