Roland

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Ser Roland Rykker 26
Alias(es)	Roland Lake (name used in later chapters) 27 35
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Viserys Targaryen's restoration faction 26 27
Occupation/Role	Exiled royalist knight; former mercenary; Viserys's knightly-combat instructor and guard 26 27
Status	Active; protects Rhaenys and Daenerys during Viserys's duel with Mero 50
First Appearance	Chapter 26

Background / History

Roland identifies himself as a distant member of House Rykker of Duskendale, a house that remained loyal to Aerys II after receiving Duskendale following the Defiance of Duskendale. He was an anointed knight who fought for the royalists at the Battle of the Trident. After Rhaegar Targaryen died and the royalist army collapsed, Roland fled rather than return to King's Landing, fearing the Lannisters' reprisals against both the royal family and House Rykker. 26

He later learned that relatives who remained behind were forced into the Night's Watch. Carrying shame over fleeing the battle and resentment toward Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister, Roland lived in exile as a mercenary, fighting Dothraki, Lyseni, and Myrmen for pay. He refused an invitation to join the Golden Company because he would not serve the Black Dragon cause. 26

The Female Swordswoman brought Roland to Viserys in Braavos. Viserys forgave his retreat at the Trident, accepted his vow of service, and named him the first knight to swear loyalty to him. 26

Appearance

Roland is an older, sturdy Westerosi knight, shorter and broader-built than Viserys. His face is marked by deep wrinkles, and he is commonly seen in martial attire. 26 35

• Wears armor when danger is expected. 46
• Wore boiled leather beneath chainmail during a training bout. 29
• Is described wearing a warhammer coat while sparring. 35

Personality

Roland is deeply loyal to the Targaryen restoration cause, valuing commitment above talent in a companion. His devotion is driven by the destruction of the royalists, the fate of his family, and his desire to see Robert Baratheon and Tywin Lannister defeated. 26 27

Despite his guilt over surviving the Trident, he is pragmatic and candid. He openly explains the weaknesses that led to Rhaegar's defeat, cautions Viserys that exceptional skill alone will not defeat Robert, and stresses the need for soldiers, knightly companions, and a secure base before attempting a restoration. 36

Abilities & Skills

Knightly Combat

Roland is an experienced, if self-described second-rate, knight. His combat experience includes the Battle of the Trident, mercenary work across Essos, and sustained sparring against Viserys. 26 35

• Uses knightly weapons and methods centered on strength, endurance, armor, and battlefield combat. 27 35
• Employs sword, shield, lance, and other blunt weapons in training. 27 29 35
• Can challenge Viserys with the reach and deceptive attacks of a lance, though Viserys eventually surpasses him in their bouts. 35
• Is less capable than Viserys by the time of their later training matches. 29 35

Combat Instruction

Roland becomes Viserys's Westerosi instructor after recognizing both his lack of formal knightly education and his exceptional potential. 27

• Teaches sword-and-shield fighting, lance work, archery, and general weapon familiarity. 27 35
• Adapts training to Braavos's limitations, focusing on foot combat because horses and full traditional knightly training are unavailable. 35
• Emphasizes conserving stamina, exhausting opponents, and exploiting the tendency of larger knights to underestimate Viserys. 29 35

Mercenary and Regional Experience

Years of exile gave Roland practical familiarity with the Free Trade Cities, Dothraki, and the customs of other peoples. 26 28

• Advises Viserys on conditions beyond Braavos. 28
• Understands the risks of building a base, recruiting troops, and contacting scattered royalists. 36 37
• Rejects mercenary service as the foundation of Viserys's future army despite his own past work as one. 36

Relationships

• Viserys Targaryen — sworn knight, guard, and martial instructor; Roland sees Viserys as the restoration cause's best hope and urges him to become strong enough to defeat Robert. 26 27 36
• Rhaenys Targaryen — Rhaenys comforts Roland over his retreat from the Trident and accepts him into Viserys's circle. 26
• Daenerys Targaryen — Roland helps safeguard her; Viserys assigns him to protect both Daenerys and Rhaenys during the duel with Mero. 50
• Moro — fellow instructor and friend; Roland is troubled by Moro's death and helps relay the news to Viserys. 46
• Syrio Forel — fellow instructor; Roland and Syrio jointly train Viserys and discuss the contrasts between knightly combat and Water Dancing. 35 36
• Female Swordswoman — she locates and introduces Roland to Viserys as the Westerosi knight he sought. 26

Story Role / Major Arcs

Joining Viserys's Cause

Roland's arrival gives Viserys his first sworn knight and a loyal Westerosi supporter. His oath transforms Viserys's small household from one dependent on Braavosi goodwill into a fledgling royalist faction with a dedicated knight. 26 27

Training the Exiled King

Roland provides Viserys with the knightly instruction that Ser Willem Darry could no longer give. Alongside Syrio and Moro's Water Dancing lessons, his training broadens Viserys's fighting style into armored, battlefield-oriented combat. 27 29 35

Planning the Restoration

Roland acts as a practical adviser during discussions of an offshore base, royalist contacts, recruitment, and the challenge of eventually retaking Westeros. Though concerned by the time such plans require, he supports Viserys's patient approach. 36 37

House Prestayn Conflict

Following Moro's death, Roland assists Viserys's household during the escalating confrontation with House Prestayn. He later remains with Rhaenys and Daenerys as their protector while Viserys fights Mero at the Moon Pool. 46 50

Trivia

• Roland is introduced as Roland Rykker, a distant member of House Rykker, but later chapters consistently call him Roland Lake. 26 27 35
• He views himself as a failed survivor of a failed war, but Viserys considers him the first knight to pledge loyalty to his cause. 26
• Roland initially expects Viserys to be an untrained, spoiled prince; witnessing Viserys's Water Dancing quickly convinces him that the young claimant is an extraordinary talent. 27