Ahling is the king of the proud and prosperous nation of Neolandia. His wealth and privilege have shielded him from the toughest decisions in life, but he is a kind man who loves his many children, including the late Kasef, more than anything.[1] During a failed assassination attempt by one of Viren's resurrected Moonshadow Elf Assassins, Ahling was critically wounded and is currently in a coma.[2][3]
Appearance[]
Ahling is a middle-aged man with graying black hair and beard, a dark complexion and hazel eyes. He wears a greenish-brown and white long coat over a black tunic, both accented with gold and sporting a triangle-based pattern. He also wears a pair of gray pants and a waist sash, as well as shoes that are both colored black with gold accents.
Personality[]
Ahling is shown to be very laid back and has a sense of humor that prompts him to make jokes. He is known across the kingdoms for his love of food, music, and wines. He is also a very kind and sympathetic man, as well as a loving father to his children.[4]
History[]
Book Two - Sky[]
Breaking the Seal[]
King Ahling attends the council of monarchs called by Viren. While Aanya's credibility as a queen of her age is questioned by Viren, Ahling admits that she knows even more official terms than his nineteen-year-old son, Kasef, whom he claims still struggles against eating his vegetables. He witnesses the mage's illusions of a potential Xadian threat, and when proposed with an alliance agrees to form one, if all other leaders would agree in unity.
Heart of a Titan[]
Ahling listens to the rest of Viren's story about Annika and Neha's death, as he had to interrupt for a bathroom break before. After hearing Aanya's points against war, he has to admit that he no longer feels an attack to be necessary.
Book Three - Sun[]
The Crown[]
Following his return home, Ahling is attacked and critically wounded by the elven assassins that were resurrected by Viren, requiring his eldest son, Prince Kasef, to assume the crown.
Trivia[]
- The name "Ahling" means "spirit" or "soul" in Mandarin (阿灵). It also means "bell" or "chime" (阿铃).[5][6]
- A scrapped design of Ahling later served as the base design for his eldest son, Kasef.[1]