Chapter 28
The tiny shaman runs in.
"What? What's wrong? What happened? Where's Vince?" He looks around, panicking.
"I'm here, Naboo, and I'm fine."
"Then what's wrong? Who shouted?"
"That would be us."
"Why?" Naboo demands, visibly calmer.
"We need to talk."
"About you."
"And Vince."
"And his house arrest."
"He isn't under house arrest. And stop doing that."
"If you won't let him out, he's under house arrest."
"No he isn't."
"Yes he is."
"No he isn't."
"Get to the point, you two." Chepi interrupts.
"Naboo, we have a proposal."
"Sweet as your love is, I really don't see how it involves me."
"Naboo, we are friends."
"He's only winding you up." Mereki says. "Just say what you have to say."
"Naboo, you want what's best for Vince, don't you?"
"Of course!"
"So, what do you think of us taking Vince out for a day? It's not as though he'd be unsafe; he'd have all of us with him at all times. So, what do you say?"
"I don't know."
"Saboo, I give my word as head of the board of shamen that Vince will be safe with us."
"Dennis, can I be brutally honest with you?"
"Of course, Naboo."
"Your word means nothing to me."
"That's hurtful, Naboo."
"That also means nothing to me."
"Shut up, Dennis." Saboo interrupts. He moves to stand in front of Naboo. "I give my word, Naboo. He'll be safe, I promise." I can see Naboo thinking it over.
"Vince, is this what you want?" I nod. "Ok then. But" he turns to the group. "if anything happens, I will make sure that each and every one of you dies a slow and painful death. Do you understand?" They all nod. "Good."