That looks like a posted ridge -- so there wouldn't be any tension in the "tie". If you are clear spanning with a truss, the situation is different.
As brad stated that is a clear span with a pendant. Sorry it is the only picture I had available. I don't understand why you would state that there is no tension as it is a post!! There would still be tension as the rafter feet push outwards even if it is on a post.
A post holding a king post would be rather redundant(depending on sizes of timbers and loads) as the king post actually pulls/holds the tie beam upward.
Carlos
