Alice in Virtuality Read Online Free Page B

on.
    "Err.. I dare not correct, oh all knowing and all seeing one, but the not that one. The next right," the advisor interjected as Martin turned down a passage. Martin sighed.
    The high stone walls of the corridor were punctuated with paintings of his warrior self battling with impossibly mighty creatures. The advisor coughed for attention.
    "I have some items of the day, oh infinite ruler... the following ...Knights wish conference ... if you would wish it." As he walked his bows punctuated his speech.
    "Continue." said Martin absently, amazed from the pictures at how great he must be, err, of course, was.
    The advisor began to read. He took the risk of giving up on his bowing in preference to clarity, looking slightly concerned about the choice.
    "Tor-chief, son of Kal-chief, bringer of the ages of fear, defender of Lye-elm the fair, daughter of Lye-im& err, Sire. The list goes through several layers of the genealogy and achievements of many people. I bid your leave to move on?"
    Martin nodded. He wondered how they managed to remember such long titles.
    The advisor paused with knotted brow. "Err, my true and only Lord, may I ask your indulgence? This one your eminence." The advisor pointed to an unpronounceable arrangement of letters which made up the next name.
    "I see." said Martin looking at the list.
    A strange sound, a humming, came from behind them. Turning, Martin saw the air shimmering and twisting in a sickening manner. A split appeared. It vomited forth a purple cloaked figure who hit the floor crouched on one knee, supported by the opposing hand. He raised a pointed hatted head and revealed an evil smile. Not another one, thought Martin. The mage sprang up and pointed his wand defiantly forward. Sparks came forth as menacingly as... a sparkler. Martin drew his sword. The wizard looked at his wand, shook it a couple of times and looked back at Martin with a worried expression. Martin approached passing his sword from hand to hand, adding a twirl in-between.
    "Show off," said Alice, floating at his shoulder.
    The mage cursed under his breath and, in a perfect reverse of what they had seen, dropped to his crouch on the floor and flew backwards through the rift which vanished with a farting belch. The advisor looked quite disturbed as he popped his head out from behind Martin's back.
    "S.. S.. Sir. You quarters are to the right." The advisor pointed with a shaking hand.
    A large wooden door stood behind two enormous guards dressed in armour carrying poleaxes. Lined along the wall to the end of the corridor and continuing round the corner were a vast assortment of sizes, shapes, types and colours of creatures.
    "Advisor. Who are all these?" Martin asked.
    "Hopeful vassal's my liege, wishing to join your mighty throng." The advisor threw a bow in for good measure.
    It would take hours to see them all individually, thought Martin. Near the front of the queue a female figure caught his eye. She would have been the perfect match for Martin's character. Light leather armour hugged toned muscles and dark shining skin. A cascade of full bodied auburn hair framed her thin face and fiery green eyes.
    "Can you not see to this? Except maybe that one." He pointed to the girl with faked casualness.
    The advisor gasped. "No your superbness. You must accept them yourself with the blessing of your glorious presence."
    Martin sighed. "Well, not right now." He pushed open the doors to his chambers.
    The chambers were luxurious by any standard. A huge room, brightly lit from a wall of windows over looking the city and beyond. Everywhere satin's were strung from marble pillar to gold post. A large desk was positioned at the other side of the room from the door, giving any entrant a significant stroll before being able address the occupant. There seemed to be several enormous piles of papers on it. The advisor had noticed the direction of his gaze.
    "Oh tremendous bringer of joy, may I bring your attention to some minor formalities that