Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

Lazarus Carpenter I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.

The Forgotten Tunnel

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Deep beneath the bustling city of Eldermoor, hidden from the eyes of ordinary residents, lay the Forgotten Tunnel. Once a vital artery for the city’s early settlers, it had long since fallen into obscurity, buried beneath layers of dust, debris, and urban legends. Only a few old-timers remembered its existence, whispering stories of strange sounds and mysterious disappearances associated with its dark, twisting passages. The story begins with Mira, a curious historian fascinated by the city’s hidden past. She had spent years poring over old maps, deciphering faded documents, and interviewing elderly residents. Her curiosity piqued when she uncovered a fragmented blueprint of the city’s original underground network, with a section labelled simply: “The Forgotten Tunnel.” Driven by an insatiable desire to uncover the truth, Mira decided to explore it herself.

One foggy evening, armed with a flashlight, a sturdy rope, and a backpack of supplies, Mira descended into the narrow entrance of the tunnel. The opening was concealed behind a crumbling brick wall in an abandoned alley. She pushed aside the debris, revealing a rusty iron door that groaned as she pushed it open. Darkness swallowed her as she stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and age. The tunnel was a labyrinth of stone and shadow. Her footsteps echoed softly against the uneven floor as she moved deeper, her flashlight beam dancing over moss-covered walls and broken wooden beams. The silence was profound, broken only by the distant drip of water. As she ventured further, she noticed strange markings carved into the stone—symbols she didn’t recognise, perhaps left by those who built the tunnel centuries ago.

Suddenly, she heard a faint whispering, almost like voices carried on the breeze. She paused, listening intently. The whispers seemed to come from deeper within, urging her onward. Her heart pounded, but her curiosity pushed her forward. After navigating a series of twisting corridors, she arrived at a large chamber. In its centre stood a stone pedestal with an ancient, weathered book resting atop. Mira approached cautiously. The book’s pages were brittle, filled with strange writings and illustrations of celestial symbols. As she examined it, a sudden gust of wind swept through the chamber, flipping the pages open to a particular illustration—a map of the city with a glowing point marked deep beneath the streets. The realisation hit her: the tunnel was not merely forgotten; it was a gateway to something hidden beneath Eldermoor.

Suddenly, the ground trembled slightly. Shadows flickered at the edge of her vision, and an inexplicable chill ran down her spine. She knew she should leave, but her feet felt rooted to the spot. The whispers grew louder, more urgent, as if warning her to turn back. In her heart, she had uncovered only a fragment of a much greater secret. As she emerged into the night, the entrance sealed itself behind her, as if it had never existed. The Forgotten Tunnel remained hidden, its secrets still buried beneath layers of time.


Elias and the Alien

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Once upon a time, in a small, quiet town, there lived a man named Elias. He was gentle and kind-hearted, but his heart was weighed down by the sorrow of the world. Every day, he watched the news—wars tearing nations apart, children suffering in poverty, and the overwhelming tide of inequality that seemed to swallow hope. The weight of these injustices pressed down on him, filling his soul with sadness and despair. Elias often wandered into his garden, seeking solace among the flowers and trees, as if nature could somehow heal his wounded spirit. One quiet evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow, something extraordinary happened.

From the shimmering twilight, a figure descended gently into his garden. It was unlike anything Elias had ever seen—a being with luminous skin that shimmered like starlight, eyes deep and kind, radiating understanding. The alien’s presence was calming, almost as if it carried the universe’s wisdom within.

“Hello, Elias,” the alien spoke softly, voice soothing like a gentle breeze. “I am Lior, from a distant star system. I’ve come to see if I can bring some light into your heart.”

Elias stared, startled but captivated.

“Why me?” he asked, his voice trembling.

Lior smiled gently.

“Because your sorrow is the echo of many, and your hope is the seed of change. I come to show you that even amid darkness, there is a spark of light waiting to be kindled.”

The alien extended a hand, and in it appeared a small, glowing orb.

“This is the Spirit of Transformation,” Lior explained. “It holds the power to renew the heart, to see beyond the pain, and to believe in the possibility of a better world. But it must be nurtured with hope, compassion, and the willingness to act.”

Elias hesitated, then reached out and touched the orb. Instantly, a warm sensation flooded his entire being. His sadness began to dissolve, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and purpose. Visions filled his mind—of communities coming together, acts of kindness spreading like wildfire, and the power each person held to create change.

“You see,” Lior said softly, “the world’s wounds are great, but so too is the strength of compassion and hope. Transformation starts within each of us. When spirits are uplifted, they inspire others, and together, we can mend what is broken.”

Elias felt a spark ignite inside him—a promise that he could contribute, no matter how small, to making the world brighter. The alien’s visit had awakened a new spirit within him, one rooted in hope and love. As dawn approached, Lior slowly ascended back into the sky, leaving Elias with a renewed heart. From that day forward, Elias dedicated himself to kindness, to listening and helping, understanding that even in a world marred by suffering, hope and transformation begin with a single, compassionate act. And though the world still faced its struggles, Elias carried within him the luminous spark of renewal—proof that spirits can be transformed, and with them, the world can change. 

Koko the Talking Chimp – Voice of the Wild

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Once upon a time, in a lush jungle teeming with life, there lived a curious chimpanzee named Koko. Unlike any other of his kind, Koko had an extraordinary gift: one day, he suddenly learned to talk. It was a miracle that stunned scientists, villagers, and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. At first, everyone thought it was a trick or a clever parlour stunt. But Koko’s words were clear and heartfelt. Using a specially designed device that translated his gestures and sounds into speech, Koko began to speak about what he saw and felt in the world beyond his jungle home.

“People,” Koko said one day, “are destroying my home. They cut down trees, pollute the rivers, and hunt animals just to own more and more. They forget that the forest belongs to all of us—the birds, the fish, the insects, and the trees. We are all part of this world.”

His words spread like wildfire. News outlets around the world broadcast his message, and people everywhere listened with wide-eyed wonder. Koko described how humans had built cities that stretched forever, how greed drove them to take everything they could, and how this greed was hurting the Earth and all its creatures. But Koko’s message wasn’t just a cry of distress—it was a call to action.

“We must remember,” he said, “that the Earth is our home, and it is fragile. We must share it, care for it, and stop taking more than we need.”

The world was moved. People began to realise that the destruction of nature was not just an environmental issue but a moral one. Movements to protect forests, clean rivers, and preserve wildlife gained momentum. Children learned about conservation in schools, inspired by the voice of a little chimpanzee who spoke from the heart. Koko became a symbol of hope and the importance of listening to those who are voiceless. His story reminded everyone that even the smallest among us can make a big difference when they speak out for what is right. And so, the tale of Koko the talking chimpanzee became a legend—a shining example of how understanding and compassion can bridge the gap between humans and nature, leading us toward a better, kinder world.

The Lost Dog

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In a quiet little town nestled in a valley between rolling hills and dense forests, there lived a small, energetic, almost manic dog named Max. Max was a curious pup, always eager to explore every nook and cranny of the neighbourhood. One sunny morning, while chasing a butterfly, Max wandered farther than he ever had before. Suddenly, he found himself lost in unfamiliar woods, far from the familiar streets and scents he knew. Max barked loudly, his tiny heart pounding with fear. He missed his cosy home, the warm bed by the fireplace, and his owner’s gentle voice. As the hours passed, Max grew more anxious, worried and tired. Just as he was about to give up hope, a friendly dog named Buddy, a wise old retriever who knew the woods like the back of his paw, appeared.

“Hey there, little one,” Buddy said softly. “Are you lost?”

Max nodded, his eyes wide with worry. Buddy gently nudged Max with his nose.

“Don’t worry. I know these woods well. I can help you find your way home.”

With Buddy leading the way, Max felt a flicker of hope. They trotted through the trees, Buddy sharing stories of the woods and pointing out familiar landmarks. Along the way, Buddy kept a watchful eye out for any signs of Max’s home. After hours of walking, they reached the edge of town, where the familiar scent of baked bread and blooming flowers filled the air. Suddenly, Max’s nose twitched. He recognised the smell of his street and the sound of children playing nearby. He barked excitedly, tugging at Buddy’s tail.

“Thank you, Buddy,” Max barked happily. “I would never have found my way back without you.”

Buddy wagged his tail proudly.

“That’s what friends are for. Remember, even when you’re lost, there’s always someone willing to help.”

Max dashed down the street, tail wagging furiously, until he saw his house. His owner was standing outside, calling the little dog’s name. With tears of relief, Max leapt into her arms, happy and safe once more. From that day on, Max never wandered too far alone. And every time he saw Buddy, he’d bark a cheerful thank you, grateful for the brave friend who helped him find his way home. And so, in the little town in the valley surrounded by woods and hills, the story of the lost dog and his faithful friend became a tale of friendship, kindness, and the hope that guides us back home. 

The Dolphin and the Boy

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In a small coastal village, a curious little boy named Liam lived. He loved exploring the beach, collecting shells, and splashing in the waves. One bright summer afternoon, Liam decided to venture a little farther into the sea than usual, swimming happily near the shallow waters. Suddenly, the tide shifted unexpectedly, and Liam found himself caught in a powerful current pulling him further out into the open water. Panic gripped his little heart as he struggled to swim back to shore. His tiny arms grew tired, and he called out for help, but the distance was too great, and no one nearby heard his cries.

Just then, a sleek, shimmering dolphin named Luna was swimming nearby. Luna was known among the villagers for being friendly and gentle. When she heard Liam’s cries, she swiftly understood he was in trouble. Without hesitation, Luna darted closer to him, her keen eyes locking onto the frightened little boy. Luna gently nudged Liam with her nose, trying to comfort him. Seeing his distress, she decided to act. With powerful strokes, Luna swam alongside Liam, guiding him toward the shallows. She kept pace with him, sometimes jumping out of the water to get his attention, encouraging him to stay calm. Luna’s swift movements and gentle guidance helped Liam stay afloat and focused. She kept him company, weaving through the waves until they reached the safety of the sandy shore. As they neared the beach, Luna leapt out of the water one last time, signalling for help.

Hearing the commotion, a nearby fisherman rushed over and saw Liam safe on the shore, clutching his breathless but grateful mother. The villagers cheered, and everyone marvelled at the brave dolphin who had saved the boy. From that day on, Luna and Liam shared a special bond. The boy never forgot his brave dolphin friend, and every time he saw the ocean, he remembered the day Luna came to his rescue, proving that kindness and courage can come from the most unexpected places—even from a friendly dolphin in the deep blue sea.