Across the Delta

A careless crossing throws him over a wide delta into a shore that does not know his name. The locals underestimate the newcomer, which is the oldest mistake in a world that runs on rank. The joke is that his body does not stay quite as it was, and neither does his luck. Comeback, if it comes, will have to be earned where nobody owes him a map. / The delta can be a border or a battlefield. He can play the fool they expect, or find out what he is willing to become in order to be counted. The far bank is already watching.