Chapter Number: 37
Chapter Name: Contrivances
Page Numbers: 701 – 724
Date of Chapter: December 31st, 2006
Summary:
Tension increases as the confrontation between the Volturi and the Cullens continues. Edward makes a move to gather everyone closer together as Caius begins to argue with Aro; he’s annoyed that they aren’t actively moving to destroy the accused. Aro informs him that the claims that Renesmee is not an immortal child are all true; the witnesses have all seen it for themselves.
A brief flutter in the demeanor of the Volturi witnesses in light of this revelation gives the Cullens’ group some hope.
Bella is constantly checking her shield to be sure everyone is protected from potential mental warfare by the Italian vampires. She also discovers that by keeping Sam under her cover, the remaining pack members are also protected, leading her to understand that the pack mind is stronger and goes deeper than initially believed.
The wolves become an interesting focal point to the Volturi. Caius is determined that the Cullens have aligned with the Children of the Moon in order to increase their numbers and overthrow their authority. Edward points out that it is the middle of the day, so they couldn’t possibly be werewolves, per se, and thus were not related to their long-sworn lupine enemies. Aro explains to Caius that the Quileutes were shape-shifters and the wolf form was coincidental, not to mention their condition is genetic and not infectious.
Irina is called forward, as informant, to defend her allegations against the Cullens. When she cannot, she is killed for her false assumptions, and sadly, it is in front of her sisters. Kate and Tanya are devastated and in their grief try to go after the killers only to be held back, and essentially spared a similar fate.
The next matter to be dealt with is the interrogation of the Cullens’ witnesses. Amun speaks to Aro first, and confirms that Renesmee is indeed, not an immortal child, but a very unique being unto herself. As soon as he finishes, he grabs his partner Kebi, and they run off.
After speaking to Siobhan, he ruminates over the facts at hand, surmising that Renesmee is too much of a wild card, there isn’t enough known about her and that only the known can be trusted; the unknown will leave them vulnerable.
Garrett makes a compelling speech about the corrupt nature of the Volturi, of their fear of new and unknown things, such as the Cullens’ strange way of life. He speaks of how they aren’t a coven, but more of a family who seeks peace and not power. He questions the Volturi’s methods of justice and their purpose—are they there to conceal the secret of vampires’ existence, or protect their own power?
Again, the Volturi witnesses waiver in their resolve.
Makenna and Charles speak next and make a hasty retreat when they finish their piece. Aro, having heard enough, turns to the others to counsel.
As he does so, Bella prepares Renesmee and Jacob to flee when the time comes. The rest of the family and the witnesses realize that this is probably the end, that they will likely not all survive should the Volturi attack. Painful goodbyes and I love you’s are exchanged as they prepare for battle. Significantly, Edward refers to Jacob as his brother, and his son, ultimately giving him his blessing for whatever may come of his imprinting on Renesmee.
Bella feels a disturbance on the edge of her shield and braces herself for what is to come.
Characters Involved: Aro, the Volturi Guard (soldiers), Edward Cullen, Bella Cullen, Emmett Cullen, Jacob Black, Renesmee Cullen, Caius, the La Push Werewolves pack, Amun, Siobhan, Carlisle Cullen, Tanya, Kebi, Sam Uley, Irina, Kate, Rosalie Hale, Garrett, Zafrina, Stefan, Vladimir, Demetri, Renata, Felix, Maggie, Makenna, Charles, Eleazar, Marcus, Esme Cullen, Tia, Benjamin,
Characters Mentioned: Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale, Alistair
Places Visited: The clearing
Memorable Quotes:
“How can you abide this infamy? Why do we stand here impotently in the face of such an outrageous crime, covered by such a ridiculous deception?” Caius to Aro – page 702.
“Though the creatures think of themselves as werewolves, they are not. The more accurate name for them would be shape-shifters.” Aro to Caius – page 704-705.
“I’m so sorry, … There was no crime. There’s no valid reason for you to continue here.” Irina to everyone – page 707.
“I see no danger in the child. She learns even more swiftly than she grows.” Amun to Aro – page 714.
“There is no broken law, … However, does it follow then that there is no danger? No. That is a separate issue.” Aro to everyone – page 715.
“This amazing child… if we could but know her potential – know with absolute certainty that she could always remain shrouded within the obscurity that protects us. But we know nothing of what she will become! Her own parents are plagued by fears of her future. We cannot know what she will grow to be.” Aro to everyone – page 715.
“I have witnessed the bonds within this family – I say family and not coven.” Garrett to everyone – page 717.
“I came to witness. I stay to fight. The Volturi care nothing for the death of the child. They seek the death of our free will.” Garrett to everyone – page 719
“Who am I revolting against, might I ask? Are you my king? Do you wish me to call you master, too, like your sycophantic guard?” Garrett to Aro – page 719.
“You’re the only one we could ever trust her with, … If you didn’t love her so much, I could never bear this. I know you can protect her, Jacob. … I know, … I love you, too, Jake. You’ll always be my best man.” Bella to Jacob – page 723.
“Goodbye, Jacob, my brother . . . my son.” Edward to Jacob – page 723.
“If we live through this, … I’ll follow you anywhere, woman.” Garrett to Kate – page 724.
Important Information learned:
Although the Pack members do change into wolves, they are not real werewolves, but rather shape-shifters.
There are real werewolves, called Children of the Moon, that infect their victims and change with the phases of the moon.
Children of the Moon have been hunted to near extinction by the Volturi, specifically Caius.
Garrett lived in the time of the American Revolution as a Patriot.
The Volturi are determined to find a reason – any reason – to fight the Cullens and those who stand with them.
Chapter Prepared By: Oleander and Una
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