"Can we meet him?"
"I think so. But not tomorrow. Tomorrow we should first visit the site of the 1954 excavation. I know where it is. Perhaps we'll find some clues there."
They had dinner, discussing the plan for the next day. Ermek proved to be not only knowledgeable about local history but also a professional geologist specializing in rock formations in the coastal zone of Issyk-Kul. He showed Alexei maps and photographs of the area, noting regions where, in his opinion, Nestorian treasures might be hidden.
"Do you see this line of rock outcrops?" he pointed to a map. "They contain numerous natural grottos and small caves formed by tectonic processes. Some of them could have been used as hiding places. They're difficult to access and not visible from the lake."
"As in the inscription," Alexei noted. "'Light in water, water in light.'"
"Exactly," Ermek nodded. "This phrase has long been known in local folklore, though most consider it just a poetic description of the lake's beauty. But what if it's actually an indication of a hiding place, visible only under certain lighting or reflection from the water?"
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of an approaching car. Ermek tensed and quickly went to the window, carefully drawing aside the curtain.
"A black jeep," he said grimly. "They've found us."
Dinara jumped to the window.
"Is it them? Karabaev's people?"
"Looks like it," Ermek nodded. "Four of them. Armed."
Alexei felt his heart pounding in his chest.
"What are we going to do?"
Ermek quickly went to the cabinet and took out a hunting rifle.
"We have an advantage—we know the terrain. Behind the house begins the protected area with mountain trails. I know every stone there. We can go through the forest to the eastern part of the reserve, where there's an old observation station."
"What about the reserve guards?" asked Alexei.
"There are only two for the entire area, and right now they're patrolling the far sector," Ermek replied, checking the rifle. "Besides, they can't do much against Karabaev's armed men."
From outside came the sound of footsteps on the veranda. A loud knock on the door. Then a voice:
"Ermek-aga! We know you're in there! Open up, we need to talk!"
"Go away!" Ermek shouted. "This is private property and a nature reserve! You have no right to be here!"
"We have all the necessary documents," the voice replied. "We're acting on behalf of the security services. We're looking for a Russian citizen suspected of attempting to illegally export cultural valuables."
Ermek swore in Kyrgyz.
"Lies. What security services? These are Karabaev's men. Leave through the kitchen, quickly."
Dinara grabbed her jacket and Alexei's backpack.
"Come on!"
They quickly passed through to the kitchen, which was located at the back of the house. Ermek opened a door leading to an inner courtyard.
"Run up the path, straight to the forest. There's a hunting shelter that only I know about. I'll delay them."
"Uncle, no!" exclaimed Dinara. "They're dangerous!"
"Don't argue," Ermek cut her off. "They won't harm me; I'm too well-known a figure. But you… Go. We'll meet at Rustam's."
From outside came a cracking sound—someone was trying to break down the front door. Ermek pushed them toward the exit:
"Run!"
Alexei grabbed Dinara's hand, and they ran out into the yard. The night was clear and moonlit, which was both good and bad—they could see the path, but they could also be spotted. A narrow and steep trail led up the forested mountain slope.
