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With many fresh narrative threads and moments to undermine, House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5 sees the aftermath of the Battle of Rook's Rest. Let's start right in and dissect this episode since it is full of rich details.
The last scene of the episode gives Rhaenyra Targaryen some hope since her eldest son, Jacaerys Velaryon, comes up with a brilliant idea to increase their forces. Though they are not hurting for dragons, the Blacks may have lost Rhaenys Targaryen, one of their most accomplished dragonriders. Recall from season one when we came upon those riderless dragons on Dragonstone and Driftmark? Though there are others with Valyrian blood, Jace notes they may be short on Targaryens.
Actually, Targaryens are not the only ones riding dragons; remember members of House Velaryon? George R. R. Martin's books also leave not exactly 100% clear whether one must be Valyrian to ride a dragon. But the show portrays the Targaryens as believing you do. Although the Doom of Valyria may have destroyed the city, many people still carry Valyrian blood—including some of the fresh characters in House of the Dragon season 2.
To find their lineages, Jacaerys and Rhaenyra will search the massive books in Dragonstone's library. They seek for people like Hugh, Alyn, and Ulf. These guys will have an opportunity to establish rapport with the dragonless riders. Furthermore on Rhaenyra's small council is Lord Baltimos Celtigar, a man with Valyrian blood. Dragons and possible riders abound; what is not to love? Of course, allowing someone fresh to tame a dragon runs a great risk since it would immediately make them among the most powerful persons in the Seven Kingdoms.
There are many dragons in House of the Dragon, most of which are either totally wild or riddenless. For the Blacks, Vermithor and Silverwing top priorities since dragons who have already had riders are easier to control.
Vermithor first appeared in the season 1 finale when Daemon descended to sing to him underground. Except for Vhagar, he is the largest dragon living during the Dance, thus he is quite valuable for whichever side gets him. Silverwing is rather beautiful, but she is also quite docile.
Old friends Vermithor and Silverwing were bonded to King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alyssane, who rode them all over Westeros commemorating their peaceful rule. Rhaenyra's odds of winning the Dance of the Dragons would be much increased by having these two dragons on her side. Other riderless dragons are Cannibal, Sheepstealer, and Seasmoke.
Daemon is trying to establish himself as a third party in the Dance, but his approach to building allies in the Riverlands is absolutely disastrous. Like the North, the Riverlands respect honor; some lords show up at Harrenhal to chastise Daemon.
Daemon brings House Blackwood to his side following the Battle of the Burning Mill in episode 3, but the deal is he has to mess with House Bracken, the Blackwoods' old rivals and a small Riverlands house siding with the Greens. Hoping the Brackens would submit and add their forces to Daemon's army, Daemon tells Willem Blackwood he's cool with using dirty tactics to pressure them.
Then the Blackwoods assault areas of the Riverlands, kidnapping women and children. The other Riverlords, who show up at Harrenhal to attack Daemon, find this absolutely offensive. How is he going to get them back on his side and, finally, on Rhaenyra's? He's made a difficult situation even more difficult.
Episode five sees the Greens handling Aegon's damage. Believing Prince Aemond would be a better leader, Alicent Hightower discovers he was involved and Criston Cole covers for him. Helaena asks Aemond if it was worth the cost at the end of the episode as she finds him staring at the Iron Throne. She seemed to have one of her visions or dreams and then observe what happened at Rook's Rest. She is aware of the actions Aemond took to land promotion.
In episode five Aegon II is in rough form, but he does ultimately heal at Rook's Rest from his injuries. Aemond rules in his place for a period, then Aegon gets back on his feet. Still, he is scarred for life. Tom Glynn-Carney has been excellent in season two, and once he recovers, he has still a lot to contribute.
Aegon might be sidelined for the rest of season 2, but he will return for later on. Aegon will flee the city and survive to fight another day once Rhaenyra rules King's Landing. After many more deaths, he will be among the last significant characters in House of the Dragon to pass away.