Kael
The carpenter rejected my knot.
I had expected criticism of the board.
"What's wrong with it?"
He pulled the loose end.
The knot opened.
"That."
I looked at the rope.
It was difficult to argue with a demonstration.
He showed me the right way and waited while I tried again.
The second knot held.
I pulled harder, then checked whether the pieces inside the bundle could slide past one another.
The carpenter moved my thumb away from the tightening loop.
"Keep that out."
I looked at the little space where it had been.
"A valuable addition to the lesson."
He waited until I pulled again with my hand clear. The bundle stayed together.
Somewhere nearby, a carrier laughed. I chose to believe he was enjoying an unrelated event.
"Good. Do the other three."
No rank assessment followed.
No points appeared.
I sat on the low stool and worked through the remaining ties.
