He looked around. The downpour had turned into a drizzle, visibility improved. Below, in the valley, the lights of a village could be seen.
"We need to go there," Alexei pointed. "We need to find shelter and decide what to do next."
Dinara looked at him with eyes red from tears.
"Karabaev killed my grandfather," she said resolutely. "And he will answer for it."
"First, we need to survive," Alexei reminded her. "And find what your grandfather was looking for. Do you remember his last words? 'Find the truth.' He gave his life so we could continue the search."
Dinara nodded, wiping away tears.
"You're right. We can't give up now."
They began cautiously descending the slope, staying close to bushes for camouflage. Above, on the mountainside, flashlight beams still flickered—Karabaev's men continued their search.
"We need to search not for treasure, but for truth," Dinara quietly repeated her grandfather's words. "What did he mean?"
"I don't know," Alexei admitted. "But I'm sure we'll find out. For his sake."
The medallion on Alexei's chest warmed again, as if agreeing with his words. The mystery was only beginning to unfold, and the price had already been paid in blood.
Chapter 6: The Guardian's Vow
Morning mist shrouded the mountains, descending to the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in milky swirls. The sun had just begun its journey, and its first rays, piercing through the veil, fell on the smooth surface of the lake, creating a fantastic play of light and shadow.
Monk Thomas stood on a rocky promontory, gazing into the distance. Behind him, on a small plateau, nestled an Armenian monastery—several stone buildings surrounded by a low wall. Here, in this secluded place, the surviving Nestorians had found temporary refuge.
He heard careful footsteps behind him. The monk did not turn—he knew who had come.
"Teacher," David said quietly, stopping beside him.
In the early morning light, the young man's face seemed especially youthful and vulnerable. Despite this, his eyes reflected a determination that Thomas admired.
"Good morning, David," the monk replied, not taking his eyes off the lake. "It's beautiful here, isn't it? As if the Lord Himself created this place to remind us of the perfection of His creation."
David nodded, but there was nervousness in his movements. He anxiously fiddled with the silver medallion that Thomas had given him the day before.
"You must leave today," Thomas said, finally turning to his pupil. "Before dawn."
"But the scouts report that the Mongols are still combing the area," David objected. "They know we're somewhere around here."
"That's precisely why you must leave now." Thomas placed his hands on the young man's shoulders and looked him intently in the eyes. "While their attention is focused on the monastery, you have a chance to slip away unnoticed."
"I cannot leave you all, teacher," David's voice was filled with despair. "I cannot abandon the brothers, sisters, children…"
"You are not abandoning us," Thomas gently interrupted. "You are fulfilling the most important mission. What we hid yesterday must be protected, and knowledge of it must be preserved for future generations."
He looked around to ensure they were alone and lowered his voice to a whisper:
"Do you remember everything I told you about the crystal?"
David nodded, involuntarily touching the medallion on his chest.
