Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) holding back tears in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 2The House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 trailer teases the next step in the Dance of the Dragons as both sides march closer to all-out war. After the season premiere adapted the infamous Blood and Cheese storyline in which Daemon hires two assassins who murder Aegon and Helaena’s six-year-old son, Jaehaerys, as revenge for Luke’s death, episode 2 dealt with the direct aftermath. Aegon seeks revenge against Rhaenyra, who no longer trusts Daemon, and sends him to Harrenhal to capture the strategic stronghold for the Blacks.

Now, after the third episode aired, Max released the trailer for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4. Watch it below:

The trailer teases the upcoming battle in the Riverlands, with shots of marching armies and Criston Cole commanding his troops. At some point, Rhaenyra finally decides to send the Blacks’ dragons to war.

What To Expect From House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 4

The Battle For The Riverlands Will Be Plagued With Fire & Blood

Criston Cole yelling while riding a horse in House of the Dragon season 2 Princess Rhaenys Targaryen riding her dragon soaring through the skies in House of the Dragon season 2 Baela Targaryen and Moondancer chasing Criston Cole in House of the Dragon season 2 Aemond flying on Vhagar in House of the Dragon season 2 Soldier caught in an explosion of fire in House of the Dragon season 2Criston Cole yelling while riding a horse in House of the Dragon season 2
 Princess Rhaenys Targaryen riding her dragon soaring through the skies in House of the Dragon season 2 Baela Targaryen and Moondancer chasing Criston Cole in House of the Dragon season 2 Aemond flying on Vhagar in House of the Dragon season 2 Soldier caught in an explosion of fire in House of the Dragon season 2

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3 marked another step in the slow march toward war between the Greens and the Blacks. Daemon, having been sent away after his falling out with Rhaenyra, arrives at Harrenhal, and Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) surrenders the castle with no resistance. As Daemon spends the night, he has a nightmare of a young Rhaenyra (with a surprise cameo from Milly Alcock) sewing Jaehaerys’ head back on. The nightmare seems to represent Daemon’s guilt over his role in Jaehaerys’ death.

Meanwhile, Criston leads an army to the Riverlands, which he considers the key to the war, a plan that Alicent disapproves of, though Aegon supports, eager for war and violence. House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3 ends with Rhaenyra sneaking into King’s Landing to talk to Alicent in the Great Sept in one last attempt to prevent war. After they discuss the loss of Luke, Jaehaerys, and Viserys’ last words, Alicent comes to realize her misunderstanding, though the truth is already irrelevant as the war intensifies.

In the episode 4 trailer, Rhaenyra finally decides to send their dragons to war, as her council previously advised. The Blacks possess more dragons than the Greens, which is their biggest advantage in the war to come. Judging by the trailer, it appears that episode 4 will depict a major battle in the Riverands. House of the Dragon and its predecessor Game of Thrones are known for their great battles – from “Hardhome,” “Battle of the Bastards,” “The Long Night,” and “The Bells” – and it appears that House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 could be entered in that pantheon.

House of the Dragon airs new episodes Sunday nights on HBO and Max.