Many of my beta readers have asked for a glossary of the unfamiliar words I use in The Portal’s Choice. I had a great time searching for old words as I created the world of The Gatekeepers of Em’pyrean.  Below are the first entries in the list that will grow and change over time. I will add words as needed, and I might add more to the definitions of existing words when further explanation becomes necessary. For now, these words should help all my readers navigate the world of The Gatekeepers of Em’pyrean and better understand the challenges faced by Tallis Challinor in The Portal’s Choice. 

Em’pyrean – The Spirit Realm. Where souls go after humans die. The home of all Sawol.

Portals – Gateways between the human and spirit worlds.

Sawol – What souls are called after they pass into the spirit realm. The source or essence of life.

Bancofa – The first level of the spirit realm. Where the majority of souls or sawol go immediately after death.

Spirit – A soul that has passed into the spirit realm.

Earthbound Spirit or Earthbound – A soul that remains in the human realm after death for any reason. May maintain a more corporeal form due to surrounding human energy. Can also be invisible.

Grimming – Spirit bodies on earth. A spirit that has remained corporeal. Also called an Earthbound or Earthbound Spirit.

Perditas – The spirit realm between Bancofa and Dardanos. A preparatory realm for former earthbound spirits who wish to come back to their spiritual home and eventually continue to Bancofa.

Dardanos – Realm of the fallen spirits. Lowest of the spirit realms.

Edwist – A spirit suffused with human energy that becomes substantial.

Folctoga – Head gatekeeper of the spirit realm.

Consistoire – Governing body of the Spirit Gatekeepers

Spirit Guides – Evolved spirits willing to lend support and impart knowledge to humans.

Gatekeeper Stone/Crystal – A crystal unique to each gatekeeper, the stone is used to open and close the portal. Each crystal is attuned to the vibrational frequency of a specific gatekeeper and gate. They are not as effective when used on other portals.

Hereditary Gatekeeper – Gatekeeper born into a gatekeeping family. Usually the role passes to the oldest child.

Telesma – A talisman infused with dark or dangerous energy which can attach and be harmful to humans.