Chapter Summaries

Daemon resigned as Master of Intelligence and secured the appointment of Bartimos Celtigar as his successor, thwarting Otto Hightower’s plans. Jaehaerys also appointed Corlys Velaryon Master of Ships and governor of the Stepstones, leaving Otto increasingly isolated on the Small Council.

• Daemon asked Jaehaerys to let him resign as Master of Intelligence so he could focus on governing his domain, and Jaehaerys approved.
• Grand Maester Alar announced Bartimos Celtigar as the new Master of Intelligence, and Otto objected before Daemon defended the appointment.
• Bartimos swore his oath to Jaehaerys and took his seat on the Small Council beside Otto.
• Alar announced that Corlys Velaryon would resume as Master of Ships and permanently govern the Stepstones, with responsibility for the Joint Fleet’s routine deployments.
• Corlys accepted the appointments, while Leonno Strong agreed to hand over the fleet seal and registers after the meeting.
• Otto concluded that the royal family’s appointments were consolidating its power, and Viserys’s absence left him without an ally to mediate.

At the Small Council, King Jaehaerys replaced Otto Hightower as Master of Laws with Leonno Strong, further weakening Otto’s influence. The council’s political reshuffle was interrupted by news that Aemma had gone into dangerous premature labor, and everyone rushed to her chambers.

• Grand Maester Alar announced Leonno Strong’s appointment as Master of Laws and ordered Otto to remain in King’s Landing pending another appointment.
• Prince Baelon defended Leonno’s appointment, rebuked Otto for political meddling, and King Jaehaerys told Otto to reflect on his conduct.
• Daemon and the council members observed Otto’s defeat as the new appointments consolidated Daemon’s allies’ influence; Tyland Lannister then requested leave to return to the Westerlands.
• A gold cloak reported that Aemma had gone into premature labor and that the baby was in the wrong position.
• Queen Alysanne and King Jaehaerys hurried toward Aemma’s chambers, followed by Baelon, Jocelyn, Rhaenys, Daemon, and the council members, while Otto remained behind in a daze.

Viserys faced a choice during Aemma’s dangerous labor, when the midwives said only she or the unborn child could be saved. He chose to save Aemma, and as the midwives resumed their work, her breathing began to steady.

• Daemon held the frightened Rhaenyra while the royal family hurried to Aemma’s bedchamber.
• The head midwife told Viserys that Aemma’s breech labor meant only she or the unborn child could be saved.
• Jaehaerys, Baelon, and others urged Viserys to decide, while Rhaenyra’s cries and Aemma’s concern for her daughter weighed on him.
• Viserys ordered the midwives to save Aemma, and they immediately resumed their efforts.
• Aemma’s breathing gradually steadied as Viserys stayed beside her, holding her hand.

After Aemma lost her child, Daemon brought family and friends together to care for her and comfort Viserys. As Aemma began to recover, the chapter ended with the family sharing a peaceful evening in King's Landing and Daemon choosing to stay beside them.

• Daemon sent word to Gael that Aemma had lost her child and asked her to return, and Gael arrived at the Red Keep with Alys Rivers, who prescribed medicines and rest for Aemma.
• Rhea Royce sent a raven to the Vale asking Lady Jeyne to visit Aemma, and Jeyne arrived three days later with gifts that brought Aemma comfort and her first smile since the birth.
• Laena and Laenor also comforted Aemma, while Rhea and Daemon Targaryen softened toward each other as they cared for the children.
• At supper, Vaegon stayed to study Alys Rivers's medical knowledge and help care for Aemma, while Otto and Leonno supported Viserys with his duties and grief.
• Daemon and Daemon Targaryen watched the children play with Grey Ghost, and Daemon decided to remain in King's Landing with his family until Dragon's Roost Port was ready.

Corlys Velaryon and Tyland Lannister departed King's Landing after securing plans for trade and support, and Daemon led Gael, their companions, and their dragons home toward Dragon's Roost Port. Their journey began with farewells from family and allies, while unresolved tensions and dangers awaited them on the Crab Claw Peninsula.

• Corlys Velaryon said farewell to Rhaenys, Laena, Laenor, Viserys, and Daemon before sailing for the Stepstones, where he would oversee its governance and fleet plans.
• Tyland Lannister left King's Landing after agreeing on trade with House Velaryon and offering grain supplies and political support to Viserys and Otto.
• Daemon prepared to return to Dragon's Roost Port with Gael, Alys Rivers, Rhea Royce, Jeyne Arryn, and his followers, while Daemon Targaryen missed the farewell after arguing with Rhea.
• King Jaehaerys, Queen Alysanne, Baelon, Viserys, Aemma, Rhaenys, and others gave Daemon and Gael gifts and advice before their departure.
• Daemon rode Glutton with Gael and Alys on Dreamfyre, while Grey Ghost and Rhea's ship followed them toward the Crab Claw Peninsula.
• As King's Landing faded behind them, Daemon reflected on the port's progress and the dangers still ahead, including Alys Rivers's secrets and the conflict between Daemon Targaryen and Rhea.

Vaegon departed for the Citadel after his family and friends gathered at the Blackwater Rush to bid him farewell. When Daemon returned to Dragon's Roost Port, he discovered that the Citadel had sent maesters to nearly every notable domain on the Crab Claw Peninsula, creating an unexpected challenge.

• Vaegon said farewell to Jaehaerys, Alysanne, and the rest of his family before boarding the ship bound for Oldtown.
• The ship carried Vaegon away, while Gael and the others watched it leave and spoke of meeting again.
• Vaegon examined the gifts from his family as his ship entered the Narrow Sea.
• Daemon returned to Dragon's Roost Port and read letters about maesters newly dispatched by the Citadel to the peninsula's noble domains.
• Daemon realized the newly arrived maesters would be his first challenge back on the Crab Claw Peninsula.

Daemon received Vaegon’s warning that the Citadel’s maesters were investigating him and Glutton, then met with visiting scholars to discuss developing Dragon’s Roost Port. He allowed their practical work to continue under strict limits and learned that Bethany Hightower was secretly pursuing information about him.

• Daemon read Vaegon’s letter describing the Citadel’s fascination with his past, his dragon bond, and the three-headed dragon mark, and learned that the maesters on Crab Claw Peninsula had useful specialties.
• Jarman Waters told Daemon that visiting maesters had made progress with salt-tolerant crops and that Bethany Hightower was examining herbs with Alys Rivers.
• Larys introduced Maester Allan, Maester Samuel, and Maester Marvin, who presented plans for reclaiming farmland, climate observations, and a proposed medical station.
• Daemon approved the maesters’ projects and access to port resources, but ordered them not to interfere in military or civil affairs or investigate forbidden matters.
• Larys reported that Bethany had questioned Alys about Daemon and Glutton and had tried to enter Daemon’s study to borrow ancient Valyrian texts.
• Daemon let Bethany continue observing him as long as she did not cross a line, trusting Alys to keep his core secrets hidden.

Daemon oversaw Dragon's Roost Port's growing settlement as the Citadel's maesters contributed to its development and Bethany Hightower pursued the mysteries of his Dragon Mark. He set boundaries on their investigations and resolved to keep building the port into a refuge and fortress.

• Gael told Daemon that Maester Allan believed salt-tolerant crops could grow on the Crab Claw Peninsula, and she described plans for a school for refugee and tribal children.
• Bethany Hightower proposed researching local herbs and Daemon's secrets, and Daemon approved an herb garden while warning her not to investigate what she should not.
• Alys Rivers brought Daemon a stalk of Dragonblood Grass and later a calming draught, and told him Bethany thought Old Valyrian runes resembled his Dragon Mark.
• Lubert Crabb gave Daemon a letter from Corlys Velaryon, who offered long-term trade between House Velaryon and Dragon's Roost Port.
• Daemon watched the maesters work and Bethany compare runes with her memory of his Dragon Mark, then reaffirmed his resolve to protect Gael and build the port.

Daemon organized Dragon's Roost Port's forces to defeat inland bandits and Narrow Sea pirates, then used their spoils and surrendered men to strengthen the port. The chapter ended with him promising protection and prosperity to the people of his domain as Dragon's Roost Port continued to grow.

• Daemon assigned Rupert, Berna, Rosso, Harlan, and Jarman to surround and scout the limestone caves where bandits and Wildlings were hiding.
• Daemon used Glutton's dragonfire to force the cave defenders to surrender, then ordered the bandits assigned to the reserves and the Wildlings taught farming and local rules.
• After pirates led by Bloodtooth Pyke attacked merchant ships, Daemon directed Colin, Harlan, and Little Horas in a counterattack that recovered the stolen cargo and captured the pirates.
• Daemon ordered Bloodtooth Pyke imprisoned and sent a warning to Gorne Greyjoy, while Rayford reported the recovered supplies and newly recruited laborers.
• At the victory gathering, Alys told Bethany that Daemon won loyalty through strength and benevolence, while Bethany accepted that Daemon's closest affections belonged to Gael.
• The next morning, Daemon promised that elders would be cared for, children taught, farmers given land, and warriors equipped, and warned that invaders would face the dragons.

Daemon oversaw Dragon's Roost Port's growing settlement, trade, defenses, and farming, while his agents kept watch on two Hightower informants. It ended with Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron wrongly deciding that Bethany Hightower was secretly trying to seduce Daemon for Otto.

• Daemon assigned the Black Hill Tribe to reclaim the eastern wasteland and ordered Rickard Rowan to teach them to grow salt-tolerant crops.
• Alyn and Little Horas Redwyne delivered wine, wheat seed, and safer sea routes; Daemon assigned them to patrol the Narrow Sea and study shipbuilding.
• Rickard Rowan, Olyvar Oakheart, and Lucas Tyrell coordinated farming and resettlement, while Mace Florent reported that the port's defenses had been reinforced.
• Budimir Tarth gave Daemon Tommen Peake's organized records and a report that King's Landing remained quiet; Jarman Waters said Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron had been meeting secretly.
• Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron decided Bethany Hightower was an agent of Otto Hightower who intended to win Daemon's trust, despite Maron's doubts.

Bethany Hightower tricked Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron into a muddy trek while using their faith in her to send Otto false information. She continued investigating Daemon’s Dragon Mark, while Daemon accepted her harmless schemes as a diversion as Dragon’s Roost Port settled into night.

• Bethany persuaded Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron to accompany her to Black Hill, then led them through a marsh until they were covered in mud and collected ordinary plants as supposed rare herbs.
• Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron returned to Dragon’s Roost Port believing their help would earn merit, while Bethany promised to make them the first recipients of the salve.
• Daemon learned from Jarman that Bethany had toyed with the two men and said her real interest was investigating the secrets surrounding him.
• Bethany told Alys Rivers that she had sent Otto false information and was seeking clues about Daemon’s Dragon Mark, which she had sketched in her notebook.
• Gael told Daemon that Bethany had sent him salve and had secretly drawn him training; Daemon let her continue as long as she did not cross the line.

Alys Rivers examined Gael and said her health had improved but that she should wait another year before trying to have children. Gael reluctantly accepted Daemon’s insistence that her safety came first, then spent the afternoon checking the salt-tolerant crops while Daemon inspected the ships and ordered stronger patrols.

• Alys Rivers examined Gael and prescribed daily medicine and time near Dreamfyre, but told her to wait another year before having children.
• Daemon and Alys Rivers refused Gael’s request to try sooner, citing the dangers of childbirth for Targaryen women and Gael’s still-fragile health.
• Gael agreed to wait after Daemon reassured her that he feared losing her more than he wanted an heir.
• After Alys Rivers left, Bethany followed her to ask about the medicine and Daemon’s Dragon Mark, while the others returned to their duties.
• Daemon inspected the new ships and told Colin to strengthen patrols in the Narrow Sea as Gael visited the salt-tolerant rye terraces with Mysaria and Johanna.

Gael tried to persuade Daemon to stop working and have a baby sooner, but Alys interrupted them and insisted that Gael wait another year. Daemon returned to planning Dragon's Roost Port's security and ordered patrols against Bloodtooth Pyke's pirate remnants.

• Gael slipped through the secret passage to Daemon's study and urged him to sleep with her and have a baby sooner.
• Alys Rivers interrupted them, gave Gael a calming draught, and reminded them to wait another year before trying for a child.
• Gael fled the study in embarrassment, while Alys took the eavesdropping Bethany Hightower away to study herbs.
• Daemon reviewed reports on Dragon's Roost Port, its crops, and political intelligence from King's Landing.
• Daemon ordered Colin Celtigar and Alyn Redwyne to patrol the eastern Narrow Sea with six fast ships and destroy Bloodtooth Pyke's pirate remnants.

Dragon's Roost Port continued building its defenses, farms, training grounds, and medical station while Daemon watched for threats and cared for Gael. The chapter ended with Racallio Ryndoon's ships approaching and Daemon remaining wary of Bloodtooth Pyke's surviving followers.

• Colin Celtigar and Alyn Redwyne organized patrols to guard Dragon's Roost Port's trade routes, while the port's residents worked on farming, training, supplies, and medicine.
• Jarman Waters told Daemon that Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron had questioned refugees about Daemon's routine, and Daemon ordered the Shadow Guards to keep watch without letting Bethany Hightower harm them.
• Gael visited the terraces with Mysaria and Johanna Swann, and Daemon later joined her and reminded her to drink Alys Rivers's calming draught.
• Colin and Alyn reported that they found no pirates but spotted three Summer Isles merchant ships bearing Racallio Ryndoon's sigil and passes from the Joint Fleet and the Iron Throne.
• Daemon and Gael watched the port at night as Racallio's ships approached, while Daemon resolved to protect Gael and the port and stayed alert to Bloodtooth Pyke's imprisoned followers.

Daemon led a fleet and household soldiers to Stony Bay, where they destroyed Bloodtooth Pyke’s raiders, rescued the abducted fishermen, and sent the pirates’ heads to Gorne Greyjoy. He returned safely to Dragon's Roost Port as Racallio’s ships arrived, setting up the next encounter.

• Jarman Waters reported that Bloodtooth Pyke’s remnants had gathered at Stony Bay, seized ships, and abducted fishermen, so Daemon ordered a sea-and-land assault.
• Daemon, Colin, Alyn, Lyonel, and Rupert surrounded the raiders while Glutton’s dragonfire set a pirate ship ablaze and the forces blocked every escape.
• Daemon questioned Bloodtooth Pyke, rejected his claim to be Gorne Greyjoy’s brother, and ordered the captured pirates beheaded, with their heads sent to the Iron Islands.
• The House Royce twins rescued the fishermen, and Daemon’s fleet returned to Dragon's Roost Port with the shipping routes secure.
• Gael welcomed Daemon home, while Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron grew fearful at the sight of the returning fleet and the pirates’ heads.
• Gael spotted Racallio’s merchant ships approaching, and Daemon said their arrival would let him demonstrate the consequences of opposing Dragon's Roost Port.

Racallio Ryndoon visited Dragon's Roost Port with gifts and news that Gorne was trying to expand Ironborn trade into the Summer Isles. After discussing how to profit from the trade while curbing Gorne, Daemon offered to lead an eventual conquest of the Summer Isles, and Racallio said he might join him.

• Racallio arrived with goldenheart and gemstones, greeted Daemon and Gael, and praised Dragon's Roost Port's growth.
• Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron plotted to question Racallio about Daemon, while Allard Royce and Yorwyck Royce's guards secretly monitored them.
• Racallio showed Daemon Gorne's letter proposing shared trade profits, and Daemon advised him to delay attacking Gorne while targeting slave ships instead.
• Racallio told Daemon that talking trees in the Summer Isles held stories of Old Valyria and a Dragon Mark resembling Daemon's shoulder brand, prompting Bethany Hightower to request copies of the runes.
• Racallio toured the port's farms and training grounds, where he saw the Black Hill Tribe farming and Daemon's recruits drilling.
• Daemon offered Racallio a role in a future conquest of the Summer Isles, and Racallio expressed interest after dealing with the Ironborn.

Daemon hosted Racallio at Dragon's Roost Port, while Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron tried to gather intelligence for Otto and unknowingly sent him a false report. Racallio departed after promising help and information about the Summer Isles, leaving Daemon to face the port’s unresolved schemes and secrets.

• Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron schemed to extract information from Racallio’s men, while the Royce brothers’ hidden guards watched them.
• Racallio’s men fed Ellyn and Maron false claims about Gorne Greyjoy building ships and joining Daemon’s fleet, and the pair sent the fabricated intelligence toward King’s Landing.
• At the feast, Racallio gave Daemon a jar of poison and promised Talking Tree fruit, while Bethany arranged for a translation of the trees’ runes and Alys warned against eating the fruit.
• Jarman told Daemon that Ellyn and Maron’s report was on its way to King’s Landing, and Daemon chose to let Otto receive it before making his next move.
• Racallio left Dragon’s Roost Port, promising to translate the Talking Tree runes and help Daemon keep the Narrow Sea clear of pirates.
• Rayford recorded Racallio’s trade goods, while Lyonel and Rupert planned nighttime recruit training and sentry posts around the harbor.

Daemon struggled with uncertainty about threats to his growing domain until Alys Rivers guided him through a vision of Ironborn raiding the Summer Isles, Daemon fighting them, and his future self taking a throne there. He awoke with a renewed sense that his responsibilities might extend beyond Dragon's Roost Port and Westeros.

• Daemon reviewed the prosperity and security of Dragon's Roost Port but privately worried about dangers from nobles, Dorne, the Ironborn, and the White Walkers.
• Alys Rivers embraced Daemon and guided him into a vision by having him focus on the hearth fire.
• Daemon saw Ironborn raid and burn the Summer Isles while Racallio and the islanders resisted them.
• Daemon saw himself arrive on Glutton with Grey Ghost and lead Dragon's Roost Port's fleet against the Ironborn and their allies.
• Daemon saw a throne in the Summer Isles change from melted weapons into goldenheart, then watched his future self crown himself as king.
• Daemon awoke in Alys Rivers's arms and felt a new sense of purpose about protecting places and people beyond Westeros.

After reflecting on how his arrival had changed the fates of Gael, Alysanne, Rhaenys, Jocelyn, and the people of Dragon's Roost Port, Daemon found renewed resolve to shape the future. Above the clouds, he and Glutton roared together, their bond stronger than ever, as Daemon looked toward a great undertaking.

• Daemon rode Glutton above the clouds with the drowsy Grey Ghost in his arm and recalled how his actions had changed the lives of those around him.
• Daemon realized he could rewrite tragedies, protect his loved ones, and pursue a wider world rather than be driven by fate.
• Daemon drew Blackfyre and roared into the sky, releasing his unease and declaring his ambitions.
• Glutton answered Daemon with a roar, while Grey Ghost fled into the clouds and people across the Crab Claw Peninsula looked up in awe.
• Daemon sensed that his bond with Glutton had surpassed the brand on his shoulder, and he returned his gaze to Dragon's Roost Port with renewed ambition.

Daemon Blackfyre resolved to conquer Westeros, prevent its looming tragedies, and establish an empire of his own. After proclaiming his ambition from Glutton’s back, he ordered his followers to accelerate preparations in Dragon's Roost Port and beyond.

• Daemon reflected on the Dance of the Dragons, the White Walkers, and the people he wanted to protect, then chose to pursue an empire rather than merely prevent tragedy.
• Daemon swore from Glutton’s back that he would crown himself, stop the Dance, defeat the White Walkers, protect his loved ones, and conquer his enemies.
• Glutton roared and unleashed dragonfire across the clouds as people in Dragon's Roost Port watched in awe.
• Alys Rivers, Gael, and Bethany Hightower watched Daemon from below, while Ser Ellyn Beesbury and Maester Maron hid in fear.
• Daemon landed at Dragon's Roost Port and ordered his followers to accelerate construction, strengthen their troops and patrols, and expand intelligence gathering across Westeros and overseas.