The Secret of the Great Sphinx

    By Khuda-Bux Jalbani

    The Secret of the Great Sphinx cover image

    12 Apr, 2024

    a painting of a woman in a desert setting with a village in the background and a desert town in the foreground, a detailed matte painting, desert, fantasy art, Colin Middleton

    In the heart of the village lived Amira, a young girl with an insatiable curiosity. She often wandered the sandy streets, dreaming of the mysteries that lay beyond the horizon.

    a woman in a desert with pyramids in the background and a sun in the sky above her head, egyptian art, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Colin Middleton

    One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Amira overheard whispers of a hidden treasure within the Great Sphinx. Intrigued, she decided to uncover the truth.

    a cartoon of a woman standing in front of a pyramid and a full moon in the sky above her, egyptian art, comic cover art, afrofuturism, Asaf Hanuka

    Guided by the moon, Amira ventured into the desert. As she approached the Great Sphinx, she felt a sense of awe wash over her.

    a woman in a costume standing in front of a desert landscape with a full moon in the background and a pyramids in the distance, egyptian art, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Asaf Hanuka

    With trembling hands, she traced her fingers along the weathered stone, feeling the ancient secrets that pulsed within its core. She noticed a faint glimmer emanating from a hidden crevice.

    a woman in a white dress and a gold headpiece in front of a desert scene with pyramids, egyptian art, comic cover art, fantasy art, Asaf Hanuka

    Heart pounding, she pressed a small, intricately carved button hidden within the crevice. To her amazement, a hidden passageway opened before her.

    a cartoon of a woman in a white dress standing in a tunnel with a brick wall and a doorway, egyptian art, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Cliff Childs

    Amira stepped into the darkness. Guided by the soft glow of torchlight, she ventured deeper, her pulse quickening with each step.

    a woman in a white dress is walking through a tunnel with a light at the end of the tunnel, a character portrait, epic fantasy character art, fantasy art, Chris Rallis

    She encountered a series of cunning traps and obstacles. But with quick thinking and nimble reflexes, she overcame each challenge, her determination unwavering.

    a cartoon of a woman in a roman dress standing in a tunnel with a stone wall and a stone archway, a character portrait, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Charlie Bowater

    Finally, after an eternity, she emerged into a vast chamber bathed in golden light. Before her lay a magnificent treasure trove, overflowing with priceless artifacts.

    a girl in a room with a chest of gold and a lamp above her head and a clock above her head, a storybook illustration, fantasy artwork, fantasy art, Artgerm

    But amidst the riches, a small, ornate chest caught Amira's eye. With trembling hands, she lifted the lid, revealing an ancient scroll nestled within.

    a girl in a dress sitting at a table with a book in her hands and a golden necklace on her neck, egyptian art, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Art of Brom

    Amira unfurled the scroll, her eyes widening as she deciphered the ancient hieroglyphics. It spoke of the Great Sphinx's true purpose—to safeguard wisdom and protect ancient knowledge.

    a woman in a medieval costume sitting at a table with a book in her hand and a golden clock in the background, a detailed painting, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Art of Brom

    Filled with a newfound sense of purpose, Amira realized the true treasure was not the riches before her, but the knowledge contained within the scroll.

    a cartoon of a girl in a desert setting holding a book and looking at the camera with a sunset in the background, a character portrait, comic cover art, fantasy art, Colin Middleton

    As the sun rose, Amira returned to her village. With the scroll in hand, she felt a sense of accomplishment, her heart filled with the joy of discovery.

    a painting of a woman in a desert with a book in her hands and pyramids in the background, egyptian art, magic the gathering artwork, fantasy art, Colin Middleton

    From that day forward, Amira devoted herself to studying the ancient wisdom. She shared her knowledge with the village, ensuring the wisdom of the Sphinx would live on.

    a painting of a girl in a desert setting with a sunset in the background and a house in the distance, a character portrait, rossdraws global illumination, fantasy art, Colin Middleton

    Amira's adventure taught her the value of knowledge over material wealth. Her story became a legend, inspiring future generations to seek wisdom and truth.

    The Secret of the Great Sphinx