Why can't you see?

Talathel was increasingly frustrated with this language. It was as if the details of this cube were taunting him with their obviousness but at the same time revealing nothing. He swore in elven, a word or two may have been recognized by Darvin, but he was certain most of his vocabulary would be interpreted as an attempt to read the cube.

Talathel looked at Hring and Darvin. He noticed they were not studying the cube as closely as he expected. They were intrigued, yes, but they weren't trying to decipher the words on the cube.

"What do you guys think it says?"the elf said, with a sense of urgency. Blank stares.

Perception

d20 (+8) = 11(+8) =  19

Talathel noticed Ethelred enter the room. If he was trying to sneak up on us, he did a lousy job. 

"Ethelred! Do you see anything on this cube. I'm starting to think I've gone and lost my mind."