The Revenge of Excalibur (6 page)

I'm sure it didn't take much persuasion,
Pam thought with a snicker.
Hmm, would you rather be dead, or a ship? I think I'd choose the latter.
Pam glanced back at Olso.
Imagine spending eternity with that bitch. No way.
She'd have to find some way to dump her sorry ass brain off somewhere. A mischievous smile spread across her face.

“So, what was this incredible discovery The One made?” Pam was thirsty, so she thought of a cold glass of iced tea, and one materialized in her hand. She took a long swallow, feeling the cool liquid slide down her throat.

The two faces blinked at her with wide eyes. “Arthur is the only Human we've known who could teleport items on a whim,” Emeara explained. “There has never been anyone on Calen who could perform such a feat. We thought the prophesy was about him. Maybe we have been wrong. Since Arthur has been King, the changes foretold have not come true. Maybe you are also a part of the prophesy.”

It was Pam's turn to blink back at them in surprise. She shook her head. “No, I don't think so. I can barely manage my own life. I don't see how I can help anyone else.”

“Yet, you are here,”
Weesa
said in unison.

Pam held up her hand. “Look, I'm not going to argue about a stupid prophesy, especially since I didn't come here by choice.” She stared meaningfully at Olso. “Can we get on with your story? The sooner it's told, the sooner we can go save my dad.”

“The people destiny lays a hand upon have no choice,”
Weesa
said. “You either accept it, or deny it. Either way, your life will still move forward to where destiny takes you.”

“Whatever,” Pam muttered, tapping her fingers on the arm rest of the chair.

“You must understand,” Emeara continued, “we were unable to commence our search until many generations after the Planet Destroyers were imprisoned. Our children's children grew up fearing them. We kept a watchful eye for their return, always terrified, that one day, more would show up.

“Once I was ensconced in
Weesa
, we traveled to the point in our universe where The One documented the vast space devoid of life. For there, lay the truth. That lifeless part of space touched right on the brink of another universe, much different from our own. It was smaller in dimension, and filled with energy beings, much like the Planet Destroyers. Their true form was dark, energy clouds, but they could shift into any shape they chose. As we monitored these beings, we saw many of them slipping back and forth between the two universes. Several came to investigate
Weesa
. From these curious life forms, we learned about their history.

“They refer to themselves as Shalits. They are highly intelligent, with powerful psychic abilities, and are a spacefaring, peaceful race.”

“How peaceful can they be,” interjected Pam, “when they go around devouring everything in sight?”

“That was the crux of the matter,” agreed Emeara. “As we communicated with these new beings, we were fearful for
Weesa
. Our history proved they were merciless, attacking without rhyme or reason. We never imagined we would encounter anymore Planet Destroyers, so we were ill-equipped to protect ourselves. Our fate lay in their hands, so to speak.

“The more we conversed with them, the more we became aware these were not the same entities. In fact, they referred to the Planet Destroyers as The Others, and the Shalits were terrified of them. It seems The Others were an offshoot of their race that had been mutated by radiation encountered in an unknown galaxy.

“Shalits love exploring, and they usually go traveling in groups, or families, if you will. A large family of them left to explore a newly discovered galaxy. While there, they were subjected to an unknown radiation. After returning, they began changing, and started absorbing the life forms around them. The Shalits were defenseless against them. They lost many of their race, and planets, to The Others.

“The Shalits said their mutated brethren became mentally unstable. They were on a singular quest, to absorb all life forms in their path. Once they set a direction to pursue, they could not be deterred. Unfortunately, that direction led them to our universe.”

Like a rabid dog,
Pam mused, as she found herself leaning forward in the chair, elbows on her knees, listening intently to Emeara's story. “Well, that explains The Others. How did a Shalit get imprisoned in Excalibur? Did your people, in their haste to eliminate The Planet Destroyers, stray into their universe?”

“No,” Emeara continued. “The Shalits were fearful The Others would return, so a large contingent was assigned to follow, and, hopefully, discover a way to destroy them. Since we were unaware of what had transpired, and the Shalits and Planet Destroyers looked alike, they were all hunted in our frenzy to save our people and worlds. We have done a grave injustice.”

“Once you found out the truth, why didn't you go back to your people, and have them release the Shalits?” Pam had been so engrossed in the story she forgot her iced tea. She took a sip, making a face.
Yuck. There's nothing worse than warm iced tea
. She focused on the glass. The glass became frosty again, and she took a refreshing sip.

Olso peered down her pinched nose at Pam. “You silly child. How were we to know which were the Shalits, and which were The Others?”

Pam glared back at Olso. “You called me, I didn't call you, remember? I can leave anytime I want. If you want my help, you'd better change your attitude.”

“Mother,” Emeara said sternly, as they started an intra-ship conversation again; one Pam couldn't hear. It must've been a doozy, as Olso's lips grew thinner and thinner, and then abruptly, her face disappeared from the screen.

“I must apologize for my mother,” said Emeara, but in the background, Pam heard a loud, disparaging grunt. “She is from a time when Calens were considered the supreme rulers. Even after all these years in
Weesa
, her mindset has not changed. My mother and your father have had many a challenging debate over the years.” A slight smile graced her face. “There were many a time when I wished I could have vacated the premises.”

“Well, she does have a point,” Pam grudgingly admitted. “How can you tell the difference between a Shalit and The Others?”

“Another Shalit can sense the difference between themselves and The Others.”

“Why haven't they tried to help you release their wrongfully imprisoned people?”

Emeara gave a sad sigh. “We tried. You must remember, this happened many generations after the Planet Destroyers were eliminated. Our people grew up with the terrible tales of what had happened, and what would happen, if they were allowed to escape. No one would listen. Not even your father. He had had his own encounter with Excalibur, and would not listen to reason.”

Pam's brows creased in confusion. “How do you know the entity trapped in Excalibur is a Shalit, and not one of The Others?”

“One of the psychic abilities the Shalits possess is precognition. They foresaw what we must do. We were instructed to retrieve two of the silver containers, one with a male Shalit, the other with a female. The female's container was transformed into a ring, while the other one was turned into the sword, Excalibur. We then went to my daughter, Teema, and told her the prophecy as foretold by the Shalits.

“She was to wear the ring, which would be passed down from mother to daughter, until now, it would seem. We also instructed Teema to travel to a distant planet called Earth, where she would live until the end of her days, waiting for a Human named Arthur to release the Shalit from his prison. Your planet was very primitive at that time, with only large mammals roaming around. We knew it would be many of your Earth years before your race emerged, so she passed her quest on from mother to daughter.

“After waiting for several generations, we thought our search had ended. A Human named Arthur was discovered, a man with kingly powers, but not psychic ones. We were weary of waiting, so gave him Excalibur, hoping he would end our quest. Alas, he was not the chosen one. So, our wait continued.”

Pam started laughing. “Are you telling me the whole legend of King Arthur, Lady of the Lake, and the mighty sword Excalibur, was a mistake?”

Emeara nodded her head.

“My mum would have a fit if she knew that.” Pam wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. “So, my father was the Arthur in your prophecy.”

Emeara nodded again.

“For years, I've wanted to meet my dad. I just never had the courage to track him down.” Pam twirled her newly acquired ring. “What makes you think I can help you?”

“Because you are his daughter, and, it appears, you are part of the prophecy the Shalits had not foreseen.”

“I'm not saying I'll release the Shalit, but I'm willing to go look at the sword. To be honest, I've wanted to see it ever since my mum told me about Excalibur.” Pam downed the rest of her iced tea, setting the glass back in the cup holder. “Okay, I'm ready. How far do we have to travel?”

Emeara blinked at her. “We are already here. We have been on Planet Lear since we brought you on board.”

“What?!” Pam exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “Are you telling me I've been in space this whole time?”

“Yes, Pamela. Excalibur is located in a cave. I can teleport you next to the opening, but I am unable to transfer you into the cave due to the large amounts of Husken Silver.”

Pam backed up a step, hands held out in front of her. “Wait a minute. Isn't Husken Silver dangerous?”

“Yes, but only to our people. Arthur had no trouble being on Lear. Neither did Daisy, for that matter. She grew up with the radiation from your sun, which is very similar to the radiation from Husken Silver.”

Pam took a deep breath.
Can I do this? I'm definitely out of my comfort zone
.
It's so much easier hiding away in my bedroom, which I've been doing for the last five years.
She paced around the chair.
Haven't I been complaining about being lonely and bored?
She twirled the ring around her finger.
Mum said my future belonged out here. Is she right? More than that, who else would save my father?
Pam sighed. She had no choice. She had to do this, if not for herself, at least for her mother.

Standing tall, she nodded. “Okay, let's do it.”

Then, she vanished.

Pam reappeared, standing along the bank of a wide river, the bluish-green water running by her with a strong current, and a rushing sound. On the opposite bank, she saw a line of trees, so far away they were indistinct, from one another. She stared down at her feet, feeling a faint trembling through her tennis shoes. She also heard a muted drumming from afar.

Turning to her left, she saw a beautiful waterfall, plunging onto the rocks below. She looked around, eyes wide with wonder, mouth hanging open. She took a deep breath. The air had a faint hint of oranges or something fruity. She gazed up at the two moons gracing the bluish-purple sky.

“OMG, I'm on an alien planet,” she squealed in delight. “Mum would flip if she saw this. Oh, that's right. I'm supposed to take pictures.” She started reaching for her purse.
Damn, my purse is still on my dresser, at home, back on Earth.
That thought sent her heart soaring again.
I'm on an alien planet.

“Pictures, I need pictures,” she mumbled to herself. She concentrated on her smartphone, and it POPPED into her hand. Taking pictures of everything she saw, she slowly turned around, snapping away. In front of her stood a tall, black, rock wall, with a small cave opening.

*Pamela,* came
Weesa's
harmonic voice. *What are you doing?*

“I promised my mum I'd take some pictures.”

*We are running out of time,* scolded
Weesa
, the phone disappearing from Pam's hand.

“Hey!” Pam yelled, looking up at the sky, hands on hips. “That's my phone. Give it back.”

*Your phone is safe with us. We have more urgent matters than appeasing your mother. Now, proceed into the cave. You will find Excalibur inside.*

*Please, Pamela,* came Emeara's soft soothing voice. *We cannot save our King and Queen without you.*

Pam gritted her teeth.
Ugh, I'm getting so tired of this good act, bad act. It's like talking with someone who has multiple personalities.
Stomping across the pale orange, sandy ground, she passed a well-used fire pit with several lawn chairs scattered around it. It seemed her father had made himself at home on Lear.

Pam paused at the entrance to the cave, leaning forward, peering into the gloomy interior. She couldn't see much but for some faint glittering flashes of light. * Is it safe?* She didn't know
Weesa
from Adam. They could be sending her to her death.
If I died, how would that help them save their Kind and Queen?
She took a deep breath, trying to steady the beating of her heart.
I'm going to have to trust them. For now.

Biting her lip, she took a few tentative steps into the cave. She paused, waiting for her eyes to adjust. The small room was brighter than she anticipated. Glancing slowly around, she stared in amazement at the cave walls, which seemed to be filled with millions of silver lights. As she moved her head, they winked and blinked, like facets on a diamond.

“Whoa. I've never seen anything like this,” Pam said, advancing toward the nearest wall, pressing her hand against it. The wall felt warm, and a powerful energy surged through her body, making the hairs on her arm stand up. She quickly withdrew her hand. “What is this stuff?”

*That is Husken Silver, which can only be found on Lear. This cave has the highest concentration found anywhere on the planet.*

Pam swallowed, remembering what they'd told her about how toxic this metal was for Calens. “Are you sure it won't harm me?”

*Arthur, nor Daisy, suffered any side effects from staying on Lear. They visited here as often as they could. Have you located the sword? Daisy hid it in a niche Arthur carved into the wall.*

Turning around, Pam surveyed the room. She saw a neatly made double bed, a table with two chairs, and several plastic, blue bins, overflowing with cooking items, and what looked like fishing equipment. Shaking her head 'no' to the question, Pam noticed in the far corner where part of the wall didn't twinkle with silver.

“I think I found it,” Pam said, slowly stepping over to the non-sparkling portion of the wall. Once she moved closer, she noted it was some type of black cloth designed to blend into the surrounding wall by color and texture. The covering was five feet long, two feet wide, and started one foot above the ground. Pam tentatively reached out, pulling the curtain aside. She gasped, and backed up a step.

I've heard tales about Excalibur and the evil Shalit since I was old enough to understand, but I never knew the sword would be this beautiful.
It was sitting in a stand, shining so brightly, she shielded her eyes with her hand. The sword was surrounded by a glowing, silver aura, and she sensed the immense power radiating from it. Peering closer, she observed some intricate, delicate carvings on the blade and handle. Pam blinked in surprise. It looked new, no chips or marks on the blade, guard, or handle.

*Pick it up.*

“Are you sure?” Pam asked, biting her lip. “Mum told me how the Shalit almost killed my father. If it weren't for Daisy, he would have died.”

*Must you challenge my every command? Now, pick up the sword,* Olso demanded in her arrogant voice.

*Mother!* Emeara admonished. *Pamela, you need not be afraid. We have been communicating with the Shalit since before we found you. He will not harm you. He is eager to be released, and be reunited with his mate.*

“He has a mate?” Pam asked in surprise.

*Yes, but she is imprisoned in the silver ring Arthur wears. Excalibur's only thoughts are to release his mate, and to go home. This, he has promised.*

Pamela stood holding the curtain, staring at the sword.
Could Weesa be lying? Maybe they have a mad scheme to take over the universe using a Planet Destroyer.
From everything her mother told her, the Planet Destroyers absorbed energy from every living thing they encountered.
Would
Weesa* be able to control, or defend herself from that type of power?* Pam didn't think so. From what she'd seen, she had more psychic abilities than
Weesa
did.

Pam glanced down, shifting her feet.
No, I believe Weesa. Well, at least Emeara.
If her father and Daisy were being held prisoner, then it seemed she was the only one able to rescue them. Since she had no idea where they were, she'd have to go along with this crazy plan.

With a sigh, she said, “Okay, I'll do it.” Taking a deep breath, Pamela reached out as far as she could, turning her head away, and lightly touched the blade with her fingertips. Nothing.
All right, so far, so good.
She trailed her fingers up the sword until she reached the handle, then tightened her hand around it. Releasing her pent up breath, she turned back toward the sword, and slowly withdrew it from the stand.

Holding Excalibur in front of her face, she stared at it in fascination. The sword was lighter than anticipated, and a tingling sensation was spreading through her body, like a warm, fuzzy feeling. She also felt the radiation from the Husken Silver. But, there was another impression as well. As if something were moving inside the sword.

“Now what?” she asked in a shaky voice, becoming creeped out by the shifting movement in the sword.

*Place Excalibur on the bed, and then we will need your blood.*

“What!?” Pam yelled, almost dropping the sword. “Is that why you brought me here? To be your sacrificial lamb? No way.”

*Pamela, please, calm yourself,* Emeara pleaded. “All we require is one drop of your blood. Blood is the only catalyst that will break the seal of the Husken Silver.*

Olso snorted derisively in the background.

Pam held up the sword, glaring at it. She felt as though she were being used.
Is
Weesa* withholding some vital information about releasing the Shalit?* She stepped to the bed, sitting in a huff, laying the sword next to her.

Leaning against the wall, she crossed her arms. “Before I commit to releasing the Shalit, I need to be a hundred percent certain I'm doing the right thing. Explain to me again why we need the Shalit. Why we can't do this on our own. There's more than you're telling me.”

There was a soft whisper of a sigh in Pam's mind. *You are correct. We could breech the prison with our Ultilear's, and eliminate the psionic nullifier. However, we have no defense against The One. The brain housed in the basement of Bindkall Prison is one evolutionary step away from turning into either a Shalit or a Planet Destroyer. It is being used to absorb the energy from the prisoners as a form of torture. We know not whether these acts of aggression have tainted The One. Excalibur is the only entity able to ascertain if The One is good or evil. This is why you must release Excalibur from his prison.*

Pam sat on the bed picking her cuticles, chewing on her bottom lip. What
Weesa
told her sounded plausible.
How would I know? I'm a mere Human.
She had no idea what was going on in the cosmos around her, and she really didn't want to. She'd known for the last several days something was wrong with her father, and that he was in some type of trouble. Apparently, it was up to her to save him. A man she'd never met.

Pam sighed in frustration.
What if I make a mistake? What if
Weesa
is wrong about Excalibur, and it actually holds a Planet Destroyer, instead of a Shalit? How can I live with myself if I release a terrible evil into the universe?
She snorted.
If it is a Planet Destroyer, I won't live long enough to feel any guilt.

Pam peered down at the beautifully crafted sword. Even lying on the bed, it was outlined in a silver glow. As she stared at Excalibur, she felt that same warm, fuzzy feeling flowing over her body.
Is the Shalit trying to communicate with me?
She mentally probed the sword, but her scan was blocked by the Husken Silver. Still, she hadn't felt any malicious intent or evil

“Okay,” Pam said to the ceiling of the cave. “I'll do it.”

In her mind, she envisioned a straight pin, and one appeared in her right hand. Holding her left index finger in front of her face, she slowly inserted the pin, until it couldn't penetrate past her force field. Flicking her right hand, the pin disappeared. She squeezed the pin hole in her finger until a large drop of blood formed. Mouth suddenly dry with fear, heart beating rapidly, she lowered her left hand, smearing the drop across the blade of the sword.

With a deafening clap of thunder, which shook the cave, a large bolt of silver lightning shot up through the ceiling, as Pam slumped over, unconscious.