Southern-Realm Saga - Origins of the Prodigy

Chapter 5 - The Phi Council

As the flatlands turned into steep cliffs the wizard grunted, "We are getting close." Travelling between the cliffs, I noticed strange markings in a language I had never read before.

Curious, I enquired, "What are these strange markings?"

"These strange markings are pictographs drawn by Phi who lived thousands of years ago," Asadagi explained, "They tell a variety of different stories about the creation of this world, the rise and fall of spirit beings, the origins of the Phi, and much more."

"You keep on mentioning the Phi," Tatiana interjected, "Who are they?"

"Millennia ago," the wizard started, "The world was ruled by a series of spirit beings who were tasked with ruling over earth on Abati's behalf. Under the spirit beings, who are called Krav in ancient folklore, the world was at peace. However, at one point the spirits saw how beautiful humankind was, intermingled with humans, and had children. The result was the emergence of a new race called the Phi, who were half-human half-spirit. Because we were half spirit, we had 'magical' abilities which no other species of this earth possessed."

Yearning to know more, I continued asking questions, but I could tell the wizard had other things on his mind. Putting asking questions on hold, I decided to try to guess what the markings meant. The pictographs turned into writing the further we got, and eventually I started seeing ancient structures carved into the sides of the cliffs. I could make out three, five, and even ten-story structures that were made by digging into parts of the cliff-side. They were huge and extremely advanced for such an ancient civilization. I had seen tall statues before, but never buildings as high as ten-stories. Continuing along, the path narrowed as both cliff walls opposite merged together. Eventually we were halted by a tall waterfall.

Disappointed, Tatiana and I thought we had reached the end and should therefore turn back. Staring up at the waterfall, Tatiana suggested, "Let's go back Asadagi. It seems like this place was abandoned years ago."

"No," Asadagi responded, "This must be a mistake. I know I haven't been here in years, but in a dream I had I..." Sighing, Asadagi stopped talking and looked down in disappointment.

"Wait," I responded, "What dream?"

Embarrassed, he spoke up, "Forget what I just said. You would not believe me if I told you."

"Try me," I replied.

"Someday I will, but for right now we must focus on what our next step is going to be."
Looking around, the wizard noticed that there was a small inscription at the base of the waterfall which read in the ancient Phi language, "Immersed in darkness ye hide in the night. Ye magical creatures are out of plain site. Our hidden lair can certainly be found. The words needed to enter are sure to dumbfound."

Wondering what the inscription meant, I asked, "What does that mean?" Silent, the wizard ignored what I said as he concentrated on what the inscription meant.

Looking toward me, Tatiana said aloud, "I think this waterfall is supposed to open up to the secret location of the Phi council, but in order for the waterfall to move, we have to say the secret password."

Wondering if Tatiana was on the right track, I rushed up to the wizard and relentlessly pulled on his cloak while calling his name until he replied, "Tatiana is right," pausing he continued, "I don't remember the Phi having a secret password to get in. They didn't have one last time I was here."

"How long has it been since you were last here?" Tatiana enquired.

"It has been at least 200 years or so I'd say," the wizard responded. Baffled, I was surprised any being could live to be that old, for the oldest person I had known was my great uncle Pat, who had passed away at 75. That was beside the point, however, for all that mattered was how to figure out what the secret words were. Desiring to be of use, I asked Asadagi if he would read the inscription to me again, but he would not listen. Until nightfall he pondered the deeper meaning of the riddle while we simply stood back and watched. Feeling impatient, I begged the wizard to tell me what the riddle said, until he finally gave in.