The Red Comet
If the Lovecraftian background to the story is consistent, than what is the Red Comet, that heralds the return of the dragons and magic in the world?
As I've mentioned before, there is an answer the Cthulhu Mythos: Ghroth, the Harbinger, a small red being resembling a comet. As Ghroth passes by planets, he awakes any of the Great Old Ones or Outer Gods that might be "sleeping" on that planet.
[A] nineteenth century British cult believed in [a] comet-god who sang to the stars and planets as it passed by them in its orbit. They said it destroyed those worlds it passed, by waking up demons or ancient gods ... who slept on each world. —Kevin A. Ross, "The Music of the Spheres"
If Ghroth has just passed by, his presence either increases the magic on an planet, or it awakens magical beings that grant magical powers.
In the Cthulhu Mythos, wars between the gods often end with gods being put under powerful sleep spells by other gods, like the Elder Gods of Earth. When they awaken, destruction to civilization can occur, and whole continents can be sunk, or like the Thousand Islands, land can be shattered by the power of these gods.
The creator of Ghroth is Ramsey Campbell, a horror writer with Lovecraft connections who is a friend and editor of George RR Martin. I even (halfheartedly) suspect that the Ramsay Bolton is named in honor of Campbell.
This always makes me think about what Lazy Leo Tyrell says in the beginning of A Feast for Crows as he sets the stage of Act Two of ASOIAF:
Dragons and darker things. The grey sheep have closed their eyes, but the mastiff sees the truth. Old powers awaken. Shadows stir. An age of wonder and terror will soon be upon us, an age for gods and heroes.[2] ” - Leo to Alleras
Ghroth, the comet god, has awaken the sleeping gods, and their powers, and now their human worshippers, those skilled in sorcery, are becoming stronger.
And the gods themselves are returning.
