<nc-section data-title="Sir Roland Appears" data-color="red"> Thunder neighed as we pulled up to the stables. He was sweaty and panting. A burly knight with a red beard emerged. He was rinsing himself off. "Welcome to Castle Duras, young squire," he greeted me with a nod. "I am Sir Roland, master of the horse ward." He gestured to the stalls. "Let old Thunder here have some water and oats. The sun's nearly down and you'll want him well-rested." I quickly dismounted and led Thunder inside. The air smelled of sweat and manure. Sir Roland took the reins from me and led the horse to its stall. He dropped a bucket into the trough, filling it with water. "Follow me," he said. His armor clanked as he stepped out of the stable. "I'll show you to your quarters." I followed close behind, still wearing my traveling cloak. The castle courtyard was bathed in the fading sunset light. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Sir Roland's Welcome" data-color="green"> Thunder stopped outside the stables, his breaths coming in gasps from the long ride. A dapper bladesmith emerged and clapped his hands together, a wry smile on his face. "Well well, if it isn't Lord Frederick himself!" He bobbed his head in a jaunty bow. "You certainly cut quite the dash, strutting about in your glittering new togs." Sir Roland was an eccentric old codger - my father's closest friend. He wore a vivid green cloak that matched his faded eyes. His white beard was neatly trimmed and he traveled everywhere with his pet hawk perched on his shoulder. He chuckled, "Well now, laddie, shall we see to getting you settled? Wouldn't want you catching your death snuffling around like that, eh?" With a wink he took me by the arm and led me into the bustling stableyard. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Dramatic Arrival" data-color="blue"> Thunder shied as I pulled to a halt near the stables. Plumes of dust billowed around us. A knight in shining blue armor emerged, shield and sword on display. His eyes narrowed as he approached. "Hold! Who dares enter Castle Duras unannounced?" His voice rang out. Sir Roland, Captain of the Guard, stood before us with his blade drawn. "I am Lord Frederick, squire to the King," I proclaimed, straightening in my saddle. "I come to begin my knighthood training." Sir Roland studied me for a long moment, then lowered his sword and bowed. "My apologies, my Lord. With your dark cloak and the dust swirling, I did not take you for a friend." He gestured to the stables. "Come, let me take your steed. Then I'll see you to your chambers to rest before the evening meal." Thunder blew a steady stream of air through his nostrils and tossed his head. I dismounted with some difficulty after the long ride and handed the reins to Sir Roland who led the way into the stables with a swish of his blue cloak. </nc-section>