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Bloodbond
By Michael J. Ellefson   

Last edited: Wednesday, August 14, 2002
Posted: Monday, August 12, 2002

Alexander Stewart becomes the heir to his uncle's kingdom, With his bloodbond Talon Longbow, he enters the kingdom of Shire with enemy Legions waiting on the borders to attack, corruption in the army and treasonistic nobility. The Queen is dying and the King is despondent and doesn't care to live without her.

Bloodbond

Prologue

The morning sun was creeping over the horizon and Alex Stewart was lying on his bed half awake. As the door opened, Talon spoke, “If we hurry we’ll be first in line, for the hot bathing pools. Later if there’s time we can get fresh bread and honey before we start weapons practice.” “How can you be so cheerful this early, Talon?”
“So sorry your highness I humbly... the rest was muffled by a flying pillow thrown from the bed
“All right Talon, let’s head for the pools.”
“I knew you would see my point.” Laughed Talon.
“Point! I’ll show you a point later.”
“Really?”
“Well, I can always dream.” Moaned Alex
The two were soon racing down the corridor.

Captain Tain Avery watched as they disappeared from his sight.
“Those two are never far apart are they Cap.” “Not since Talon showed up and Bloodbond himself to Prince Alexander, on the Prince’s sixth birthing day. Come on Liam, let us finish rounds before the rest of the castle wakes.”

Weapons Master Stein watched as the two began practice. Price Alexander was the larger of the two, by good half a * marc. Still Talon’s movements were almost fluid. You cannot teach it, you were born with it. No wasted movements and such speed, the ability to fight with either hand but slightly better right-handed. Stein doubted if anyone in the Kings service could stand against Talon’s sword.
“Show Alexander that move again only little slower, he not seeing the footwork, that goes with it.” Stein called out
“I can feel something in the air, thought Stein, I have taught them everything I know about survival and sword fighting. I even brought those two Melmer assassins, in for two seasons, by the Gods, Queen Milan, went crazy over that one. Luckily, King George agreed with my reasoning, if your going to use dirty tactics or tricks, learn from the best. Horse Master Tipper had taught, them everything his forty years of raising horses, for war and pleasure could. Tipper had installed the need for them to take of their animals first, and then you can take care of yourself. Finally Eric Gores, one of the best mercenary leaders around this part of the world. For three years, they studied tactics, troop movements, map reading, and a hundreds other things. The King had over seen the rest of the boys learning. I just hope it is enough.”
* A length is a unit of measure, approximately six feet
* A marc equals approximately one foot
“All right you two; staffs this time and let’s put a bit more effort, or should Sully and I be your opponents. I thought that might increase the speed and tempo.” Stein laughed
“Sully was the best at using the staff, in the Kings service. Both lads had gone many a round with both of us and had the bumps and bruises to prove it. Now they could give Sully or me a damn good fight, even make us sweat like two rookies,” thought Stein
“That’s good, real good, lads. Best you be cooling down a bit. You still have lessons, with brother William.” Stein commented

“Prince Alexander and Talon, this was our last lesson. I have done my best. I know you both have given me your best.” Said the Priest of Zan

Moments later, King George entered the room. “Your Majesty”
“Father”
“Oh, do sit down, I hate when ... never mind, your brothers will be joining us in a minute.
Brian and Gerald Stewart soon joined the three.
“Sit down boys, its time for some explanations for everyone.”
“You and Talon probably don’t remember too much about the Queen Mother, she died when you were just eight, Alex.”
“Peppermint drops”
“What was that Talon? Ah yes, her favorites. Strange the things, you do remember.” mumbled the King

1202
As the Queen Mother, walked through the room. She said, “George, I would like you and Milan to join me in my suites. We will dine and discuss things to come.”
“I will find Milan and we will be up shortly, Mother,” Answered George.
“I’m the Ruler of one of the largest and richest kingdoms and my mother still treats me like I was twelve, oh well.” Thought George
He turned to a nearby page, he sent the young boy off to find Queen Milan.
“No, Milan I don’t have any idea what Mother is up too? We will both find out in a few minutes.”

“All right, Mother we’ve had a very enjoyable mid-day meal. What is the emergency?” asked the King “The visions are back, tomorrow is Alexander’s sixth birthing day. No Milan, he is not in danger at this time. He will, however have a visitor from Weren. The boy will be two or three years older than Alex and will Bloodbond with him. This must happen! George, you must see these two are trained like no one else has ever been trained. I don’t just mean swords, bow, and riding. They must learn from the finest teachers, you can find, in disciplines of reading, writing, languages, map reading, warfare, strategy, medicine, statesmanship and anything else you can think of. You will have until Alexander’s majority to get this done. Circumstances and the Gods will dictate what happens next.” Said the Queen Mother
Alex was excited, maybe this year he would get a horse or maybe even a knife like Ian’s. Today was his sixth birthing day, here he was watching with father, to see whom the riders were coming towards the castle.
“Well, her visions are correct again, why do I continue doubt her ability.”
“Come Alex, I think these riders are here to see you.”
“Me! Why would riders be coming to see me?”
“Welcome, may I announce to the King, your clan and names?” asked Captain Tain Avery.
“Clan of the Horse, I am Elreck, Clan Leader. We are not sure, why we have come on this day.”
“I am Father.”
“This one is my oldest son, Talon. He had a vision telling him to come here on this day. But for what purpose, even he is not sure.”
“Enter, be welcome” spoke King George “I feel, we have much to talk about this day.”
“He is the reason,” spoke Talon, as Alex poked his head around his father’s side. “Now, I know why I have come.”
“A Bloodbonding, we haven’t had one in three generations, are you sure Talon? ”
“Yes, Father I must do this. I can’t tell you why, but it must happen.”

“The boy’s correct,” said the Mother Queen, “Let us proceed.”
“Alexander do you know what you to do?” asked the King
“Yea, Brian told me I have to cut my hand and mix my blood with his blood,” replied Alex sullenly.
“His name is Talon. You two will be as one as long as you both shall live,” replied the King
“I hope I don’t get sick. Some birthing day! I have cut myself, before I get any presents,” thought Alexander
A Priest of Zor and a Priestess of Zol stood ready to perform the ceremony.
“Boys, are you ready?” asked the Priestess
Talon cut his right palm waiting for Alex to do the same, as the blood appeared on Alex’s palm, Talon reached out his hand.

“Are you alright, Talon?” asked his father
Talon looked up, trying to focus on the person standing over him. “Where is Prince Alexander?” “He is fine, he is laying right next to you.”
Talon reached out, touching Alex on the shoulder. Alex turned his head and smiled weakly.
“Are you ok, little brother?” Alex nodded. Turning to his father, Talon asked. “What happened? ”
“We aren’t sure why. But when you two touched palms, it was as though you two were struck by lightning. The resulting explosion knocked everyone to the ground,” replied King George. “The Gods have accepted our uniting.” Alex answered
“How does a six year old know anything, about what the Gods accept,” thought George “ and what in the seven hells does it mean?”

1214
Vail
“Now you understand why I have been training you two so hard over these last twelve years. Tomorrow is your eighteenth birthing day Alex. Maybe nothing will happen, only the Gods know for sure.”

“That was some story, now what?” asked Prince Alexander.
“We wait until tomorrow and fate will decide little brother.”

Alex and Talon were coming back from the weapons training area the next morning, when Brian stopped them.
“You would think today was special or something Talon, first a package arrived from Ian. Now Father has received one of the Red Riders.”
“Something from Ian, is it for me? ”
“No, I imagine it’s for Mother. Of course, he sent something for his favorite, not so little brother.”

It had been six years since Ian had stepped down as heir and left for Zaden to become a Wizard. King George had not been happy with Ian’s decision, but could not deny his true calling from the Gods.
“Lets run and see what this Red Rider looks like.”
“Slow down, Alex today you are considered a man.”
“So we walk slowly, then hide in the shadows like adults. Until we know what news the Red Rider brings to our Kingdom,” replied Alex
“Its a girl, the messenger is a girl.” Whispered Alexander
“Even I recognize that the person in the Red Leathers is a woman and the only time the Riders are used is for the relaying of very important information or documents.”
As the messenger left the throne room King George called out “All right, you two you can come out now.”
“How did you know we were hiding there, father?”
“I didn’t but Captain Avery did and he informed me through gestures that you were there behind the throne. Thank you Tain, if you would, ask the Queen to join us in the upstairs planning room, when it’s convenient for her.”
“Boys”
The two followed the King very quietly. With many unanswered questions showing on their faces.

“Milan thank you for coming so quickly.” Said King George
“Tell me!!!!”
“I thought I would tell you, Alex, and Talon at the same time, my dear.”
“Oh” turning slowly the blushing Queen noticed the boys being extremely quiet and listening to their every word.
“I am sorry for my outburst dear, please go on.”
“My brother Sean sends word of a plague, which has gone through Shire and the neighboring Kingdom of Cord. They were finally able to stop the sickness, but he lost both of his daughters and they have been told Mary will not be able to have another child. As I am his only living relative, he offers to designate me his heir.”
“Sean knows you can’t “
“My dear, Sean is aware as the ruler of Vail. I could not give up my sovereignty, only to take up as his heir. Therefore he formally asks for one of my sons, to carry on the blood line.”
“Not Alexander, he is too young. I forbid it!” said Milan fiercely “You might have said that yesterday and gotten away with it, but today he is of legal age. I believe this is why, we have been training Alexander and Talon, all this time.”
“But the Guls are just on the other side of the mountains, Sean’s been fighting them for years.” Moans Milan “I am aware of that fact, Milan. I sent one of the Red Riders back to Sean, with this message. We grieve with you and Mary over your losses. You can expect Alex and Talon within two eightdays.”

Alex’s birthing day continued, but not with the same excitement that had proceeded this news. Not even the Rehad knife he had received from Ian had helped. There was only one more formal procedure to endure. The Rebonding with Talon, now that he was an adult it was a necessary formality.
“Alex psst Alex.” “Yes, Brian what is it
“Just checking to see if you need coaching. I know how your mind wanders.”
“Thanks Brian, “ “I was just trying well, you know what I mean.”
“Alexander Sean Thomas Stewart, and Talon Longbow of the Horse Clan, are you ready?” asked the Priestess of the Sun God, Zol.

Both young men nodded in agreement. As Talon reached for his knife, Alex stopped him. “Brother I would be honored if you use this one.” Reaching inside his shirt Alex brought forth a second Rehad knife, which Ian had sent for Talon on this special occasion. Talon and Alex cut their palms. There was lightning and an explosion of thunder just as there had been twelve years before.
“Brother, you would think after 12 years, we would learn to be a bit more quiet.”
“True, Alex but who’s attention have we really gotten?”

Shire
“Mary, are you awake? Good, we have received our answer from George and he is sending Alexander. Yes dear, he is George’s youngest. No, George is not crazy or so his letter states. It turns out the boy is Bloodbonded to a member of the Horse Clan. One of the nomadic clans of the Weren Nation. Yes dear, I understand what that means. George states the messages they bring with them will help explain much. Rest now and if you feel up to it we can have quiet supper together later this evening.” Said Sean

“What in the seven hells, did Aunt Agnes have to do with Alexander and this Talon? Well they should arrive in the next two eightdays. Maybe those messages would make more sense then,” thought Sean





Chapter One
1214
Gul

Two men were looking up at the mountains, both dressed in dark brown robes.
“So the young boy is on his way.” “Yes Sire, he is accompanied by a bloodboned.”
King Alain laughs, “That’s a Bloodbond, usually a member of a Weren Clan. Are things are still proceeding as planned, Seth?”
“Yes. As you well know, Queen Mary is dying. Sean will wither to nothing without his precious Mary. A few months later and we will be facing a boy King, who doesn’t know a thing about war or his new Kingdom. Without the additional troops sent by the other Kingdoms it will be over before anyone else can come to his rescue.” Said Seth, excitedly
“It had better work just the way you have laid it out Wizard.”

“Things are falling into place, just as I said they would,” replied Seth
“Yes but you said the middle brother would be the one sent to become the heir to the Shire throne.”
“An insignificant change.”

Corinth and the Shire Border
“Liam, we are what, two days early?
“Yes, Prince Alexander. No one expected you to travel so light and with no servants.”
“Liam between your five men and Talon, we sure didn’t need any more people along for protection. I haven’t heard one complaint, about the fresh game we have gotten along the way.”
Liam Said “Well, your mother.”
“Ah yes, mother. I bet she insisted we stop at an Inn every night so my precious little butt would not hurt or something to that effect.”
“Yes, she expressed something along those lines.”
“You can honestly say we did stop at almost every Inn.”
“Yes, little brother but she meant for us to get more than fodder for the horses.” Teased Talon “Well, we did stop.” Protested Prince Alexander
“Riders coming.” Called out one of the troopers.
“Relax Liam. They have been outside watching for the last half hour, while their horses rested.” Said Talon

A Captain Bren produced King Sean’s signet ring as identification. The two boys bid farewell to Liam and his men.
“It is a shame those horses of your couldn’t be added to the breeding stock someway. Unfortunately they wouldn’t survive the winters in Shire.” Murmured Bren
“Bren, what if you could breed them at a lower elevation and in two or three seasons introduce the best of that stock into the main herds?” asked Talon
“Bren you have found my big brother’s weakness.”
“Your brother, Please forgive me, I thought him to be your manservant or bodyguard.” Gasped Bren
“Talon, my manservant wait until I write Ian. You’re never going to live this one down. Bren, Talon has been my Bloodbond, or brother for twelve years. He is my closest friend and he gives me one thing no one else, except maybe my future Queen, he won’t lie to me. I need at least one man who won’t agree with me because I said so or because I want to do something. He has a very loud voice and is not shy about telling me when I’m wrong. I’m sorry I did not mean to preach, we are probably messing up your schedule.” Said Alex

“If half of what he said is fact, we might have a fighting chance. Beside this Talon is more than a confidant. I see how he moves, never far from the Prince, always in a position to defend him. He moves like a ghost. They both have definitely been around horses more than most nobility, he had seen. No servants and none with the troop that had escorted them to the foothills. They arrived with extra horses and one pack animal for every three men. Either the man leading the first group was extra cautious or they have had a some very interesting training for two so young.” Thought Bren
The column continued north northeasterly, for ten days, before entering the Malon valley. It was famous for the grains produced along with apples, pears, grapes and wine.
“Bren do they also make charcoal. No, then what’s all that smoke to our north?” asked Alex
Two days and two terrifying nights had past before the fires were finally under control. A gentle but persistent rain had finished off the last of the hot spots. Exhausted most people were resting, where they dropped.

“Bren how much of our grains and fruit comes from this area?” asked Talon “Ninety per cent of the grain, sixty per cent of the fruit and fifty per cent of the wines.” Replied Bren
“Based on what we have seen and heard over the last two days. This was no accident and this coming winter the Kingdom will be racked with shortages and much higher prices.” Alex stated

Alex headed for Zol’s temple. “Talon, make sure I’m not disturbed for a while.”
“No problem, and say hi to Ian. I haven’t had a chance to thank him for the Rehad knife.”
“Alex, ask Ian to send this message to my father.” “Are you sure about this message.”
“Yes, call it a feeling but this something we must do Alex.”

Entering the temple Alex found a quiet area to sit and prayed to the God Zol to assist him reaching his brother.
Ian felt his brother mental call, while studying in his room. “Alex, it is nice to here your voice and feel your presence. Unfortunately the only reason you would contact me this way, is an emergency. What is wrong, how can I help and exactly where are you?” quizzed Ian Michael Stewart, Journeyman Wizard

“Talon, what is wrong? Does Prince Alexander require a Healer?” quizzed Bren anxiously
“Bren just follow me, I’ll explain.” Remarked Talon
A few minutes later Talon explained that Alex had contacted his brother and what would transpire over the next few weeks.

“When I explain what Prince Alexander has done, to King Sean. He will send a message of thank you to his cousin and find out the costs.”
“There are no costs, Alex, just sold his brother Brian, the lands left to him by his paternal grandmother, which will easily cover any costs.”
“He should not have done that, is not right for him.”
“Bren stop! He has given up the land for two reasons. The first is because his new Kingdom needs it desperately. Alexander knows he should own no lands not of his own Kingdom. This helps get him out of a political nightmare. Now, after you have explained to the mayor and the village counsel on what will happen. Then get some sleep, it will do you a world of good.”
Count Steven Bren, Major General in the Shire Army stared at the fire. “How did I lose control, exactly when did those two take over? Last night he had acknowledged Talon position as being above his own instinctively. By the Seven Hells, he told me what to say to the people, then sent me to bed! Explaining to Mayor Sims and the village counsel, what the new heir had done, had been easy. Never before had Steven seen grown men and women react with such heart felt gratitude. When they tried to set up an extra tithe to pay for what was already on the way. Bren repeated what Talon said were Prince Alexander’s words. “No payment is required, for in the coming months and maybe even years. This valley and its people would bear more than their share of hard times until the conflict, with those idiots, the Guls, is over.”
Their reaction to Alexander’s words was unbelievable. Who else but these people and their valley, could their Prince turn to? Of course, they would take on whatever he asked. It was obvious, his first concern had to be for all the people of Shire. They would find a way to increase production, it was the least they could do for their Prince! As word spread of just who Alex really was and what he had done. He had fought the fires side by side with them. Asking for no special treatment for his men or himself. It wasn’t until the three children told the story, of how Talon saved them. Those two could have asked for all the unmarried women in the valley for their own pleasure and would have been thanked afterwards.”

The next morning, Alexander and Talon stood next to Zea’s Priestess in a prayer to the Goddess Zua. They were thanking the Goddess for the sending the rain, when the valley needed it most. Then Prince Alexander spoke to those gathered, calling many by name and expressing sorrow for those, who had lost loved ones. He spoke about the need for them to quickly rebuild and that he knew the king would help them as quickly as he could.

Later in the day, Alexander and Talon rode out for a bit of hunting, returning with three good-sized bucks and leaving them for the villagers. When the Mayor tried to have a celebration in the Prince’s honor. Alexander declined, saying he would return for that celebration, when the time was right.

“How in three short days, never having seen this valley or even Shire. Prince Alexander leaves with the people’s admiration, loyalty, and their hearts. When these two get to Avon, there was a bunch of people in for a shock. By the seven hells, even the Senior Generals aren’t going to know what hit them. Oh, this might be fun to watch.” thought Bren

The next four days proceeded with little or no fanfare. Alex and Talon never seem to run out of questions concerning the land, people, weather, animals, and even about the plants and trees.
Laughing Bren commented, “Do you two, never run out of questions?”
“General Bren, One of the best ways to find out about area you know nothing about, is to find someone who his passionate about their part of the world. Then ask them about everything you can think of.” Responded Alex
“How long have you known my true rank?”
“Talon, guessed on the second day. Your four squads of men are too experienced. Never having to ask you questions, about when to stop or where to set up camp. They had no problem, adding Talon and me into the hunting rotation, but one to two men were always following at a discrete distance. In case, we were in need of being rescued or defended. I don’t think Uncle Sean would send just anybody, to escort the new heir to the throne. He would pick someone as close to our ages as possible with the experience and authority to do whatever is necessary to get us safely to Shire.”
“And you waited until now to tell me that my subterfuge was no longer necessary.” Sighed Bren
“No, it is necessary for us to discuss certain things. We agree, you have become an ally. Perhaps the only person we can trust next to the King and Queen. So we need to ask you a few questions.”
“By the Gods, you don’t ask for much! Which of my peers should not be leading troops, which should be put into administrative positions or retired. What other changes I would make if the opportunity arose.”
“Bren, I am not going to have the luxury of time, you know that as well as we do.” Said Alexander
“One of the last discussions, Alex and I had before we left, was with our local Healers. They know of no plague or sickness as described. That would cause Queen Mary not to be able to have more children. She is still young enough according to everyone asked. That means something else is wrong.” Queried Talon “About the Queen, I honestly do not know and I’m glad. He loves her, by the Gods, how he loves her.” After closing his eyes momentarily, Bren continues. “As to best lone wolf, that would be Captain Garth Woods. His mother is of the mountain people, his father is not. Due his parentage, he is not held in high regard by many of our aristocrats and bluebloods. A very few higher placed people in the Army, do not see race as an issue. They have helped him advance in the officers ranking.”
“Ok, you like him and respect him, just how good is he?” asked Alex
“He always being put into the worst spots. He is consistently bailing out, someone of higher rank. Whether it's due to his superior planning, sheer guts, or determination. This either endears your superiors or makes them despise and hate you.”
“Bren we will talk again in the near future, and thank you for being as candid as you were.” Alex responded
Their arrival in Avon, late the next afternoon, was done with little fanfare, which surprised both Alex and Talon. King Sean greeted them both warmly and promised to introduce them both to Queen Mary later this evening, if she felt up to having visitors. In the mean time, he suggested they relax, bathe, eat, and enjoy the next few hours. As the next few days would quickly become very hectic for both of them, but more so for Alexander.
“Benin, Sarah, if you would be so kind, Benin is our Seneschal and Mistress Sarah is in charge of the maids, cleaning and second floor, etc. If they aren’t supervising the activity, they know who is. I’m going to leave you two in their capable hands.” Stated King Sean
Sarah spoke first “ Prince Alexander and Master Talon, after you have bathed and maybe eaten a bit. I will send tailor to get measurements of you both. In the mean time I leave you with Master Benin.”
“This way please Prince Alexander. Your rooms are near here, in the family wing. Master Talon your rooms are in the West wing. Mark, escort Master Talon to his room.”
The page started to turn towards Talon to do as he had been instructed.
“That is not acceptable.” States Talon.
“What do you means not acceptable? I’ll have you know I personally selected your room.” Fumed Benin
“That’s nice, however you will find rooms that are side by side with a way to get between them without going into a hallway or I will stay in Prince Alexander’s outer room.”
Turning to Alex, Benin expected the Prince to see how impossible, his friend was being.
“Benin, Talon is correct. He is my Bloodbond and my brother, if other arrangements are not made he will stay in my suite, period. I’m quite sure that Mark can escort us to my rooms, while you are handling this minor inconvenience concerning our sleeping quarters. Mark, please lead the way.” Said Alex
The three continued on towards the rooms leaving Benin muttering to himself.
“Mark our we getting you in trouble? Alex asked
“No, Prince Alexander.” Answered the page, with a barely controlled grin on his face.
“Mark, did I just make a bad enemy? ” asked Talon.
“I, ah, don’t think so, but Master Benin does not know where you fit, he has been trying to figure it out all morning .”
“I tell you what, while we are waiting for the bath water I explain it to you. Then, you can explain it to the other pages, staff, and guards.” Chuckled Talon
“What about Master Benin?” asked Mark
“Him, we let him stew for a while, then you can tell him, ok”
“Yes Lord Talon.” Taking the next five minutes or so they explained to the page about what Bloodbonding meant. As they were finishing a knock came from one of the inner doors. A young maid stepped forward and stating both tubs with hot water were ready. “
“Thank you. Marie, was it ? Neither the Prince or I require help while bathing but it was kind of you to offer.”
“Are you sure Talon? I could get her back for you in case your back needs washing.” Alex teased, fighting to control his laughter. Alex submerged quickly for fear of flying soap sacks.
“Ok, you wait until its time for the eligible young women start flocking around the new Prince, see how much help you get then.”
“Hey, that’s cheating. I’m sending a message to your father.”
“Won’t work, I can’t get married until after you do and have a minimum of one heir.”
“You are all against me, it’s a conspiracy.”
“Prince Alexander, I have put some food on the table next to fireplace.”
“Thank you, Mark, we were both getting water logged anyway.” Replied Talon
“Come old wrinkled one.”
“Old, wrinkle one, you’re almost three years older than I am, wrinkled one indeed.”
“ They sure are good friends.” thought Mark, as he left the Prince’s suite.

Later the two joined King Sean in his wife’s bedchambers.
“Mary, I would like you to meet George’s son.” Alexander got down on one knee as Mary was slightly positioned above him and so she might see him easily.
“Welcome, my young Prince I’m sorry I could not greet you early this afternoon.”
“So am I your Majesty. I am grateful you were able to see us now.”
“Sean, I see you and George in the young man. He will make a fine heir.”
“Your Majesty, I present my Bloodbond Talon Longbow.”
Talon also knelt so the Queen was able to see him more easily. “How long have you two been bonded, Talon?” she asked “Just over Twelve years your Majesty.”
“Sean.
“Yes, dear.”
“Alrec must see them both tomorrow.” She stated flatly
“I was planning to have Alrec come here in the next few days.”
“Sean, just after first light you will take them both to Alrec and have Bren put Garth Wood in charge of your escort.”
“Yes, dear if you think it is that important.”
“Boys will you please bend down here again, so I may give you my blessing.” Resting her hands on their heads she gave both young men a blessing and asked the Goddess Zea to watch over them.

“Talon, she is dying and she knows it.”

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