In North-eastern Afghanistan, several groups and political powers fight for control: The allied troops led by the US spare no effort to leave the country at the Hindukush soon and hand over political responsibility to the local people. But whom can they trust?

The country is threatened by power struggles between different ethnic groups, tribes, Islamists and foreign secret services. The effort required by the allied forces to avoid the situation spiralling out of control is immense. A planned Loya Jirga, a gathering of influential tribal elders where important political and ethnical questions are discussed could resolve the balance of power. However, the individual leaders are at odds with one another and the gathering is likely to fail before it even begins.

At the same time, an Afghan visits the renowned archaeographist Éduard Berniér in Switzerland, with a stone. He asks the scientist for his expert opinion on it. Nawid, a Pashtun boy, found the stone in dramatic circumstances. First, Berniér is tempted to pass on this request to his colourful and heinous rival Penrose. But then, he can be convinced to examine the trove himself. As he is on his way to Delhi and Kabul, he can meet the elder of the Pashtun Hamidzai tribe, who has asked for his opinion.

A wild chase criss-crossing North-eastern Afghanistan to find the treasure shrouded in mystery begins. This treasure, mentioned already in Afghan history, holds insights into the fate of Afghan society and thus offers conclusions for the Loya Jirga.

However, several parties pursue their interest in the stone, amongst them Penrose, the famous American archaeologist, and the Pakistani secret service. His main concern is the value of the precious stone, theirs the political status quo of their neighbouring country.

Berniér and his friends including Nawid, the last successor of the Hamidzai elder, are on a mission where friendship and trust are vital for survival.

First English Edition
All Rights Reserved.
Published by: epubli GmbH, Berlin, www.epubli.de
Copyright © 2023 Cyrill Delvin

The original German edition was published in 2015
Translated into English by Martina Lammers

»The militias grinned and finally got into the Renaud. Rashad was lying on his stomach, writhing in agony. He could barely see the rock from behind which Nawid was witnessing everything. The trembling boy was crouched on the ground and looked at him.

Rashad’s eyes made it clear to stay where he was. Despite the thirty feet distance, Nawid could see his father’s mortal fear reflected in them. He also saw his parent’s pride in him and his love. But what he observed most was Rashad’s worry about him. He would never forget that look in his father’s eyes …«

Map of Northeast Afghanistan