The next day was business as usual. He got up at the crack of dawn to feed and rub down the horses. Next he reported to the kitchen for some breakfast, usually a hot bowl of porridge and some tea made by Karlen. 

After that the rest of the day was spent delivering food to the inn's patrons. The pirates from yesterday didn't return, though that didn't stop Foran from thinking about them. Had Rayden joined a crew already? Did he ever think about him anymore? Was he enjoying his free life? 

All day these questions and guilty thoughts ran through his mind. Not even seeing Leechbeard cheered him up much. 

Leechbeard was a former sky ship captain who frequented the inn's bar. An older man, his gingery blonde hair was streaked liberally with gray, though his green eyes were still bright and full of life. His name wasn't really Leechbeard, but after a memorable incident in which a leech got stuck in his long beard for a week, that became the nickname. He always had new stories to tell Foran and couldn usually answer any question the boy fired at him. 

When he swaggered into the bar and took his usual seat in the corner, Foran slid up with his usual; a tankard of mulled beer, half a pot roast, and a side of fried potatoes. 

He tried to slip away, not being in much of a mood to talk, but Leechbeard grabbed his arm and laughed,  "Hold up there lad! No time for your old friend today?" 

Foran sighed and dropped into the seat opposite him. 

"Sorry, Just having a bad day."

"What's eatin' you then  son?" Leechbeard inquired, cutting a slid of roast and eating it.

My best friend just paid off his slave debt. I'm stil not even halfway there." he said, disgruntled.

Chewing his food thoughtfully, Leechbeard replied, "Aye. That's put me in a sour mood as well. You're such a bright lad. This life is not that kind you deserve."

His eyes turned distant. "Wish there was somethin' I could do. But the master doesn't like me much, and he'll be even less keen to lose you. You're too good of a worker."

"Its not your fault. I'm just grouching because there's no one else to talk to." He sighed. "I'd better get back to work. Thanks for the talk."'

He began to walk away, but Leechbeard called him back. 

"Listen, Foran," he looked around shiftily. "If, if ye ever reckon you... you've had enough of this slave business... come to my house. I think I might have a chance for ye to do something worthwhile. Mind, don't be tellin anyone about this." He glanced around again. "Yes, best keep it secret. You're a special lad. Remember that won't ye?" 

Foran nodded, confused but grateful. Leechbeard heaved himself up a moment later. 

"Well, I best be pushin' on," he said, in normal tones now. "Take care laddie." And with that, he swung open the tavern door, let in the white sunlight and salty air, and sauntered out.