Koss led them forward until just after the top edge of Eridani 40 became invisible. Then he left the path where it ran alongside a cleft between two steep rock walls. "If you would turn back, Kov, this is the time. Any later, and T'Khut will be rising, and it will be unsafe."
"I will not turn back." Kov was somewhat surprised at his voice; it sounded stronger and more decisive than he could remember ever sounding. Certainly, he'd never been so with Sivet his father. "I wish to explore touch with you, Koss, and I will go where you lead."
"Then come. We are close." Koss gestured into the cleft. It was slightly narrower than Kov was comfortable with – he was not a slender man, and he had a minor concern of getting caught and unable to move forward.
"You are not the largest person to pass this way, Kov." Koss waited at the entrance. Only now did Kov realize that the other man's shoulders were perhaps wider than his own. "I myself have entered this passage weekly for the past twenty-six years and have never had a difficulty."
"I will enter the passage, Koss."
Koss nodded slightly, and moved into the passage. Kov followed. The rock walls closed in around them, but, as Koss had said, there was ample room. After three turnings, the passage widened into a chamber. From a hole far above, there was light, and fresh air. Kov relaxed, though he hadn't realized that he'd been tensed.
"We will rest here for a time, Kov, and take water and nourishment, for what we will explore will no doubt require great amounts of energy. Then we will go to my chamber, and we will not be disturbed there, for as long as we choose to remain. Later, if you wish it, we will have the freedom to visit with the others who are sheltering here."
"What is the purpose of this place?" Kov had the sense of something of import here. He recalled his initial thought that Koss might be a dissident. Had he been correct? There had been little in their conversation that had suggested he would know a place such as this.
"It is a place for exploration, rest, renewal, meditation – or whatever else those who come here choose. It is a place for IDIC. It is open to all who learn of it through another who knows it. Now that you have come here, you are free to do so again, whether with me, with another, or alone."
That didn't truly answer Kov's query – or perhaps it did, and he just failed to understand. He chose to set his curiosity aside, at least as regards the purpose of this shelter. Perhaps he would learn more of it in time. What was of importance now was what he and Koss would share this night.
Instead of pursuing the topic, he watched Koss as he moved to an alcove that had been fitted with shelves stocked with stone jars. "The sustenance here is simple, but satisfying, and it will provide the nutrition we need, as well as a time of rest before we retire to our explorations."