The Realms of Ethair

By Cecilia Beatriz

As far as psychics go, Kristina leads an uneventful life until she meets Arty, a foreigner vacationing in her country. A friendship is forged between them through a shared secret. And when Kristina is struck by an unknown illness, Arty brings her to his home in Merleina.

A far more distant place than she has ever imagined, Merleina is part of the fourth dimension – a place of magic, healing and knowledge. As she stays longer in Arty’s world, Kristina discovers what she is becoming and how it is dangerously putting her life at risk. But Kristina’s life is not entirely her own. Her existence will shape the future of the realms in the fourth dimension.

In a foreign land with a friend, who has become a stranger, would she still choose to live and fulfill her destiny?

Told from the perspectives of different characters, find out if friendships can survive and alliances formed in a world of secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cecilia Beatriz
• Release date: Dec 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310669378

Cecilia Beatriz

At the age of six, I saw my grandma's spirit staring back at me in the mirror. I realized then that I could see what others couldn't. Ever since that incident I have tried to understand the mysteries of the world. I've read about Atlantis, Lemuria, Agartha, Celtic magic, auras and chakras, fortune-telling, palmistry, Astrology, the Holy Grail, nature spirits/the Good Folk, extraterrestrials and - to date, Ascension. I own a crystal ball and tarot cards which I use occasionally.I was born and raised in the Philippines, a country rich in its folklore. Although I live in the city, my mind is always in a world where magic and enchantment dwells and what you see is not always what it seems.

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THE REALMS OF ETHAIR

Cecilia Beatriz

Copyright © 2016 Cecilia Beatriz. All rights reserved.

Cover by Cecilia Beatriz

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To Mother Earth

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Table of Contents

Mother Ethair (Earth)

Characters

Glossary

Prologue

Part I: Kristina

Chapter 1: Kristina

Chapter 2: Kristina

Chapter 3: Kristina

Chapter 4: Kristina

Part II: Karina

Chapter 5: Karina

Chapter 6: Karina

Chapter 7: Arturion

Chapter 8: Arturion

Chapter 9: Arturion

Chapter 10: Karina

Chapter 11: Arturion

Chapter 12: Karina

Chapter 13: Arturion

Chapter 14: Karina

Chapter 15: Arturion

Chapter 16: Karina

Chapter 17: Arturion

Chapter 18: Mindy

Chapter 19: Reno

Part III: Liyanna

Chapter 20: Karina

Chapter 21: Reno

Chapter 22: Liyanna

Chapter 23: Reno

Chapter 24: Liyanna

Chapter 25: Liyanna

Chapter 26: Liyanna

Chapter 27: Liyanna

Chapter 28: Liyanna

Chapter 29: Liyanna

Epilogue Arturion

About the Author

Past, present, and future collide

Souls are linked as one Divine

in infinite space and time.

-Mother Ethair (Earth)

Characters

Rituvans (12000 B.C.)

Alena – Rituvan princess

Rualdor – new king of Rituvan

Kasador – leader of the Drogun riders

Ruario – father of Alena and Rualdor

Humans

Kristina Torres – (a.k.a. Tina, Karina) female protagonist

Peter – Kristina’s former boyfriend

Mindy, Liza, Nica – Kristina’s friends

Fred – classmate

Aly – Kristina’s sister

Ana Torres – Kristina and Aly’s mother

Merleinans

Arturion Menesarios – (a.k.a. Arty) Gate Keeper

Sola – Arty’s foster father and Gate Keeper Commander

Sara – priestess; Sola’s mother

Kala – Sara’s apprentice

Reno – Commander of the Black Guards

Cara – Arty’s biological mother

Council of Elders

Forest Folk (Devatas)

Mira, Theona – dryads

Kelor – Devarian noble; and, later, a minor prince

Pellinor – Captain of the Sentries of the western borders

Planetary Beings (Aliens)

Caseer

Zertan

Galactic Federation (GF)

Glossary

Aura – is an energy field surrounding an individual’s body. Those with Sight describe its appearance through its color and, sometimes, shape; others who are more sensitive can feel or hear its vibration/frequency. It also reflects the feelings emanating from a person.

-dan – (or Horldan) means Devarian prince.

Devata – is equivalent of the Good Folk, nature spirits, the Fae (faeries).

Extended senses – relate to heightened physical senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch; and refers to having extrasensory perception (ESP).

Ethair – is another name for planet Earth or Gaia.

Glow globe – is a common source of light in Merleina which automatically activates when dark.

Merkaba – is an electromagnetic field that engulfs the physical body in a ball of light allowing the user to travel to different dimensional planes.

Old Tongue – is the ancient tongue which gave birth to the present languages used in Merleina and the Devarian Kingdom.

Pálon – is a tubular device for storing and absorbing energy. It is a temporary solution to alleviate physical tiredness.

-run – (or Volrun) is a title for Devarian lord.

Silver Cord – is an invisible cord which connects the spirit to the physical body. Its severance would mean death to the individual.

Prologue

12000 BC

The trees that survived were young. Much of the talks and whispers in the forest were carried by the wind. Today, its silence spoke volumes of the loss of the forest, especially the death of the Old Wood.

Qihaman may have dreamt of his tunnels, but he had failed to warn us of the destruction of my home and the deaths of my brothers and sisters, a voice accused from behind her.

Neither did he predict his death at the hands of my father’s people. Even those who see what will come to pass, cannot foresee everything, the girl replied, surveying the open sky and the devastation before her.

Your kind’s insatiable thirst for power has caused this war. How long will it take before it consumes us all? The rasp of a sword being unsheathed was deafening in the quiet.

She willed herself to stay still. The urge to flee was powerful that she dug her heels into the hard packed earth and squeezed her eyes shut. She waited for the Devata to strike her down.

The breeze shifted, taking away the acrid smell of burnt wood and flesh from her. In its place was the scent of sunshine and of the forest before the Great Fire. She would take this final memory to her death.

The sword whistled as it made its downward slash. The sound of metal striking against metal, however, was unexpected that she jumped in surprise. Apart from that, the rustle of leaves was the only indication of the arrival of another Devata.

Cease, Pellinor, the voice commanded.

It was the deep rumble of it that the girl’s head whipped to the side, coming face-to-face with a Devarian noble.

Nothing good will come of this, with her blood on your hands, he continued. Sheath your weapon before our allies learn of your foolishness.

Move aside, Kelor-run. She is no friend to Devatas. I would be doing everyone a favor…

A telltale glimmer at the peak of the mountains caught her eye.

They’re coming, she breathed. She whirled to the two Devatas, one trying to kill her and the other defending her and repeated her words. Both felt the urgency in her voice. The noble used his Glamour to disappear. Her would-be assassin, on the other hand, was still visible when the low hum of her father’s inventions reached their ears. Convinced, he reluctantly lowered his sword and vanished.

She returned her gaze overhead. A fleet of Dragon-like machines with enough firepower to eradicate the forest and Merleina from the map dotted the sky. Her father had sent his elite to finish what they started when they torched the Forest Folk’s home. They would only stop when they realize she was in harm’s way.

With all the dignity she could muster, she stepped forward to an open area. The Drogun riders landed a few feet from her. Two riders alighted from their vehicles. They bowed to their waist and addressed her respectfully: Lady Alena.

Questions raced through her mind; each clamoring for answers, most of them about her father.

Where is my brother? He leads this force, does he not? Alena could not sense her brother among the riders.

The two men stared at her in surprise. The first to recover was the senior among the group, who said: Your brother succeeded the late king twelve days past, my lady.

Pain lanced through her heart. The Rituvan king, her father, had died and she had been the last to know. He was at the peak of his health the last she saw him. Who?

A Merleinan spy slipped poison in his drink. Your brother captured the traitor and had the man confess his crime.

Were there witnesses during the confession?

No, my lady. The riders were confused where the questions were leading.

Did he discover the motive?

The answer was another negative. In a fit of rage, her brother had killed the spy. Then, he formed an alliance with the Zertans to secure their kingdom’s safety.

Rualdor was not a man who allowed his emotions to overrule his judgment. He would not be so careless in interrogating a prisoner. He was hiding something from his men. To Alena’s mind, her brother – half-brother had chosen to ally himself with the enemy to obtain more military power. The Devata. Pellinor. She could just imagine the smug look on his face at being proven right if he could hear her thoughts.

My lady, His Highness sent us to escort you home. You are no longer safe here, the young rider said.

What did my – His Highness offer in return?

The kingdom must assist in capturing the human offspring of a Caseer female. The creature is said to be of twenty-one years of age.

Alena touched the multi-faceted sapphire stone adorning her index finger. The only memento left of her mother.

We have enemies here, my lady. Let us leave at once. The young rider stepped toward her. His body language screamed of impatience.

You will carry out my brother’s orders without question? She stepped back, her hands curled into fists.

We have sworn fealty to our king. The young man frowned.

My brother knows the identity of the Caseer’s offspring and why the Zertans are desperate to have her.

You know her. He glared at her while the other rider’s expression became inscrutable.

I am she. Alena dropped to a defensive stance.

Both riders rushed at her. But, before the young rider could touch her, the older man seized him by the arm. In two swift movements, the latter broke his companion’s neck. The lifeless body dropped limply on the forest floor inches from her.

Are you alright, my lady? he asked.

Bewildered but somehow feeling that the man had saved her, she gave him a nod.

He did not attempt to approach her.

You may have to tell your friends to stand down. The amusement in his eyes belied his bland face.

She looked around. Friends indeed surrounded her. The beasts of the forest and of the sky had come to aid her, including Devatas she had never met. They were all tensed to attack the Drogun riders. Alena assumed a non-aggressive position. The creatures relaxed and dispersed from the area, save for one chimera. Behind her, the creature lay on its stomach and watched the proceedings.

The other warriors dismounted from their vehicles and joined Alena’s protector, who introduced himself as Kasador.

The Caseer is a highly advanced race from the planet Caser. Humanoid in appearance; their limbs were long and slender; each hand consisted of four fingers; their silver eyes lacked pupils and the ridges in their forehead functioned like human ears.

It was by accident that a small private ship was sucked into a wormhole and transported it to their solar system. The pilot, a Caseer female, learned from other planetary beings the paradise called Ethair. A century later, she discovered Rituvan. Alena’s father was visiting a small village when he and the Caseer Shilahanasa met. A recent widower, he had been charmed by the foreigner’s otherworldly grace and kindness. His invitation to the palace which the Caseer accepted soon developed into something deeper. Eventually, they became lovers and produced a child.

The Caseer died shortly of a mysterious illness and the people began to forget her appearance and origins. The daughter inherited the Rituvan’s features and fair coloring. The heritage the Caseer passed down to Alena was her compassion for all.

Alena’s father had watched his children grow to adulthood. His son from his wife displayed the intelligence and decisiveness of a leader. But he also took from his mother’s side a cruel streak and unforgiving nature. The prince resented his father for taking the Caseer, a foreigner from an unknown planet, as a lover. He demonstrated cold indifference with regards to his half-sister.

The Zertan’s desire to acquire a specimen for their genetic experiments was common knowledge. Alena’s father feared that in his demise, his son would betray his sister at the first opportunity. So, the late king had taken precautionary measures to ensure his daughter’s safety. First, by having the princess trained secretly in the Indariki martial arts by the best teachers. Second, he had entrusted his friend and most loyal subject a mission to be carried out in his sudden death.

The Caseer is a being of light and air. Ours is of earth, Kasador explained as they camped in one of the secret caves. You are a child of both worlds.

Why would the Zertans want me?

They need your blood, my lady.

What knowledge could they possibly glean from my blood?

It holds the key to correct a mistake they had made when they experimented on their DNA in the past. At present, they are in league with the Cabal. They continue to create chaos and fear to control humanity. They have also been encouraging the Atlanteans to play god, resulting to the severance of the portal connecting us to the moon. Now, the Cabal has given them and other countries technology to play their war games.

Considering that I am an invaluable resource for them, perhaps I can negotiate for peace in exchange for my surrender?

Then, you would have condemned all peoples of Mother Ethair, a familiar voice said. The Devarian noble appeared from the shadows. Heads turned and weapons emerged from hidden pockets.

Don’t! Alena shouted. He’s a friend.

The warriors looked to Kasador, who inclined his head. They relaxed but kept their weapons in hand.

They search for you, Princess, because you have not fully awakened to your potential. Their main objective is to enslave us all for eternity. Kelor-run came nearer and sat beside her, their knees touching. A creature of light and air but born of earth. To my people, you are Liyanna Mother Ethair speaks of. The Mother has, he paused, plans. For the moment, we shall have to wait and see.

You hesitate, Devata, Kasador commented.

The Mother does not always show her hand, another masculine voice interrupted. The other Devata, Pellinor, strode to the nobleman’s side amidst the nervous energy of the warriors.

It was Kelor-run who reassured Kasador’s men this time.

Devatas are attuned to the slightest change in Mother Ethair’s moods and behavior. Your race, on the other hand, has shown nothing but disregard for life and the foolish notion that you control everything.

Your friend is quite articulate than most of your kind, Kasador remarked drily to Kelor-run.

Please forgive him. He has not been himself ever since the Great Fire, Kelor-run replied calmly.

Pellinor was about to retort but his mouth remained shut. His eyes widened in confusion. Comprehension followed; he glared furiously at his fellow Devata.

We have seen the destruction caused by our comrades. We would have done more than voice our grief if our princess was harmed, Kasador said. Kelor-run glanced quickly at Pellinor. Please understand that the new king commands our army. We are not allowed to question his orders. By day’s end, our little troop and our families would be forsworn and deemed traitors in Rituvan.

We cannot stay here, Alena said. She watched the glow globes intently, avoiding the warriors’ gazes. I have outstayed my welcome when the Old Wood burned to the ground.

Alena could still remember the different stares directed at her: uncertainty, pity, and accusation. She had thought of running away until Pellinor came.

That is the reason I have come, Princess Alena. Allow me to intercede for you and your people in the next Council meeting. Kelor-run offered his hand to her.

There would surely be a price for his services but she was now responsible for the lives of twenty-nine Drogun riders and their families. The latter were already in hiding, waiting for someone to fetch them at the border shared between Rituvan and Merleina.

Alena placed her palm on the Devata’s waiting hand.

Very well, Kelor-run. Intercede for us.

I shall not fail you, Liyanna.

Part I

KRISTINA

Chapter 1

Kristina

2012

Gray clouds hung overhead. A thunderclap followed by several fat drops of water from the sky; suddenly, the rain came down heavily. People ran for cover. With the wind blowing so strongly, even those with umbrellas sought shelter from the downpour.

In one of the classrooms of a public college, a girl fixed her gaze outside the window. Her eyes watered as she sneezed for the third time. Classes had just been dismissed and most of her classmates were streaming out of the room. Some of them groaned and complained how the rain would inconvenience their ride home. The girl inwardly sighed as she gathered her notes.

She retrieved a red jacket and umbrella from her bag. She was in no hurry as she headed for the gate while weighing her options. Since it was still early, she could wait and see if the rain would let up. Or, she could just try her luck and hope for the best.

The first option was a waste of time and she felt that the rain would continue until late evening. A slight quirk of her mouth was the only indication of her frustration as she stepped into the rain. The girl tilted her umbrella forward against the wind and rain, slightly obscuring the view in front of her.

Kristina! Wait. Recognizing the voice, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Kristina turned to see him running towards her. You’re going home, right?

Yes. She waited for him to continue. Sensing that there wasn’t any forthcoming, Kristina continued: Don’t you have practice?

The tall lanky boy suppressed a grin.

No. I quit, remember? Have to get serious since we’re graduating this year. He swung his backpack onto his shoulder. Then he added quickly: Actually, I was wondering if we could share the umbrella since we take the same route if it’s okay?

Sure.

Thanks.

Kristina deliberately ignored Peter when he offered a hand to hold her umbrella.

She warily observed her companion at the corner of her eye as they waited for the bus. He shifted his weight from side to side, a sign that he wanted to discuss something uncomfortable.

Tina.

So, he’s calling me by my nickname now, she thought.

Tina, I want to apologize for not telling you sooner about Ina and me. It’s just that I couldn’t help it – what was happening between us – I know you think I’m making excuses but it’s true. I was going to tell you. The right time just never came.

Does he really mean that? Kristina wondered. She was the one who broke off with him sensing that there were a lot of things to consider. To begin with, they didn’t have much in common. He was sporty, laidback and outgoing. She was studious, introverted, and led a not-so-ordinary life.

He easily accepted her decision to revert to being friends. However, it upset her when he suddenly turned his attentions toward another girl a month after the breakup.

The whole class witnessed Peter and Ina’s growing feelings for each other. It was only when one of her classmates’ thoughtless question if she was okay with it, that Kristina became completely aware of what was unfolding right under her nose. At the end of the day, she was no longer sure which part of her was more