The Spear of Destiny Read Online Free Page B

search for Alexander’s sarcophagus ended also in a hoax. The sarcophagus never found, waiting perhaps to be discovered as the ‘spear of destiny’ once was.”
      “I take it you know her,” Natalie said looking back at Nguyen who was staring after them, microphone held nonchalantly across her chest away from her mouth, one eyebrow raised back at Natalie.
      “Yes.”
      “How well?”
    Dennis too looked back at the television reporter who was smirking at him.
      “I used to date her. Hey look it‘s the Mayor of London and his wife.”
    Natalie stared after him as he continued down the line of extended cameras and microphones. 
     
    Inside the museum waiters dressed as Roman legionaries were moving amongst the milling crowds with trays of champagne and vol-au-vents. Dennis looked up at the impressive tessellated glass roof of the great court.
      “What an amazing building.”
    Natalie nodded. In the centre of the floor space was an area roped off. Men in dark glasses and suits patrolled nearby. Security for such an important night.
      Dennis grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and a handful of vol-au-vents. The look from Natalie suggested she wasn’t impressed. He stuffed one of the small pastries into his mouth.
      “Hm! Prawn.”
      “What are you doing?”
      “Soaking up the alcohol a bit.”
      “I told you not to drink too much on an empty stomach. You know you can’t handle it.”
      “I’m fine. I’ll make this my last glass until the speeches are finished.”
      “Well they’re about to start,” Natalie said as the select few press photographers rushed forward as Sir Nigel Phillips, director of the museum, took to the lecturn. He adjusted the microphone to his mouth and as everyone turned to face him all conversation stopped. The only sounds now were the whirring and clicking of cameras.
      “Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, esteemed members of the press, may I extend to you a very warm welcome from the Great court of the British museum on this the opening night of ’The Spear of Destiny’ exhibition.”
      The blue cloak covering the glass case with the spear inside was pulled down rapidly to reveal the Spear for the first time. There was a burst of flash photography as a generous round of applause erupted from the hundreds of guests.
      “Well there it is,” Dennis said craning his neck.
    Natalie turned to him as he continued looking over the heads of people in front.
      “You mean you’ve never seen it?”
      “No.”
      “But you’ve written an article on it.”
      “The power of the internet babe.”
    Natalie smiled as she shook her head.
      “You are such a cheapskate….” she stopped as they received dirty looks from people nearby.
      “And now ladies and gentlemen if I could direct your attention to the large flat screen televisions around us,” Phillips said, extending his hand towards one of many large televisions suspended from the ceiling.
      “Wow! Dennis said, “Now that is a tv. Must be a fifty five inch screen.”
    The lights were dimmed in the great court as the screen came to life. Clever lighting around the court brought in set the mood with changing colour sequences.
      The screen was dark and then the spear of destiny appeared as the narration began. Everyone watched the seven minute video in silence and as the lights came on the screen went dark.
      Another round of applause and then Phillips spoke again.
      “Ladies and gentlemen, myself, the vice director and everyone involved with the museum would like to thank the Austrian ambassador and his staff and the Austrian government for their generosity in lending us, this, one of the most Holy relics in the world. Mr ambassador thank you,” Phillips led the round of applause, “And now,” Phillips raised his glass of champagne to the crowd, “Enjoy the party.”
      Phillips shook hands with the Austrian ambassador and began greeting his