Below you will find a bit I wrote from Candy’s perspective to help me see the ending to “Calamitares in Winter” more clearly. It may not make sense to anyone but me…but I thought it was a fun glimpse at Edmund from Candy’s point of view. I enjoy the way she sees him…the insight she provides is always pretty helpful. So here you are, may this find you having a wonderful day!
Thrashing about is simply not his style. Calmly assessing the situation, gathering facts before determining the next logical step; now that’s more Edmund. Yet, neither of these options was currently winning. Head hung low with elbows resting on knees, Edmund squats next to the rock wall (which appeared out of nowhere) listening intently.
Inactivity wears thin on me though, and after just a few minutes I feel my insides twitching. Biting my lip, I try to remain quiet while Edmund continues in his trance like state until only the taste of blood stops me. Left with no outlet for my nervous energy I begin frantically pacing, thinking through a way to motivate Edmund into the fight when finally, Edmund rises. Lips curled up in a grin, he pats the wall before taking my hand and leading me out of the once grand mountain chamber and into the residual mining tunnels; oddly serene despite our losses.
Magical magnetic forces may not bond us together, but I’ve always suspected that what Jason and I share runs equally as deep as that which ties Edmund to Emma. Maddening most of the time, there is no denying Jason can definitely get on my nerves. A fact he both knows and uses to his advantage often, but underneath it all runs a friendship I cannot understand. I’d heard of him naturally, but flying with him that first time was extraordinary. We moved in synch without a word, our rhythm natural as breathing. I’d never felt so comfortable with someone in the seat beside me, and there was no one I trusted more in a plane. Cringing at the thought, I chanced a glance to Edmund but he too seemed lost in his own world as we weaved through the insanity of the tunnels headed back towards the island. Catching my eye as I watched for any sign of understanding, he gave a single nod before looping his arm around me.
“Don’t be scared,” he said placing a kiss to my temple. “We’ll get them back.”
Relief washed through me at his words, an ease that was just a little too apparent as Edmund eyed me curiously. Shrugging, I decided that if there was anyone I could trust to understand it was Edmund. “I’m a little more frightened of what to do once we get them back.”
Giving a single nod, Edmund replied, “Love changes things, but somehow I don’t think in your case there will be any difference.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’ve both been in love since the moment you met…all you’ve really done is assure the other. But, it was always there.” Blushing, I was suddenly very thankful for the dimly lit tunnel which provided some measure of cover.
We walked on in silence for the remainder of the journey, Edmund following my lead without question even after two wrong turns down tunnels I’d swear were there earlier. It wasn’t until we reached the wide open mouth of the once rich mining company that the heaviness of the task before us weighed on my mind. Jason and Emma were now officially stuck in another world, and we had no idea which way to turn.
Grace stood on a ledge that overlooked the western portion of the island, lost somewhere in thought while Phillip chatted animatedly into a phone. Pleased by whatever he was hearing, he beckoned Edmund forth. “Neroli’s safe.” The words fell flat on Edmund. “Remember, he was with us at the vineyard this morning…but he wasn’t there with us in the tunnels once we woke up. He’s ok though, or was as of an hour ago.”
“Where is he,” I asked knowing Edmund was in no mood for his parents games. But the answer hit me before Phillip could respond, “The monastery?”
“That’s right, they say he headed into the cellar upon his arrival and they haven’t seen him since,” Phillip answered, his smile finding Grace’s as she pulled herself back from wherever it was her mind had taken her. She was relaxed, but perhaps too much so. Something about her just didn’t seem right. As if a portion of her was left behind. Not that it was any of my business of course, but I wondered what sort of torture she’d been made to endure.
“Rosetta should arrive any time now,” I offered hoping Grace would understand. Nodding she smiled at the suggestion. “You two go on, Edmund and I will go…” go where, I thought helplessly. Go save them, go get them back? How exactly were we to proceed? The reality of our situation began to drown any hope.
“Candy’s right, there’s nothing more you can do. We’ll start at the monastery…and go from there,” Edmund answered with a clipped tone that said don’t dare dispute. Turning, we found only James’s car and the tiny car Jason and I managed to swipe from Grace and Phillip earlier.
“We’ll take James’s car,” Phillip said with a smile to his son. “Apparently, he won’t need it.”
Rolling his eyes, Edmund made a move to get into the car before something sprang to life inside of him and forced him back towards his parents. Offering a quick yet awkward hug, they parted ways. Both sides still uncertain how to deal with the other.
