<nc-section data-title="A Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> I pulled hard on the reins, bringing Thunder to a skidding halt just before the wooden gates of the stable. Dust swirled around us, settling on my cloak. From the shadows of the doorway, a towering figure stepped forward, his plate armor clanking with a heavy, rhythmic sound. It was Sir Roland. His face was a mask of stone, a jagged scar running down his left cheek, and his eyes bore into me with the intensity of a hawk spotting prey. "You are Frederick, I presume," he stated, his voice gravelly and devoid of warmth. "You keep a horse waiting, and you keep a knight waiting. Do not make a habit of it." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Warm Reception" data-color="green"> As I slowed Thunder to a gentle trot, the golden light of the fading sun caught the gleam of armor near the stable entrance. A man with a thick, salt-and-pepper beard and kind eyes stepped out, wiping his hands on a rag. It was Sir Roland. He didn't stand on ceremony; instead, he walked right up to Thunder’s side and patted the stallion's muscular neck with practiced ease. "Easy now, big fellow," he murmured before looking up at me with a crinkled-eyed smile. "You must be the new squire. I’m Roland. You’ve had a long ride—come, let's get your friend settled and find you some supper." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Silent Guardian" data-color="blue"> The air grew cooler as I guided Thunder toward the stables, the towering walls of the castle casting long, stretching shadows across the cobblestones. Leaning against a post near the entrance was a knight, his helmet tucked under one arm, staring out at the horizon with a melancholy expression. Sir Roland turned slowly as I approached, his movements fluid and precise, like water. He didn't speak at first, simply gestured toward an empty stall with a gloved hand. "Stables are through there," he said, his voice quiet but commanding. "See to your horse first. A knight who cannot care for his mount is no knight at all." </nc-section>