Here he is, splendidly imagined by Steve, using AI technology. The Emperor of China, one of the most exotic and eccentric characters in the whole of the Angel Mountain narrative. In the pages of "Guardian Angel" Martha gives him a bit of help, and he reciprocates.........
His name was John Wylde, and he really did exist. His celestial empire extended for a few acres in the district called Pontystorehouse -- right in the midst of the industrial mayhem of 1840's Merthyr Tydfil. This fine fellow was at the top of the criminal pyramid, ruling over an assortment of thieves, thugs, prostitutes and pimps -- some were referred to as Rodneys, Nymphs and Bullies. His place of residence was excavated out of the Bethesda Cinder Tip, one of the more stable ash heaps adjacent to the Cyfartha iron works. He and his Empress lived in considerable style, surrounded by stolen goods, and "China" was effectively beyond the reach of the law. Around 1500 people lived on and in the slag tips of the iron town, in incredibly primitive conditions. Truth or mythology? Who cares? Anyway, I could not resist pulling him into the narrative and playing a role in the adventures of our heroine Martha Morgan.........
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