Chapter 9

Naboo is trying to convince Vince to let him remove his clothes so he can get into the bath. "Nothing bad will happen, Vince."

"You promise you won't be angry?"

"Why would I be angry?"

"Do you promise?"

"I promise." Vince allows Naboo to prise the clothes away from his thin body. The shaman can hardly hold in his gasp.

Each one of Vince's ribs is clearly, and his whole body is covered in scars and bruises. Some look old, but others look brand new. His joints are sharp and angular, and he's filthy.

"Are you angry?" Asks a timid voice, pulling him from his thoughts.

"No, of course not! Do you need a hand getting in?" Vince shakes his head and climbs into the bath.

"S'warm." He comments.

"Is it too hot?" Naboo asks, panicked.

"No…s'nice." He murmurs happily. Naboo smiles as he sees Vince's body relax.

"Good. I need to talk to Bollo, but I'll be right outside if you need me."

"Yes 'Boo." Smiling at the name, Naboo steps outside the room, carrying Vince's clothes.

"Bollo!" He calls quietly.

"What Naboo want?"

"Take these. Throw them away, burn them, do what you want with them, just get rid of them. There's no way anyone can wear them." He hands Bollo the clothes. "Bring one of my spare robes when you're done, yeah?" The ape nods. "Thanks, Bollo."