From the Quartier Savant to the Publique, the sound of whistles, gunshots, and screams of pain carry on the wind in the hours before Sacha Frelon's execution. A company of Gendarmerie Nationale cavalry patrol the streets, fighting off dozens of what will later be described as "criminal malcontents". The execution carries on as scheduled, however, with the only additional interruption being the detonation of a pair of cannons stationed atop a terrace to oversee the affair. While half a dozen Gendarmes are immolated and dismembered in the incident, so to is the would-be saboteur. A bittersweet accident, since a rogue element for powers unknown is removed from the board, albeit at great cost. The Lady-Governor, reputedly determined to not let justice be aborted by Frelon's allies, orders the execution to continue. In one last twist of fate, it seems some hapless bureaucrat has made a critical error in fitting the guillotine's blade, since it fails to sever Frelon's head, and indeed leaves the poor man alive and transfixed until Lieutenant Dorian de Sauvre executes him with an efficient shot to the back of the head.
Peace is restored swiftly, and soon the happy people of the city resume their talk of galas and masquerades.