ROLLAND

      After four years as ward to Lord Hoster Tully, Ser Rolland Sylver finally returns to the Vale to visit his family. Accompanying Lord Tully's son, Edmure, on an official trip to the Eyrie, the lordling takes leave of the party and together with four Tully men-at-arms heads for the Sylver’s keep, Moonwatch.
      Arriving at the Sylver’s keep, Rolland is informed by his father, Lord Willem, that the house’s last two silver shipments have been robbed by bandits based out of the Whispering Wood. However, Lord Wesley Burlington, whose domains cover the forest, refuses to let a Sylver force enter the wood to search for the criminals. He claims there are no such bandits and that the whole story is a ruse from his ancient rivals. Rolland spends some time with his mother, Lady Merian, his younger brother, Tytos, and his younger sister, Annara, whom he finds sleepwalking later that night. When he calls for her, she says:

I see rivers of blood,
I see the shadow of death,
And the light of life,

      Then, the Sylver child faints and Rolland carries her back to her quarters.
      The next day, at the request of his father, Rolland, together with Tytos, visits Stonewall, the Burlington’s keep. There he reacquaints himself with Marion, Lord Wesley’s eldest child. Both met when they were wards at the Eyrie, several years before. The warmth exchanged between them makes Tytos angry, because he believes his brother is consorting with their enemy. Later, Rolland meets with Lord Wesley and offers to reduce taxes on cargo transportation along the Silverrun river in exchange for permission to search the Whispering Wood. Burlington vehemently denies the existence of brigands in his domain and instead offers a way to seal a truce between the two houses: marrying his son Ephrain to Annara Sylver. Rolland promises to take the offer to his father.
      At night, Lord Wesley throws a feast for his guests, where Rolland and Marion reminisce about their childhood at the Arryn’s castle. However, the young Sylver fails to maintain a complete hold on his companion’s attention. Ser Daegar Hawthorne, a Westerlander knight, also courts her and his storytelling skill impress the young woman. Still, Rolland and Marion set a mock duel between themselves for the next morning. The event will serve as rematch for Rolland, who still remembers a rather painful hit to his head from the wood sword wielded by Marion at the Eyrie, several years back. After the feast, Rolland returns to his chambers only to find Tytos in a sulking mood. The younger Sylver rails again on his brother for wasting so much time with Marion. Rolland teases his sibling and Tytos flies into a fit of rage.
      The mock duel goes well and the obvious victory is Rolland’s. However, as soon as it is finished, Daegar challenges the Sylver heir to a duel as well, but using live steel. Rolland is suspicious of the request, but accepts it. The combat is tense and short, with Rolland victorious again. Strangely, Daegar seems to lose his balance and almost nicks Rolland with his sword. The Westerlander knight apologizes, but leaves Rolland suspicious of a poisoning attempt. The Sylvers talk once more with Lord Wesley, who gives Rolland a fine bottle of Arbor as a parting gift.
      Back at Moonwatch, still suspecting foul play on Burlington’s part, Rolland asks Maester Lyonce to test the wine for poison. More relaxed, Rolland details the events of the day to his father.