Scarlet's shock passed and she said with surprise, "Dunlas, I had no idea you were that good with a bow!" However, why did you shoot down a random carrier pigeon? It could have been one of ours."

Dunlas' expression was solemn as he said, "None of our carrier pigeons fly through this route. The strange part is that this carrier pigeon seems to have been flying towards the Desolate Mountains."

Scarlet walked towards Dunlas as he opened up a letter attached to the leg of the carrier pigeon. Their expressions were filled with shock not long after.

Scarlet said with seriousness, "We have to let the general and my father know about this. This could change everything." Dunlas nodded and his figure seemed to be in deep thought.

His hoarse voice replied, "You must find the general. He is still near the backlines so you should be safe. Deliver the letter to him. I will try to rush back to the capital to tell your father."

Dunlas thought for a moment before he tossed Scarlet an earring shaped like a black dragon as he said, " You can have your earring back by the way." The earring Dunlas threw was one of a pair that signifies direct royalty (ruler & heir).

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Scarlet clenched the small earring in her hand and replied, "You too. By giving me back my earring, you are not afraid of me using it to command the troops on the frontline?"

Dunlas shrugged, "Although he never told you this, the earring lets His Highness track you as he has the identical token. It was quite useful when you were younger and always hid in the palace. It also has some small amounts of magic left from the founders that can protect you from small dangers and might be able to help you get out of sticky situations. As long as it can protect you, it is worth it... I hope."

Dunlas jumped onto his horse and sighed, "While I can't force you to stay on the backlines, I really hope you promise me that you will stay at the back. The war is at a critical point and any more unexpected changed like the one in the letter will shift the balance."

Scarlet swept the dirt around the campfire, putting it out. She jumped onto her own white horse as well and said to Dunlas, "I'll try, but no promises. Now, we must hurry on our separate ways. Based on the letter, it seems that Zoria has somehow managed to bring a dead occupation back to life."

Dunlas turned his horse behind them, back towards the capital of Girid. He glanced back at Scarlet and said, "Remember to ration your food carefully, the general's camp should be about a day's ride east. If you get lost, find landmarks and cross-reference that with the map His Highness gave you before you left."

Scarlet turned her horse away as well and laughed it off, "Are you my grandparent or something? I already learned all these basic skills back at home. I'll be fine. See you later, I guess."

She kicked at her horse and heard Dunlas shout behind her, "I'll rush back to the general's camp for you as soon as I can."