"The grain supply issue is the exact reason I have to crack down. I don't know if you've heard but there is a plague of locusts on the boarder that is destroying crops. These funds will go towards feeding people, but as you said this is a vicious cycle, not my problem if people starve," A not so indirect hint.

"You're unsure I've heard?" Collin repeated, this time with a genuinely amused smile. "I hear more than most, you know that." He reached up and tapped his ear. "But speaking of starvation, Captain Waverider, Kaladin, Lady Starlight and I had lunch plans. It's perhaps for the best that somebody look after them, yes? Given Waverider's reputation, death by malnutrition seems..." He waved a hand vaguely. "...Less than ideal."

"By all means go have lunch but I will be having my meeting later. I certainly hope, for your sake, Sir Collin you don't have any debts," Sir Ackley responds.
After a bit longer Sir Ackley walks away.
Selkie breaths out and smiles, "Thank you Collin. Sir Ackley is not easy to deal with."

"...Good day to you, too." Collin gave Selkie a nod once Ackley was gone. "It's my duty and privilege to protect civilians." He said, with a genuine smile this time. "I hope you weren't subject to that for too long."

"You got here just in time. A few minutes later and I would have been in a debtor's prison," Selkie smiles back, "Let's get going before he comes back."
Starlight frowns looking in Starlight's direction, sensing this Selkie tries to reassure her without saying a word.

"Oh, pay him no mind. I assure you, somebody in that port has blackmail on him should he try to prosecute." Collin shrugged, hopping down from his horse and leading him back to town by the reins. "But do find a better sponsor before you leave here. Sir Ackley can be quite avaricious, really."

"I've been trying Collin the problem is that he was my father's sponsor. Apparently, Sir Ackley wasn't as ambitious then and after the Anabeth sunk after my father died, I was stuck with his debts. Do you have any ideas?"

"Forgive me for being rude, but how much debt?" Collin questioned.

"About ten thousand pounds. The Anabeth had to be refitted and with some added debt from repairs to the Crest. That and all of the intrest he charges makes it impossible for me to pay it off even if I sold the Crest and got a job as the admiral of Luner's navy."

Collin twitched an ear. "See, that's how he snags you...." He sighed. "Can you not get a loan to pay off your contract?"