KING ODIN'S CASTLE
Myror is a feared assassin who is well-known for his efficiency. King Odin has hired him to kill Arthur and get revenge on the death of his son who challenged Arthur to a fight just to prove himself and ended up dead.
Kelda (to King Odin): My Lord, he is here.
Myror enters the room
King Odin: You are Myror? Legend has it you are the most feared assassin in all the known lands. Tell me, are you as ruthless as they say you are? You would kill anyone?
Myror: I have killed many people. They are all the same to me.
King Odin: You are prepared to kill royalty?
Myror: My Lord, you would already be dead had someone placed a bounty on you.
King Odin's knights unsheathe their swords. Myror kills two of them and spares another one's life.
King Odin (impressed): I want you to kill the man who murdered my son. I want you to kill Arthur Pendragon.
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OPENING CREDITS
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CAMELOT, TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Merlin: That has got to hurt.
Arthur: That's the point, Merlin. It's not a pillow fight. Fetch me another lance, will you? Why did you pull out, I was wide open? You could have unhorsed me.
Sir Leon: I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire.
Arthur: You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate.
Sir Leon: I wouldn't have done if I were facing a different opponent. You are the future King, My Lord.
Arthur: You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?
Sir Leon: No, My Lord.
Arthur (Looks over at all the jousters present): It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?
KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY
Arthur: How am I going to prove myself if my opponents aren't trying their hardest?
Merlin: I'm sure it's not happening all the time.
Arthur: So it's happening some of the time?
Merlin: No I'm certain it isn't.
Arthur: Now you're doing it! You're telling me exactly what you think I want to hear!
Merlin: Yes. Er...no. Er...what was the question?
Arthur: That just proves it. All my life I've been treated as if I'm special. I just want to be treated just like everyone else.
Merlin: Really?
Arthur: You have no idea how lucky you are.
Merlin (As he picks up Arthur's heavy armour from the floor): Well, anytime you want to swap places, just let me know.
Arthur: That's not a totally stupid idea.
Merlin: You're Prince Arthur. You can't change who you are.
Arthur: Yes I can.
KING’S PALACE, DINER ROOM - NIGHT
Uther and Arthur eat dinner. Merlin is filling Uther’s goblet with wine
Arthur: We've received reports that a beast has been sighted roaming the forest near the northern borders.
Uther: What's the nature of this beast?
Arthur: It is said to have the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the...face of a bear. I believe it has been conjured by sorcery.
Merlin bursts out in laughter, knocking Uther's goblet. Arthur frowns at him.
Uther: Then we must destroy it.
Arthur: I'll leave for the northern borders in the morning.
Uther: But you'll miss the tournament.
Arthur: As much as I want to compete, my duty to Camelot comes first.
Uther: You are right, of course.
WOODS SURROUNDING CAMELOT - DAY
Arthur is in the woods with some guards. He has dismounted his horse
Arthur: I'll meet you here in four days. You must tell no one I've returned to Camelot.
The guards leave taking Arthur’s horse with them. Merlin appears out of the woods
Arthur: You're late.
Merlin (panting): Sorry. Gaius had me wa...ing the floors. I couldn't...
Arthur: What is that smell? Whose clothes are these?
Merlin: They're mine. I washed them specially. You sure this is a good idea?
Arthur: Seems pretending to be somebody else is the only way to get people to be honest with me. Grab my bag, will you?
Merlin: If you want to pass as a peasant, you should probably carry your own bag.
Arthur: You're forgetting something, Merlin (throws the bag to Merlin), no one will know it's my bag.
Merlin: There must be easier ways to prove yourself.
Arthur: Shut up, Merlin.
KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
Kelda is facing Uther
Kelda: I was there in person. Odin has put a price on Prince Arthur's head.
Uther: Surely he wouldn't dare.
Kelda: He's blinded by grief, My Lord. The assassin Myror has accepted the bounty.
Uther: I've heard of this Myror.
Kelda: I believe he's heading for Camelot as we speak. I bring you this information at great risk to myself.
Uther: Double the guards. I want this assassin intercepted before he reaches Camelot.
WOODS - DAY
Myror waits to assassinate Arthur, but he suddenly realizes that he's not with the men supposedly going to the northern borders.
GWEN’S HOUSE - DAY
Merlin and Arthur enter, Arthur's hood obscures his face.
Gwen (curtsies): My Lord.
Arthur: Guinevere. It's good of you to let me stay in your home.
Gwen: I'm happy to help.
Merlin (whispers): Food.
Gwen: I'll prepare some food for you. (whisper to Merlin) I can't believe you talked me into this!
Arthur (hushed): You can't really expect me to stay here.
Merlin (hushed): We need to keep you out of sight. We can trust Gwen not to tell anyone you're here.
Arthur (hushed): I doubt anyone would believe it.
Merlin (hushed): You really can't go without your big bed and your soft pillows?
Arthur (hushed): This will be fine. How are the preparations coming along? Have we found someone to play our knight in the tournament?
Merlin: Absolutely. He's a famer from one of the outlying villages, and no one will recognise him.
Arthur: But does he look the part?
GWEN’S HOUSE - DAY
Merlin, Arthur, and Gwen look William (the farmer) over.
Arthur (looks disappointed): Great.
After Merlin has dressed up the peasant as a knight
Merlin (unrolls nobility seal): From now on, you're Sir William of Daira.
Arthur puts his food away in disbelief
Merlin: Imagine you're really...arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else.
Arthur: It's not arrogance. Ignore him, he's an idiot (Merlin gives him a look). A knight must behave with honour and nobility.
William starts pacing, his chin high
Arthur: That's...better. You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family.
William (to Merlin): Polish my armour, boy.
Arthur (smiling): Now you're gettin' the hang of it.
William laughs
Arthur: That's a good point. (to Merlin) you do need to polish our armour.
William: Yeah. (laughs)
KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Merlin flops onto his bed. He is exhausted. Gaius comes by the door and looks at him.
Gaius: Glad to see you're resting, Merlin. I take it that means you've got the energy to clean my leech tank.
Merlin: Ugh.
GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Gwen sweeps her house while Arthur finishes his drink.
Arthur: It's been a long day. I think I'll turn in for the night. Is this my bed?
Gwen (looks puzzled): Of course. I hope you'll be comfortable.
Arthur: I'm sure I will be. Goodnight, Guinevere.
Gwen: Goodnight, My Lord.
KING’S PALACE, GUARDS’ CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Myror scales the wall into the castle. A guard spots him
Guard: Halt! Show yourself. What business do you have in the King's palace?
Myror: I came to seek an audience with…er…with Prince Arthur.
Guard: What's your name?
Myror: My name is Myror.
He kills the guard
KING’S PALACE, GUARDS’ CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Myror grabs a guard, Fyren, covering his mouth before releasing him.
Fyren: Why are you here?
Myror: Your information was wrong. Prince Arthur is not among the party travelling to the northern borders.
Fyren: The Prince left with them yesterday.
Myror: Then they must have separated. Perhaps he has returned to Camelot.
Fyren: Not that I've heard. His return would've been announced at court.
Myror: It would seem the Prince does not want to be found. Hmm.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, ARTHUR’S TENT - DAY
Merlin and cloaked Arthur head to his tent. Uther walks into the stands and the knights enter on horseback to stand before the King.
Arthur: Now, remember the plan. I'm competing in the tournament, but no one will know that it's me. All you have to do is acknowledge the crowd at the end of the match. Act like you belong there and people will believe that you do.
Uther: Knights of the realm, welcome to Camelot. You've trained for this day for many years.
Merlin: Well, he hasn't fallen off his horse.
Uther (background): ...our bravery, strength...
Arthur: I suppose that's something.
Uther: ...and your skill to the test. Today you will fight for glory and for honour. For this is the ultimate test of courage. And it will be the measure of you as men. For only the most skilful, the most fearless among you will emerge as a worthy champion.
William: They're ready for you, Sire.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, ARTHUR’S TENT - DAY
The jousting tournament begins. Gwen cheers for Arthur enthusiastically as he wins each match. Myror also watches. Arthur enters his tent and tosses William his helmet.
Arthur: You must go and acknowledge the crowd.
William: How do you do that?
Arthur: You wave, they cheer. It's not difficult. I do all the work, someone else gets all the praise.
Merlin: Know the feeling.
Arthur: When I win this tournament, I'll reveal my true identity, get the credit I deserve.
Merlin: Of course you will.
Arthur: Well don't just stand there. Help me off with my armour. And remember to polish it before tomorrow. The horse needs grooming. And don't forget to repair the broken lances.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Fyren sits next to Myror in the stands.
Myror: Do you have news on the whereabouts of Prince Arthur?
Fyren: Everyone believes he is travelling to the northern borders, but I've discovered that Arthur's servant remains in Camelot.
Myror: Who is this servant?
Fyren: That's him.
Myror: Why is he working for another knight?
KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin tries to sneak past Gaius to his room. Gaius turns and stares at him.
Merlin: Is this about the leech tank?
Gaius: How very perceptive of you, Merlin.
Merlin: I'll clean it tomorrow.
Gaius: And will that be before or after you've scrubbed the floors and done the laundry?
GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Gwen clears the table after dinner.
Gwen: From what I hear, the ladies of the court are quite impressed with Sir William. They think he's very handsome.
Arthur: Typical. He wouldn't know a real knight if he whacked him round the head with his lance.
Gwen: Why are you doing this?
Arthur: I fear that people respect me just because of my title.
Gwen: I don't believe that's true of everyone.
Arthur: Would you tell me if it were?
Gwen: No.
Arthur: When I'm competing as William, my title doesn't matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament...if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it and not because I am Prince Arthur. I think I'll take a bath.
Gwen: That might be difficult seeing as I don't have a bathtub.
Arthur: Really? Er...perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water. I take it you have a bowl.
Gwen: I think I can manage a bowl. Just walk all the way down to the well and fetch some water then, shall I?
KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY
Merlin is asleep on the floor, his hands still holding the brush and bucket. Gaius enters.
Gaius: Merlin, on your feet. Arthur may be away, but I'm not. And why is my leech tank still dirty? Where do you get the idea you can sit around all day doing nothing?
Merlin: Wha..? Do you think I sit around doing nothing?! I haven't had a chance to sit around and do nothing since the day I arrived in Camelot! I'm too busy running around after Arthur! Do this, Merlin! Do that, Merlin! And when I'm not running around after Arthur, I'm doing chores for you! And if I'm not doing that, I'm fulfilling my destiny! Do you know how many times I've saved Arthur's life? I've lost count. Do I get any thanks? No. I have fought griffins, witches, er...bandits, I have be punched, poisoned, pelted with fruit, and all the while I have to hide who I really am, because if anyone finds out, Uther will have me executed! Sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled in so many directions, I don't know which way to turn!
Gaius is speechless. Merlin leaves
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, ARTHUR’S TENT - DAY
Merlin: Sir Alinor has advanced to the final.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Arthur faces Sir Leon. Arthur wins and everyone rises to their feet cheering except Gwen.
Gaius: You're not impressed by this Sir William of Daira.
Gwen: I believe he's an arrogant pig.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, ARTHUR’S TENT - DAY
Arthur and William are waiting in the tent.
Merlin: Congratulations, you are in the final.
Arthur: Go on then. Your people await you. No one can say Sir Leon let me win this time.
Merlin: Sounds like the crowd've really taken to William.
Arthur: That will change when I reveal my identity.
Merlin: You really miss getting all the attention, don't you?
Arthur: Just go and water the horse, will you?
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Merlin brings the horse to the water trough. Myror approaches him.
Myror: He's a fine horse. I see your master has advanced to the final. He's extremely skilled with a lance.
Merlin: He's doing well. Just one more match to go.
Myror: Tell me, what is he like to work for?
Merlin: Between you and me? He can be a bit of a prat.
Myror (laughs): So you are no longer working for Prince Arthur?
Merlin: No. Yes, yes. Not right now. Arthur's away. I'm just...helping out.
Myror: Well, I, erm, I wish your master luck in the final.
Merlin: Thanks.
GWEN’S HOUSE - EVENING
Gwen sweeps the pantry where she's been sleeping when Arthur enters through the front door.
Arthur: Guinevere?
Gwen: Just a minute.
Arthur: Do you have a needle and threat. My shirt needs mending.
Gwen: Erm...
Arthur: Is this where you sleep? Where's your bed?
Gwen: You're sleeping in it.
Arthur: Why didn't you say something?
Gwen: How could I? You're Prince Arthur. Besides, you didn't give me the chance. You just assumed the bed was yours.
Arthur: Well, how am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?
Gwen: You shouldn't need to be told to think of someone other than yourself, you're not a child.
Arthur: Is there anything else you'd like to say to me? Please, I'd like to hear it. If there's something you want to say to me, don't let me stop you.
Gwen: You don't have any idea, do you?
Arthur: About what?
Gwen: About how rude and arrogant you can be! This is my home and you are my guest in it! I know you are used to more luxurious quarters, but that is not an excuse to be so rude! You claim titles don't matter to you, but you behave like a prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant! Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you! Would it kill you to say please and thank you once in a while?!...My Lord.
Arthur: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Gwen: No, I think that's it.
Arthur: You're right. You have invited me into your home and I have behaved appallingly.
Gwen: I didn't mean to make you feel bad.
Arthur: Oh, really?
Gwen: Well, perhaps a little.
Arthur: There's no excuse. I'll make it up to you. Tonight, I will make dinner for you.
Gwen (sceptical): You're going to cook me dinner?
Arthur: I most certainly am. Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that girls do at this time of the evening...
Gwen: A walk would be nice.
Arthur: ...and your dinner will be ready when you return.
LOWER TOWN - DAY
Merlin meets Gwen in the street as she walks away from her house.
Merlin: Where's Arthur?
Gwen: He's cooking me dinner.
Merlin: Arthur's cooking?
GWEN’S HOUSE - DAY
Merlin enters. Arthur is staring hopelessly at a raw chicken.
Arthur: Merlin! Thank God!
Merlin: Gwen says you're cooking.
Arthur: I need you to fetch me two dinners from the palace kitchens.
Merlin: So...you're not cooking.
Arthur: No, but Gwen doesn't need to know that. As far as she's concerned, dinner will be prepared and cooked by me.
Merlin: You're trying to impress her?
Arthur: Don't be ridiculous, Merlin. And get me a decent shirt, will you? Your clothes are making me itch all over, it's like having fleas.
KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS
Myror snoops around when Merlin comes in to get a shirt. Myror hides, ready to kill Merlin with a dagger, but Merlin leaves and Myror follows him out.
GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Arthur watches the window for Gwen while Merlin sets the table.
Arthur: She's coming. Quick, out the back way. Do something with this.
Arthur tosses Merlin the raw chicken.
Merlin: Hope Gwen's impressed with your cooking.
Merlin leaves and Arthur spins around as Gwen opens front the door.
Arthur: Guinevere. Perfect timing.
Arthur pulls out her seat for her.
Gwen: Thank you.
Myror watches from the window and preps a mini crossbow.
Gwen: This is delicious.
Arthur: I'm glad you like it.
LOWER TOWN - NIGHT
The night patrol interrupts Myror's assassination attempt
Guard: Halt! You! Stop right there!
Guard: Did you see him?
Myror escapes by hanging under the drawbridge.
KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin puts the cooked chicken on the table as Gaius enters.
Merlin: Dinner's ready. What I said this morning...
Gaius: It is I who should be apologising to you. I have failed to appreciate just how heavy your burden must be.
Merlin: I shouldn't've lost my temper with you.
Gaius: It's no wonder you're upset. There's so much resting on your young shoulders. Now that Arthur's away, you must take time to enjoy yourself.
Merlin: What about the leech tank?
Gaius: Don't even think about the leech tank.
Merlin: Really?
Gaius: All this talk of leeches will put us off our dinner. Where'd that chicken come from? (someone knocks at the door) Come in!
Sir Leon: The King commands your presence immediately.
KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Uther, Gaius, Merlin, and Leon inspect the body of the guard Myror killed.
Uther: Can you determine a cause of death?
Gaius: His neck's been broken. There's scarcely a mark on the flesh. Whoever killed him knew exactly what he was doing.
Sir Leon: Earlier this evening, an intruder was spotted in the lower town.
Uther: Then I fear it's true, Odin has sent an assassin to kill Arthur.
Merlin: An assassin?
Uther: Have you any word from Arthur since he left for the northern borders?
Merlin: No. None.
Uther: With this assassin in Camelot, we must be thankful Arthur isn't here. Search the entire town. I want the assassin found before Arthur returns.
GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Arthur and Gwen smile at dinner.
Arthur: So, do I have any more annoying habits you wish to tell me about?
Gwen: No, none.
Arthur: There's something else, isn't there? What is it?
Gwen: Well, the truth is...you snore.
Arthur: I do not snore.
Gwen: You do. The first night you were here, I thought a pig had got into the house.
Arthur: So now I'm a pig. Thank you, Guinevere.
Gwen: I just meant you sound like a pig…I think I better stop talking.
Gwen starts getting up to clear the table.
Arthur: I'll do that.
Gwen: Where did you get those plates?
Arthur: From...the cupboard?
Gwen: They have the royal seal. They're from the palace kitchens. I've washed enough of them to know. I take it that's where our food also came from.
Arthur: Look, I can kill a chicken from a thousand paces, just don't ask me to cook it. That's what servants are for. I didn't mean it like that.
Gwen: I'm not ashamed to be a servant. At least I'm not a liar.
Arthur: We had a nice meal together. What does it matter where it came from?
Gwen: Because I thought you'd shown some humility! You'd done something kind for me even though I'm just a servant! A good king should respect his people, no matter who they are.
Arthur: Guinevere. I know I have much to learn. There are some things that I am terrible at - cooking being one of them. But also, knowing what to say to someone I care about.
Merlin: Arthur, there's an assassin's in Camelot. He's here to kill you.
GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Merlin: The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him.
Gwen: Why would Odin want you dead?
Arthur: Because I killed his son. Odin's son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared.
Gwen: You cannot blame yourself.
Merlin: No one but us knows where you are. If the assassin can't find you, he can't kill you.
Arthur: May I continue to stay here?
Gwen: Of course, for as long as you need.
Arthur: Thank you. I'll sleep on the floor tonight.
Gwen: No, have my bed. You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow.
Arthur: I'll not hear of it. Goodnight, Guinevere.
Gwen: Goodnight.
Arthur: Fetch the mattress from my quarters and bring it up here.
Merlin: How am I supposed to carry a mattress on my own?
Arthur: I don't know, strap it to your back.
GWEN’S HOUSE - DAY
Arthur prepares to leave
Arthur: One more match. The tournament will be over.
Gwen: You can go back to being Prince Arthur. Erm...I thought you might wear it...for luck.
Arthur: Thank you.
Arthur kisses Gwen, then stands around awkwardly.
Arthur: I must go.
LOWER TOWN
Myror watches Arthur meet Merlin in the street on his way to the tournament grounds, he follows them and sees Arthur with his double.
ARTHUR’S TENT, TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
William: They’re ready for you, Sire.
Myror watches Will hand Arthur the helmet. Myror sees two knights greet each other.
Knight: Sir Alinor, good luck in the final.
SIR ALINOR’S TENT, TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Myror attacks Sir Alinor in his tent, kiils him, dresses in his armour and disguises a deadly lance.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Arthur and Myror face each other on the course. Arthur gets hit with the deadly lance and Gwen stands up in shock, running out of the stands to him. Merlin sees the disguised deadly point and heads after Myror. Gwen supports Arthur as they rush into the tent.
Arthur: His lance pierced my armour.
Gwen: You're losing too much blood.
Gwen takes off the favour she gave him and holds it against the wound.
Arthur: Do what you can. I have to be back on the course within five minutes or I forfeit the match.
Gwen: You can't possibly joust, you're too badly injured!
Arthur: I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now.
Gwen: You would risk your life to protect your pride? You have nothing to prove. Least of all to me.
Arthur: I have everything to prove. To myself.
SIR ALINOR’S TENT, TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
Merlin sees Myror in armour and the dead Sir Alinor. Arthur mounted on his horse motions to the lance rack.
Arthur: You'll have to pass me my lance.
Gwen: This is madness!
Arthur rides off and Merlin runs up to Gwen.
Merlin: Gwen! Where's Arthur?
Gwen: He's about to joust.
Merlin: He's jousting against the assassin.
Merlin and Gwen rush to the course. Arthur and Myror tilt.
Merlin: Unbinde þé téage.
Merlin uses magic to snap the girth on Myror's horse so Arthur unhorses/kills him. Merlin helps Arthur off the course.
ARTHUR’S TENT, TOURNAMENT GROUNDS - DAY
William, Gwen, Merlin, and Arthur gather in the tent.
Merlin: You were jousting against the assassin. He killed Sir Alinor and took his place. The people are waiting for their champion. It's time to reveal yourself.
Arthur (to William): You must go and collect the trophy.
Gwen: I thought this was going to be your moment of glory?
Arthur: Perhaps this is a time for humility.
Merlin, Gwen, and cloaked Arthur laugh and smile as William celebrates victory to wild applause.
TOURNAMENT GROUNDS, TENT - DAY
Merlin goes to the tent where Gaius has carted off Myror.
Gaius: Merlin, who is this man? Where's Sir Alinor?
KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
Arthur stands before the court with a bandage sling over his bloody armour.
Arthur: The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him.
Uther: Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him.
Arthur: Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son? We should try to make peace with him. There's been enough bloodshed.
Uther: Perhaps you're right. How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?
Arthur: Very. I learned a great deal. How was the tournament?
Uther: Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira.
Arthur: I'm sorry I missed all the excitement.
KING’S PALACE, COURTYARD CORRIDOR - DAY
The courtiers exit into the corridor. Arthur checks to check that his father isn't looking and turns to Gwen.
Arthur: Guinevere. *ahem* What happened while I was staying with you...I'm afraid my father would never understand.
Gwen: You don't have to explain. Perhaps when you are King, things will be different.
Uther: Arthur?
KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Merlin cleans the leech tank. He hasn’t noticed that he has leeches on his face
Merlin: This is horrible. This is so disgusting.
Gaius: Well, perhaps you'll think twice about lying to me in the future. And Merlin, there's something on your face.
Merlin: Where?
Merlin freaks out about the leeches on his face and arms and Gaius laughs.
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