<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Stables (red)" data-color="red"> As I approached the stables, I saw a tall, muscular man with a thick beard emerge from the building. He wore a suit of shining armor and carried a large shield emblazoned with the crest of the kingdom. This must be Sir Roland, the famous knight I had heard so much about. "Welcome to the castle, young squire," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I am Sir Roland, your training master. We have much work to do if you are to become a true knight of the realm." I dismounted from my horse and bowed respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you, Sir Roland. I am ready to begin my training." Sir Roland nodded, his eyes scanning me up and down. "We shall see about that. First, you must care for your horse. If you cannot handle the simple task of grooming and feeding a beast, how can I trust you to wield a sword?" He led me into the stables, where a dozen horses stood in their stalls, snorting and pawing at the ground. Sir Roland pointed to an empty stall. "That will be your horse's home. You must learn to clean the stall, brush the horse, and keep it fed and watered. Only then will we begin your true training." I gulped, realizing the long road ahead of me. But I was determined to prove myself worthy of becoming a knight. I would work hard and show Sir Roland that I had what it took. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Stables (green)" data-color="green"> Just as I reached the stable doors, a gruff voice called out to me. "Halt there, squire! You're a bit early for your orientation, aren't you?" I turned to see a burly man with a wild beard and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in full plate armor and carried a massive broadsword. This must be Sir Roland, the renowned knight tasked with my training. "I apologize, Sir Roland," I said, hurriedly dismounting from my horse and bowing low. "I didn't expect to arrive so soon. My name is Frederick, and I'm eager to begin my training as a squire under your tutelage." Sir Roland grunted and scrutinized me with a skeptical eye. "Mmm, yes. Well, let's see how you handle yourself around an actual horse before we talk about fighting. Your steed will be staying in this stable with the others." He gestured for me to follow as he led me inside the dimly lit building. The air was thick with the scent of hay and animal. A dozen horses stood in their stalls, whinnying and snorting. "Each stall must be swept clean and filled with fresh bedding daily," Sir Roland barked, pointing at the nearest one. "Your horse's hooves need to be kept clean as well. Bring some drinking water and oats for him to munch on each morning. If you can manage that for a week, then we'll discuss your readiness for combat training." I nodded soberly, realizing just how humble and arduous my initial duties would be as a squire. No matter, I was prepared to put in the work. I would prove myself worthy to be Sir Roland's prized pupil. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Stables (blue)" data-color="blue"> As I tethered my horse to a post outside the stables, a loud voice bellowed out. "Halt, boy! You there!" I turned to see a middle-aged knight, vast in stature and adorned in steel armor. His face was weathered and lined, with a short beard that had turned grey. This must be Sir Roland, the squiremaster about whom I had heard so many tales. I gave a bow. "Greetings, Sir Roland. I am Frederick, your newest squire. I have ridden far to join your tutelage..." Sir Roland snorted and stepped closer, eyeing me up and down with a critical gaze. "Your apprenticeship begins now, squire. First lesson - take care of your steed. These animals are not beasts of burden to be crassly put to work. They are warriors, like you and I." He grabbed my shoulder and steered me toward the stables. "Inside are a dozen mounts, each belonging to the knights of the castle. You will tend to their stables, cleaning, feeding, and grooming them daily. Only when you prove yourself worthy to handle the beasts will you be given a blade and taught to wield it." I swallowed hard, understanding the long road ahead. Yet I could not deny the excitement that bubbled in my breast. I was indebted to Sir Roland for taking me under his wing, and I was fully prepared to earn his respect through labor