03x13 - The Coming of Arthur (part 2)

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Episode 3.13 - The Coming Of Arthur (Part Two)



Camelot dungeons

Guards escort Sir Leon, he looks dazed.

---

Council Chamber

They enter the Council Chamber; the guards throw Sir Leon at Morgana’s feet. She wears the crown and she is seated on the throne.

Morgana: Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign?

Sir Leon remains silent.

Morgana: Speak up. Are you and your fellow knights ready to honour and serve me?

Sir Leon: I would rather die.

Morgause: That can be arranged.

Sir Leon: My loyalty is to the king and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that.

Morgana: We shall see.

Morgana nods and two guards drag Sir Leon out of the room.

---

Forest

Merlin is running, he is chased by Morgana’s soldiers He manages to reach a cave. Gwaine defends the entrance.

---

Cave

Merlin enters the cave. Elyan holds him a flask. Merlin tries to drink but there is no water left.

Elyan: I'll get some more.

Merlin: It's too dangerous.

Gaius: What happened?

Merlin: Nothing… (Whispering to Gaius) We need to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere.

Merlin and Gaius give a look at Arthur, who is sitting on the floor, his stare is vacant.



---

Castle Courtyard

Morgana addresses the people gathered in the courtyard from the castle balcony. Camelot knights are standing in a line.

Morgana: I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me.

Morgana’s soldiers thr*aten the Camelot knights with their crossbows. Sir Leon and Morgana stare at each other. He smiles.

Sir Leon: Long live the king!

Knights: Long live the king!

Morgana: Perhaps this will help you change your mind.

She gives a signal. Soldiers turn towards the crowd and they use their crossbows. You can hear screams. People start running to escape the arrows.

Sir Leon: No!





– Opening Credits –





Castle

In the courtyard, soldiers are collecting corpses. From his prison cell, Uther looks at the scene in dismay. The door opens, Morgana comes in. She looks satisfied.

Morgana: Father.

Uther: Why are you doing this?

Morgana: Oh, come, come. Surely you of all people must understand. Sometimes such measures are necessary.

Uther tries to walk to her but he is chained to the wall.

Uther: Those people are innocent!

Morgana: As were so many that you put to death.

Uther: If you must k*ll someone, k*ll me.

Morgana: You'll get your wish… but not yet. First I want you to suffer as I suffered. To know what it is like to be alone and afraid. To be disgusted with who and what you are.

She turns and she is about to leave the cell. Uther looks at, tears in the eyes. Morgana stops.

Uther: Do you really hate me so much?

Morgana stops walking.

Morgana: You cannot begin to know how much I hate you.

A guard shuts the cell door.

---

Cave

Arthur is still sitting on the floor, looking despondent. Merlin hands him a bowl, with an engaging smile.

Merlin: It's rat.

Arthur looks even more depressed.

Merlin: Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse. I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem.

Arthur: Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please.

Merlin puts the bowl down on the ground, he is about to leave but he finally stays.

Merlin: I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana - I don't know why - I'm sure he had his reasons. But now is not the time for that. He is still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you.

Arthur: I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?

Merlin: I can't answer that. But you have a duty to your father, to your people… You can't give up on them now.

Arthur: We cannot defeat an immortal army.

Merlin: We don't know until we try.

Arthur takes the bowl and starts eating.



---

Morgana’s chamber

Gwen is making the bed. Morgana looks puzzled.

Morgana: I'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being queen is not so simple, Gwen.

Gwen: You're doing well, your Majesty.

Morgana: You think? The knights do not share your view.

Gwen: They don't know you.

Morgana: I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me.

Gwen: My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense.

Morgana: You would do that for me?

Gwen: Uther k*lled my father.

Morgana: Yes, I… I forgot you too had suffered.

Gwen: Let me meet with Sir Leon.

Morgana: I will arrange it.

Gwen: Thank you, your Majesty.

Gwen bows to Morgana and leaves the room.



---

Cave

Merlin and Gaius chats in quiet voice.

Merlin: We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger.

Gaius: Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?

Merlin: I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on.

Gaius: Give it time.

Merlin: We don't have time. We need to act now.

Gaius: I know, Merlin, but how?

Merlin: There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?

Gaius: The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held.

Merlin: Then that's what I have to do.

Gaius: They're immortal, Merlin. You do not have the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army.



---

Camelot dungeons

The door of Sir Leon’s cell opens and Gwen comes in.

Sir Leon: Guinevere!

Gwen hands him a small amount of food.

Gwen: It's all I could get.

Sir Leon: I don't understand. What are you doing here?

He starts eating greedily.

Gwen: Morgana sent me...to talk to you, to make you see sense. Listen to me.

Sir Leon spits out the food.

Sir Leon: I'd rather starve. Guard!

Gwen: Listen to me. (Whispering) I'm going to help you escape. (To the guard) It's alright. Get me some water. The queen has instructed me to get the prisoner food and water.

Sir Leon: You know what will happen to you if you're caught.

Gwen: We have to find Arthur.

Sir Leon: I have a good idea where he'll be hiding.

Gwen: Then I need to get you out of here.

Sir Leon: How? It's impossible, surely?

Gwen: I'm a trusted member of the court. Morgause has the keys to the cells in her chambers.

Sir Leon: No, Gwen.

Hidden next to the cell, Morgana and Morgause have followed the entire scene.

Morgana: It is as we suspected. She's betrayed me. I will have her ex*cuted at dawn.

Morgause: No! Wait. This is good. Let her run to her beloved prince. She will lead us straight to him.

Gwen: No one will suspect me.



---

Cave

Merlin searches through his bag.

Gaius: Merlin, what are you doing?

Merlin: Looking for something.

Gaius: What?

Merlin shows the flask of water the Fisher King gave him.

Merlin: (Whispering) this. When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this. He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way.

Gaius looks sceptical.

Gaius: Yes. But how?

Merlin: That's what I'd like to find out.



---

Morgana’s chamber

Gwen lights candles. Morgana enters the room.

Morgana: Did you speak to Sir Leon?

Gwen: Yes.

Morgana: And will he do as you asked?

Gwen: It might take some time, but I think he will come round.

Morgana: Gwen! (Smiling) This deserves a celebration.

Morgana pours some potion in a glass.

Gwen: Why, Your Majesty…

Gwen looks uncomfortable. Morgana toasts.

Morgana: To friendship and loyalty.

Gwen has no other choice than to follow and toasts.

Gwen: To friendship and loyalty.

They both drink.



---

Cave

Merlin holds the Fisher King’s flask. Staring at the flask, he casts a spell.

Merlin: Gerihtljc, me.

Nothing happens, he tries another spell.

Merlin: Fultumie me!

Still nothing.



---

Morgana’s chamber

Gwen comes into the room.

Gwen: My Lady? Morgause?

The room seems to be empty. Gwen opens a drawer and finds a set of keys. She copies the cast of one the keys into piece of clay and leaves the room.

Behind a curtain, Morgause was spying on her.



---

Cave

Merlin tries a new spell.

Merlin: Geondlihte gesweorce min!

It still does not work. Merlin is about to fall asleep.



---

Gwen’s house

Back in her house, Gwen pours molten metal in the mould to get a copy of the key.


---

Cave

Merlin has fallen asleep, holding the flask in his hand. A noise wakes him up and he drops the flask that breaks on the ground.

Gwaine: Oh, sorry. Nature calls.

The water spreads on the ground. Merlin looks at the disaster.

Merlin: Oh, no!

The water becomes shinny and suddenly, the face of a young woman appears.

Merlin: Freya?

Freya: I've missed you.

Merlin: You're...

Freya: Merlin, we don't have long.

Merlin: Is it really you?

Freya nods.

Freya: I swore that one day I would repay you. Now is the moment.

Merlin: I don't understand.

Freya: There is but one w*apon that can slay something which is already dead.

Merlin: A blade forged in the dragon's breath.

Freya: That w*apon lies at the bottom of the Lake of Avalon. Where you hid it.

Merlin: But Morgana's army are not dead, they are very much alive.

Freya: Anyone who toys with the cup pays a terrible price. The moment they entered their pact with Morgause, they became the living dead. You MUST come to the lake.

Merlin: And you will give me the sword?

Freya: In your hands it has the power to save Albion.

Merlin: Thank you.

Freya: No. It's giving me the chance to see you again.

Gwaine is coming back into the cave.

Gwaine: That's better... You all right? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Merlin: I'm fine. Really… (Whispering) Freya?



---

Forest

Merlin threads his way through the forest. The Dragons flies and lands next to him.

Merlin: I have to cross 20 leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take me.

Kilgharrah: I am not a horse, Merlin!

Merlin: If you do not, then Morgana will have won. Unless that's what you want?

Kilgharrah: My allegiance has never been with the witch.

Merlin: I know. But is it with me?

Kilgharrah: Yes, young warlock. It is with you.

Merlin flies on the Dragon’s head. They arrive by a lake. Merlin jumps on the ground.

Merlin: Thank you.

Kilgharrah: I warned you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it.

Merlin: I promise.

Merlin notices a coracle on the shore of the lake. He sits in the boat and casts a spell.

Merlin: Gesigle.

The coracle starts sailing. Suddenly, the blade of the magical sword appears out of the water.



---

Castle courtyard

Gwen slips on the pavement, spilling all the things she was carrying in her basket on the ground. She starts gathering them and throws the key she has forged into Sir Leon’s cell through the cellar window.

Sir Leon hears the key clinking and grabs it.



---

Camelot

Night has fallen, the bells ring the alarm. Sir Leon comes into Gwen’s house.

Gwen: We haven't got time to waste.

She hands him a dress. He looks at the dress in disbelief.

Sir Leon: You...You can't be serious.

Gwen: Just hurry! Every guard in Camelot will be looking for YOU. They won't be looking for two women courtiers.

Sir Leon sighs.



---

Castle

Morgana: Sounds like the wait is over.

They walk to a window and watch the two runaways.

Morgause: (Casting a spell) Beo pu leohte bewunden!

A glimmering path appears, showing the trail of the runaways.

Morgause: The potion does its work.

Morgana: Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved prince.



---

Forest

Gwen leans against a tree.

Gwen: What's taking you so long?

Sir Leon: I'm a woman!

Sir Leon is struggling with the dress.

Gwen: Here, let me help you.

She helps him with the dress.

Sir Leon: From here, we need to take the path heading north. There's a cave in the Darkling Woods, five minutes due east of the fallen oak. It has a concealed entrance and fresh water. My guess is that's where Arthur's hiding out.

Morgana’s soldiers run in the forest. Morgause stops and casts a spell.

Morgause: Scin scir!

The glimmering trail appears through the woods.

Morgause: This way!



---

Cave

Arthur comes into the cave.

Arthur: Having a little lie down, Merlin?

Merlin: No.

Arthur: Good. Because the time for sleeping's over.

Merlin: You seem better.

Arthur: You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin. Well, most things, in fact. But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful.

Merlin: Really?

Arthur: Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that… if I didn't know you, I would be completely fooled into thinking you were...

Merlin: What?

Arthur: … Wise.

Merlin: No!

Distant shouting. Arthur, Gwaine, and Merlin go out the cave. They hide and Arthur grabs someone.

Arthur: Guinevere!

They hug. He shakes hand with Sir Leon.

Arthur: Sir Leon.

Elyan: We've been found! They're almost upon us!

Arthur: (To Merlin) Get Gaius. (To the others) We need to get out of here! Run!

Merlin comes back into the cave.

Merlin: They've found us. We need to go.

Gaius: I'll slow you down. It's Arthur you need to protect, not me.

Merlin: I won't leave you!

Gaius: Camelot needs you.

Merlin: Camelot needs us both. Go! I'll be right behind you!

Merlin goes to the place where he has hidden the magic sword and he takes it. When he goes out of the cave Morgana’s soldiers are on him. A fight starts between Merlin and one of the soldiers. Merlin manages to hit the soldier with his sword and the soldier explodes.

Arthur and his friends are chased by the soldiers. They enter a narrow path in the forest, followed by the soldiers.

A man (Shouting): Look out!

A huge rock falls and blocks the way, followed by dozens. It allows Arthur and his companions to escape.

Arthur: Who's that?

Gwaine: I don't know, but I'm liking him already.

They all look above and see two men.

Gwen: Lancelot!

Lancelot: We need to hurry.

A little later, they rest in the forest.

Arthur: I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident.

Lancelot introduces a giant, who looks rather shy.

Lancelot: This is Percival. It was his strength that brought them down.

Percival: Your Highness.

Arthur: Arthur.

They shake hands.

Percival: Arthur it is.

Arthur: What were you doing here?

Merlin: Er...it was me. I sent for him.

Arthur: Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you.

Arthur and Lancelot shake hands. Gwen and Lancelot exchange glances.



---

Castle

Morgause: He was lucky to escape. I'm sorry, Sister.

Morgana: What can he do? Arthur has but a handful of men. We have an immortal army at our disposal.

Morgause: Yes, but whilst Arthur lives, the people will not yield.

Morgana: Then we will make them. Tonight we will have a gallows built, and tomorrow, one by one, we will put an end to the knights of Camelot.



---

Ruins of an old castle

Arthur and his companions head to an old castle. They enter a vaulted room. It is dark ,the furniture is covered with spider webs. They follow Arthur, holding torches.

Gaius: Are you sure we'll be safe in here?

Arthur: This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It will do for a while.

Elyan: Can't be worse than that cave.

Arthur: Search the place, see what you can find.

They scatter and start searching the place. A little later, Gwaine brings some weapons and drops them on a table.

Gwaine: They must've been left by bandits.

Meanwhile, Arthur takes off the cloth that was covering a round table.

Arthur: Here! Come and join me.

They all take a seat around the table. Arthur stands, between Merlin and Gwen.

Arthur: This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition NOW. Without each of you, we would not be here…

Merlin and Lancelot exchange glances and smile.

Arthur: My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?

Lancelot stands up.

Lancelot: You taught me the values of being a knight, the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build.

Elyan: Even though I was a commoner… a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur.(Standing up) It is now my turn to repay you.

Arthur is looking more and more moved. Sir Leon stands up.

Sir Leon: I have fought alongside you many times. There is no-one that I would rather die for.

Gwaine: I think we've no chance… But I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Gwaine stands up. Then it is Percival who stands up.

Percival: Your enemies are my enemies.

Gaius stands up.

Gaius: If you need an old man…

Arthur barely holds back his tears. Merlin and Lancelot smile at each other. Gwen stands up.

Gwen: You know the answer.

Merlin is the only one who remains seated.

Arthur: Merlin?

Merlin: No, don't really fancy it.

Arthur: You don't have a choice, Merlin.

Merlin: OK.

Merlin finally stands up.

Arthur: I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of.

Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, and Elian kneel in front of Arthur.

Arthur: Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Gawain, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot.

Merlin and Gwen are looking at the scene, smiling. One by one the new knights stand up.

Arthur: Tomorrow, when you fight… you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.

Later, they all lay on the floor, trying to get some sleep. Merlin and Lancelot are close to each other. They whisper.

Merlin: You're a knight. At last.

Lancelot: But for how long?

Merlin: Who knows?

Lancelot: What are you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well.

Merlin: It's too difficult to explain.

Lancelot: You can tell me.

Gaius, who does not sleep, overhears the conversation.

Merlin: Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and Morgana will be powerless.

Lancelot: Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.

Merlin: Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic.

Lancelot: It doesn't make you immortal.

Merlin: No.

Lancelot: You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight.

Merlin scoffs.

Lancelot: You're the bravest of us all, and he doesn't even know.

Merlin: He can't. Not yet… That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing.

Lancelot: Leave that to me.

The following day, they are all gathered around Arthur.

Arthur: There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.

Lancelot: We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no mean of communication.

Arthur: Good idea.

Lancelot: I'll need someone with me who knows the castle.

Merlin: I'll go.

Arthur: All right.

Gaius looks concerned.

They get ready for the fight. Arthur comes near Gwen.

Arthur: Stay here with Gaius. I want you to gather firewood and make bandages. There'll be casualties.

Gwen: All right.

Gwen was about to go but Arthur grabs her arm.

Arthur: Guinevere…

Gwen: They'll see.

Arthur: I don't care. I want you to know...if I never see you again...

Gwen: You will. You will see me. I watched you last night.(Caressing Arthur’s face) you gave us hope, something to believe in. I saw the king you will become. I'm so proud of you Arthur.

They kiss. Lancelot watches them and leaves the room.

Gaius comes near Merlin.

Gaius: You need to be careful.

Merlin: I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells.

Gaius: I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she will k*ll you.

Merlin: I have no choice.

Gaius: I remember the bungling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago. Who would believe it?

They hug. Gaius looks anxious.



---

Outskirts of Camelot

Arthur and his companions are approaching the castle. Soldiers keep watch on the ramparts.



---

Ruins of the old castle

Gwen comes into the room and looks for Gaius.

Gwen: Gaius? Gaius?!

The room is empty.



---

Camelot dungeons

Arthur (To Lancelot and Merlin): Good luck!

The group splits. Lancelot and Merlin go upstairs.



---

Camelot corridors

Merlin and Lancelot sneak into the corridors, trying to avoid the Morgana’s guards. Suddenly Merlin stops walking and gasps.

Merlin: I can sense the Cup's power. This way.

A guard arrives. Lancelot starts fighting but does not manage to defeat him. Merlin enters the fight. He hits the guard that explodes. Lancelot is stunned.

Lancelot: What is that?

Merlin: It was forged in a dragon's breath.



---

Camelot dungeons

Gwaine whistles to draw guard’s attention. He runs away and they chase him.

Gwaine: (to Percival) Now!

Percival locks the gate on his side while Sir Leon and Elian locks the gate on their side. The guards are trapped.

Gwaine: (to guards) stay there and don't move.



---

Camelot corridors

Merlin and Lancelot peek around a corner. Soldiers guard the door of a room.

Lancelot: What do we do now?

Merlin shakes head and they hide.



---

Camelot dungeons

Arthur and his companions fight guards. Elyan is wounded. Arthur throws a set of keys to the imprisoned knights. The knights open the prison help and come to help Arthur.

---

Corridor

Meanwhile, Lancelot and Merlin att*ck guards. Merlin uses the magic sword to k*ll guards. They finally manage to get inside the council room and lock door. There is a very short time of relief, just before they realise that there are facing more guards in the room, guarding the cup. Guards draw their swords. Lancelot and Merlin look at each other, they have to go on fighting.



---

Dungeons

Arthur opens Uther's cell. He unchains his father.

Arthur: Father, we have to hurry.

Uther looks completely lost.

Uther: I'm sorry.

Arthur: Please, Father, now isn't the time.

Arthur helps his father to get out of the cell.



---

Fights go on in the council room and in the dungeons. Lancelot is injured. He groans with pain.

In the dungeons, the situation becomes more and more compromise. The warning bell rings out.

Arthur: What the hell are those two doing?!

Lancelot is getting too weak to fight. Merlin kills the last guard, and runs to reach the cup.

But the door opens, Morgause enters the room and casts a spell that throws Merlin against a wall. Merlin is knocked down.

In the dungeons Arthur and his companions fight, but reinforcements arrive. The situation looks desperate. Arthur stops fighting.

Arthur: If we're to go down! We'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot!

The Knights roar.



---

Council room

Merlin drags himself along the ground, gasping. Morgause walks to him.

Morgause: I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again.

Morgause is about to cast another spell.

Gaius: No! You won't. (Spell). Oferswinge!

The spell throws Morgause away. But she gets up and tries to cast spell. She is finally knocked out by another spell cast by Merlin.

Gaius: Merlin! The Cup!

Merlin picks up the magic sword and knocks Cup off the pedestal, the blood spills. In the dungeons, guards explode.



---

Council room

Morgana enters the council room.

Morgana: No! No!

She runs to Morgause. She kneels near her, sobbing.

Morgana: Sister…

Morgana caresses her sister’s face.

Merlin: It's over, Morgana.

Morgana: No, you're wrong. This has just begun! No…No!

She screams and roars. The noise is terrible. Windows explode and the ceiling starts crumbling. There are stones falling everywhere. Merlin, Gaius, and Lancelot flee the place.



---

Dungeons

Uther is still in a state of shock.

Arthur: You're safe now, Father.

Arthur helps him to stand up.

Elyan: Where's Gwaine?

Elyan, Sir Leon, and Percival look concerned.

Elyan: Gwaine? You still alive?

Voice of Gwaine: What do you think?

They all look relieved. Gwaine goes out of a vaulted cellar.

Gwaine: And that's Sir Gwaine to you.



---

Camelot courtyard

Arthur and Merlin are seated on the stairs outside the castle.

Arthur: Have you seen the state of these boots?

Merlin: Yeah.

Arthur: Well, go and get something to clean them.

Merlin: Why? They're YOUR boots.

Arthur: Have you lost your mind?

Merlin: I thought you believed in equality.

Arthur: I'm sorry?

Merlin: At the round table, you said...

Arthur: Shut up, Merlin.

Arthur gives Merlin a friendly shove. They smile.

Merlin: How's your father?

Arthur: I don't know. All this… Morgana… it's hit him hard.

Merlin: Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become...become king.

Arthur: Who knows what the future will bring.

Gwen and the Knights come into the courtyard, riding horses. Arthur stands up to welcome them. Gwen dismounts. Arthur and Gwen kiss.



---

Gaius’s chamber

Gaius: And they searched through the remains of the rubble, and still no Morgana?

Merlin: Or Morgause.

Gaius: They won't have gone far. Merlin, no one else is going to say this to you, but I will. Well done.

Merlin: I told you Camelot needed both of us.

Gaius: We're going to have to tidy this place up.

Merlin: Hmm. But not now.

Merlin stands up.

Gaius: Where are you going?

Merlin: Er...

Gaius: What are you up to?

Merlin: There's something I have to do.



---

Forest

Voice of Kilgharrah: ‘In the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place is where none can wield it.’

Merlin casts a spell while he sticks the sword into a big rock. Thunder rumbles. Then, he walks away.

Close-up of the sword.



‘MERLIN WILL RETURN’



– Closing Credits –