Symbols can be interpreted in different ways,“ the professor replied, shaking his head. „History is full of examples of how people have mistaken wishful thinking for reality, how they have seen what they wanted to see. You shouldn’t build a theory on mere assumptions, based on vague symbols and dubious artifacts. You need solid evidence, Monsieur Dubois, irrefutable facts.
«Alexander understood that the professor was right. His words were full of wisdom and experience. But he couldn’t back down. Something inside him, some sixth sense, told him that he was on the right track. He felt that he was on the threshold of a great discovery, that he was close to unraveling a mystery that would change the world. And he was ready to go all the way, despite all the doubts and warnings.
One day, sitting in a small cafe in the heart of the Old City, smelling of coffee and spices, sipping strong Arabic coffee and pondering his unsuccessful searches, he accidentally overheard snippets of conversation between two young men sitting at the next table. They were talking in whispers, as if afraid of being overheard, and from time to time they looked around. The conversation concerned archaeological excavations that were being carried out near the Temple Mount, a place sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
«They say they’ve found something very important there,» said one of them, lowering his voice to a whisper. «Something that could change history. Something that could turn the world upside down.»
Alexander tensed, like a predator hearing a barely audible rustle in the grass. He felt hope awaken within him. He approached them and introduced himself, trying to speak calmly and casually.
«I am a historian,» he said, extending his hand. «My name is Alexander Dubois. And I’m interested in archaeological excavations, especially those that are being carried out in Jerusalem. Excuse me for intruding on your conversation, but I accidentally overheard you talking about some important find. May I know what you were talking about?»
The young men exchanged glances, as if deciding whether to trust him. In their eyes, there was distrust and caution.
«It’s a secret,» one of them replied, after a short pause. «Information that is not intended for outside ears. But if you’re really interested, if you’re really looking for the truth, come to the Western Wall tomorrow evening. You’ll find out everything there.»
Alexander hesitated. He didn’t know whether to trust these people. They seemed suspicious and secretive. He didn’t rule out that it might be a trap. But curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and the hope that he would finally be able to find answers to his questions prevailed.
The skepticism of the professor from the Hebrew University, his cold, sobering view of his theory, sat in Alexander’s head like a splinter, causing irritation and doubt. He wandered through the labyrinth of narrow streets of the Old City, as if trying to find a way out of his reflections, trying to drive his words out of his head, but they sounded again and again, echoing in his mind: «You shouldn’t build a theory on mere assumptions. Science requires proof, not faith.» He understood that the professor was right, that his hypothesis remained only a hypothesis, based on circumstantial evidence and personal interpretations. But he could not shake the feeling that he was on the right track, that he was close to solving a mystery that was waiting in the wings. Doubts tormented him, tearing him between the desire to believe in his theory and the need to remain an objective and impartial scholar. He felt lonely and lost in this huge, ancient city, as if he were alone against the whole world.
Evening descended on Jerusalem. The golden light of the sunset painted the ancient walls in warm tones, but Alexander did not care about beauty. He felt lost and lonely.
Suddenly, like a ray of light breaking through the thick clouds of doubt, he remembered the meeting at the Western Wall, the mysterious proposal of the young men, sounded like a promise to reveal a long-kept secret. Maybe these guys know something that has escaped his attention, something that will help him in his desperate search, something that will become the key to solving the puzzle. Resolutely casting aside doubts, Alexander headed towards the Wall, a place sacred to Jews, a place where you can feel connected to the pastand turn to God with a prayer.
Approaching the Western Wall, in the light of the dim lanterns, he noticed two guys waiting for him. They were simply dressed, in ordinary clothes that did not stand out from the crowd, but in their eyes, there was some tension, even a hidden threat, as if they were ready to protect some secret at any cost. This look alerted Alexander, giving him a premonition of danger. He understood that this meeting could be not only useful but also risky.
«You came,» said Amir, a swarthy guy with short, thick dark hair, his eyes carefully studying Alexander, as if trying to read his thoughts. «Good. My name is Amir, and this is David,» he pointed to his companion.
«Alexander,» he replied, shaking Amir’s outstretched hand, feeling a slight tension in his muscles.
«We know who you are,» David grinned, a fair-haired guy with piercing blue eyes, his gaze seemed sharp and penetrating. «And we know what you’re looking for.»
Alexander was alarmed by this knowledge. He didn’t understand how these people could have learned about his research, about his hopes and fears. Who were they? And what were their motives?
«What do you know?» he asked cautiously, trying to hide his excitement.
«We know that you are looking for evidence of the existence of a common faith that united Islam and Christianity,» Amir replied, his voice sounding even and calm. «And we can help you.»
«Why do you want to help me?» Alexander didn’t trust them, feeling a hidden threat in their words. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been drawn into some game in which he had an undefined role.
«Because we are also looking for the truth,» David replied, his blue eyes blazing with a strange fire. «We believe that knowledge of the past can change the future. We believe that the truth must be revealed, even if it is inconvenient and dangerous.»
«What are you proposing?» Alexander asked, ready to hear any information, even if it seemed incredible.
«We know about secret excavations that are being carried out under the Temple Mount,» Amir replied, lowering his voice to a whisper, as if afraid of being overheard. «They found something there that might interest you.»
Alexander held his breath. He had heard about these excavations, about rumors of some incredible finds, but the authorities kept everything strictly secret, not allowing outsiders to access them.
«How can you show it to me?» he asked, realizing that great danger awaited him.
«It’s dangerous,» David replied, his gaze becoming serious and warning. «The excavations are guarded, and the authorities don’t want anyone to know about these finds. They will try to hide the truth at any cost. But if you’re willing to risk it, if you really want to know the truth, we can get in there at night.»
Alexander hesitated. He understood that this could be a trap. But he could not miss such an opportunity.
«I agree,» he said.
«Then come to the Lion’s Gate tomorrow night,» Amir replied. «Exactly at midnight. Don’t be late.»
They parted, like shadows, dissolving into the dense crowd that, like a river, flowed ceaselessly through the narrow streets of the Old City. Alexander remained standing at the Western Wall, alone, looking at the ancient stones, over which the rays of the moon slid. A storm of emotions raged in his head: excitement, fear, hope, and a premonition of something great and unknown.
He felt that his life had changed forever. From the moment he made the decision to take a risk, stepping on this dangerous path, his fate was already predetermined. He could no longer return to his former life, to quiet days in the library, to scholarly debates within the walls of the university. Now, he would face a struggle, a struggle