# VI: Loketh the Useless explained — Key Out of Time

> Chapter companion for Key Out of Time by Andre Norton.

## What happens

Ross captures a Hawaikan youth named Loketh who was spying on Karara. Through a unique mental link with the dolphins Tino-rau and Taua, they learn that Loketh is a crippled son of a local lord, rejected by his own kind. He reveals the existence of the Foanna, a mysterious and powerful ancient race, and the Wreckers who lure ships to their doom. Ross begins to piece together the political and mystical landscape of Hawaika, hoping to find Ashe among the slaves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alien Encounter and Otherness

The Terrans struggle to communicate with Loketh, relying on the dolphins' mental abilities, highlighting the challenge of understanding an alien mind and culture.

### Power and Corruption

The Wreckers' predatory practices and the Foanna's absolute but mysterious authority illustrate corrupt and unchecked power.

### Alliance and Trust

Ross must decide whether to trust Loketh, a potential enemy, and the dolphins' unique bond with the Hawaikan becomes a bridge for alliance.

## Character check-ins

### Ross Murdock

Captures Loketh, interrogates him via dolphin mental link, and begins to understand the power dynamics of Hawaika.

### Karara Trehern

Serves as the mental relay between the dolphins and Ross, interpreting Loketh's thoughts and emotions.

### Loketh

A crippled Hawaikan youth, son of a Wrecker lord, who communicates mentally with the dolphins and provides key information about the Foanna and the Wreckers.

### Tino-rau

One of the dolphins who establishes mental contact with Loketh, enabling communication.

### Taua

The other dolphin involved in the mental link, also retrieves supplies for the Terrans.

## Key lines

> Ross had a sudden inspiration. Hurriedly he described the cloaked figure who had driven the castle people from the piles of salvage. 'Ask him about that one.'

Ross suddenly thinks to ask about the cloaked figure they saw earlier, hoping Loketh can identify them.

_This leads to the revelation of the Foanna._

> He is the son of the lord ruling the castle above. But for some reason he is not accepted by his own kind. Perhaps it is because he is crippled.

Karara relays that Loketh is the son of the local lord but is rejected, likely due to his physical disability.

_Establishes Loketh's outsider status and potential as an ally._

> The Foanna were a very different matter. They possessed a power which did not depend upon swords or ships or the natural tools and weapons of men.

Ross learns that the Foanna wield a supernatural or advanced technological power that makes them superior to ordinary humans.

_Highlights the central mystery of the Foanna's power._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters/vi-loketh-the-useless
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters