Chapter Summaries

Redd decided to delay his expedition to the Valyrian Peninsula until the Fleet had mapped the region and Westeros was secure. As he walked through the Red Keep, he noticed its inhabitants avoiding him, then entered a room where Rhaenyra and Mysaria were discussing a letter.

• Redd chose to wait until the Valyrian Peninsula was better mapped and matters in Westeros had settled before setting out.
• Redd noticed that guards and maids were deliberately avoiding him because they feared his reputation as a conqueror.
• Redd entered the bedroom without knocking and found Rhaenyra listening to Mysaria's report while holding a letter.

Redd told Rhaenyra and Mysaria about Helaena’s vision of dragons flying to a hot, smoky place, and said he would eventually go to Valyria but would wait until preparations were complete. Meanwhile, Otto Hightower had quietly returned to King’s Landing, wielding influence despite no longer holding office.

• Redd joined Rhaenyra and Mysaria as they discussed letters and personnel arrangements.
• Redd recounted how Helaena had approached him barefoot and alone, predicting he would take many dragons to a place of stone, fire, and black smoke.
• Rhaenyra explained that Helaena had long experienced unclear visions, while Mysaria said such prophecies sometimes seemed true only in hindsight.
• Redd said he would go to Valyria but would delay until the maps were finished, matters were settled, and he could take everything useful.
• Otto Hightower returned quietly to King’s Landing, and the nobles recognized his influence despite his absence from the Small Council.

Rhaenyra asked Redd how to respond to Otto’s return and the growing threat to her succession, but Redd criticized her hesitation and decided to push their son as heir instead. The chapter ended with Rhaenyra protesting as Redd prepared to challenge her claim at the small council.

• Rhaenyra told Redd that Otto’s return, Viserys’s uncertainty, and the Greens’ activity threatened her position as heir.
• Redd argued that Viserys had not yet disinherited her and challenged her to prove she could outmatch Aegon II.
• Rhaenyra pleaded for Redd’s support, but he said their son could take the throne if she proved incapable.
• Redd condemned Rhaenyra’s reluctance to confront Viserys and the Greens, then announced he would attend the next small council meeting.
• Redd said he would propose naming their son Prince of Dragonstone, and Rhaenyra protested that he was taking her place.

Rhaenyra feared Otto’s private meeting with Viserys meant her claim to the throne was in danger, so she rushed to Redd for help. He focused instead on a newly surveyed map of the Stepstones and explained how its islands could protect King's Landing from attack.

• After Otto met privately with Viserys, rumors spread that the king might replace Rhaenyra as heir.
• Rhaenyra smashed wineglasses, accused Otto of seeking the throne for Aegon II, and decided to find Redd.
• Rhaenyra burst into Redd’s study and told him that Otto had spoken with Viserys for an hour and that people feared the king would name a new heir.
• Redd showed Rhaenyra a new map from the Stepstones, pointing out an island with fresh water and a harbor suitable for a fleet.
• Redd explained that watchtowers and supply stations on three islands could give King's Landing three days’ warning of an eastern fleet.

Redd rebuked Rhaenyra for her repeated indecision and considered putting their son in power if she could not secure the succession. As Otto Hightower’s return unsettled the court, Lyonel Strong worried over his precarious position before the Small Council meeting.

• Redd told Rhaenyra that her weakness had made her disposable and said their son could contend for the throne instead.
• Rhaenyra returned to her bedchamber in despair, fearing she would be sidelined while her son rose to power.
• Redd worried that Otto Hightower’s return signaled deeper plans and that Viserys’s failing health could leave the succession unresolved.
• Redd called Mysaria into his study and ordered her to attend to him while he continued planning for the Small Council meeting.
• Lyonel Strong sat anxiously in the Council Chamber, concerned that Otto’s return and the divided factions threatened his position as Hand.

King Viserys I convened the Small Council amid the growing succession crisis, with Otto absent and the councilors wary of Redd’s intentions. Redd arrived beside Rhaenyra wearing Dark Sister, leaving the chamber tense and poised for confrontation.

• Lyonel worried that Viserys’s order for Otto to lie low would worsen the succession crisis, while the councilors awaited the meeting.
• Viserys entered the Council Chamber in failing health and took his seat at the head of the table.
• Redd and Rhaenyra arrived, and Redd sat beside her at the heir’s seat with Dark Sister openly at his waist.
• The councilors reacted with alarm and caution to Redd’s display of force, while Criston Cole stood ready to defend Viserys.

At the small council meeting, Redd forced through Rhaenyra’s request to reinforce Dragonstone, then proposed that his son Jaehaerys be named Prince of Dragonstone. The council erupted at the implication that Jaehaerys might replace Rhaenyra as heir.

• Lyonel reported on the harvest, kingdom affairs, and maritime developments while Rhaenyra and Redd remained silent.
• Lyonel raised Rhaenyra’s request for troops and funds to strengthen Dragonstone’s defenses.
• Jasper Wylde objected to the request, but Redd drew Dark Sister and ordered a thousand soldiers and funding from the royal treasury and overdue taxes.
• Redd told Viserys that Dragonstone’s defenses were not why he had come and proposed naming Jaehaerys Prince of Dragonstone.
• The council erupted, and Rhaenyra realized the moment she had feared had arrived.

Redd confronted Viserys in the Small Council chamber and declared that only Rhaenyra or his son Jaehaerys II could sit the Iron Throne. The confrontation ended with Redd gripping his Valyrian steel sword as the Kingsguard positioned themselves between him and the king.

• Redd told the Small Council that either Rhaenyra or Jaehaerys II would sit the Iron Throne, and no one else should claim it.
• Viserys rose in anger and demanded to know whether Redd understood what he was saying.
• Redd insisted that the throne belonged to his son, not Aegon, Aemond, or anyone else, and said there was no room for negotiation.
• Redd gripped his sword and drew it slightly, revealing its Valyrian steel blade as the Kingsguard guarded Viserys.

Redd threatened the council and held his sword to Rhaenyra’s throat before withdrawing it, leaving Viserys shaken. As the chamber fell silent, the castle began to tremble and a huge creature’s golden eyes appeared through the courtyard wall.

• Redd drew his Valyrian steel sword and placed its tip against Rhaenyra’s throat before the Kingsguard could stop him.
• Redd told Rhaenyra he was disappointed in her, then sheathed his sword without harming her.
• Viserys stared at Redd and the faint mark on Rhaenyra’s throat, unable to speak.
• The council chamber began to shake, and cracks spread through the wall facing the courtyard.
• A creature’s enormous golden eyes forced the windows and masonry inward, sending rubble and dust into the chamber.

Redd forced Viserys to confirm Rhaenyra as his lawful first heir, name Jaehaerys Miraxis second heir, and open Blackwater Bay to the Dragon King Fleet. After warning Viserys not to break his promises, Redd left with King Ghidorah, urging the king to abdicate soon.

• King Ghidorah pressed through the council chamber wall, and Rhaenyra asked Redd to make it stop.
• Redd demanded that Viserys fulfill all his promises that day, and Viserys declared Rhaenyra his sole lawful first heir and Jaehaerys Miraxis second heir.
• Viserys promised to open Blackwater Bay to the Dragon King Fleet and keep the Driftmark Fleet from obstructing it.
• Redd warned Viserys that breaking his word would bring war across the Seven Kingdoms, then told him to abdicate soon.
• Redd left the council chamber, and King Ghidorah withdrew from the damaged wall and spread its wings.

Redd left the council chamber after withdrawing his sword and decided to abandon any hope of Rhaenyra siding with him, while keeping his plans to take the Iron Throne on hold. Over the next two days, fear of him spread through the Red Keep, where people fell silent and avoided his path.

• Redd reflected that Rhaenyra had chosen to protect Viserys rather than support his plan for the king to abdicate.
• Redd acknowledged that he had secured official recognition of Rhaenyra and Jaehaerys's succession claims and permission for his fleet to enter Blackwater Bay.
• Redd chose not to kill Viserys and Rhaenyra, judging that the ensuing rebellions would distract him from his expedition to the Valyrian Peninsula.
• Redd decided to return to Dragonstone with his children and continue preparations for the expedition while leaving King's Landing to deal with the council's decisions.
• Over the next two days, guards, servants, and ministers avoided Redd and fell silent whenever he appeared in the Red Keep.

As his relationship with Rhaenyra and Viserys remained strained, Redd was summoned to Alicent's bedchamber when she went into labor. She gave birth to a healthy boy named Daeron Targaryen, while Redd watched from the corridor and stayed apart from the celebrations.

• Rhaenyra visited Redd's study but left without speaking, and Redd did not look up from his map.
• An attendant told Redd that Alicent had gone into labor and that Viserys wanted him to come.
• Redd followed the attendant to Alicent's bedchamber and waited in the corridor with Viserys and Otto Hightower.
• Alicent gave birth to a healthy boy, and Viserys hurried inside to see him.
• Alicent and Viserys named the baby Daeron Targaryen, while Redd stayed outside the room.

After Daeron’s birth renewed Viserys’s spirits and drew the court around the newborn prince, Redd saw Rhaenyra standing apart and left her to face the consequences of her choices. He returned to his study and prepared to depart for the Valyrian Peninsula in seven days with King Ghidorah and the Dragons.

• Viserys welcomed the newborn prince as ministers gathered to congratulate him, while Rhaenyra watched from a corner and Redd avoided approaching her.
• Redd left the corridor and passed Otto Hightower, who stood alone by a window overlooking Blackwater Bay.
• Redd overheard two maids say that the king was happy and that his side now had another heir, but continued to his study.
• Redd checked the map of the Valyrian waters and noted that the survey was nearly complete, with the far western sea still awaiting the latest ship’s return.
• Redd planned to leave King's Landing in seven days with King Ghidorah and the assembled Dragons for the Valyrian Peninsula.

Redd received the completed survey map of the Valyrian Peninsula and left King's Landing for the lands he had been preparing to explore. He sailed with Mysaria's arrangements and King Ghidorah flying alongside, with no set date for his return.

• Mysaria brought Redd the completed survey map two days ahead of schedule, showing detailed coastlines, currents, reefs, and places to land.
• Redd studied the map and decided to leave that day without notifying anyone at the Red Keep.
• Mysaria arranged a ship and Redd told her to have King Ghidorah follow it.
• Redd boarded the Dragon King Fleet vessel, and King Ghidorah flew alongside as they sailed from King's Landing.
• Redd watched King's Landing disappear behind him, then turned toward the coastline mapped for his journey.

Redd returned to Dragonstone and found Jaehaerys and Visenya safely beside Cannibal and Aegon at Dragonmont. He told King Ghidorah to bring the Demon Dragons along, stirring the dragons in the cavern as they prepared for an impending change.

• Redd arrived at Dragonstone and went directly from the docks to Dragonmont.
• Redd found Jaehaerys and Visenya with Cannibal and Aegon, who watched over the children without aggression.
• Jaehaerys said Cannibal liked having his chin stroked, while Visenya played with Aegon.
• Redd patted the children and continued into Dragonmont to meet King Ghidorah.
• Redd told King Ghidorah to bring the Demon Dragons along, and dozens of dragons began stirring in the passages.

Redd sent King Ghidorah and most of the Demon Dragons from Dragonmont toward the Dragonpit in Volantis, while several dragons remained to protect the children and the eggs. The next morning, Redd reviewed the final documents for transferring civil administration and stationing troops on Dragonstone.

• King Ghidorah gathered the Demon Dragons and led them from Dragonmont toward Volantis.
• Cannibal and Aegon stayed with Jaehaerys and Visenya, while Sheepstealer and Grey Ghost remained on Dragonmont.
• Redd punched Sheepstealer and warned him that King Ghidorah would skin him if anything happened to the dragon eggs.
• Redd left Sheepstealer and returned toward Dragonmont's exit as Jaehaerys and Visenya's laughter carried through the night.
• The next morning, Redd sat in Dragonstone Castle's council chamber and reviewed the last documents for the handover of civil administration and troop deployments.

Redd reviewed Dragonstone’s military deployments and supply records before preparing to leave the island, and he put Mysaria in charge of its affairs. He warned her to watch for threats from House Velaryon and the surviving Triarchy fleet, while handling new merchant deals without provoking Driftmark into retaliation.

• Redd approved Dragonstone’s deployment register, which listed its troops, warships, and two adult Demon Dragons.
• Mysaria reported that King Viserys’s promised supplies had arrived and been stored, and Redd told her to ensure future deliveries continued after he left.
• Redd placed Dragonstone’s affairs in Mysaria’s hands and told her to monitor House Velaryon’s fleet and the Triarchy ships that had escaped.
• Mysaria told Redd that merchants were offering better dock and warehouse terms after his fleet gained free passage through Blackwater Bay, straining relations with House Velaryon.
• Redd said Mysaria could handle the merchant offers as she saw fit, but warned her not to push House Velaryon so far that its two remaining Dragonriders pursued him as he departed.

Redd finalized Dragonstone’s affairs with Mysaria and prepared to leave at dawn to join King Ghidorah and the Demon Dragon Legion near Volantis. He planned to continue from Volantis toward the cursed, ash-shrouded peninsula, where he hoped to uncover its secrets.

• Mysaria agreed to slow her planned blockade of Driftmark so its dragonriders would not realize they were being hemmed in.
• Mysaria reported that supplies, garrison troops, and most administrative matters were ready, and Redd told her to manage the remaining affairs after he left.
• Mysaria wished Redd safety as she left the meeting hall with the last documents.
• Redd spent the evening watching the sunset from Dragonstone and prepared to depart at dawn for Volantis.
• Redd planned to rest briefly in Volantis before flying toward the ruined peninsula shrouded in volcanic ash.

On the eve of his departure, Redd reflected on his determination to uncover the truth behind the Doom and the fall of the Valyria Dynasty. Mysaria came to him and asked him to love her that night, and they drew close as he prepared to leave.

• Redd resolved to investigate the Doom firsthand and learn what had destroyed the Valyria Dynasty.
• Mysaria approached Redd from behind and embraced him as he watched the twilight.
• Mysaria told Redd he was leaving tomorrow and asked him to love her that night.
• Redd pulled Mysaria into his arms, and they became intimate by the windowsill.

Redd left Dragonstone for the cursed, ash-shrouded land, leaving Mysaria and their children behind. After a final night with Mysaria and a quiet farewell to Jaehaerys and Visenya, he flew east on Ehm.

• Redd and Mysaria spent their last night together before his departure, and she fell asleep exhausted.
• Redd checked on Mysaria the next morning, then left her resting and went to Dragonstone’s eastern platform.
• Redd greeted Ehm and hugged Jaehaerys and Visenya, telling them to listen to Mysaria and not fly their dragons too far.
• Redd mounted Ehm and departed Dragonstone, leaving the children behind as the castle receded into the mist.
• Ehm carried Redd out over the sea, eager to bear him again while King Ghidorah and the Demon Dragon legion were already headed to Volantis.