At last, someone noticed Ethan's predicament. Victor and Williams rushed over. Though Victor's body was still a bit weak, he could move fine. Williams held Dr. Aldric firmly in place while Victor supported Ethan and steered him toward the Star Chamber.
Neither of them had been outside earlier, so they had no idea what had transpired. On the way, Ethan's eyes grew wet with tears as he thanked Victor again and again. Victor had no idea how to respond. The entire farce was finally over.
Ethan collapsed into his bed and lay there for two hours before he could move again. When he finally made his way back outside, he found the camp alive with laughter, a bonfire crackling in the middle. As soon as people spotted him, they pulled him into their circle, pressed a drink into his hand, and cheered.
