Saul started calling out.

The people in the room panicked. Saul’s son got up and shouted, “Call Jerome! Find out where he is now!”

“Jerome’s back!” A voice came from outside the room.

A nineteen-year-old young man ran into the room. He made his way to the bedside and dropped to his knees, his hands clutching Saul’s hands. It was Jerome, the babe found in the War Legate Shrine who had encountered countless hardships while growing up yet never gave up hope.

“I’m back, sir,” said Jerome shakily, clutching tightly to Saul’s hands. He trembled and tears blurred his vision as he gazed at his esteemed mentor who was at death’s door.

Saul turned and stretched out a hand to cup Jerome’s face. “You’re back, my child.”

“Yes, I am,” said Jerome with tears. He felt powerless in the face of his mentor’s failing condition. He could only watch with tears in his eyes, but there was nothing he could do.

Saul said weakly, “You’ve seen War Legate Draco, right?”

Jerome nodded. “Yes, I have, si