The Riderless Queen of Dragonstone
Silverwing is no ordinary dragon. She is a large, battle-tested she-dragon, once the mount of the beloved Queen Alysanne Targaryen. After Alysanne’s death, Silverwing remained on Dragonstone, riderless but formidable. Known for a relatively docile and
friendly nature compared to her peers, she is nonetheless a veteran of the skies who flew alongside Vermithor, the dragon of King Jaehaerys. In a war where Vhagar’s size has given the Greens a massive advantage, securing another large, experienced dragon is a strategic necessity for Queen Rhaenyra’s faction, the Blacks. Rhaenyra’s call for new riders, known as the “Sowing of the Seeds,” was a desperate gamble to bolster her forces by finding those with a trace of Valyrian blood who could claim the unclaimed dragons of Dragonstone.
The Contender: Ulf the White
The man who ultimately succeeds in claiming Silverwing is Ulf the White, a man-at-arms with pale hair and a claim to bastard Targaryen heritage. The show has already introduced Ulf as a cynical, heavy-drinking soldier who answers the call for new dragonriders. He is not a noble prince or a seasoned lord, but a common man suddenly granted control of one of the most powerful weapons in the world. This is precisely what makes him so dangerous. Unlike the Targaryen-born riders, Ulf’s loyalty isn't to family, honor, or the Iron Throne—it's to himself. His successful bonding with the typically gentle Silverwing gives Rhaenyra another dragon, but it also places immense power in the hands of an ambitious and resentful stranger.
The Betrayal at Tumbleton
The most significant impact Silverwing’s allegiance will have on the finale likely centers on one of the book’s most infamous events: the First Battle of Tumbleton. According to George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, Ulf the White, along with another new dragonrider, Hugh Hammer, becomes disillusioned with the rewards offered by the Blacks. Seeing an opportunity, the Greens—specifically Lord Ormund Hightower—offer Ulf a lordship and a castle in exchange for switching sides. This act of treachery, which is being heavily foreshadowed, is a catastrophic turning point. Instead of defending the Black-controlled town of Tumbleton, Ulf and Hugh turn Silverwing and Vermithor on their own army, leading to a horrifying massacre and a decisive victory for the Greens.
Why the Finale Hinges on This Moment
Silverwing’s defection is more than just a military setback; it’s a psychological nuke. It confirms that dragons, the foundation of Targaryen power, can be turned against them by anyone with Valyrian blood and enough greed. Recent fan theories and finale predictions for August 2026 suggest this betrayal will be the central climax. The sight of Silverwing, once the companion of a revered queen, burning soldiers she was meant to protect would shatter any illusion of loyalty in this war. For the finale, this moment could serve as a devastating cliffhanger, marking the lowest point for Rhaenyra’s cause. It would not only hand the Greens a major victory and two powerful dragons but also cement Rhaenyra's growing paranoia, pushing her further down a dark and cruel path as she realizes she cannot trust anyone.
