The end of the first interval of this length (counting from the piece of bunting) is marked by a bit of leather, the second by a cord with two knots, the third by one with three knots, and so on; the middle of each of these lengths (half-knot) is also marked by a cord with one knot.
Her stomach was still tied in knots, and she clutched her knees to her chest, shivering in the cold creek water.
With great effort, he worked the knots free from her hair and braided it one last time.
Dean finally freed the last of the knots and Fred rose, pulling up his pants, staggered a step or two and sat back down.
Darkyn was always too far ahead of her, twisting her into knots to keep her in place.
