537: Clement Atkins Extra Story 2 (Second Update)

In Clement Atkins' memory, there was no role for a mother.

He had never asked Cyril Atkins who his mother was, nor did he want to know. He guessed she might have been a prostitute from the Red Light District or perhaps a card dealer at a casino, but it didn't matter.

Cyril Atkins, originally from Witham in Gregner, had smuggled himself into Vigalanka after serving his prison sentence. He was a desperado who had been to many places, specializing in kidnapping for ransom.

Clement was an accomplice. Why be an accomplice?

To survive.

When Cyril had money, he gambled and visited brothels. In a good mood, he might give Clement something to eat; in a bad one, he'd beat and kick him. But Clement was tough; somehow he managed to survive, dragging his frail and despicable body through more than a decade.

One summer, Cyril brought home a hostage.

"Keep a good eye on her."