Chapter 3The tavern gradually quietened as the evening went on and Stephen slowly supped at another tankard of ale, relieved to stretch his legs now the other occupants of the table had departed. He took his time over the drink, conscious of the few coins in his purse as well as the need to stay alert in the darkness when ambling back to the ferry.
Ioan’s neat form was always visible, darting about the room, serving ale and food, talking and laughing with regular customers. Occasionally, he would glance in Stephen’s direction, eyebrows raised as if to check that Stephen was content. Eventually, he came back to the table with platefuls of steaming food for them both.
“Tuck in while it’s hot,” he said, sitting opposite Stephen and eating hungrily.
Stephen was surprised he had an appetite
