Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Mysterious, Adventurous, Magical, Slightly Dark
- Read it if
- You enjoy magical realism, historical settings with a twist, and stories about finding your true self and courage.
- Skip it if
- You prefer hard fantasy without historical elements or stories focused solely on human characters.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A New Life, A Lingering Unease
After defeating the Man in the Black Cloak, Serafina now lives more openly at Biltmore Estate, though she still feels a pull towards the forest and her catamount mother. She spends her nights learning hunting skills from her mother, but struggles to fully belong in either the human or the wild world. One evening, while patrolling the forest with Braeden Vanderbilt, they meet a strange, tall man with a twisted staff, accompanied by wolfhounds. The man attacks them, and Serafina barely escapes, convinced that an accomplice has infiltrated Biltmore. This encounter leaves her deeply unsettled, hinting at a new danger.
Mysterious Attacks and Vanishing Children
Soon after the forest encounter, strange events plague Biltmore. Children from the estate and nearby areas begin to disappear, leaving unsettling traces. Serafina, now Biltmore's official protector, investigates these disappearances but finds no clear answers. She suspects the tall man and his accomplice are responsible. The atmosphere at Biltmore grows tense and fearful, with residents becoming wary. Serafina feels the weight of her responsibility, knowing a powerful enemy is at work, preying on the most vulnerable.
Braeden's Illness and a Dire Warning
The mysterious illness affecting other children in the area strikes Braeden Vanderbilt. He becomes weak and unresponsive, his condition worsening. Serafina is devastated and desperate to find a cure or understand the cause. She overhears whispers among the Biltmore staff about a 'dark sickness' and a 'forest curse.' Her mother, the catamount, warns her that the evil is spreading, affecting not just humans but also forest creatures, and that it targets the innocent and pure-hearted.
The Search for Answers in the Forest
With Braeden's life uncertain, Serafina realizes she must confront the source of the evil directly. She ventures deep into the forbidden parts of the forest, following faint clues and relying on her senses. She meets other forest creatures also suffering from the strange illness, confirming her mother's warnings. Her journey is dangerous, as the forest itself seems to be under the influence of the malevolent force. She is determined to uncover her enemy's identity and stop them.
Encounter with the Bear and the Twisted Staff's Power
During her search, Serafina meets a once-majestic bear, now twisted and violent, seemingly controlled by dark magic. She realizes that the strange man's twisted staff is not just a weapon but a way to corrupt living beings. The staff's power is to drain goodness and purity from its victims, leaving them empty and controllable. This discovery confirms her understanding of the enemy's method and the widespread nature of the threat. She barely escapes the enraged bear, recognizing the immense danger she is in.
The Trapper's Story and the Black Guard
Serafina seeks out her old ally, the Trapper, hoping he can provide insight. The Trapper reveals the Black Guard, an ancient order dedicated to 'purifying' the world by ridding it of 'unnatural' creatures and individuals. He explains that the man with the twisted staff, Uriah, is a member of this order, and that they believe Serafina, as a catamount-human hybrid, is an abomination. The Black Guard's mission is to eliminate anything they deem impure, and they are targeting the children and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Infiltration and the Black Guard's Lair
Guided by the Trapper's information and her own instincts, Serafina finds the Black Guard's hidden lair, a dark and fortified cave system deep within the mountains. She discovers the missing children, including Braeden, held captive and slowly being drained of their essence by Uriah's twisted staff. The lair is guarded by other Black Guard members, and Serafina must use all her stealth and catamount abilities to navigate the treacherous environment without being detected, knowing that a direct confrontation could be fatal.
Confrontation with Uriah
Serafina confronts Uriah, the leader of the Black Guard, in a tense showdown. Uriah reveals his twisted ideology, believing he is cleansing the world. He uses the twisted staff, attempting to corrupt Serafina herself. Serafina, drawing on her blend of human intelligence and catamount strength, fights back, but the staff's magic is potent. She realizes she cannot defeat him through brute force alone and must find a way to counter his dark magic without succumbing to its influence. The fate of the children and the entire mountain is at stake.
The Power of Purity and Sacrifice
During her desperate struggle with Uriah, Serafina realizes that the twisted staff's power is its inverse – it drains purity. To counter it, she must embrace her own pure spirit and the essence of her dual nature. She uses her connection to the forest and her innate goodness to repel the staff's corrupting influence. With the help of her mother and other forest creatures, who rally to her aid, Serafina manages to disrupt Uriah's control over the staff, causing it to falter and release its hold on the children.
Victory and Healing
Serafina, with renewed strength and understanding, defeats Uriah by shattering his twisted staff, breaking its hold over the corrupted beings and releasing the stolen purity. The children, including Braeden, are freed and begin to recover, though the healing process will be long. The forest creatures also start to regain their natural state. Serafina understands that her unique heritage is not a curse but a powerful gift, allowing her to bridge the human and natural worlds. She has embraced her destiny as the protector of Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff Characters
Serafina
Protagonist
Biltmore's brave, hybrid protector grappling with her identity.
Serafina is a young girl, half-human and half-catamount, who serves as the protector of Biltmore Estate. She is agile, stealthy, and possesses heightened senses, but also struggles with her dual identity, feeling too wild for human society and too human for her catamount kin. Driven by a deep love for her friends and home, she is fiercely loyal and brave, constantly striving to understand her unique place in the world. Her primary motivation is to safeguard those she cares about from the encroaching darkness.
Relationships: Braeden Vanderbilt (Best friend and trusted ally.); Her Mother (Catamount) (Mentor and maternal figure, teaching her wild ways.); The Trapper (Wise old friend and source of information.)
Braeden Vanderbilt
Supporting
Serafina's kind and curious human best friend.
Braeden is the young nephew of Mr. Vanderbilt and Serafina's closest friend. He is kind, intelligent, and possesses a strong moral compass. Despite his privileged upbringing, he is open-minded and accepts Serafina for who she is, never judging her wilder nature. He often assists Serafina in her investigations, providing a human perspective and unwavering support. His illness at the hands of the Black Guard becomes a major catalyst for Serafina's deeper dive into the mystery.
Relationships: Serafina (Best friend and confidant.)
Uriah
Antagonist
The fanatical leader of the Black Guard, wielding a corrupting staff.
Uriah is the primary antagonist, a tall, gaunt man with a twisted staff, and the leader of the Black Guard. He is driven by a fanatic belief in 'purity,' viewing anything he deems 'unnatural' or 'impure' as an abomination that must be cleansed. He is ruthless, manipulative, and possesses a chilling conviction in his righteous cause. His twisted staff is a powerful tool for draining the essence and goodness from his victims, reflecting his own corrupted ideals.
Relationships: The Black Guard (Leader and ideological guide.)
Serafina's Mother (Catamount)
Supporting
Serafina's wise and protective catamount parent.
Serafina's mother is a powerful and ancient catamount who resides in the forest surrounding Biltmore. She is fiercely protective of Serafina and acts as her primary mentor in the ways of the wild. She teaches Serafina hunting skills, survival instincts, and provides guidance on understanding her catamount heritage. Her wisdom often comes in cryptic warnings and deep insights into the natural world, helping Serafina navigate the complex threats she faces. She represents the wild, untamed aspect of Serafina's lineage.
Relationships: Serafina (Mother and mentor.)
The Trapper
Supporting
Serafina's grizzled, knowledgeable ally from the forest.
The Trapper is an old, gruff, but ultimately kind-hearted man who lives in the forest. He has a deep understanding of the mountains and its secrets, including ancient lore and hidden dangers. He is a trusted ally to Serafina, providing crucial information and assistance when she needs it most. His knowledge of the Black Guard and their history proves invaluable in Serafina's quest to understand and defeat Uriah. He represents the wisdom and resilience of those who live in harmony with nature.
Relationships: Serafina (Trusted friend and source of information.)
Mr. Vanderbilt
Supporting
Owner of Biltmore Estate and Braeden's uncle.
Mr. Vanderbilt is the wealthy and benevolent owner of Biltmore Estate, and Braeden's uncle. He is a kind and fair man, though sometimes oblivious to the supernatural dangers lurking within and around his estate. He trusts Serafina implicitly as Biltmore's protector, even if he doesn't fully understand her nature. He represents the human world that Serafina strives to protect, and his concern for the safety of the children highlights the stakes of the conflict.
Relationships: Braeden Vanderbilt (Uncle and guardian.); Serafina (Employer and trusting ally.)
Mrs. Vanderbilt
Supporting
Matriarch of Biltmore Estate and Braeden's aunt.
Mrs. Vanderbilt is the elegant and proper mistress of Biltmore. She cares deeply for the children and the well-being of the estate. While she maintains the social order of Biltmore, her concern for Braeden and the other missing children is palpable. She represents the traditional, refined world that Serafina sometimes struggles to fit into, but also the innocence and beauty that Serafina is fighting to preserve.
Relationships: Braeden Vanderbilt (Aunt and guardian.); Mr. Vanderbilt (Wife.)
The Wolfhounds
Mentioned
Vicious dogs controlled by Uriah and the Black Guard.
The wolfhounds are large, aggressive dogs that accompany Uriah and are under his control. They are used as instruments of intimidation and attack, reflecting the dark influence of the Black Guard. Their presence immediately signals danger and their ferocity underscores the threat Serafina faces.
Relationships: Uriah (Controlled by him.)
Serafina and the Twisted Staff Themes
Identity and Belonging
Serafina's struggle with her dual nature as both human and catamount is central to the story. She feels caught between two worlds, too wild for Biltmore's society and too human for the forest. This internal conflict is clear in her interactions with the estate's ladies versus her nights with her catamount mother. Ultimately, she learns to embrace her unique identity, realizing it is her greatest strength, particularly in her ability to bridge and protect both realms from Uriah's destructive ideology.
“She was too wild for Biltmore's beautifully dressed ladies and formal customs, and too human to fully join her kin.”
The Nature of Good and Evil
The book explores good and evil through Uriah's twisted ideology of 'purity' versus Serafina's innate goodness and desire to protect. Uriah believes he is righteous in cleansing the world of 'unnatural' beings, representing a corrupted form of morality. Serafina, despite her 'unnatural' origins in Uriah's eyes, embodies true goodness through her selflessness and love. The twisted staff, which drains purity, shows Uriah's evil, while Serafina's eventual triumph comes from embracing her own pure spirit.
“The twisted staff, Serafina realized, was not merely a weapon but a conduit for corrupting living beings.”
Protection and Responsibility
Serafina fully embraces her role as Biltmore's protector, extending her guardianship to the entire Blue Ridge Mountains. This theme is clear from her nightly patrols to her desperate search for a cure for Braeden and the other children. Her sense of responsibility drives her actions, leading her to confront immense danger. The plot emphasizes the sacrifices and courage needed to protect the innocent and the natural world from encroaching evil, highlighting Serafina's unwavering commitment.
“For Serafina to defeat this new evil before it engulfs her beloved home, she must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that has always awaited her.”
The Power of Nature and the Wild
The forest and its creatures play a vital role, serving as both a source of danger and a source of strength for Serafina. Her catamount heritage connects her deeply to the wild, and her mother teaches her its ways. The corruption of the forest creatures by Uriah's staff highlights the threat to nature itself, while the eventual rallying of the forest to Serafina's aid shows its inherent power and resilience. The book celebrates the untamed beauty and wisdom of the natural world.
“Every night she visits her mother in the forest, eager to learn the ways of the catamount.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Twisted Staff
A magical artifact used by the antagonist to drain purity.
The Twisted Staff is Uriah's primary weapon and a central plot device. It functions as a conduit for dark magic, capable of draining the essence, purity, and free will from its victims, leaving them empty and controllable. Its power is directly linked to the illness affecting the children and the corruption of the forest creatures. Its destruction is key to defeating Uriah and reversing the widespread harm he has caused, symbolizing the triumph of good over malevolence.
Braeden's Illness
A catalyst for Serafina's deeper investigation and emotional drive.
Braeden's sudden and severe illness serves as a critical plot device. It escalates the stakes significantly, making the threat personal for Serafina and providing a strong emotional impetus for her to confront the evil directly. His deteriorating condition creates a ticking clock, forcing Serafina to act decisively and venture into the most dangerous parts of the forest to find a cure, rather than merely protecting Biltmore from afar.
The Black Guard
An ancient, fanatical organization serving as the antagonist's backing.
The Black Guard is an ancient, secret organization that provides a historical and ideological framework for Uriah's actions. Their mission to 'purify' the world of 'unnatural' beings lends a sense of scale and established threat to the narrative, suggesting that Uriah is part of a larger, long-standing evil. Learning about them from the Trapper gives Serafina crucial context and helps her understand the true nature of her enemy and the depth of their fanaticism.
Serafina's Dual Nature
Her hybrid identity as a source of unique abilities and internal conflict.
Serafina's unique identity as a catamount-human hybrid is a core plot device. It grants her extraordinary abilities—enhanced senses, stealth, agility—essential for her role as protector and her confrontations with the Black Guard. Simultaneously, her internal conflict about belonging to two worlds drives her character arc and allows her to uniquely understand and counter Uriah's 'purity' dogma. Her ability to bridge both worlds ultimately becomes the key to her victory.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff Quotes
“The forest was calling to her, a deep, ancient whisper that promised secrets and adventure.”
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to ask for help.”
“The greatest magic isn't in spells or potions, but in the heart that refuses to give up.”
“Fear can be a useful tool, a warning, but it should never be your master.”
“Even in the darkest places, a flicker of hope can light the way.”
“The forest knows its own secrets, and it shares them only with those who listen.”
“Loyalty is a bond stronger than any chain, and it can never be truly broken.”
“There are some wounds that time alone cannot heal; they require understanding and forgiveness.”
“The world is full of wonders, but also of dangers. You must learn to discern one from the other.”
“A true friend sees you not just for who you are, but for who you can become.”
“Sometimes the answers you seek are not found in books, but in the wild heart of the world.”
“Never underestimate the power of a quiet observer; they often see the most.”
“The past has a way of catching up to you, whether you run from it or not.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Serafina trying to learn from her mother in the forest every night?
- How to hunt deer more effectively
- The ways of the catamount
- New magical spells
- How to communicate with the Biltmore staff
Show answer
B. The ways of the catamount After defeating the Man in the Black Cloak, Serafina visits her mother nightly to learn the ways of the catamount, connecting with her wilder heritage.
Question 2
What kind of animals attack Serafina in the forest when she encounters the strange figure?
- Coyotes
- Grizzly bears
- Vicious wolfhounds
- Wild boars
Show answer
C. Vicious wolfhounds Serafina is attacked by vicious wolfhounds that appear to be under the control of the strange figure she encounters in the forest.
Question 3
Who is Serafina's best friend and only ally at Biltmore Estate, who is torn from her side due to a tragedy?
- Mr. Vanderbilt
- Braeden Vanderbilt
- Her mother
- The head housekeeper
Show answer
B. Braeden Vanderbilt Braeden Vanderbilt is identified as Serafina's best friend and only ally, who is tragically separated from her.
Question 4
What is Serafina's internal conflict regarding her identity at the beginning of the story?
- She struggles between her loyalty to her father and her mother.
- She feels too wild for Biltmore's customs and too human to fully join her kin.
- She is torn between exploring the forest and staying hidden in the mansion.
- She can't decide if she wants to be Biltmore's protector or live a normal life.
Show answer
B. She feels too wild for Biltmore's customs and too human to fully join her kin. The text states Serafina 'finds herself caught between her two worlds: she's too wild for Biltmore's beautifully dressed ladies and formal customs, and too human to fully join her kin.'
Question 5
What is Serafina convinced the strange figure in the forest has done after their encounter?
- Stolen a valuable item from Biltmore
- Set a trap for her in the woods
- Sent an accomplice into Biltmore in disguise
- Kidnapped her mother
Show answer
C. Sent an accomplice into Biltmore in disguise Serafina is convinced that the stranger she encountered was not alone and that 'he has sent his accomplice into Biltmore in disguise.'
Question 6
What is the ultimate consequence of the mysterious series of attacks at Biltmore, leading Serafina to flee?
- The estate is set on fire.
- A tragedy that tears Braeden Vanderbilt from her side.
- Her identity as Biltmore's protector is revealed to everyone.
- She is banished from the forest by her mother.
Show answer
B. A tragedy that tears Braeden Vanderbilt from her side. The attacks culminate in 'a tragedy that tears Serafina's best friend and only ally, Braeden Vanderbilt, from her side,' which causes her to flee.
Question 7
What is the broader scope of the evil Serafina discovers deep in the forest?
- It only affects the staff inside Biltmore.
- It is limited to the immediate grounds of Biltmore Estate.
- Its reach is far greater than she imagined, endangering all humans and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- It is a personal vendetta against Serafina specifically.
Show answer
C. Its reach is far greater than she imagined, endangering all humans and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deep in the forest, Serafina 'discovers its reach is far greater than she'd ever imagined. All the humans and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains are in terrible danger.'
Question 8
What specific challenge does Serafina face in her role as Biltmore's protector?
- She must learn to cook for the entire estate.
- She is tested by a mysterious series of attacks at the estate.
- She needs to organize formal dances for the guests.
- She has to manage the estate's finances.
Show answer
B. She is tested by a mysterious series of attacks at the estate. The mysterious series of attacks 'test Serafina's role as Biltmore's protector,' indicating this is her specific challenge.
Question 9
What must Serafina do internally to defeat the new evil threatening her home and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
- Seek help from a distant kingdom.
- Master a new weapon.
- Search deep inside herself and embrace her destiny.
- Convince the Biltmore staff to fight alongside her.
Show answer
C. Search deep inside herself and embrace her destiny. The text states, 'For Serafina to defeat this new evil... she must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that has always awaited her.'
Question 10
How does Serafina's status change at Biltmore Estate after defeating the Man in the Black Cloak?
- She becomes a servant in the kitchens.
- She is banished from the estate.
- She is brought out of the shadows and into the daylight realm of her home.
- She is given a new secret identity.
Show answer
C. She is brought out of the shadows and into the daylight realm of her home. The opening sentence states, 'Serafina's defeat of the Man in the Black Cloak has brought her out of the shadows and into the daylight realm of her home, Biltmore Estate.'
Serafina and the Twisted Staff FAQ
What is the central conflict Serafina faces at the beginning of 'Serafina and the Twisted Staff'?
Serafina struggles with her dual identity: she's too wild and untamed for the refined customs and ladies of Biltmore Estate, yet too human to fully integrate with her catamount kin in the forest. This internal conflict leaves her feeling caught between two worlds, unable to fully belong to either.
Who is the new antagonist Serafina encounters, and what are his initial actions?
Serafina encounters a terrifying figure in the forest wielding a twisted staff, who seems to control vicious wolfhounds that attack her. She suspects this stranger, later revealed to be Uriah, has an accomplice, Nolan, infiltrate Biltmore Estate, initiating a series of mysterious and destructive attacks.
How does the antagonist specifically target Braeden Vanderbilt, and what is the immediate consequence for Serafina?
The antagonist, Uriah, uses his powers to ensnare Braeden Vanderbilt, causing him to fall into a catatonic state, effectively tearing Serafina's best friend and only ally from her side. This tragedy deeply affects Serafina, leading to her heartbroken flight from Biltmore.
What is the broader threat revealed about the antagonist's plans beyond Biltmore Estate?
Serafina discovers that the evil infecting Biltmore, orchestrated by Uriah, extends far beyond the estate. His sinister plans threaten all the humans and creatures of the entire Blue Ridge Mountains, aiming to control or transform them with his dark magic.
What is the 'twisted staff' and what powers does it possess for Uriah?
The 'twisted staff' is Uriah's primary instrument of power, allowing him to control animals, specifically the wolfhounds, and to cast a dark, ensnaring magic that can incapacitate humans, as seen with Braeden. It amplifies his ability to manipulate and corrupt.
How does Serafina's mother contribute to her understanding of her catamount heritage in this book?
Serafina's mother continues to teach her the ways of the catamount in the forest, helping Serafina hone her hunting skills, agility, and instincts. These lessons are crucial for Serafina to embrace her wilder nature and effectively combat Uriah's animal-controlling magic.
What specific 'hidden detail' reveals Nolan's role as Uriah's accomplice within Biltmore?
Nolan's subtle manipulations, like stirring up distrust and creating diversions, initially make him seem like a nuisance, but his actions consistently pave the way for Uriah's larger attacks. His ability to blend in and exploit social anxieties within the estate marks him as Uriah's insider.
How does the Biltmore staff react to the mysterious events, and does their reaction hint at any underlying fears?
The Biltmore staff becomes increasingly fearful and superstitious as the attacks escalate, attributing them to unseen forces or wild animals. Their reactions highlight a deep-seated vulnerability and a reliance on logic that makes them susceptible to Uriah's more supernatural methods of disruption.
How does Serafina's initial feeling of being 'too wild' for Biltmore affect her self-esteem and decision-making?
Serafina's feeling of being 'too wild' for Biltmore creates internal doubt and makes her question her place and effectiveness as a protector. This self-consciousness can sometimes lead to hesitation or a desire to hide, rather than fully embrace her unique strengths.
Analyze the psychological impact of Braeden's incapacitation on Serafina.
Braeden's incapacitation is a profound psychological blow for Serafina, stripping her of her closest friend and emotional anchor. This trauma pushes her into a state of grief and fear, causing her to flee and momentarily question her ability to protect those she loves, but ultimately fuels her resolve for revenge and rescue.
What psychological vulnerabilities does Uriah exploit in both the humans and the animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Uriah exploits the inherent fears and primal instincts of both humans and animals, using the twisted staff to amplify aggression in animals and sow panic and distrust among humans. He preys on their anxieties about the unknown and their vulnerability to external control.
How does Serafina's journey of self-discovery, particularly 'searching deep inside herself,' represent a psychological shift?
Serafina's journey represents a psychological shift from external validation to internal strength. She moves past her identity crisis to embrace her unique blend of human and catamount traits, realizing that her true power lies in integrating both aspects rather than choosing between them, leading to a more confident and determined self.
Is the 'destiny' mentioned at the end a predetermined path, or is it something Serafina actively chooses and shapes?
The 'destiny' for Serafina is arguably a blend of both; while she has inherent abilities and a lineage that predisposes her to be a protector, her active choices, her struggles, and her ultimate decision to fully embrace her unique identity are what truly shape and fulfill that destiny. It's a path she walks, not merely a fate she accepts.
How does the setting of Biltmore Estate, a symbol of human grandeur, contrast with the wildness of Serafina and the forest, and what thematic purpose does this serve?
Biltmore's grandeur symbolizes order, refinement, and human civilization, directly contrasting with Serafina's wild, instinctual nature and the untamed forest. This contrast highlights the central theme of balancing civilization with nature, and challenges the notion that one is inherently superior, suggesting harmony is needed to combat external threats.
What is the significance of Uriah's ability to control animals, and how does it challenge Serafina's understanding of her own connection to the animal world?
Uriah's control over animals, particularly making them vicious, is significant because it perverts the natural order and Serafina's deep, empathetic connection to the forest creatures. It forces her to confront a darker, corrupted side of the animal world, challenging her to use her own wild instincts not for harmony, but for combat against this unnatural manipulation.
Could Braeden's role be interpreted as more than just a friend, perhaps a symbol of Serafina's connection to her human side?
Braeden can certainly be interpreted as more than just a friend; he embodies Serafina's vital connection to her human side, representing empathy, loyalty, and the structured world of Biltmore. His vulnerability and subsequent incapacitation symbolize the threat to Serafina's human ties and the delicate balance she strives to maintain.
How does the book's classification as 'Historical Fiction' influence the interpretation of the fantastical elements?
The 'Historical Fiction' classification grounds the fantastical elements within a recognizable past, making the magical threats feel more immediate and impactful against a backdrop of real-world societal norms and technological limitations. It suggests that even in a seemingly ordered historical setting, ancient, unseen forces can still exert profound influence.
About the author
Robert Beatty is an author known for his works of children's fiction, particularly the "Serafina" series, which includes "Serafina and the Black Cloak," "Serafina and the Twisted Staff," and "Serafina and the Splintered Heart." He is also the author of "Willa of the Wood," a standalone novel. Beatty's stories often blend adventure with elements of fantasy and folklore.
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