Cole’s brazen march towards the Riverlands confuses most players in the game, including Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox), who seems skeptical of the Lord Commander’s goals. The plan does start to feel feeble once Baela (Bethany Antonia) and Moondancer chase Cole and his troops into the forest, forcing them to slow down and move only after dusk. However, Cole’s cautious patience pays off once his troops surround Lord Staunton and his men, demanding submission, and the two forces clash violently. The real violence ensues after Rhaenys (Eve Best) rides alone with Meleys, burning most of Cole’s infantry to squash their efforts. Unbeknownst to her, though, the worst is yet to happen.

Aemond arrives with Vhagar while Aegon flies to the battle with Sunfyre, prompting a vicious airborne battle with Rhaenys in separate turns. It is crucial to note that Aemond hangs back as Sunfyre and Meleys fight it out, and Rhaenys’ uncompromising bravery renders her victorious, as she maneuvers the fight with expert precision. However, neither of these dragons are a match for Vhagar, who bursts into the scene with unchecked viciousness, only rivaled by her rider, who yells “Dracarys” while aiming the dragon’s breath at his own brother. Aegon’s initial relief, which quickly contorts into shock, adds an edge to this betrayal, and he helplessly topples to the ground with his dragon, singed and defenseless.

“Fire & Blood” etches out these events in detail, but the dragon fight leans towards a two-versus-one rendition which quickly spiraled out of control, with the brothers teaming up against Rhaenys and the dragons fighting one another unchecked. Here, calculated (and impassioned) betrayal rakes up the brutality, even when Vhagar and Aemond fight Rhaenys and her dragon with the intent to tear into flesh and burn everything in sight.