rickety docks , constructed of bone-white driftwood , stuck out into the river like skeletal fingers , and fishing nets hung on poles , drying and smelling in the humid , mosquito-infested air.garion 's ship arrived about noon , and he went immediately up from the creaking dock along the muddy , rutted street to the shrine itself , walking carefully to avoid slipping , and feeling the curious stares of the dull-eyed villagers directed at him and at the great sword of the rivan king strapped to his back .