Sarsak Tolmar

Bow-legged, wide-faced, with a sparse black beard, a broken nose, and a long puckered scar from a rival's saber across his chest. Wears felt and a single Kaishoni silk sash he took from a tribute caravan. Speaks Cherüsh, Kaishoni, and rough Aldmere. Killed the last rival olriq in single combat in the ruins of Tontanor and slept in the dead man's tent that night. Wants a kingdom with walls and libraries, which his own riders think is madness. Charismatic, disciplined, capable of great mercy and great slaughter in the same afternoon, and always for a reason. The most dangerous man on Aethorra, and possibly the best ruler it will get.

Ties

• Ghorsan — mother; consults her on everything and admits it to no one
• Bagoq the Elder — the shaman who blessed his unification and could unbless it
• Juryan Redbow — his best young commander
• General Dezau Honmyan — the Rampart's commander, who respects him
• Prince Hethbael Tulvard — the Aldmere prince admires him