The Same Ropes

At first light, Pasken returned to Navren's boat. The rope repaired the day before was where they had left it. It had not given way and showed no sign of twisting. The apprentice examined its entire length before loosening the mooring. Granek watched from the quay, sheltered from the rain by a sheet of canvas. “Found anything?” “No.” “Then why are you taking so long?” Pasken said nothing, afraid of the answer. Granek nodded slowly. “Good. Dangerous things aren't obliged to warn you.” By the time Navren arrived, the line was ready and the knot had passed two inspections. The boatman would have preferred just one, and a quicker departure. He kept that to himself. He set off only when Granek gave him the signal.