Luang Prabang, like many important Buddhist places, was built on the confluence of two rivers. Here it created a slender peninsula flanking the south bank of the Mekong River, surrounded by lush and very dense jungle populated by a myriad of creatures. Monkeys, tigers, elephants, sun bears, leopards, dholes, [Apologies – I didn’t know what a Sammy is]
and even the occasional domesticated horse could be found, living in harmony with the Buddhists.
William would watch as the elephants and horses were harnessed to help the people shift loads, and travel long distances. Having the opportunity to travel with them, Captain Banana and he learned that their conversation was consumed with village defence, natural conservation and animal education. On one of those rides, the Captain befriended a street roving mutt who was preternaturally skilled in chess, earning him the byname Sammy Checkmate. The pup was so wonderfully engaging the Prince and the Captain had invited him to join their explorations.