The dock air was cold and refreshing. Workers loaded small ships with trade goods and fish, while others brought in items to sell at local markets. Smaller private vessels wove between the larger ships. Kazimir’s footsteps creaked with the bowing of warped wooden planks beneath him. The benign lapping of waves against the wooden posts of the port stilled the most rambunctious heart.
Kazimir stopped to enjoy the ambiance as wind wafted the salt water aroma through the air. Like a knife spilling blood, the frantic actions of a man sliced the melancholy atmosphere. He appeared to be a distraught page. His eyes darted back and forth followed by his aimlessly shuffling feet. He reached through his pockets searching for something he couldn’t find no matter how many times he checked them.
Without missing a beat, Kazimir averted his attention toward the young page. He wanted to enjoy the day off, but none could shun the call of duty. “Calm down. Tell me what I can do to help you?”
The page looked wide-eyed at the unexpected assistance. Even more so when he realized it came from a fellow rune knight. “Oh, uh, hmmm,” he said still gazing around the port. “I was asked by the lord to do a patrol around here. I’m just starting out. It’s a lot to take in, coming from a small village and all. I’m Collin. Collin Simmers.”
It was apparent that Kazimir would have to stop him from talking if he wanted to get a word in. “Okay, Collin. I’m Kazimir. Just relax, you’re doing a routine patrol. Nothing to get worked up about. Just keep a level head and you’ll do just fine alright.” Kazimir tried to calm the page down but it didn’t seem to work as well as he hoped.
The page rubbed the back of his neck vigorously, “Do you think you could help me with this one. I thought I would join the Knights to see the world but now I have this request from the lord of Hargeon already, and it’s just a lot to do and I don’t know if I can handle it. I mean what…”
“Alright. I’ll help you on the patrol. Just tell me where you have left to finish. We can split up and take care of it.” His tone was empathetic as he felt like they were in similar situations, just trying to do the best they could.
Collin’s shoulders sagged down untensed and his eyes filled with relief. He grasped Kazimir’s hands,
“Thank you, thank you. Can you just check over that way?” He pointed to the southern part of the docks.
Kazimir slowly took his hands back, “I’m on it. Let's meet in a few hours.” Collin eagerly ran off to the northern area with renewed vigor.
The docks were a large place and Kazimir could understand his panic in needing to keep an eye on all of it. Especially if he was the only knight here.
Word count 520/2000