Gwel, the Lord of Light, was cast out from among the Dwellers in the days of Dyfais. Bound to the earth, he wandered lonely and loveless for thousands of years. At first he was consumed with hatred for humanity, but as time passed and he came to know them, he came also to tolerate them, and then to appreciate them, and at last to love them. And he resolved that even in his limited state, he might bring new blessings to them.
On a time he came to the land called Warmia, in the region known as Prussia. There he found a man named Nicolaus, who looked up at the skies with keen eyes and a keen mind. And Gwel looked upon that man, and loved him; for he saw in the eyes of Nicolaus the reflection of the jewels of Clyfuni, who had been his own first love.
Now Gwel could not move unseen as he had once been able to, and could not utter his blessing as he might once have; nevertheless he was moved to touch the life of Nicolaus. And for many years he observed him in secret, and wondered at the power of his mind; for Nicolaus came of his own will and thought to the realisation of the true nature of the world. The people of that time deemed it clear that the sun and all the stars did spin about the Earth; but as the Cariad taught, in truth the sun stands at the centre, and the Earth is carried about it. This truth did Nicolaus discover for himself, never having seen the Book of the People.
And Nicolaus wrote his discoveries in a book, and Gwel rejoiced that his blessing of sight had been so used by one whom he loved. Yet Nicolaus hoarded the book, and showed it to none, for fear of what they might say. And the years passed, and Nicolaus grew aged and weak; and Gwel feared that his work might never be known amongst humanity.
Therefore did Gwel take upon himself the name of Rheticus; and coming in secret to Nicolaus, he made out that he was a student of mathematics. And for two years did Gwel speak with Nicolaus, persuading him to let his work be known; and even by his own hand did Gwel pen the first account of Nicolaus’ discovery. And at the last Nicolaus yielded, and his book was brought forth to the world; but even as the final pages were printed, and brought to him, the aged Nicolaus died. And Gwel mourned his death.
On a time Gwel came to the city called Padua, in the land called Venice; and there he found a man named Galileo, who looked up at the skies with keen eyes and a keen mind. And Gwel looked upon that man, and loved him; for he saw in the eyes of Galileo the reflection of the jewels of Clyfuni, who had been his own first love.
And Gwel was moved to touch the life of Galileo; and for many years he observed him in secret, and wondered at the power of his mind. Yet the discoveries of Galileo were limited by the tools which he was given, and these were few.
Therefore did Gwel make a rumour of an instrument which might focus the light which he had created, and bring the sight of far things to view; and to his delight did Galileo seize upon the rumour, and crafted for himself telescopes of power never before seen. And with them did Galileo look upon the wonders of the universe.
And Galileo wrote of his discoveries, and published them far and wide; and by reason of the things he saw, he proclaimed the truth of Nicolaus’ words. But the priests of the false god of that land saw in Galileo a threat; and they persecuted him, and hounded him, and imprisoned him. And thus aged and weary, yet defiant, did Galileo die; and Gwel mourned his death.
On a time Gwel came to the city called Cambridge, in the land called England; and there he found a man named Isaac, who looked up at the skies with keen eyes and a keen mind. And Gwel looked upon that man, and loved him; for he saw in the eyes of Isaac the reflection of the jewels of Clyfuni, who had been his own first love.
And Gwel was moved to touch the life of Isaac; and for many years he observed him in secret, and wondered at the power of his mind. For Isaac took up the telescope of Galileo and improved it, working into it ingenious new technologies; and also did he discover many things concerning the light of Gwel, things which even Gwel had not before thought. But seldom did Isaac turn his telescopes on the sky.
Therefore did Gwel take the names of others who Isaac knew, and wrote letters in their names; and by cunning words did he contrive to bring Isaac to contemplation of the universe. Then did Isaac turn the full force of his mind on the world above, and the world below; and ere ten years had passed he published forth a book describing the secrets whereby the worlds are bound to follow their courses about the sun. And Gwel was filled with wonder, but also with grief; for all the mind of Isaac had been turned away from light, and towards the force which was the blessing of Syrthi, who had claimed Clyfuni the lover of Gwel as her own.
Then did Gwel forsake Isaac, and journeyed alone in his grief; yet even so did he hear in time of the death of Isaac, and he mourned him. And from that day has Gwel ever sought one who might touch his heart as did Nicolaus, and Galileo, and Isaac; but if he has yet found one, we have not heard it.