This must be the figure that Alfred saw, the night Herbert almost lost him. -- Alfred. Alfred, who is here with him now, Alfred, the one having this dream. This dream that so clearly connects Solin to Alfred. Perhaps that is why Death let Alfred come back, after having stolen Solin from him.

Herbert watches himself embrace Solin on the bed, sees the way Solin's nails bite into his palm as he struggles against the pain.

They're talking quietly, whispering reassurances to each other. But the dream is starting to fade around him. It's almost time to go.