<nc-section data-title="Version 1" data-color="red"> As I dismounted near the stables, a towering figure emerged from the shadows. Sir Roland stood before me, his armor gleaming despite the fading light. His weathered face bore the scars of countless battles, yet his eyes held an unexpected warmth. "So you're the new squire," he said, his voice deep as rolling thunder. He clasped my shoulder with a gauntleted hand. "Frederick, is it? I've heard tales of your father's bravery. Let us see if the apple falls far from the tree." A stable boy rushed forward to take Thunder's reins, and Sir Roland gestured toward the castle. "Come. You'll want to rest before your training begins at dawn." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2" data-color="green"> The stable doors creaked open, and a knight strode out, wiping his hands on a worn cloth. Sir Roland was not what I had expected—no polished armor or flowing cape. Instead, he wore simple riding leathers, and bits of hay clung to his graying beard. "You must be Frederick," he said, studying me with keen blue eyes. "You're late. I expected you before midday." "The roads were—" I began. "Excuses are for the weak," he interrupted, though a slight smile tugged at his lips. "But you made it. That's what matters. Can you muck a stall?" I blinked. "I... yes, Sir Roland." "Good. Your first lesson begins now. A knight who cannot care for his horse is no knight at all." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3" data-color="blue"> I had barely led Thunder into the stable yard when the clash of steel rang out behind me. I spun around to find a blade pointed at my chest, held by a knight with silver-streaked hair and a dangerous grin. "Dead," Sir Roland declared. "If I were an enemy, your head would be rolling in the hay." My heart hammered against my ribs. "Sir Roland, I—" He sheathed his sword in one fluid motion and laughed—a booming sound that echoed off the stable walls. "Relax, boy. I merely wanted to see your reflexes." He circled me slowly, assessing. "Not bad. You didn't flee or freeze completely. There may be hope for you yet, young Frederick." He clapped me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. "Welcome to Thornhaven Castle." </nc-section>