Chapter 1
Naboo feels rubbish. He's not sure why, he just does.
"Bollo, what's wrong with me?"
"Naboo high?"
"No."
"Naboo tired?"
"No."
"Naboo going to work it out himself?"
"Shove off, Bollo." Bollo goes to leave, then turns back.
"Dennis downstairs."
"What does he want?"
"Bollo no know. Naboo talk to him. Tell him to leave."
"Ok." He stands up and trawls downstairs.
"What do you want, Dennis?"
"Good day to you too, Naboo."
"Dennis, I don't like you and you don't like me. Get to the point." He looks to the Head Shaman's side and does a double-take. "What is that?" Dennis frowns.
"He isn't an it, Naboo. He's a he." He gently pushes a small child forward. "This is Vincent."
Naboo takes a minute to properly look at the child. He's tiny, no more than 2 or 3 years old. He's too thin, even Naboo can see that. His hair is long and matted. Scars and bruises cover every piece of visible skin, and he looks terrified. Naboo swallows his emotion and keeps his face expressionless.
"And? What do you want me to do about it?"
"You are going to look after him."
"What? Dennis, I have no idea how to look after a child!"
"Don't worry, you'll pick it up."
"Can't someone else do it?" He pleads.
"No." Dennis replies in a tone that leaves no space for argument.
Naboo looks down at the child again. He hasn't spoken or even looked at Naboo since he arrived.
"Fine." Dennis grins.
"Good. Goodbye, then, Naboo." And with that, he leaves.
"Vince, wasn't it? Well, come on then." He says, then turns and walks upstairs, followed closely by the child.