Jungle Shadow

PROLOGUE

Ramakien is Thailand's national epic. Since its introduction to the Thai people, the Ramakien has become a firm component of the culture. The most complete version of Ramakien was written between the years of 1797 and 1807 under the supervision of His Majesty King Rama I (1736-1809) who even wrote parts of it. The Ramakien of Rama I is considered one of the masterpieces of the Thai literature. It is still read, and is taught in Thailand’s schools. On account of its melodies and verses, the Ramakien composed by his son King Rama II is most widely used for actual productions. The works have had an important influence on Thai literature, art and drama. It is derived from the Indian Ramayana epic. Although Thailand is considered a Theravada Buddhist society, the Hindu mythology obtained from the Ramakien serves to provide Thai legends with a creation myth, as well as representations for the spirits that both help and hinder humans on their way to enlightenment. It also gives a balance to the Thai superstitions evolved from animism.

In the Ramakien, monkey armies are used by Pra Ram to battle against the demon king Tosakanth’s demon armies. Hanuman, one of the legendary characters, is the monkey god and is a noble hero and a great devotee of Pra Ram. He is Pra Ram’s most trusted general. He is renowned for his courage, power, loyalty and selfless service. Hanuman is a white monkey with hair like diamonds, fangs of crystal, four faces and eight arms. He has the ability to transform his appearance and can become a giant or extremely small. He has the ability to disappear. He is the son of the god of wind and can fly through the air. He has the magical power of when he yawns, he exhales suns, moons, and stars. Another symbol of Hanuman is a jewel on his forehead which is a similar to the one that appears on statues of the Buddha and represents inner energy.

Hanuman has many roles and many character traits which are displayed in the various aspects of Thai society. He was on pennants that were used when entering into battle. Hanuman is often used in the building of edifices and for protection in Thai tattoos. Hanuman permeates muay thai where even footwork is taught by the telling of the story from the Ramakien. He enthralls and captures the hearts of his audience, especially children. Hanuman is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and devotion.

Hanuman is affected by compassion. He volunteered for duty and was prepared to sacrifice his life, with no expectation of any reward, and was given no promise from Pra Ram of any recompense of any sort. From the Thai point of view, Hanuman is a hero figure, brave and able, both clever and physically agile. He shrugs off heavy attacks with a laugh. Hanuman is assumed to be immortal and invulnerable for whenever he is killed, it only requires a breath of his father the wind god to blow upon him and he is revived. Countries such as Japan and China have similar monkey gods. Throughout Asia for at least a thousand years, Hanuman may be the first super hero in history.

JUNGLE SHADOW

WAI KROO

It’s dawn in Lampang city Thailand at a small Thai boxing gym. The aroma of boxing liniment fills the air. A muscular grey haired man is sitting in the office, talking on the phone and drinking Red Bull. A couple of guys are at the heavy bag. One holds the bag steady while the other whacks it with his shins. Another pair are practicing some forms and technique. Two are in the ring, Anon and Sampol, both wearing black and gold trunks and black boxing gloves. Their lean and muscular bodies starting to break a sweat as they move in a sequence of tensing in anticipation of an attack then easing off. Like a dance they circle each other, hands up in front of their faces and rhythmically stepping, occasionally lifting their knees up. Anon kicks. Sampol's knee pops up. Thwack, shin on shin. They circle. Sampol jabs. Anon elbow deflects. Sampol knees him in the side. They grab each other around the necks and let a flurry of knees to each other’s ribs. Anon pushes him toward the ropes. Sampol gets a front kick in Anon’s solar plexus pushing him away. Smiling, they circle each other some more. Anon wipes his forehead with his wrist to keep the sweat from dripping in his eyes.

Did you come to spar or dance? Sampol asks with a smirk.

A bit of both, Anon replies.

They laugh for a second then Anon punches Sampol’s cheek. His head jolts. He recovers and elbows upward. Anon dodges to the left into Sampol’s other elbow. Sweat flies off of his short cropped hair.

Oh, good one, Anon remarks.

Sampol grins. They start circling again.

The grey haired man comes over with some water and towels. He slings one towel apiece on the ropes and sets the water at ring side.

Hey guys.

They stop sparring and go to the rope. The grey haired man walks back to the office.

Thank you teacher.

Thank you teacher.

They sit down letting their feet dangle over the edge of the ring. Sampol wipes his face with a towel. Anon wraps his around his neck and leans on the bottom rope.

You’re getting real good, Anon says

You’re good, I love sparring with you. Keeps me on my toes.

You’re a natural.

I don’t know, I’m okay, I guess.

Modest too, he pats him on the back. "Do you want to have another

round?"

I would but I got to go to class. I need to turn in a paper. It was due yesterday.

Sampol makes a beeline for the teacher’s offices. The door is open and he sees his professor sat at his desk looking out the window. He slowly takes a sip of water then puts the glass down, never taking his eyes from the window. Sampol anxiously knocks on the door jam. Startled from his daydream, Professor Jib looks over.

Sampol, come in.

I’m here to turn my paper in.

Sampol puts the report on Jib’s desk, who slides the paper closer. He purses his lips and leans in to look, immediately looking back up at Sampol.

This paper is late.

I know, I know. Sorry.

I’ll have to mark it down one grade.

Yes professor Jib, I understand.

Sampol leaves the office and heads for class. Professor Jib picks up his glasses from the desk. He leans back and wipes the lenses clean with his shirt. Glasses clean, he starts reading the paper Sampol had handed in. As he’s reading the paper, Professor Hin walks in to office. Hin is tall for a Thai at five feet ten inches and has a stocky build. Jib looks up, glasses on the tip of his nose. Hey, weren’t you talking about a lost cave temple or something?

Yeah, that’s why I’ve been recruiting students for an excursion. Why do you ask?

You might be interested in this. Jib hands him Sampol’s paper. That sounds a lot like what you were researching a few months ago.

So it does. Who wrote this again?

Sampol

Sampol, that sounds familiar.

I’m sure he attended one of your lectures last year.

My lecture? Hin reflects. I remember now. Do you know where can I find him?

I think he’s usually in the library in the mornings.

It’s a warm spring morning in Lampang Thailand. The mid morning sun is blazing in the sky. A few puffs of clouds dot the skyline. Yanok college. At the entrance of the college is a statue of Buddha in a semi ornate pavilion. Sampol turns to the Buddha statue, puts his hands together in a prayer gesture and raises them to his head. He brings his hands down and heads to the library. The white buildings of the college reflect the sun and its warmth. His black hair glistens as a bead of sweat drips down his temple. Dangled over his shoulder is his traditional northern Thai bag. He rummages in it searching through the papers and books stuffed inside as he walks up the path to the library. A female voice comes from behind, Sampol, you still using a yahm?

Oh, Petchara, hi. Yeah, he replies with a semi embarrassed smile. He pats his yahm and lifts the bottom up slightly, Tradition and function. I like it, it works.

Petchara smiles, how are your classes going?

He looks at her lips for a second then gets entranced by her dark brown eyes.

Good. How about yours?

Not bad, might take a break for a while though. Go traveling or maybe apply for an exchange programme.

That sounds good, he looks down disheartened.

Where you headed now? She glances at ....

The library to find a book on.....

Ah, well I’m off to get some papaya salad, she interrupts.

I’ll see you around. Bye.

Oh, if you can make it, I’m doing a gig Friday at the Piano Jazz Club.

You still singing?

Yeah.

That’s good. I’ll be there.

Great, well see ya, bye.

He watches her as she leaves. He starts walking up the stairs to the doors of the library looking back often to watch her as she goes. Nearly out of view now, he reaches the doors to the library. He looks back one more time. Sampol is still watching Petchara walk away as he reaches for the door. Professor Hin opens the door, coming out of the library. Sampol still not paying attention, bumps into the professor.

Oh sorry.

Sampol, is that you?

Professor Hin?

It’s been a long time.

What brings you to Lampang.

I am doing an expedition for the museum. I didn’t know you went to this college.

Yeah still not sure of a direction, I’m just taking courses to fulfill my requirements to get my degree, it’s close to home and it’s a good college.

Well, I was in the office of professor Jib and I happened to see your paper on the cavern temple myths and a lost cavern temple...., I’m curious about your research. Why’d you choose to do a paper on that?

It was just something that interested me.

Good, good. I mention it because I’m taking some students with me to a village north of Chiang Mai. It’s high in the Chiang Dao mountain range

They’ve already discovered that temple professor.

No, not that one, other side of that mountain range. It’s the opposite end to the Tam Chiang Dao caves mountain. A friend said he found what could be a hidden temple. I could use one more hands.

In a cave?

I’m not sure of specifics.

Caves huh?

You’re not claustrophobic are you? Have you been caving before?

Not really, I saw a show on bats. They poo on the floors.

So it’s got nothing to do with the myths then?

How many people are you taking?

Well you’d be six. Your research makes you an important addition to the group.

Sampol