Avalon: The Return of King Arthur by Stephen R. Lawhead

Author:Stephen R. Lawhead [Lawhead, Stephen R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9780061828737
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2009-10-12T13:00:00+00:00

Twenty-six

Stepping out onto the graveled yard, James was instantly besieged by cameramen and journalists. They clustered so tightly around him that Shona threatened several with expulsion if they did not give the King room to breathe. “Back off!” she warned. “There is plenty of room for everyone. Let’s all behave.”

“You are here at the King’s pleasure,” Cal reminded them sternly. “Don’t blow it.”

When they had established rough order among themselves, Shona announced, “The King has prepared a statement which he would like to share with you now. There will be time for questions immediately after.” Turning to James, she said, “His Majesty, the King of Britain.”

“Thank you, Shona,” he said, stepping forward. There was a last jostling for position among the assembled news people, as James began. “A few minutes ago I received a visit from representatives of the Special Committee for Royal Devolution — the so-called Magna Carta Two. I was invited to affix my signature to the document which has caused such anguish and controversy in our nation.” He paused, looking out at the eager faces of the reporters, enjoying the effect his appearance was having. “I declined.”

“Did they say what would happen if you didn’t sign?” shouted a woman a few rows back.

“Questions later, Gillian, please,” Shona reminded the journalist. “Thank you.”

“I refused to resign the sovereignty of Britain,” James continued, “and I want everyone to know that I will continue to resist any and all efforts to make me relinquish the crown. Further, it is my intention to reinstate the traditional weekly royal prime ministerial audience at once. From today, I will be expecting to receive the Prime Minister, and I urge his office to contact me at once to make arrangements.”

This, as James suspected, caused an instant uproar among the gathered media folk. They leaned in anxiously, thrusting their arms into the air to be recognized; those at the back shoved forward to get a better vantage point.

“Thank you,” James said. “I’d be happy to take your questions now.”

It took a few moments to quell the uproar and for Shona to introduce a modicum of order. “We’ll do it my way or not at all,” she said. “Today, the last shall be first.” Pointing to a tall cadaverous-looking man straining in the back row. “Gordon Granger, you’re on.”

“Gosh, thanks,” said Gordon, so delighted at his unprecedented good fortune that he promptly forgot why he’d been called upon.

“Could we have your question, Gordon?” asked Shona.

“Your Majesty,” said the journalist, “you used the word ‘urge’ a moment ago. Are we to take that to mean you are not now in contact with Downing Street?”

“That is correct,” replied the King. “We are not in contact with Downing Street at present. The truth is, the Government has thus far ignored all our attempts at communication. We’ve sent letters, faxes, telegrams — you name it. They won’t even return my phone calls.”

Some of the journalists snickered at this. “Is this why you chose to make the announcement just now?” a woman in the front row asked.

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