The lumber region was on the south side of the river, in the eastern parts of the delta, furthest from the city. Jason had been refining his long-distance running style that employed the weight-reducing power of his cloak. It was really more like a series of floating, horizontal hops over whatever surface he was crossing, be it land or water.

He’d been through enough of the delta that he had most of it mapped out and he could save time by taking direct routes instead of following the embankment roads. He could walk on water and teleport past obstacles, so while he might not match the speed of airboat travel, his straight-line navigation outpaced an ordinary mount. It required occasional replenishment from mana and stamina potions, but Jory’s low-cost options were easily worth it. Their moderate effects might not have the kick required for intense combat, but they were perfect for Jason’s travel needs.

The days were growing shorter as summer moved into autumn, and the sun had just set as Jason arrived in the town of Leust. It was one of the largest and richest towns in the delta, with paved roads and stone instead of mud-brick for the buildings. Mostly it was the cheaper, yellow desert stone, but there were green stone buildings as well.

The interior coolness produced by the water affinity of green stone was appreciated by everyone who could afford it. In the muggy heat of the delta, it was often the difference between a good night’s rest and a sweaty, sleepless night. For that reason, Jason selected a large, green stone inn to stay the night. Pausing outside the door, Jason stopped to put on his game face.

His posture shifted and tightened, face and shoulders both scrunched up in annoyance. He threw open the door and marched inside, face full of aggravation. Striding across the room, he parked himself angrily on a barstool.

“Drink,” he demanded of the barman. “Best you have, and same for food, after.”

The barman reached for a bottle of amber spirits behind the bar.

“Not that bitter crap,” Jason said. “Do you have any Norwich Blue?”

“Uh, yes, sir, we use it to make blue juice jumpers.”

“Blue juice jumpers?”

“It’s a mixed drink, sir, but…” The barman leaned in close. “…usually we serve to our female patrons.”

“If someone has a problem with what I’m drinking then I’ll be happy to clean them off my sword.”

Jason was in full adventuring gear, weapons at his hip and bandolier of throwing darts on his torso. He turned and took in the busy common room at a glance, no one willing to meet his gaze.

“That's what I thought,” he said, turning back to the bar.

“If I may ask, sir,” the barman said as he made the drink, “are you an adventurer?”