CHARACTER
Kingdom of Ashby Sarah J. Maas

Nesryn Faliq

Nesryn Faliq

Quick Facts: Former Captain of the Adarlanian Royal Guard turned commander of the khagan's rukhin. First appears in Crown of Midnight, but her role expands significantly in Tower of Dawn and Kingdom of Ash. Key relationships include Sartaq, Chaol Westfall, and Yrene Westfall.

Who She Is

Nesryn is a woman defined by her unwavering loyalty, exceptional skill, and quiet strength. Once bound by duty to Adarlan, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to the southern continent, where she finds love, purpose, and a new identity as a formidable ruk rider. In Kingdom of Ash, she returns to Erilea not as a guard, but as a commander, bringing the might of the khaganate to bear against Erawan and Morath. She embodies the theme of Found Family and Loyalty, demonstrating that true belonging comes not from birthright, but from the bonds we forge and the values we uphold.

Personality & Traits

Nesryn is a pragmatic and level-headed strategist, always assessing situations with a keen eye and unwavering focus. She is a woman of action, preferring decisive action to idle speculation. While reserved, her loyalty runs deep, and she is fiercely protective of those she cares about.

  • Pragmatic and Level-Headed: Even in the midst of chaos, Nesryn remains calm and focused, assessing situations logically and weighing risks before acting. For example, in Chapter 11, she and Sartaq calmly debate the optimal landing strategy for their forces, demonstrating her ability to think clearly under pressure.
  • Fiercely Loyal: Though she once served Adarlan, her loyalty now lies with her found family: Chaol Westfall, Yrene Westfall, Sartaq, and the rukhin. She is steadfast in her commitment to her friends and the war against Morath, willing to risk everything for those she loves.
  • Exceptionally Skilled: Nesryn is an archer of unparalleled skill, a gift she uses to devastating effect from the back of her ruk. She is also a capable hand-to-hand combatant and a natural leader, earning the respect of the fierce ruk riders.
  • Independent and Resilient: Nesryn is not afraid to forge her own path. She left a prestigious position in Adarlan to seek a cure for Chaol, ultimately discovering a new home and a future she never imagined for herself. She faces the horrors of war with unwavering resolve, demonstrating her inner strength and determination.

Character Journey

Nesryn's journey in Kingdom of Ash is one of stepping into her power and embracing her destiny. Having found love and purpose among the rukhin in Tower of Dawn, she arrives on Erilea's shores a confident leader, ready to fight for a cause she believes in. No longer the conflicted Captain of the Guard, she is a commander, a partner, and a future empress, her arc culminating in her acceptance of a future alongside Sartaq, a destiny she earns through her own strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Key Relationships

  • Sartaq: Her relationship with Sartaq is one of deep love, mutual respect, and equality. They are a seamless team in battle, communicating with simple signals and unspoken understanding. Sartaq's unwavering belief in her helps solidify her place as a leader and future empress, a role she initially finds daunting but grows to accept.

  • Chaol Westfall: Their bond has matured into a strong, platonic friendship. They trust each other implicitly and work together as allies to strategize and fight against Morath. There is no lingering romantic tension, only deep care and respect.

  • Borte: A fellow ruk rider who becomes a close friend. Borte's teasing and bluntness provide a lighter counterpoint to the grim realities of war, and their interactions reveal a more relaxed side of Nesryn's personality.

Defining Moments

  • Scouting the Devastation of Fenharrow: In Chapter 6, Nesryn and Sartaq fly over the northern continent and witness the scorched-earth tactics of Morath's army. This moment solidifies the stakes and the brutality of the enemy they face, fueling her determination to fight for Erilea's survival.
  • Discovering the Plan to Attack Anielle: After capturing and interrogating Morath soldiers, Nesryn and Sartaq learn that a ten-thousand-strong army is marching on Anielle. This critical intelligence, detailed in Chapter 11, dictates the khaganate army's initial strategy and leads to the desperate battle to save Chaol's home.
  • Defending the Dam at Anielle: During the Battle for Anielle in Chapter 59, Nesryn and Sartaq discover a Morath unit attempting to destroy the dam that holds back the Silver Lake. Their swift intervention prevents a catastrophe that would have wiped out both armies on the plain below, showcasing her quick thinking and decisive action.
  • The Battle for Orynth: Nesryn's leadership and skill are on full display during the final battle. She leads a flank of the rukhin, fighting tirelessly against the Ironteeth legion and providing crucial aerial support for the armies on the ground, as seen in the Full Book Summary.

Essential Quotes

“We don’t know what we’ll find in either. Meah could be overrun, and Terrasen might be facing its own siege. The days it would take for our scouts to fly northward would waste vital time—if they return at all.”

— Nesryn Faliq to Chaol, Yrene, and Sartaq, Chapter 11

This quote exemplifies Nesryn's pragmatic nature and strategic mind. She is always thinking several steps ahead, weighing the risks and benefits of each course of action.

“I’m surprised Sartaq will let his future empress fly against them,” Borte said slyly.

— Borte to Nesryn, Chapter 39

This quote highlights the unique dynamic of Nesryn and Sartaq's relationship. It underscores the fact that Sartaq respects Nesryn's abilities and trusts her judgment, even when it means putting her in harm's way.

“We have a problem,” Nesryn said, her face ashen.

— Nesryn Faliq to the war council, Chapter 59

This simple statement, delivered with stark gravity, underscores Nesryn's role as a clear-eyed observer and messenger of truth. Even when faced with dire circumstances, she remains composed and focused on delivering critical information.

“We won the war, Nesryn Faliq.” He tugged her close. “And now we shall go home.”

— Sartaq to Nesryn, Chapter 116

This quote marks the culmination of Nesryn's journey, signifying not only the end of the war but also the beginning of her new life with Sartaq. It is a moment of triumph and homecoming, solidifying her place as a hero and a leader.