The Secret of Excalibur Read Free

until now were thought only to be myth. In a way, she is responsible for protecting both our past and our future. I am honoured today to introduce Dr Nina Wilde, the discoverer of the lost city of Atlantis and the buried Tomb of Hercules, and also the saviour of this nation from a monstrous terrorist act, and to present her with the highest accolade this office can bestow - the Presidential Medal of Freedom.’
    Nina blushed, simultaneously fighting the pedantic urge to correct Dalton - Atlantis was the name of the island , not the city - as he carefully took a medal on a blue ribbon from a velvet tray. ‘Dr Wilde, this nation is in your debt. I would be honoured if you would accept this symbol of our eternal gratitude.’
    ‘Thank you, Mr President,’ she said, lowering her head. Dalton raised the medal and placed it round her neck. He then shook her hand once more before turning her to face the strobing flashes of the camera, leaving her momentarily dazzled. The speech she had worked out earlier melted away to nothing under the onslaught of light and renewed applause. ‘Thank you,’ she repeated, struggling to come up with something intelligent to say. ‘I’m . . . I’m very grateful for this award, this honour. And, um, I’d also like to thank my fiancé, Eddie -’ She cringed mentally at that. I’d also like to thank? This isn’t the goddamn Oscars! - ‘without whom I’d probably be, well, dead. Several times over. Thank you. Everyone.’ Cheeks now as red as her hair, she moved back.
    ‘Dr Wilde stepped on my toes a little there,’ said Dalton jovially, raising a polite laugh and making Nina wish the Oval Office had a secret trapdoor she could disappear down. ‘But yes, the second person we’re here to honour today is Eddie Chase,’ he gestured for Chase to step forward and take Nina’s place, ‘who as a former member of the United Kingdom’s elite Special Air Service has chosen to eschew public recognition for security reasons, which is a decision we can all respect. But this nation owes him as much as Dr Wilde a tremendous debt of gratitude for his role in preventing a terrorist atrocity.’ He shook Chase’s hand. ‘Mr Chase, on behalf of the people of the United States of America, I thank you.’
    ‘Thank you,’ said Chase as the applause began again. When it became clear that he wasn’t going to add anything else, the sound quickly died down. This time, only a single picture was taken: unlike the photos of Nina, which would be attached to a press release and sent out to news agencies worldwide within the hour, this was solely for the White House’s official records. Dalton’s slight turn away from Chase acted as an unspoken signal that the formal part of the presentation was over, and the audience stood, the politicians quickly seizing the opportunity to approach the President.
    ‘So, that was your big speech?’ Chase said quietly to Nina. ‘Thought it was going to be all about “the wonder of great treasures from the past”?’
    Nina’s face screwed up at the reminder. ‘Don’t start. God, I was so embarrassed. You’re lucky I managed anything more coherent than “ Duuuhhh ...” ’
    Amoros stepped up to them. ‘Well, congratulations, to both of you. Eddie, are you sure you don’t want any kind of recognition? I’m sure something could have been arranged.’
    ‘That’s okay,’ said Chase firmly. ‘I’ve pissed off a lot of people over the years - last thing I need is to remind them that I shot their scumbag brother or whatever by getting a medal.’ He looked down at Nina’s neck. ‘Speaking of which, that suits you. You should wear it at the airport, see if it gets us a free upgrade to first class.’ Nina gave him a sarcastic smile.
    ‘You’re still rushing off to England tonight?’ Amoros asked.
    Chase nodded. ‘Wednesday, meet the President of the United States at the White House. Thursday, meet my nan for tea and biscuits in Bournemouth. Not quite in the