Chapter 11

"You can't stay in there forever, Naboo!" Howard shouted through the door of Naboo's bedroom. He hadn't come out since the visit to The Board of Shamans the night before.

"Howard, let me talk to him." Vince said.

"Why? It won't do anything."

"It's worth a try."

"Fair enough." Howard said grudgingly, opening the door. Vice walked in.

"Naboo? Are you ok?"

"Go away! I'm fine!" Came Naboo's reply. He was sitting with his back to Vince, but his voice cracked slightly.

"Naboo, are you crying?" Vince asked, shocked.

"No! Go away!" Naboo shouted.

"Naboolio, what's wrong?" Vince asked softly.

"Nothing, go away!" Naboo was now openly sobbing.

"Come on, you can talk to me." Vince reassured him.

The tiny shaman spoke with shuddering breaths that shook his whole body.

"Don't you understand? I'm stuck here! I can't go anywhere without a jailer. This is hell!"

"Look, I'll talk to Howard about asking The Board of Shamans to undo your punishment. Meanwhile, we could hang out a bit. You'd get out of the house, and I'd give you your space."

"Yeah." Said Naboo, calming down.

"Great! Do you fancy a day out tomorrow?" Vince asked, once again enthusiastic. Naboo nodded. "Look, I know you don't want to, but try and get on with Howard. He's got your best interests at heart."

"Ok." Came the grudging response.

"Thanks. Do you want some lunch?"

"Yeah."

"Cool. I'll leave you to get sorted out." Vince patted his friend on the shoulder and left. Howard was standing outside.

"How did it go?" He asked.

"Really well. We're going out tomorrow." Vince bounced off into the kitchen, leaving Howard amazed at what he'd achieved.