House Dondarrion of Blackhaven is one of the marcher houses of the southern Stormlands, sworn to Storm's End and ever watchful for raiders out of the Boneway. The lightning bolt on their banner is said to mark the spot where a Dondarrion ancestor was struck from the saddle by a storm and rose again to slay a Dornish raiding party single-handed; whether the smallfolk believe the tale or not, they all know the device.
Lord Beric Dondarrion is young, handsome, gallant, and recently betrothed to Allyria Dayne of Starfall. By the events of A Game of Thrones he answers Lord Eddard Stark's summons to ride west and bring the King's justice to a knight of House Clegane, a charge that will lead him further, and harder, than anyone in his hall imagines.