About six hundred credits in all.
This was his "pension," set aside for any misfortune that might befall him, or to buy himself the cheapest possible coffin.
Without the slightest hesitation, he held the entire little pouch out to Leo.
"There are six hundred credits here." Warren's voice was perfectly calm. "Take it. Pay off your debt."
Leo and Konrad both froze.
Leo stared at the heavy pouch, at the money that represented a mortal's lifetime of savings, and for a moment, he even forgot to cry. His mouth hung open as he stared in disbelief at the blind old man before him.
"Uncle Warren... I... I can't take this! You spent your whole life earning it!" Leo's voice trembled.
"Keeping it won't do me much good. It's only a coffin. I'll end up in one sooner or later." Warren's tone brooked no argument. "Take it. But Leo, remember this."
His voice suddenly turned stern.
"I'm paying your debt so you can live, not so you can gamble again. From today on, stop doing this damned job. The Underhive is vast. The timid starve, while the bold eat their fill. You can scavenge, you can steal, you can even join one of the less vicious gangs. Any of those would be better than letting those bloodsuckers use you as a stepping stone."
Warren reached out and clapped Leo heavily on the shoulder.
"But most importantly, you must live like a human being. Don't rob people, and never hurt anyone weaker than you. Because today, an old blind man who had nothing to do with you saved your life. In the future, when you see someone with nowhere left to turn, I hope you'll remember today and reach out your hand."
With that, Warren lingered no longer. He turned and slowly