Why The Riverlands Are So Important To Criston Cole
House Of The Dragon has shown that control of the Seven Kingdoms isn't just about dragons. A crucial element to achieving victory is amassing support from the great houses of Westeros. Houses Stark and Arryn have declared for Rhaenyra, while many houses of the Reach, Westerlands, and Stormlands have declared for the Greens. This makes House Tully of the Riverlands the most significant undeclared family in the realm, made even more vital by the region's centralized location.
The Riverlands consistently become a battleground because of its central location. Harrenhal, in particular, is one of the realm's most fortified castles and sits at a strategic location that can be used to rally forces to strike King's Landing. The Blacks currently have an advantage at sea and in dragon power, but they desperately need infantry if they're going to capture and hold any territory on the mainland. Criston Cole wants to rip away their chances at achieving this before the war even begins by striking quickly.
Rook's Rest and the Dance of the Dragons
At some point, Criston Cole reroutes his forces and attacks castles along the coast of the Crownlands instead of heading for Harrenhal. His goal is to cut off Rhaenyra and Dragonstone from the Riverlands geographically and bait the Blacks into sending out a dragonrider. Rook's Rest is a smaller castle, but it's ruled by Lord Staunton, one of the members of Rhaenyra's small council. This makes it one of the pivotal battles in the Dance of the Dragons, as Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys are sent to defend the fortress.
Upon Rhaenys' arrival at Rook's Rest, she's ambushed by Aegon II and Aemond, riding their dragons Sunfyre and Vhagar. This is the first significant dragon battle in the war, which results in Rhaenys and Meleys being killed and Aegon and Sunfyre being severely injured. Now that House Of The Dragon has laid the foundation for dragons being unleashed, the trailer for episode 4 indicates Rook's Rest is coming up shortly. It's the first major victory for the Greens, as Rhaenyra's side loses a dragonrider and one of their allies.
The Riverlands' Role in the Dance of the Dragons
House Tully and many houses of the Riverlands join with Rhaenyra and the Blacks during the Dance of the Dragons, making Daemon's venture to Harrenhal a success. The region continues to host battles throughout the war, including the Battle at the Red Fork, where Lannister forces face off with Tully bannermen, resulting in the death of Jason Lannister despite their side's victory. This sends one of the Greens' allies into disarray, as the Westerlands are left without proper leadership.
Several other pivotal battles happen in the Riverlands. Aemond and Criston Cole eventually try to recapture the Riverlands, and are baited out of King's Landing by Daemon, allowing Rhaenyra and the forces of Dragonstone to capture the capital. Cole's forces in the Riverlands are outmaneuvered by Tully bannermen, resulting in his death. Daemon and Aemond also have their fatal confrontation above the God's Eye at Harrenhal. House of the Dragon should have several battles to look forward to, with many continuing to set the Riverlands ablaze.
