I get five for the Five Scholars, and two for the duality of Taldain, but why 8? Also, I have a theory that Sel is three, because of the three major kingdoms (Arelon, Teod, and Fjordell), the three outlets of Investiture on the main continent (AonDor, ChayShan, and Dakhor), there are three major religions (Shu-Keseg, Shu-Korath, and Shu-Dereth), and there are three letters in the word Sel. That last one needs a little work, but I digress.