Но бывает и так, что оригинал безупречен.

Так вот мне кажется... представляется?.. что автор хотел написать по-русски, но не смог =)))

He felt the blackness rising within him, as if he were descending to someplace dark and cold, where all cares and caresses were gone. They could not dwell down there in the cold, in the dark, where no light reached. He took only with him the smallest flame, pale and silver, giving off no heat, so he could find his way. With every step he felt the calm that brushes against the edge of terror and fury, building around him film of ice that could shatter with a touch.

В общем, в таких случаях не тянет думать, что автор не смог сказать, что хотел. )