Willem Rykker was born in 340 AC, during a short time of peace. He was the first son of Lord Elwood Rykker and Lady Sarella Dayne. As a young boy, he learned quickly, enjoying reading in his father’s library. His favorites were the Targaryen histories and the great sieges of Westeros. He liked the Targaryens stories because they were the ones who raised House Rykker to be Lords of Duskendale. And he liked the sieges because they seemed infinitely more intricate than any other battle. The great defenses that made one man worth ten were fascinating, especially since he could look over the walls of the Dun Fort and see the commonfolk below. He was also taught to rule from birth, since he was his father’s oldest son. He proved to be well suited to life at court and a quick learner.