The messenger bird arrived only moments after the wanderer had disappeared into the night. The general watched as the bird descended, recognizing the royal seal attached to its leg. He stretched out his hand, allowing it to land before him, then carefully retrieved the message.

His eyes moved across the words. Her Highness, the second princess, had returned safely to the palace. The raid was to be suspended immediately. For a moment, the general simply stared at the message.

A strange mixture of relief and disbelief washed over him. So, the wanderer had been telling the truth. He glanced toward the darkness where the mysterious figure had disappeared, remembering the...