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Elemental Realms
Chapter 9: The Ethereal Sanctuary - Kingdom of Spirit

Chapter 9: The Ethereal Sanctuary - Kingdom of Spirit

At the nexus of the elements, the Ethereal Sanctuary existed in a dimension both beyond and within the others. Ruled collectively by a council of wise leaders, the Spirit Kingdom embodied the unity of all elements. Its people were gifted with insight and connection to the spiritual realm, using their abilities to maintain harmony and balance among the elements. The Spirit Kingdom emphasized empathy and understanding, bridging gaps and healing wounds.

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I sat on a boulder next to my brother in a grove. “There was a prophecy that foretold my future. When I was born one of my father's council members heard whispers throughout the spirit realm, telling of how the king's daughter would someday play a big role in determining the future of the kingdom, because of that I was always treated as an equal by all and a better by even more.” I finished. “Whoa, that's crazy.” my little brother Caleb said. “So because you got all the power and importance, is that why your brother is so weak and pathetic?” A voice called out from behind me. I turned to confront the voice. “Excuse me?” I said staring with hatred at Edmund, who was the council member Thalos’s son. “How did you find us?” I asked “Oh I have my ways” he replied. “What do you want?” I demanded. “You heard me earlier, I called your brother pathetic, though I think the fact that you think others treat you so well because they think you have an important role is just as pathetic. I mean honestly, you're the king's daughter, of course, people are going to treat you that way, but it's not out of respect, it's because your dads are so important.” Edmund said. I shook with anger, I started to storm towards him but Caleb ran in front of me and blocked my path. “Stop Jenna, it's fine, it's not worth it.” He said. “Your right, he has no idea what he’s talking about.” I said as I turned away. I began to walk away when I heard Edmund's final insult. “Fine go coward, you’ve always been too much of a coward to fight.” I whirled around and glared at him. I formed my thoughts into a lance and sent it spearing for him. It sliced past the barriers in his mind and exploded with the force of thought. Edmunds's eyes widened with fear. He gasped in pain. I started to rip apart his mental barriers, as he lay on the ground jerking with each tear I made. Dimmly I began to hear screaming and crying. Then I became aware that it was my brother. I snapped out of my rage and looked at him he was pulling at my clothes begging me to stop. “Please, Jenna, please. He’s sorry, you can stop.” I reached out and hugged him tight, “I'm so so sorry, I don't know what came over me.” I saw Edmund sit up out of the corner of my eye. I turned to him, “If you ever come near me, or my brother, again, I won't stop. You hear me!” I yelled. Edmund jerked backward, turned, and ran away. As I walked Caleb home I felt a familiar presence pushing against my mind. I opened a small crack in my metal shields and my father's presence slipped inside. “What is his father?” I thought. “Where are you and Caleb, I need to speak with you soon?” Why can't you tell me what you need to tell me now?” I asked “Because you were trained a little too well in mental control. And I don't want to give you details you're not yet allowed to know.” “Okay we are still a ways off, but I will call one of the palace horses to come get us.” My father didn’t respond for a few seconds. “Fine but hurry, this news is time-sensitive.” Then I felt his presence withdraw from my mind. My brother looked up at me, “Hey Jenna, it's okay, I know you didn't mean to scare me.” my brother said. Oh, he thought I was being silent because I was upset. “No, I'm not upset, I was just talking to Father,” I said. “He wants us to hurry, he has some important news for us.” “So, we need a ride, why don't you try and call for one of the palace horses again, maybe you’ll get it this time,” I said. My brother had still yet been able to achieve mind-to-mind interaction. Normally by age seven, kids would have already managed to do it, the first time is always the hardest, but my brother was eight and still hadn’t managed to do it yet. “Fine.” He said dejectedly. He stopped and concentrated. I could see his face slowly turning red from how hard he was trying. He stopped and gasped, breathing hard. “I just can do it,” he said angrily. “Hey it's okay, you will get it eventually.” I stood and cast out my thoughts until I detected the minds of one of the horses. It was Hazel, my favorite horse. “Hazel I need you to come get us and take us back to the palace.” I also send feelings of need and urgency. I sensed she was on her way. “Hazels on her way,” I said to Caleb. Just a few minutes later Hazel arrived. I hoisted Caleb onto her back and swung up behind him. “Let's go Hazel.” I said. She sped into a gallop and within just five minutes we were at the palace. I jumped off Hazel and caught Caleb as he jumped off. “Race you to Father’s office.” I said as I broke into a run. “Hey, not fair. You didn't warn me.” Caleb yelled, but it didn’t matter, he had already caught up to me, and he had even begun to pull ahead. We both vaulted up the stairs and ran down the hallway. Caleb turned the corner, and I raced to catch up with him. I turned the corner to see Caleb leaning against the office door faking a look of boredom. “Why did you have to keep me waiting so long.” He said. I pushed him playfully, “I was not that far behind.” He giggled and we both turned and knocked on my father's door then pushed open the door and walked inside. Our father was sitting at his desk arguing with one of the council members. As soon as he say us he stood up and said. “Will you please excuse us for a moment, I need to tell my children.” The Council member stood up and stormed off. “Kids, have a seat.” We both sat down and my father looked at us. “Jenna, I have important news for you. The guardian has a special role for you and wants you to come to a special ceremony in three days. And you Caleb will not be coming.” What?” Caleb yelled indignantly. “How’s that fair!?” My father ignored him. “Jenna, pack your bags, we leave in the morning.”

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