King Hogar was the main liaison with the Eighth, but his un-shielded visits led to discovery by the Great Ogre. Because of Kay, a greater tragedy was later averted in Book Two.
Introduction
Keos and the Eighth are not reclusive like the Fifth and Ninth; instead they are wary, cautious. To them, the Great Ogre is an ever-present threat, and not only their lives, but the extermination of their species is on the line.
Contacted by Hogar, and introduced to Ælthrelntheine as a result, Keos remains wary of the other Tribes true intentions. This changes dramatically when regrouping to hide from the Great Ogre's merciless pursuit, they meet
the Ninth deep within a warren of caves. They were headed in the opposite direction from each other, but the Ninth know a way through the cave complex to the west.
Their combined escape plan set, Keos becomes aware of the other Tribes fighting the Ogre hordes outside of their safe haven. What undermines his inherent belief, is that the Allied Tribes are winning. Waiting until the Ogres are
close to defeat, the Eighth and Ninth join the fray, if small in number, their presence on the field of battle makes a large statement of intent.
King Keos of the Eighth
From this, Keos becomes un-elected spokesperson for what they consider themselves to be, the independent Tribes. This in turn leads them all to accept Empress Jien Noi's offer of friendship, each Tribe
sending a small community to the Island, esthetically for cultural exchange, but to the Independent Tribes, this means protection and a guarantee of continuity of species.
Keos is ably supported by the Tribes leading Sage, Mentor, who is the only other Eighth mentioned by name. Mentor becomes proactive with the other Tribes, finding familiarity with people such as Lo Si, and the learned of other
branches of Humanity.
Moving South
Keos establishes a new capital city for their people. However, through contact with others, he was persuaded to build a second city far to the south, where the weather was warmer. He chose eastern Tibet, where he discovered both crops
and animals flourished.
Keos sends his son and heir for a stay of several weeks on the Island, and after their Island village becomes a thriving community. The Prince was
wary at first, but soon came to love the experience, treating it as an adventure. Sad to leave, he found many excuses to return, and at first his father was heartened.
Later Keos learned that one reason was, that his
son has taken a shine to one of the Island girls, which left him with a dilemma. He deliberates and shares his concerns with Mentor. The sage replied:
"We are often a polygimpus society, you yourself have three wives."
"Yes granted, but a heathen; and Island girl?"
Sire, I believe allowing the union, should it be requested and approved by the Empress of the Second, would be a great balm for healing the rifts between the Tribes."
"Perhaps. I will consider it. She cannot be his first wife; who do you suggest, he is almost of age."
