The Ahearns are Earls of Suddal, colloquially known throughout the realm as the Horse Lords. They are the strongest and most steadfast supporters of House Ranald outside of the King's immediate family. Unlike the sea-focused island Earls, the Ahearns derive their power from the land, boasting the most formidable cavalry force in Dael Riata.

The ancestral home is Castle Ahearn, which is situated on the fertile plains of Suddal, near the town of Eskdale.

The current Earl is Archibald Ahearn.

He is 52 years old, and is currently married to Mairead Riata, sister to the Duke of Glasholm. They have three surviving children:

1. Archibald Ahearn, the eldest and heir (24).
2. Ealasaid Ahearn, currently seeking a match among the loyal northern houses (19).
3. Fergus Ahearn, a squire in the King's service (16).

The Ahearns' power is rooted in the “Fertile Lowlands” of Suddal, which provide a significant economic bonus through agricultural output. They are one of the few houses to eschew naval power entirely, focusing their resources on the maintenance and breeding of warhorses.

During the troubled minority of King Alasdair V, the Ahearns remained unswervingly loyal to the Crown. While other houses wavered or supported the regency for personal gain, the Horse Lords provided the heavy cavalry that policed the southern borders and ensured the “King's Peace” was maintained in the heartlands. They were instrumental in the pacification of the realm following the King's assertion of his personal rule, and they continue to provide a vital counter-balance to the influence of the “Sea Kings” of the west.

• House Ranald (The King's strongest supporters)
• House Gilranald (Close ties during the regency)
• House Riata (Bound by marriage and history)

• House Murchadh (A long-standing rivalry between the Sea Kings and the Horse Lords)
• House Alpin (Outstanding grievance regarding a regency decision made by the Earl of Ardmor)
• House Aonghus (General distrust following the civil wars)