Senlin Ascends (The Books of Babel, #1)

by Josiah Bancroft

Soon as the pretty miss had passed through the warmly glowing glass doors, Senlin undertook what he hoped was a confident and resolute march toward the space between the guards, his head cocked high as a lord. But even as he approached, the gap closed, and he had to finally stop and recognize the imposters blocking him. “Not so quick, there, Master Long Shanks,” the larger guard said wryly. “There’s a two-shekel safe passage fee to proceed into the Parlor.” In his most reasonable tone, Senlin said, “I noted the lady ahead of me was not taxed for her safety. It seems hardly fair that she be given an exception while I—” His argument met a quick end as the shorter of the imposters drove his fist into Senlin’s stomach. As Senlin doubled forward, a second rabbit punch followed the first. He had been naive to think that such obvious thugs would respond to a rational discussion. There was nothing to do but learn the lesson, pay the two shekels, and carry on. “There is a four-shekel safe passage fee to proceed into the Parlor,” the larger guard said with mechanical grimness.