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Track Listing:
1. The Region of the Summer Stars (Taliesin) - Following the ravages of the Yellow Plague, Taliesin leaves the courts of the dead king Maelgwn. He reflects that in stumbling blindly through life's bog we must be careful not to follow any will o' the wisp in the mist. Calling himself together he remembers that the whole of history is a struggle for the fragments of God to find their way back home - to the Region of the Summer Stars.
2. The Dragons of Dinas Emrys (Merlin Ambrosius) - Merlin tells the allegorical story of the interment of the Dragons of Conflict by the legendary King Lud. The Dragons coalesce in their struggle, are trapped and sealed at Dinas Emrys in Snowdonia, guarded by the Pheryllt, a Druid brotherhood. When conflict returns to the land and Dinas Emrys falls into disrepair and collapses despite the efforts of King Vortigern to shore it up, the Dragons are released and once more rage across the land.
3. The Battle of Badon Hill (Aneirin) - The first section is a lament over the Gododdin, a British tribal army slaughtered by the Saxons at Catterick. The next section recalls the great British victory under Arthur at Badon Hill. Although that time is past, its lesson of determination and struggle in the face of overwhelming odds provides a permanent contribution to legend.
4. The Conflagration - The old civilisation recedes under the twin onslaughts of raiders and missionaries. The Last Druids retire to the forests, reflecting that the new religion of meekness, submission and comfort is more suited to chaotic times.
5. A Short Life (Llywarch) - A lament for Llywarch's son Gwyn, killed in his youth. "Were I blest he would have escaped". A short life may still be remembered and cherished, and have more impact than many that are longer. This piece is dedicated to my son Gerard, 1987 - 1999.
6. Knowing Another World (Merlin the Wild) - Having been driven mad at the terrible battle of Arderydd where the pagan King Gwenddoleu was defeated by the christian King Rhydderch, Merlin hides in the forest of Celidon. While mourning the passing of the old world, he prophecies that one day the Dragons will once more be subdued, and people will remember that their home is indeed in the Region of the Summer Stars - and perhaps then they will recall the dim stories of the Last Druids.
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