Calan - The Immortality Paradox

Chapter Thirteen: Disciples of Coedwig, Part Five

Date: 359, OA19,655

Location: Castell, Canol System

'The Leonians have arrived.'

Empress Kun Chao observed the Leviathan cruiser's docking procedure through a fibre-thin silicate window. The elongated spoke of Castell and the rotating hull of the Triangulum spacecraft came to a soundless collision. Strands of metal speared out into gangways to allow the passengers to disembark. The individuals arriving were too far away to discern, but the Empress couldn't help but try.

'Professor Kalet Steale. That is a name. It's not usual for a Leonian to be famous beyond the atmosphere of E'blanche.' Chao clasped her hands together beneath her voluminous cloak and turned to face the Calan. The naturally bioluminescent Craigfywyd pervading through Castell irradiated her in a cool, sapphire light. Embroidered in quadrants on her cloak were four symbols, depicting an azure dragon, vermillion bird, white tiger and black tortoise. All four colours blended seemlessly at the centre into a bright sphere; Xihe, the central star of Hanner Cylch. 'Can he be trusted?'

The Professor is a disciple of Coedwig. He has been obtained willingly by the Llywydd. A witness of Calan restoration. And loyal amongst uncompromising naysayers. Perhaps it was the presence of Craigfywyd that accentuated Ysbryd's message, but the Empress received it like dragon's breath. It was not the quiet, motionless form of the Calan sprouting in the chamber that intimidated her, it was the omnipresent resonance that could temper any environment. Any Human who wielded that power would've conquered all civilisations. Calan coveted nothing.

'But he is not Undergrowth. For three centuries, you have amassed followers for this very purpose. Your plants, growing under the feet of every authority. To spy...and to manipulate if necessary. Why not initiate him if his role is equal to mine?' Chao was flanked by five high-ranking protectors of the Dìguó Jūntuán, Lóng Zhī Mù, Shuǐ, Huǒ, Jīn and Tǔ. Armoured and equipped, they were only precautionary on Castell. Her personnel on Shàngdi de Lĭwù had insisted countless times. As the Empress moved, the protectors matched every step like shadows.

Isdyfiant comprise only the most capable of Calanites.

'I remember the initiation well. The darkness of the land as we walked across Tir Gwerin, and then the blinding energy of the coed. Each one like a beacon. My father had always warned me in my youth, but you know how children never fear the challenge. I will not forget that light until the Universe has swallowed me whole. Like Sylfaenydd was on fire. You gave us a tiny glimpse of the power you possess. And it is beautiful.' Uncovering a part of her forearm, the Empress admired the branches of the coed as she had decades ago. They were black now instead of a fiery yellow, but their significance had not waned. 'I wonder how the Professor has not wished to experience it.'

Respectfully, Empress, your influences are asymmetric. Steale walks alone and ill-equipped to transform the tenets of his nation. You, contrastingly, possess disciples of your own. Objectively, the Professor is without standing and has few allies. Any blatant association with Undergrowth or any attachment to the Calan would render his usefulness void.

'And yet, the Llywydd deems him trustworthy?'

The Llywydd intends to ensure the Gathering to be a success. No eventuality is without pre-calculation.

'I am older than the majority of leaders across the inhabited plane of this galaxy. I know that despite your knowledge, you are known for passivity.' The glow of the chamber ebbed and returned for a moment as if the very walls were insulted by the criticism. Ysbryd showed no indication that they had incited the Craigfywyd. 'It is merely an observation. Undergrowth is in a far better position to act, if you intend to remain passive.'