Chapter 16: The Threads of Three

Istanbul, Turkey

The departure from Alevkoy had been swift. Their final day in the village had been devoted to documentation—photographs of the cave system (with certain sacred areas excluded at the community’s request), recordings of historical narratives shared by elders, and detailed notes on how the ancient practices had been preserved and adapted over centuries.

Now, seated in a private dining room at their Istanbul hotel, Sahara, Elias, and Layla were reviewing their findings and planning their next steps. The table between them was covered with notes, photographs, and preliminary analyses, organized into categories that would eventually form the basis for academic publications.

“The chemical analysis from Rome confirms what the manuscripts described,” Elias noted, reviewing the detailed reports from Dr. Martelli. “The ‘divine elixir’ contained a sophisticated combination of psychoactive compounds, primarily ergot derivatives and psilocybin, along with various plant extracts that appear to have balanced the effects and duration.”

“And the preparation methods described in the manuscripts align with modern understanding of how these compounds are most effectively extracted and preserved,” Layla added. “Suggesting practical knowledge developed through generations of practice.”

Sahara was studying the historical timeline they had put together, linking their discoveries. “What we’re seeing is a story that stretches back almost 2,000 years—an ancient way of spiritual practice focused on direct, mystical experience. It was largely pushed aside by religious authorities but kept alive through hidden writings, secret groups, and carefully protected rituals.”

“The academic significance is profound,” Elias observed. “This challenges conventional narratives about early Christianity and its relationship to older mystery traditions. The evidence suggests much greater continuity and influence than was previously known.”

“Which explains the opposition we’re facing,” Layla noted. “These findings don’t just add footnotes to history—they potentially rewrite significant portions of it.”

The “Defenders of Orthodoxy,” who Ibrahim had warned them about, were a modern version of the same forces that had forced the mystery tradition to go underground. According to Alexei, who had contacted them that morning, this group included influential figures in religious institutions and academia who viewed their research as threatening to established theological narratives.

“We need to be smart about how we proceed,” Sahara said. “Both in terms of our personal safety and the integrity of our findings.”

They had already taken certain precautions. Their most sensitive materials—the original manuscripts, the sealed vessels, and their primary research notes—had been secured in multiple locations rather than kept together. Digital backups were encrypted and stored on separate devices. And they had established secure communication channels with Alexei and the community in Cappadocia, using protocols that would alert them to any compromise.

“I propose we separate temporarily,” Elias suggested after they had discussed various options. “Each focusing on a different aspect of the research in different locations. That divides the risk while allowing progress to continue.”

Sahara raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Again with the separation? What’s the real plan here, Elias? You want to get back to Rome so you can get some nooky with Dr. Sofia Martelli? You’re telling me you don’t want to slide into her pants and have the good Italian Dottoressa take your cock deep into her throat until you shower her with your semen?”