Words

Words is a series of prophecies written by [article=The Watcher], originally published in [article=4500 DE]. The English-translated version takes the form of free verse poetry. The full work is 625 lines long – including blank lines – and seems to refer to a number of future events, such as [article=the fall of D'ni] and the family discord of [article=Atrus] and his kin.

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[h=1]Reception[/h]

Words was well-received by the D'ni when it was published, and retained a sizable following all the way up to D'ni's destruction in [article=9400 DE]. [article=King Jaron] attempted to fulfill the prophecy that "because of tunnels, D'ni has changed forever" by undertaking a large-scale expansion effort throughout the [article=D'ni cavern]. It is likely that the work remained popular because of its perceived accuracy in predicting future events – though like all prophecies, its accuracy is a matter of personal interpretation.

[h=1]Original Text[/h]

[h=2]Section 1[/h]

] Revere the Maker; cherish the made.

] Here lies wisdom.

]

] The door lies at the end of the path.

] Who will gather? Many.

] Who will finish? Few.

]

] The grower will take time.

] The grower will bring light.

] The grower will have Ages.

] Take it, and more it to and fro.

] Bring light, and give it to the dark places.

] Have Ages, and link to them without bindings.

]

] Loud cries yet again.

] Can it be made? No.

] We mourn our loss.

] No one sees.

]

] In the rock where changes are found.

] Because of tunnels D’ni has changed forever.

] New events surround us,

] Awaiting our arrival.

]

] The path to the left or right?

] That is the only power of man.

]

] The grower leads in the dark,

] While the deceiver flails in the light.

] The grower raises truth in the absence of eyes,

] While the deceiver blesses them in clear view of many.

] Without the grower, those who are like the grower would never learn.

] Without the grower, the name known by all would not have existed.

]

] Knowing the least is the path of wisdom.

] A sweet aroma rising up.

] Kings and prophets, the proud ones have the stench of death.

] The passing of time brings the path to the gathered.

] A breach has been cut, and now the paths are joined.

] The giving of gifts heals the wound of the builder.

]

] In cages they weep,

] Time and again.

] But without their tears,

] Truth remains hidden.

]

] Your cry is your call.

] If no one will hear them, weep for us.

]

] The choices of the wise bring pleasure to the Maker.

] The meeting of worlds is death and life.

]

] They count years and months.

] A long week is as short as an age is long.

]

] There is noise where once there was silence;

] Light where once there was not.

] Stone stands tall,

] And rock falls down.

] And they are watched;

] Always.

] Not knowing.

] Silence will return.

] Light will fade.

] Stone will fall.

] Rock will grow,

] Again.

]

] From the shadow of the wound, history will be rewritten.

] The disease will spread until D’ni cannot be saved.

]

] Seven they are,

] Though little do they realize

] Only four is seen as they see.

] For seven is one,

] And one is seven.

]

] Writing of links is a gift to be cherished.

]

] Where are our people?

] Who are our people?

] What are our people?

] Cry those who die on the streets.

]

] The crumbling of the walls will come from within.

] The stories of the destroyer will be the start of the burden.

] The burdened one will come from outside.

] The burden of the remnant will be laid upon his shoulders.

] Be still and the path will be made known.

]

] What will grow?

] The tree of all things.

] Who will grow it?

] The grower.

]

] Pages burn.

] Ink spills.

] Is there no one to protect us?

] When we turn against ourselves.

]

] Books will be your stronghold, and then you will die.

] The destroyer will cut down this great tree of wickedness?

] Another place will be their refuge,

] Another place will be their home.

] Dance and celebrate, for the tree grows again.

]

] Seven nameless abused;

] Six called abused;

] Five sent away;

] Four sell to three;

] Three excepted without eighteen;

] Two one of eight;

] One wear color and hold paper.

]

] Poison fills the hearts of many;

] New air enters some.

] Believe.

]

] The scream you hear has no breath.

] Old ways are kept just to test.

]

] Curses reign upon the others;

] From the lips of the proud.

] Eyes are removed,

] Yet sight is restored.

[h=2]Section 2[/h]

] Do not trust the sons of the burdened one.

] They will seek comfort in their books.

] This is the warning of the fall.

] Do not seek comfort in your books.

] When destruction comes, other ages will not save you.

]

] Seen under bones in the jail cells,

] A row of keys is here.

]

] Minds are soft, hearts are callused.

] In the new place chaos reigns.

] Wisdom is hidden.

] But a storm approaches, and a new river flows.

] Its waters of deep red stain the land.

] Cross the valley of dry sand and new blooms will appear.

] Wisdom is found.

]

] The action of the gathered means nothing.

] The action of the deceived is toiling in vain.

]

] The dam has been destroyed,

] And the river opened.

] He who unleashes its fury

] Screams for mercy, and calls for help.

] But no one comes.

] As death drowns him,

] It takes everything in its path.

]

] Darkness makes the righteous humble and the evil bold.

] Darkness comes at the end of time.

] Take the path upward, or those above will travel downward.

] Seek the path of the shell.

] The meeting of worlds is destruction and blessing.

] The kingdom of D’ni is not made of rock and stone, but heart and mind.

]

] They rejoice at a spark,

] Though they never see the fire.

] They rejoice at a star,

] Though they never see the sun.

] They honor magicians,

] And never know of true power.

] They bow to liars,

] Because truth cannot wait.

]

] When the tree dies there will come a new one.

] A grower to learn of the death.

] A grower to see new life.

] A grower to bring the gathered.

] A grower to restore the least.

] A grower to move through time.

] A grower to link at will.

] A grower to follow the shell.

] A grower to banish the darkness.

] A grower to graft the branches.

] A grower to join the paths.

]

] Black turns to green.

] Red and yellow fruits emerge.

] And he laughs at the worm,

] And soon there are many.

]

] The hill of fire allows them to find their way.

] Evil follows their path.

] One will take where another left off.

] Vagabonds enter unknowingly.

] Incomplete is the task at hand.

] Soon there will be another.

]

] Thought not a King, the Ruler dies.

] The spilling of his blood

] Creates rivers in the city.

]

] He laughs and smiles and cries at him

] And the one with him.

] Another teachers,

] So that the choices are ours.

]

] The patient find solace in the wait,

] While the restless follow the path of folly.

] Follow the patient path.

]

] There are three who live in darkness and silence.

] Blinded are those who search for them.

] One saves D’ni and dies

] At the hands of rulers.

] Another destroys D’ni and lives

] At the hands of followers.

] There is another who both destroys and saves;

] Both lives and dies,

] At the hands of both rulers and followers.

] While there is always strength in the hidden,

] There is a great trust in those who live and die.

]

] The Maker uses those who are willing.

] He provides a light to discern the willing from the wicked.

] A light in the cavern eases fears and provides comfort for the willing.

] A light in the cavern causes the wicked to scurry to the darkness.

]

] A new life, in a new place, begins for a few;

] Full of blessings, full of good.

] But maturity does not come from ease and prosperity.

] Prepare for suffering, and growth will come.

]

] Life dies, darkness spreads.

] Day ends, Night grows.

]

] What is this invasion?

] For the fourth time, they come.

] Two come to war;

] Two run from war;

] Two die;

] Two live although they kill.

] All of them;

] Above whom are none

] They believe.

]

] So I say again

] Seven they are,

] Though little do they realize.

] Only four is seen as they see.

] For seven is one,

] And one is seven.

]

] Libraries hold the writings of man.

] Hearts hold the truth of the Maker.

[h=2]Section 3[/h]

] Like a tree they spread.

] Like a tree they unite.

] Like a tree they spread.

] Like a tree they unite.

] It repeats over and over,

] And brings fits to my sleep.

] From many to one,

] And one to many.

]

] Pause.

] Harken unto my expressed summons as given.

]

] Remain.

] Know you are meant to go through it and wait nearby.

]

] Wait.

] If you can be calm,

] The way is simple thing to gain.

]

] Linger.

] Be quiet and see what’s near.

] You can open it.

]

] Do not forsake the Maker,

] For the meaning of his name is only for him.

]

] Mountains stand tall.

] New water feeds the stagnant.

] Through the minds of impostors

] Comes new life.

]

] A puddle frozen in time

] Brings strength to the weak.

] Minds are forsaken,

] And bodies are lost.

]

] A river of blood flows from the surface.

]

] It is written in the dark.

] The ten eyes do not see it.

] He creates alone;

] Weary of what may come.

]

] Why does the maker not know our choice?

] Because he chooses not to know it.

] He sees the branches of all choices,

] He knows the paths of all possibilities.

] But the pruning he has placed in the hands of man.

] This is the strength and downfall of man.

] This is how man will be measured.

]

] But it is many who will come

] To revel in his joy;

] To hide themselves from the eyes

] Who do not see the path.

]

] One who finds, will need.

] One who needs, will find.

] And one who meets the needs of another

] Will find his own needs met.

]

] They will subdue the weak and it will be their undoing.

] From above will come destruction, from above will come new life.

] The wound in the desert will bring forth the renewal of hope.

] Bring the least, and expect nothing in return.

] The passing of time brings the past to the present.

]

] Circles are the paths that lead to walls;

] And return to the beginning.

]

] Take time to know the faces of stone.

] Take time to understand the path of the shell.

] What will crush you?

] The weight of ordinances and laws.

] What will lift you?

] The wings of a heart for the Maker.

]

] The watcher will watch for words from the Maker.

] The voice will speak the mind of the Maker.

] The grower will grant the blessings of the Maker.

] The destroyer will hold the knife of the Maker.

] The seeker will share the truths of the Maker.

] The grower will bring the life of the Maker.

] The builder will build the peace of the Maker.

]

] First there is a one;

] Followed by a nine.

] Four leads a ten.

] Numbers;

] Cut into stone.

] If understood they could save,

] But their value is lost on the blind.

] Look at the time they spend trying to see numbers.

] There is no value in such numbers.

] For only after are they understood.

] Why do these numbers haunt us so?

] They will laugh upon us

] And reveal our weakness;

] In the face of the great time.

]

] Foolish men. Do you think that you are the only writers?

] Who is this new writer? The rules are written within him.

]

] The rain starts and the tree will grow,

] But are you the one to start it?

] You did nothing but follow.

] The grower is the one who leads.

]

] You toil and strive to write Ages and move stones.

] The path of the stone is toil for the gathered.

]

] Ink will be shared,

] And Ink will be lost.

]

] The Maker knows all the branches of the tree.

] The Maker can send the knife of the water.

]

] And few will be greater than the grower.

] For the grower will know pain.

] And the wounds will make the least the greatest.

] But do not be deceived.

] Few ears in the low places will know the grower.

] But many ears will hear those who claim to be the grower.

] Only the ears of the new ones will hear the true grower.

] Do not be deceived.

[h=2]Section 4[/h]

] In the night they walk through the streets

] Looking to one another for explanation;

] Trying to understand the mourning that fills the city,

] And prevent them from lying down.

] Others ignore the wails.

] They feel safe and talk as though they are immortal.

] As they too succumb to death

] They remember the restless nights.

]

] The number of the watcher is six hundred and twenty five.

] It is the number of waiting.

] It is the number of truth.

]

] You only need to ask what has been viewed to know.

]

] A heart for the least is the path to forgiveness.

] Move your heart far from pride, and joy will come.

]

] A desert bird knows where to wait and watch

] A desert bird knows when the storm will come.

] A desert bird knows where the water will flow.

] A desert bird knows when the tree will grow.

]

] A new five reign.

] To bring them back;

] To return;

] To unite.

]

] A new one reigns.

] To send them away;

] To push away;

] To divide.

]

] If more you seek,

] Ask and then be given a ray of hope.

]

] A man pulls ten others behind him,

] Because he believes.

] Another lifeless body is thrown into the cart,

] Because it doubts.

] People line the street

] Watching the cart go through their midst.

] Wondering what they should choose,

] And where their own body will be soon.

]

] Learn from the least, for their burden is great.

] A bird from the desert will build a nest in the tree.

]

] There is a circle of seasons,

] Death and life,

] Until a final end.

] The way is made clear at the end of time.

]

] Do not fear the wound, it is a way of peace in time of need.

] A place of patience;

] A place of stone;

] The gathered are known by their faces of stone.

] A place to fall;

] A place to be raised;

] The gathered will fall into the wound.

]

] Like the lelam they grow,

] Expanding in size

] But lessening in thickness.

] Expanding in territory.

] Swallowing enemies and smaller beasts

] But dying slowly.

] For what they eat is of little value.

] And what they consume destroys the stomach.

] So they continue to expand,

] Until there is nothing left where they started.

]

] Winds of change blow from above.

] Feel the wind, it will move you.

]

] The little ones destroy;

] The little ones rebuild;

] The little ones remove;

] The little ones give back.

]

] The future is always revealed to those who wait.

] But the proud have no patience.

] Because of pride, the destruction will come.

]

] This is your one answer.

] What is given is proof of it.

]

] The wound gives birth to the rebuilder of pride.

] The wound takes the age of the rebuilder of pride.

]

] A new five reign;

] To bring them home;

] To return their life;

] To unite their desires.

]

] Rest in the light.

] Call in the dark.

] Sing in the time of joy.

] Weep in the time of the pride.

]

] A new one reigns;

] To send them away to what is good;

] To return them to what is right;

] To unite them to what is true.

]

] A heart for pleasure is a filthy pit of binding.

] A heart for the Maker is a clean breath of release.

]

] For they have claimed a share of very old order.

]

] I see the tree

] With only one branch.

] What misery

] To watch it fall

] And never grow.

]

] Nothing but a seed;

] A seed that grows slowly;

] Roots grow, fed by water;

] Growing upward, only one.

]

] The remnant will live in plenty,

] Until a time of testing comes.

] The remnant will learn of the Maker.

] From one who learns of the Maker.

[h=2]Section 5[/h]

] Do my wishes deceive me?

] I have never seen like this before

] Darkness and tears fill my eyes,

] But not today.

] No longer do they mourn;

] No longer do they not realize their path.

] Is this the ending?

] Is this what I wait for?

] There can be no deception

] With such dreams that outweigh my own.

] Does this end have to leave so soon?

] Do not take the end from me.

]

] Do not put out the least for they will save you.

] The gathered will tell of the path of the shell.

] The bound will know of the path of the stone.

] Words are many, but action is what is desired.

] The gathered will find rest when the light comes.

] The circle is broken;

] The metal is melted in the fire.

] Strangely the cloth does not burn.

] The cloth of many;

] It remains in the fire

] And produces new life.

] Though the circle is gone

] It has brought triumph.

]

] The dreams of the wise are a gift from the Maker.

] The cleft is blessing to the gathered.

] Contempt is a gift from the accuser.

] Roll the stone to know the deceiver.

]

] They ask for it again.

] They cry out for yesterday.

] They want wisdom united

] Under one.

] “Never”, He says.

] That time has vanished.

] Misery will be great

] If that ancient place is visited again.

]

] Can a dead tree grow again?

] A man looks and sees death.

] It has been cut to nothing.

] There are no more branches,

] And no future is seen.

] But the Maker looks and sees life

] Beneath the death and destruction.

] A drop of water falls from the sky,

] And begins the journey downward.

] And the roots drink deeply.

] With the wisdom of the grower a new branch will grow.

]

] The burdened one will write to save worlds, and save one.

] The dreamer will dream to save worlds, and save many.

] The path is folly for those who toil.

] The path is wise for those who wait.

]

] I see the tree, with so many branches.

] What a sight!

] To watch it fall, and grow again.

]

] Can teeth replace Books?

] Can hands replace Ink?

] Can mirrors replace memory?

] Can one replace the many?

] When such things are believed

] So an ending nears.

]

] The Maker listens to D’ni,

] And he hears nothing.

]

] All of them look over you.

] And they do not see the right path.

] Follow the path of light, enter a new beginning.

]

] They seek answers in Ink and Paper

] And only find truth.

] They seek change in truth

] And only find empty hearts.

]

] They follow the truth and denounce all that is within.

] Evil is buried as quickly as love.

] They study the truth and denounce all choice.

] Evil is shunned as quickly as good.

] They write the truth and denounce all that came before.

] Perfection is sought as quickly as evil.

]

] Seek knowledge and you will find evil.

] Seek wisdom and you will find knowledge.

] Seek truth and you will find wisdom.

] Seek love and you will find truth.

]

] A new river flows through the land,

] Its paths are chosen wisely.

] The waters have lived through many dry lands

] And are no longer deceived by imaginary images.

] There are some who hear it roar through the land;

] Some see the dark waves and ripples.

] Those who refuse to acknowledge that it flows

] Are swept away by the storm that follows.

]

] Make a path to the sun,

] And the light will sine upon you.

] Make a path to the sky,

] And the storms will come.

]

] A new tree buries the beliefs of old;

] A tree of stone and power.

] Deep roots sustain it;

] Roots that absorb the waters of the past;

] Waters long forgotten

] But still flowing underground;

] Under new trees, with barks of life

] And rings of stone.

]

] Under the sun is the bringer of destruction.

] To the wound the bringer of pride returns.

] But the son of the son will carry the burden.

] And his wife will face the storm.

] Give him a pen, and he will plan.

] Give her a pen, and she will dream.

] And a daughter will carry the burden of her father.

] And the daughter of the daughter will live in peace.