CHARACTER
Kingdom of Ashby Sarah J. Maas

Sartaq

Sartaq Quick Facts

Who He Is

Sartaq, the Prince of the Southern Continent and commander of the rukhin, arrives in Kingdom of Ash as a beacon of hope and a formidable military force. Having been named Heir to the Khaganate in Tower of Dawn, he brings with him a portion of his father's vast army, including a thousand ruk riders, to aid Aelin in her war against Erawan. More than just a prince, Sartaq is a strategic, progressive leader whose relationship with Nesryn symbolizes the forging of new alliances and a future free from the constraints of tradition.

Personality & Traits

Sartaq's strength lies not only in his military prowess but also in his inherent leadership qualities. He commands respect and inspires loyalty through his calm demeanor, strategic mind, and unwavering commitment to his people and allies. He leads by example, always at the forefront, whether scouting enemy positions or commanding his rukhin in battle.

  • Natural Leader: Sartaq possesses an innate authority, inspiring loyalty in his warriors through quiet confidence rather than forceful command.
  • Strategic and Decisive: During the war council aboard the ship, Sartaq quickly formulates a plan to march on Anielle and then secure the Avery river, demonstrating his ability to assess a situation and devise a bold course of action (Chapter 11).
  • Brave and Proactive: Sartaq doesn't command from afar; he personally undertakes dangerous scouting missions with Nesryn and leads his ruk riders from the front lines in every battle.
  • Loyal and Devoted: His commitment to his people, family, and allies is absolute, most evident in his devotion to Nesryn, for whom he was willing to abdicate his title.
  • Progressive: Sartaq is not bound by tradition, demonstrated by his choice to name Nesryn, a foreigner, as his future empress and his willingness to ally with the wild men of the Fangs.

Character Journey

Sartaq's journey in Kingdom of Ash is one of external validation. Having chosen his own path and been named Heir in Tower of Dawn, he steps onto the global stage, proving his mettle as a commander. He arrives in Erilea not merely as a prince but as the leader of one of the world's most powerful armies, ready to fulfill the Khaganate's promise to aid Aelin. Throughout the war, he solidifies his position as a capable and wise future ruler, making difficult decisions and demonstrating that his father's faith in him was well-placed. His commitment to Nesryn never wavers, and their partnership becomes a cornerstone of the allied command.

Key Relationships

  • Nesryn Faliq: Their relationship is built on mutual respect, love, and trust. They function as a seamless team, whether scouting enemy territory or commanding the rukhin in battle. Sartaq's unwavering devotion to her is a driving force in his actions, and their union represents a bridge between cultures and a rejection of outdated traditions.

  • Chaol Westfall: Sartaq respects Chaol as a trusted friend and a brilliant military mind. He values Chaol's position as Lord of Anielle and Hand of the King, collaborating with him to devise the initial strategy for the Khaganate army's landing and advance. Their alliance underscores the importance of unity and shared purpose in the face of overwhelming odds.

  • Hasar: Their relationship is marked by sibling banter, but beneath the surface lies a deep, unshakable loyalty. They command the army together, with Hasar leading the terrestrial forces while Sartaq commands the skies, their strategies complementing each other. Their dynamic highlights the strength of family bonds and the power of collaboration in achieving a common goal.

Defining Moments

  • Scouting the Fenharrow Coast: Sartaq and Nesryn's reconnaissance mission reveals the devastation wrought by a Morath army. Their discovery and interrogation of enemy soldiers provide crucial intelligence for the defense of Anielle (Chapter 6). This moment highlights Sartaq's proactive leadership and his reliance on Nesryn's skills.

  • Devising the Anielle Strategy: In the war council with Chaol, Yrene, and Hasar, Sartaq proposes the daring plan to march inland to save Anielle and then push north along the Avery (Chapter 11). This establishes him as a key strategist among the allies, demonstrating his ability to think boldly and decisively under pressure.

  • Stopping the Dam's Destruction: During the battle for Anielle, he and Nesryn discover Morath soldiers attempting to break the dam that holds back the Silver Lake. Their swift intervention prevents a catastrophe that would have wiped out both armies on the plain (Chapter 40). This moment showcases their teamwork and their commitment to protecting innocent lives.

  • Leading the Rukhin at Orynth: Sartaq commands the rukhin during the final, desperate battle for Orynth, his forces providing critical aerial support against the Ironteeth legion and helping to turn the tide of the war (Chapter 106). This solidifies his role as a key military leader and demonstrates the power of his aerial forces.

Essential Quotes

"We avoid the Avery until Anielle. March inland. And when the city is secure, we begin a campaign northward, along the Avery."

Sartaq's strategic mind is on full display here. He understands the importance of taking the initiative and dictating the terms of engagement, rather than simply reacting to the enemy's moves.

"Then it’s a good thing we have ruks."

This quote encapsulates Sartaq's confidence in his forces and his willingness to use their unique abilities to their full potential. He recognizes the strategic advantage that the rukhin provide and is determined to leverage it to the fullest.

"Had you not arrived, sister, I was hours away from unleashing the dam and flooding the plain."

This reveals Sartaq's willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good. He is prepared to sacrifice everything, even if it means causing widespread destruction, to achieve his objectives.