Well, i started a new game and raced thru to see if the pigeon would work, AND IT DID! Something is def causing some sort of bug. Things i did different, and the only major thing i can think of is
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×Upon leaving the Castle, instead of throwing the vase at the window, i used the bucket on the candle method. Also, the pigeon appeared in the room south of the goblin camp. It wouldnt work in the waterfall room.
Not sure what the bug is... but its there. At least i can now continue on trying to improve my score