A Historical Recount of House Dragaryen From the years 136 AC to 300 AC

House Silverwing 2: The Horned Knight

The Horned Knight: Walgrave Silverwing

Born in 272 AC, Walgrave Silverwing was the third son of King Russell Silverwing, born years after the tragic deaths of his elder brothers, Waldermar and Titus. Though he never met them, their legacies loomed large over his childhood. Tales of Waldermar's ferocity and Titus's cold brilliance filled the halls of the red keep, inspiring awe and a desire within Walgrave to prove himself worthy of the Silverwing name.

From an early age, Walgrave sought to emulate his fallen brothers. He trained relentlessly in swordsmanship, learning not just from his instructors but from studying the strategies and battle records left behind by Titus. He shaped his body and mind into formidable weapons, driven by an unrelenting determination to carry on the legacy of House Silverwing.

As a young man, Walgrave became known as "The Horned Knight," a name inspired by the black, horned helmet he wore into battle. The helmet was a tribute to his brother Titus, whose brutal efficiency in war had become the stuff of legend. Yet Walgrave's nature was not so cold; he was fierce but compassionate, a man who balanced his hunger for glory with a deep sense of duty to his people.

A Legacy Forged in War

Walgrave's first test came in 290 AC during the Battle of the Red Marches, a border conflict with rebellious lords of Dorne. Leading a small contingent of Silverwing forces, Walgrave fought with unparalleled ferocity, wielding a greatsword with a speed and precision that earned him the loyalty of his men and the fear of his enemies. His leadership in the battle cemented his reputation as one of the greatest warriors of his time.

Despite his martial prowess, Walgrave's greatest strength lay in his ability to inspire those around him. His men followed him not out of fear, as they had with Titus, but out of genuine respect and admiration. In the aftermath of his victories, Walgrave often walked among the wounded, offering words of encouragement and ensuring they received care. This compassion earned him the love of the common folk, who saw him as a beacon of hope in an increasingly dark world.

A Tragic Union

In 291 AC, Walgrave married Lady Floris Weatherwill, a noblewoman of uncommon beauty and grace. Their love was genuine, and for a time, it seemed as though Walgrave might escape the shadow of tragedy that had plagued his family. They had two children, a son and a daughter, who became the light of Walgrave's life.

Yet happiness in House Silverwing was never meant to last. Lady Floris, though devoted to her husband, was plagued by a mysterious illness that left her frail and bedridden for much of their marriage. Walgrave, torn between his duties as a knight and his love for his wife, often found himself haunted by the choices he had to make. Despite his efforts, Floris's condition worsened over the years, leaving her a shadow of the vibrant woman she had once been.

The Dragon Seeker: Dorian Silverwing

While Walgrave sought to uphold the legacy of their fallen brothers, his younger sibling, Dorian Silverwing, chose a different path. Born in 277 AC, Dorian was fascinated not by swords and strategy but by the ancient lore of dragons. He bonded with Sylvanna, a descendant of the last Targaryen-bred dragons, and became obsessed with uncovering the secrets of dragon magic.

The brothers were close in their youth, but as they grew older, their paths diverged. Walgrave saw Dorian's obsession as a betrayal of their family's martial legacy, while Dorian viewed Walgrave's devotion to their brothers as a futile attempt to chase ghosts. Despite their differences, they loved each other deeply, and when Dorian vanished beyond the Wall in 295 AC, Walgrave was devastated.

The Fall of the Horned Knight

In 296 AC, Walgrave led a campaign to suppress a rebellion in the Westerlands. Despite being outnumbered, he rallied his forces with the same indomitable spirit that had defined his life. During the Siege of Brightspire, Walgrave fought at the front lines, his horned helmet gleaming in the firelight as he cut down foes with the strength of ten men.

But fate, as always, had other plans for House Silverwing. In the final hours of the siege, Walgrave was struck down by an arrow to the throat. Even as he fell, he continued to fight, refusing to yield until his last breath. His death at the age of 24 marked the end of an era for House Silverwing, leaving his family and followers to mourn the loss of one of the greatest knights Westeros had ever known.

A Legacy of Tragedy and Hope

Walgrave's death left Lady Floris heartbroken but determined to ensure her children would remember their father's courage and compassion. She continued to rule the red keeps knights in his stead, raising their children with the hope that they might one day carry on the legacy of the Horned Knight.

As for Dorian, his fate remains a mystery. Some say he perished in the frozen wastes beyond the Wall, while others believe he unlocked the secrets he sought and will one day return to Westeros. Sylvanna, his dragon, has not been seen since his disappearance, adding to the enigma of the lost Silverwing prince.

The story of Walgrave Silverwing is one of ambition, sacrifice, and undying loyalty. Though his life was cut tragically short, his name lives on in the songs of bards and the hearts of those who fought beside him, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Silverwing legacy.