<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Inspection" data-color="red"> Sir Roland stood by the stables with his arms crossed, his scarred armor gleaming dully in the fading light. His eyes narrowed as Frederick dismounted, running a critical gaze from the boy's dusty boots to his unkempt hair. "You're late," the knight barked, stepping forward with a heavy tread that made the cobblestones ring. "And that horse looks half-starved. In my service, squires arrive at dawn, not dusk." He reached out and gripped Frederick's shoulder with gauntleted fingers, squeezing hard enough to bruise. "If you wish to remain here, you'll learn discipline quickly, or you'll feel the flat of my blade against your back. Dismount. Now." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Welcome" data-color="green"> A broad figure emerged from the stable shadows, wiping straw from his hands onto a leather apron. Sir Roland's face split into a weathered smile as he approached Thunder, reaching out to pat the horse's neck with a gentle familiarity that spoke of years caring for animals. "Easy there, lad," he said to both horse and rider. "You must be Frederick. The courtyard has been waiting for fresh spirit like yours." He gestured to the verdant training grounds beyond, where other squires practiced with wooden swords beneath ancient oak trees. "Come, let's get Thunder settled in the east stable. There's fresh hay and sweet apples for him, and a warm supper waiting for us both in the hall." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Blue Hour" data-color="blue"> The knight materialized from the twilight mist like a ghost of steel and shadow. Sir Roland's face was obscured by the visor of his helm, his voice echoing hollow and metallic as he addressed the courtyard. "Frederick of Thornwick," he intoned, not a question but a statement of fact. He stood motionless by the stable doors, the blue hour casting his silhouette long and thin across the frost-kissed cobblestones. "Your training begins tomorrow before the morning star fades. Leave your horse with the grooms and follow me. The castle keeps its own time, and you are already behind." </nc-section>