Founders
The Founders are mentioned twice in the prologue, both times by the captain of a Wilderness expedition.
First, he encourages a wounded Keeper saying, “Soldier on, Mathis. The Founders will reward your grit.” For all we know, this refers to the admiration of townspeople or civil officers, or recognition from a Keeper of a superior rank.
As the Keepers head deeper into the mysterious woods, the captain initiates a call-and-response: “Founders’ eyes watch us,” with the Maker responding, “Watch us all.” The quasi-religious nature of this exchange introduces a sense of reverence and expands the scope of the Founders' role in this world.