[ WP ] One of your dear friends has committed an unforgivable crime , and now you have to execute them .

`` Tym, please. You do n't have to do this.'' 
 
 `` You know I do. We ca n't just go back to the way it was. You've ruined that for us.'' 
 
 `` It was just a simple mistake is all. I can fix it. Clean up my mess. Just one more chance!'' 
 
 With a sigh, I trudge on in silence pushing my old friend ahead of me. He struggles against the thick rope binding his hands, but to no avail. He's crying now. 
 
 `` Your family's watching Clemance. At least die with dignity.'' 
 
 He nods, takes a deep breath, and looks down at his feet, dejected. He's finally gone slack against his bonds, and it breaks my heart. We've reached the block now, with hundreds looking on, murmuring softly. 
 
 `` That's the guy?'' 
 
 `` He looks so normal...'' 
 
 `` Do n't let it fool you. He's an abomination.'' 
 
 The Overseer steps forwards, his long black robes trailing on the ground. 
 
 `` Ladies and gentlemen,'' he raises his hands, a powerful voice booming from his thin frame, `` We are gathered here to witness the punishment of Mister Clemance Diloweet. He whose crimes have reached the most despicable of levels. For such acts against the state and it's people, Mister Diloweet is to be executed.'' 
 
 Shit. Now I'm crying. 
 
 `` Punishment is to be carried out by Undertaker Murtin. Carry on.'' He takes a seat on the stage and stares dead ahead, stone-faced. 
 
 I push Clemance forward. `` I'm sorry, old friend. I wish this did n't have to happen.'' 
 
 `` As did I,'' he sighed, `` I wish it did n't have to be you.'' 
 
 But it did. I'd known this man my entire life. We'd seen the world together, and nobody else had the right to take him from it. 
 
 Clemence Diloweet of House Oscarion, first of his name, knelt before the headsman's block with a smile on his face. With honor, he faced his fate. He'd evaded it for some time, but it had found him at last. Leaning over the block, he looked up and smiled at me. Tears welling up in his sparkling green eyes. 
 
 He whispered too quietly for me to hear, but I could make out the movement of his lips. `` Farewell, old friend.'' 
 
 With heavy hands, I grasp the long sword leaning against the block and place the tip between my feet, resting my hands on the pommel. 
 
 `` Clemance Diloweet, of House Oscarion, for crimes committed against the state of Vanye and her people, I hereby sentence you to die. Have you any last words?'' 
 
 He nods. `` I die free and I die fulfilled. Do not weep for me, instead remember me as he who did what you dare n't do.'' 
 
 He smiles at me one last time, before closing his eyes and looking to the ground, exposing the back of his neck. `` Now get it over with.'' 
 
 Slowly, painfully, I lift the sword above me head and bring it down not with silence, nor sorrow, but with anger. My cry echoes throughout the square, piercing the silence of the crowd. With a sickening *thump*, the head of my friend fell into the wicker basket set at the base of the block, as the ground around it turned red. 
 
 -- -- -- -- -- - 
 
 I found my daughter afterwards. Falling to my knees, I grabbed the eleven-year-old by the shoulders and looked her dead in the eyes. `` Taya, I need you to promise me something, okay?'' 
 
 `` Sure Dad, what's up?'' 
 
 `` No matter what happens in your lifetime, I need you to follow one rule for me. One simple rule.'' I ca n't let her end up like Clemance. It would destroy me completely. `` I need you to promise me that you will. Not. *Ever*. ***Double-dip. ***
