Target acquired.

The true messenger pigeon is a variety of domestic pigeons derived from the wild rock dove, selectively bred for its ability to find its way home over extremely long distances. The rock dove has an innate homing ability, meaning that it will generally return to its nest (it is believed) using magnetoreception.

Flights as long as 1,800 km (1,100 miles) have been recorded and their average flying speed over moderate 965 km (600 miles) distances is around 97 km/h and speeds of up to 160 km/h have been observed for short distances.

Because of this skill, domesticated pigeons are used to carry messages as messenger pigeons. They are usually referred to as "war pigeon" if used during wars.

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Spring, next year.

After a short but frigid winter

…

40 miles away downstream from Redwater harbour, a camp was hidden on a small hill amongst the trees.

Justin Sider sat on a tree stump looking out at the flowing Strega with a bowl of warm soup in his hands.

Taking a small sip, he noticed a ship in the distance sailing upstream in the direction of Redwater.

Picking up a telescope by his side he looked through the greenish lens at the incoming vessel.

Confirming it was just the occasional sailing ship he carefully placed down the expensive reconnaissance instrument and continued drinking his evening meal.

The weather was still a bit chilly but tolerable enough. The young knight along with two other knights had been posted here by Aden to serve as lookouts.

Their job was very simple. They were meant to take shifts watching the Strega for any incoming vessels and identify them.

In the scenario, they discover a vessel carrying the Hera's emblem they are to relay the message back to Greenfields via messenger pigeon.

But simple as it was such a mundane task grew tiring for the hot-blooded young men. After a week of watching with no results, they soon grew tired of this seemingly easy task.

It was Justin's shift this time around and asides from the occasional rustle of new spring shoots or the chirping of birds there was nothing to accompany him but still he did his task diligently.

He was aware of the importance of his mission. After being debriefed he knew that any failure on their part spells doom for all their comrades back at home.

Shouldering such a heavy responsibility, despite his boredom he didn't dare close his eyes.

He took another sip of his soup and noticed another silhouette on the horizon.

Surprised by the sudden appearance of another vessel he picked up his telescope to confirm the vessel's identity.

Peering through he noticed a gryphon with a shield and spear emblem on the ship's flying flag. Surprised he stood up and his dinner spill all over the floor.

Taking another look he confirmed it was the Hera's Emblem.

Hurriedly he woke up his comrades and took out three small slips of parchment paper and three pigeons.

He wrote the word - [Acquired.] in Algrian on all three slips before attaching the messages to the three messenger pigeons.

Releasing them he returned to his comrades who had finished preparing and mounted his steed riding in the direction of Redwater harbour.