((*cries* Almost the last chapter...so sad...now I have to think of a new idea for another fanfiction...maybe I'll do Harry Potter or Tamara Pierce or something else, though...))

Jacqueline, Faolan, and Keena made their way quickly down the many staircases and corridors that led to the grand hallway. None of them spoke. Painie had a smirk on her not yet ageless face. It was obvious that she was looking forward to this. They made their way up towards the huge room, where even more people were gathered, this time. Many of them were burned or bruised from their earlier beatings.

Jacqueline sadly stood and waited for her stilling, and essentially for her death. At this time, all she wanted to do was weep. Her earlier mocking mood had evaporated, and now she was finding how serious this was. She didn't want to die, but even more than that, she didn't want the Black Ajah to take control of the Tower, as they surely would. She managed to keep herself standing tall and straight until the Sitters surrounded her. She collapsed onto the floor, tears pouring from her eyes. This was the end.

Faolan and Keena were held back. Keena was still shielded, so she was unable to do anything that might free Jacqueline. Faolan had had all of his weapons taken away, so he, too, was helpless. They both watched as the 13 Sitters embraced saidar, Faolan with a hopeless feeling in his heart that he would lose the bond and his love, Keena with the rage that she could do nothing to stop this.

The Sitters linked together, forming a strong circle. Jacqueline wasn't all that worried that there was at least one Black in that circle surrounding her, because the outcome would ultimately be the same no matter who performed it. She trembled, crying like she had when she was a small child, though, at thinking of what lay ahead. Then they formed the weave, the weave that would cut her off from the True Source forever.

Jacqueline closed her eyes and tried to be as calm as she could. Still, it was a huge shock when the weave came, slicing between herself and the Power. Unable to comprehend what had just happened, she blacked out, collapsing into a heap on the ground. Most of the Sitters watched her sadly, but a few, including Painie, grinned with undisguised joy. They had done it. They had stilled the Amyrlin Seat.

Faolan fell to the ground, hurting with the shock and pain he felt. The bond was gone. His eyes closed. Keena crouched down beside him and, shield dissipated at last, lifted him with a flow of Air. She walked over to the Sitters. "Might we take her back to her rooms now? She will want to sleep before her execution."

A sober Green Sitter nodded. "I am very sorry I had to do this. I wish there had been proof..." She trailed off before answering Keena's question. "Yes, take her to her rooms. Comfort her as well as you can. The execution will be in the morning." She glided away, not wanting to have to look at any of their accusing eyes any longer.

Keena set Faolan gently on the ground. He opened his eyes and tried to stand up. Taking Keena's hand, he said softly, "I will be all right. I must be strong for her. Let's go." When the Keeper made a move to pick up Jacqueline with the Power, he waved her away. Instead, he bent down and picked her limp body up gently.

They walked as quickly as they could back towards Jacqueline's rooms, Faolan cradling his love in his arms. At last, they reached her rooms, and he laid her gently on top of her bed. Soon after, her eyes opened. She moaned and said weakly, "Is it over?" A few seconds later, a tear came from her eyes. "It is gone. Now, I will die."

Faolan sat down next to her and lifted her up onto his lap. "My love, it is done. We will get back at them for what they have done to you. We will find a way to keep the Black Ajah from taking the Tower. Sleep now peacefully, without worries." Jacqueline's eyes closed once more, and he laid her gently back down onto the bed, covering her cold body with blankets. "We will find revenge, Keena. We will find a way."

Keena nodded and murmured, "Of course, Faolan. Of course." They sat in silence for most of the night, until at last the morning, the dreaded morning of execution, came.

A soft rap came on the door. No one barged in. Keena stood and walked over to it, opening it enough to see the young Blue Sitter that had spoken for Jacqueline during the sentence at the Hall and the Green who had been sorry to still her. Keena motioned for them to come in. They entered slowly, and their eyes fixed on the sleeping girl.

"How is she?" the Green asked. She stepped over to the bed. "Well, she obviously isn't good, but it doesn't matter, as she is going to be executed today anyway," Faolan said, voice filled with quiet rage. He stood up, and the Sitters could see pain overwhelming the rage in his eyes.

The Blue, Nelia, shook her head sadly before saying, "I suppose you are right. I want you both to know that neither of us wanted her stilled. We know that she isn't a Darkfriend. It is the other Sitters who are the Blacks. Yet we are younger than they, and we cannot go against their words. I am sorry. Perhaps there is something we can do, though, to at least make her execution easier." She gently pressed her hand atop Jacqueline's forehead.

The Green Sitter, Bryanne, thought for a moment before smiling slightly and saying, "We could make it easier! At least, we could make them use another method besides the bloody executioner's axe. Perhaps a poison that puts her into a sleep that she never awakens from. Yes, that would do well. It would be peaceful and quick, without any blood, but none could argue against it, as she would still die." She became quieter, and her voice was full of sorrow as she said, "I wish she did not have to die. The best we can do is get revenge on the Black's that caused it."

Faolan smiled slightly. "You think the way that we do. Perhaps you can help us with our revenge. If you help, we won't try to get revenge on you. Your debt will be paid." He thought for a moment. "Can either of you use a sword? Because it would be pretty easy for them to shield you from the Power."

When both nodded, Keena and Faolan exchanged a small smile. "Excellent. Well, we need to get Jacqueline up and down there." Faolan's voice grew heavy and sad. He pulled the blankets off of the sleeping girl and gently sat her up. "It is time, Jacqueline. Come, now."

Jacqueline dressed in a daze. A small part of her mind screamed, "You're going to die!" but she was mostly numb and unfeeling. There was no cause that was worth it anymore. She knew that she would die soon anyway if she weren't executed, because there was nothing there to replace the Power for her. She stood, and when she just barely managed to speak, it was in a numb, flat tone with no emotion. "I am ready. Let's go."

Faolan gripped Jacqueline's arm and led her down the many stairs. Keena, Bryanne, and Nelia all followed a few steps behind. At last, they came upon the courtyard where the execution was to take place. Many people had gathered, most initiatives from the Tower, but some were merchants and citizens of Tar Valon, as well. They all waited, some anxious, some excited, some upset, for Jacqueline to come.

Faolan had to almost carry her as they stepped over towards the executioner's block. Bryanne cleared her throat and announced loudly, "There has been a change in plans. Do not fret; Jacqueline Black will be killed. We have decided to use poison rather than an axe, is all."

Bryanne pulled a small vial from a pocket. It contained a liquid. As she poured it into a glass, Painie stepped up to her. "If this is not real poison, she will be killed in the most horrible way possible. I will deliver it to her." The Green Sitter just shrugged and handed Painie the glass. She backed away. As Painie strode over towards Jacqueline, both young Sitters could be seem hurrying away from the courtyard.

Jacqueline closed her eyes and lay down on the green grass. She didn't have any urge to live anymore, anyway, and all she wanted was for death to come fast. Part of her mind wondered what it would feel like, to be alive no longer, but most of her was still numb from the loss of the Power. She didn't have any greater cause she wanted to live for. All was already lost, anyway, and there was nothing she could do to gain it back. At least after she was dead, she wouldn't have to suffer anymore. Yes, death would be a good thing.

She was rather surprised to see that it was Painie who brought her the poison. "Drink this, and die." When Jacqueline hesitated, she nastily added, "Or would you rather I skin you alive?" She placed the cup of poisonous liquid in the former Amyrlin's hand.

Jacqueline shook her head and sipped the poison slowly. She lay her head back down. Her eyes closed, and her breathing became slight and far apart. Slowly, the life drained out of her, until at last her body was limp and still.

All around, people had different reactions. Many were saddened by the loss of their young leader and began to weep. Just as many, though, believed the lies about her, and they laughed with joy as they saw her body go limp. Faolan sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face, and felt grief such as that he'd never felt before. He slowly raised himself up to his hands and knees and crawled over to Jacqueline. He lay down beside her and cried uncontrollably.

It was getting dark when Faolan next looked up. He must have fallen asleep. Somehow, he knew it was the only sleep he would get for a long time. Everyone appeared to have left, the entertainment over. He stroked his only love's icy cold face and stood up, a new emotion building up inside him. It was rage. He would make everyone pay for what they had done to Jacqueline. They would pay in blood. With a new purpose and sense of determination, he strode off towards where they kept the swords.

Kella stood over her old friend, her eyes wet. This was all her fault. But, as much as she'd always liked Jacqueline, she didn't regret it. Now, the Black Ajah was free to take the Tower, and the Great Lord would hold her accountable for this huge victory. She would be immortal, and she would have power. That was what she had always wanted. Now, her dream would come true. It had been almost too easy...

((There will be one more chapter))