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.

Dylan Thomas

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Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer born on October 27, 1914, in Swansea, Wales. He is renowned for his lyrical and emotive poetry, characterized by rich imagery and a musical quality. Thomas’s early life was shaped by the coastal landscape of Swansea and his family’s love for literature. He published his first collection of poetry, “18 Poems,” in 1934, which garnered attention for its innovative use of language and form. Throughout his career, Thomas wrote several notable works, including “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night,” a villanelle that explores themes of mortality and defiance.

In addition to poetry, Thomas wrote plays and short stories. His radio broadcasts, particularly the famous “Under Milk Wood,” showcased his dialogue and character development talent. His work often reflects his personal struggles, including his tumultuous relationships and battles with alcoholism.

Dylan Thomas’s influence extends beyond literature; his work has inspired musicians, filmmakers, and other artists. He passed away on November 9, 1953, in New York City, but his legacy endures through his powerful poetry and unique voice in 20th-century literature.

Dragons Who Saved the World Abstract

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Drako

Wind Dragon

Once upon a time, in a magical land, there lived a dragon named Drako. He was unlike any other dragon in the realm. While other dragons breathed fire and hoarded treasure, Drako had a unique passion for the wind. He would spend his days soaring high above the clouds, feeling the gentle breeze against his scales, and listening to the harmonious melody it created as it whistled through the trees. Drako admired the wind’s freedom and grace. He marvelled at how it could travel anywhere it pleased, carrying whispers and stories from distant lands. Drako often imagined himself as the wind, dancing through the sky and exploring the vast wonders of the world.

One day, as Drako was gliding through the sky, he came across a small village nestled in a lush valley. The villagers, who had never seen a dragon before, were terrified at the sight of Drako. They hid inside their homes, fearing that he would unleash his fiery breath upon them. Curious and saddened by the villagers’ fear, Drako decided to show them his gentle nature. He descended from the sky and landed in the village square, making sure not to harm anyone or anything with his massive wings. The villagers cautiously peered out from behind their windows, their eyes wide with both fear and wonder. Drako approached them with a friendly smile, trying his best not to appear intimidating.

“My name is Drako,” he said softly. “I mean you no harm. I come in peace.”

The villagers hesitated for a moment, but seeing the sincerity in Drako’s eyes, they cautiously stepped forward. They soon realized that Drako was not like the other dragons they had heard tales of. Drako was kind, gentle, and harboured a deep reverence for the wind. Intrigued by Drako’s unique qualities, the children of the village gathered around him, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. Drako saw this as an opportunity to share his love for the wind and inspire the children. He began to tell them stories of his adventures through the skies, describing the breath-taking landscapes he had seen and the enchanting sounds of the wind he had heard. The children listened intently, their imaginations ignited by Drako’s words.

As the sun began to set, Drako spread his wings and took flight, his scales shimmering in the golden light. The children watched in awe as he gracefully soared through the air, riding the currents of the wind. Inspired by Drako’s passion and bravery, the children decided to create a special celebration in honour of the wind. They built colourful windmills and kites, decorating them with symbols of the wind and the dragon who worshipped it. Every year, on the same day, the village celebrated the Wind Festival. They flew their kites high in the sky, their laughter carried by the wind, and they danced joyously to the music it created.

Drako was their honoured guest, and together, they celebrated the beauty and power of the wind. And so, Drako the dragon, who worshipped the wind, not only brought joy and inspiration to the village but also taught them the importance of embracing the unique passions and qualities that make each individual special. From that day forward, the village and Drako lived in harmony, forever connected by their reverence for the wind and the dragon who showed them the beauty of following one’s heart.

Digital Illustrations by Gill Brooks

Anthony Trollope

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Anthony Trollope (1815–1882) was an English novelist and civil servant, known for his prolific writing and keen social observations. He is best known for his series of novels set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, which explore the lives and interactions of its inhabitants, often highlighting themes of politics, love, and social change.

Born in London, Trollope faced various challenges in his early life, including financial difficulties. He worked for the Post Office, where he developed a disciplined writing routine, often composing during his commute. This dedication enabled him to publish numerous works, including “The Warden,” “Barchester Towers,” and the “Palliser” series.

Trollope’s writing is characterized by its realism, humor, and deep understanding of human nature. He was a pioneer in the use of serialized fiction, which allowed him to reach a broad audience. Despite facing criticism during his time, he has since been recognized as one of the major Victorian novelists, influencing many writers who followed.

In addition to his literary work, Trollope was known for his travels and interest in politics. He was an advocate for social reform and often infused his political views into his narratives. His legacy endures, with many of his novels still in print and widely read today. 

Samuel Butler

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Samuel Butler (1835–1902) was an English novelist, essayist, and critic best known for his works that often explored themes of individuality and the conflict between human values and societal norms. He is particularly famous for his novel “Erewhon” (1872), which satirizes Victorian society and presents a utopian vision that critiques contemporary social and moral values. Butler was also an early advocate for evolutionary theory, and his ideas about evolution and its implications are evident in his writings. He wrote extensively on various topics, including religion, art, and literature, and is known for his keen observation and often unconventional views.

In addition to “Erewhon,” Butler’s other notable works include “The Way of All Flesh” (1903), a semi-autobiographical novel that examines the struggles between personal freedom and familial expectations. Throughout his life, Butler challenged the norms of his time, leaving a lasting impact on literature and thought. His life was marked by a blend of artistic ambition and a critical perspective on society, making him an important figure in Victorian literature.

The Madness of Outback’s Shadow

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In the heart of the Australian Outback, there existed a legend whispered among the indigenous tribes: the tale of Outback’s Shadow, a monstrous kangaroo driven mad by the spirits of the land. According to legend, Outback’s Shadow was cursed for trespassing into sacred grounds, and ever since, it roamed the desolate plains, seeking vengeance on any who dared enter its domain. The story was dismissed as a mere folktale by most, but for those who lived near the Outback, it was a different matter entirely.

The small town of Dusty Creek was plagued by strange occurrences; livestock was found brutally mutilated, and eerie howls echoed through the night. People whispered that Outback’s Shadow was real, and it hungered for human flesh. One fateful evening, a group of adventurous tourists, drawn by the legend, ventured into the heart of the Outback. Among them was Sarah, a young woman with a penchant for the macabre.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group set up camp, oblivious to the danger lurking in the darkness. As the night wore on, the air grew thick with an otherworldly stillness. The crackling campfire is the only source of warmth and comfort in this vast expanse of wilderness. A blood-curdling screech shattered the silence, sending shivers down the spines of the campers. Terrified, they huddled together, their eyes scanning the inky blackness for any sign of movement. It was then they saw it: a pair of malevolent, glowing eyes fixated on them from the shadows. Outback’s Shadow had found its prey.

The creature emerged from the darkness, towering over the campers on hind legs, fur mottled and matted, its eyes burning with madness. Sarah and her companions recoiled in horror as Outback’s Shadow let out a guttural, unearthly growl. Driven by primal instinct, they scattered, but the kangaroo, fuelled by an insatiable bloodlust, pursued them relentlessly. One by one, it picked them off, tearing through flesh and bone with incredible savage ferocity. Sarah, her heart pounding in terror, found herself alone, the agonized screams of her friends echoing hauntingly in the night.

Desperate and on the brink of despair, Sarah stumbled upon a cave, its entrance shrouded in ominous shadows. With no other options, she sought refuge within, hoping to evade the ravenous creature stalking her. As she delved deeper into the cavern’s murky depths, she discovered a series of crude drawings etched onto the walls, depictions of a kangaroo, its eyes ablaze with malevolence, and scenes of carnage and suffering. It was then she realized the truth: Outback’s Shadow was no mere beast; it was a malevolent entity, a twisted spirit bound to the form of a kangaroo, cursed to wreak havoc upon any who dared encroach upon its domain. But before Sarah could process this revelation, she heard a guttural snarl emanating from the cave’s entrance. Outback’s Shadow had found her. In a frenzied panic, she stumbled deeper into the darkness, heart pounding deep in her chest. The walls seemed to close in around her, and the air grew thick with a palpable sense of dread. Sarah’s breath came in ragged gasps as she frantically sought a way out, but the labyrinthine passages seemed to twist and turn, leading her deeper into the heart of the cursed cavern.

The oppressive darkness enveloped her, and the walls seemed to pulse with malevolent energy. She stumbled into a chamber bathed in an eerie, ethereal glow. In the centre of the chamber, a gnarled tree stood, its twisted branches reaching toward the ceiling like skeletal fingers. As Sarah cautiously approached the tree, she noticed an ancient, weathered tome resting at its base. With trembling hands, she opened the book and began to decipher the cryptic text within its pages.

The tome spoke of an ancient ritual, a ritual that could break the curse binding Outback’s Shadow to the physical realm. Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Sarah fervently studied the arcane instructions. The ritual required her to gather rare herbs and perform an intricate sequence of incantations at the exact stroke of midnight when the veil between the spirit world and the living world were thinnest. With the weight of the ancient tome in her hands, Sarah ventured deeper inside the cavern, determined to seek out the elusive herbs. Minutes stretched into hours as she scoured the subterranean passages, her senses honed to the slightest rustle or whisper that might lead to the ingredients she sought. As the midnight hour approached, Sarah emerged from the depths of the cave, clutching the precious herbs in her trembling hands.

With unwavering resolve, she returned to the gnarled tree and prepared to enact the ritual that could break the curse of Outback’s Shadow. The air crackled with otherworldly energy as Sarah meticulously followed the instructions, her voice infused with ancient power as she chanted sacred incantations. The very ground seemed to tremble when the ritual reached its crescendo, and the chamber became bathed in an ethereal glow. Suddenly, a bestial howl pierced the air, and Outback’s Shadow materialized before her, eyes ablaze with fury. But as the ritual neared completion, the creature’s form began to waver, its roars turning into anguished cries. With a final, resounding incantation, Sarah completed the ritual, and a blinding flash of light filled the chamber.

When the radiance subsided, Outback’s Shadow was gone, and the oppressive aura that before shrouded the cavern evaporated like mist in the morning sun. Exhausted but triumphant, Sarah emerged from the cave, the weight of the ancient tome still heavy in her hands. As the first light of dawn painted the horizon, she knew that she had broken the curse that had plagued the Outback for centuries. From that day forward, the legend of Outback’s Shadow faded into obscurity, and the cursed creature was never seen or heard from again.

Some whispered it had been banished to the spirit realm, while others believed it had found peace at last. For Sarah, the memories of that fateful night would forever linger, a testament to the inexplicable terrors lurking in the depths of the Outback. But she also carried with her the knowledge that even the most malevolent of spirits could be vanquished with courage, determination, and the enduring power of ancient magic.