Although the third season of House of the Dragon is still more than a year away, it already has the potential to become the most epic chapter in what has felt like an overly stretched story. No need for countless examples — it’s enough to mention that the long-awaited war between the Targaryens is being saved for Season 3, a conflict in which many family members will die before one of them ultimately claims the Iron Throne.
If the show continues to follow George R. R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, the Starks will also participate in the war — not directly, but through their army, which will “remove” one of the series’ main antagonists from House of the Dragon.
The Northern Army Will Play a Key Role in the Targaryen Civil War
Back in Season 2, Cregan Stark, head of House Stark, agreed to support Rhaenyra by sending several thousand soldiers to her aid at the onset of the war. The army — whose soldiers are better known as the Winter Wolves — will take part in several key battles, fighting to the death as they were trained to do.
Under the command of Roderick Dustin, the Northern army will crush the enemy at the Battle of the Lakeshore, the Butcher’s Ball, and the First Battle of Tumbleton. However, one of their main objectives will be fulfilled during the second of these events (spoilers ahead!).
What Will Happen to Criston Cole at the Butcher’s Ball
Though all these battles will prove pivotal in the war, the Butcher’s Ball will be a real gift for many fans — thanks to the death of Criston Cole. The character, who became the King’s Hand and repeatedly demonstrated the duplicity of his nature, will encounter the Winter Wolves, whose numbers greatly exceed those of Cole’s forces. At first, he will attempt to negotiate peace, but he will be killed by a volley of arrows fired at him from several directions.
