S. notices a small path of smooth rock leading around the base of the mountain. S. leaves the wooden walkway and steps onto the rock. The path goes up the mountain with twisting switchbacks.

S. reaches the top of the mountain. He can see the entire island, the warehouse, and the ship. He looks into the crater of the mountain. It is cold and windy, and he feels as though he could easily fall into the seemingly bottomless hole.

Eric notes that it seems as though S. is depressed.

Eric writes that he can understand why Vaclav would join Ekstrom and The S. Miracle at Braxenholm became a world-renowned book and Vaclav got to team up with a bunch of famous writers, secretly working to subvert tyranny and corruption. Vaclav got to be at “the center of a really big secret.” Eric wonders what 20 year old wouldn’t want to be a part of that. In addition, Vaclav may have developed a crush on Durand.

Eric romanticizes Vaclav’s secretive life. It seems as though Eric wishes that he could similarly take part in some mysterious, radical group of writers.

Jen argues that The S was using Vaclav.

Eric disagrees. He writes that strong friendships developed between Vaclav and members of The S.

Jen writes that there were complicated relationships, even before Straka met Filomela.

Eric writes that if Vaclav was Straka and if he really died, then there is no way for Eric and Jen to prove their theory. No one will publish their theory that Vaclav was Straka.

Jen is hopeful, writing that even if no one publishes their theory it may still be true. If they are right, there are many ways to let the world know.