Template:AlethiInfobox Elhokar Kholin is a character from the series The Stormlight Archive. He is the reigning king of Alethkar. Son of Gavilar and Navani, nephew of Dalinar, sister of Jasnah, and cousin of both Adolin and Renarin.
His father and former King of Alethkar Gavilar Kholin is assassinated by Szeth-son-son-Vallano at the beginning of the Way of Kings, prompting the now 'King Elhokar' and the Alethi to declare war on the Parshendi, who claimed responsibility for the assassination. Due to Elhokar’s youth and paranoia his ability to rule is questioned by those under his rule and he maintains a weakened authority over the ten Highprinces. Elhokar’s paranoia stems from the assassination of his father and he fears that he will meet the same fate, although he overcompensates on the battlefield and often acts recklessly to the dismay of his family and guards. This paranoia is furthered by his ability to see strange creatures (sometimes called symbolspren) in his peripheral vision and in mirrors.
Elhokar Kholin is a Shardbearer, whose Shards were won for him by his uncle, Dalinar Kholin. His Shardplate is painted gold and his Shardblade is called Sunraiser.
Plot
Elhokar Kholin is a minor character in the Way of Kings, and mainly serves as an unwitting obstacle to Dalinar Kholin as his uncle attempts to unite the Highprinces. Elhokar's deep fear of assassination causes him to fake an assassination attempt on his own life by cutting the girth strap on his saddle, in order to trigger an investigation on those who wish him dead. Although this placed suspicion on his uncle, this method did yield results as is was found that weakened gemstones were placed in his Shardplate by a yet unknown individual. Despite his own uncertainty in his ability to rule, Elhokar is capable of making decisive action and still manages to control the Highprinces, if just barely.