# Kepta — Short Fiction character guide

> Kepta in Short Fiction by Andre Norton.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** VI Kepta, VII Kepta

**First appearance:** 0003-iii-garin-hears-of-the-black-ones

## Snapshot

Swaggering warlord of the Black Ones, Kepta demands Thrala and the outlander as tribute, offering peace only on terms of total submission.

## Who they are

Kepta strides through the tall grass before the Cavern to dictate terms: give up Thrala for his chamber, hand Garin to his captains for sport, and throw open the Hall of Thrones. When Dandtan refuses, Kepta's answer is a morgel's teeth and a black-light tower that reduces his own stunned beast to drifting ash. His casual cruelty and appetite for dominance make him the immediate, personal face of the Black Ones' threat.

## Relationships

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

Bitter enemies locked in a power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Kepta manipulates Lady Thrala’s emotions, using her as a tool in his larger game.

### [Dandtan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/dandtan)

_rivalry_

Two cunning schemers vying for power, each viewing the other as a dangerous obstacle.

### [Dandtan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/dandtan)

_rivalry_

Two cunning schemers vying for power, each viewing the other as a dangerous obstacle.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Kepta manipulates Lady Thrala’s emotions, using her as a tool in his larger game.

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

Bitter enemies locked in a power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other.

### [Captain Garin Featherstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/captain_garin_featherstone)

_rivalry_

Bitter enemies locked in a power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other.

### [Lady Thrala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/lady_thrala)

_psychological_

Kepta manipulates Lady Thrala’s emotions, using her as a tool in his larger game.

## In the story

### [The People of the Crater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/the-people-of-the-crater)

Introduced as the malevolent leader of the Black Ones.

### [III: Garin Hears of the Black Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/iii-garin-hears-of-the-black-ones)

Kepta is mentioned as the Black Ones' leader who threatens Thrala.

### [VI: Kepta’s Second Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/vi-kepta-s-second-prisoner)

The Black Chief who holds Thrala and Dandtan prisoner; he is surprised by Garin's arrival and later withdraws with his men.

### [VII: Kepta's Trap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/vii-kepta-s-trap)

Appears mockingly, traps the group, withdraws the living light, and looses the hunters (morgels) into the corridors.

### [Escape from the Caves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/viii-escape-from-the-caves)

Taunts the group from the darkness, allowing their temporary freedom but threatening future reckoning.

### [X: Battle and Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/x-battle-and-victory)

Demands Thrala, attacks Garin, is defeated, and vanishes with his throne.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters/kepta
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_3_se/characters