<nc-section data-title="Version 1: A Grim Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted in the stables, a broad-shouldered man in well-worn armor stepped from the shadows. His face was weathered, bearing the scars of countless battles, and his eyes were hard. "You must be the new squire," he said, his deep voice cutting through the evening air. "I am Sir Roland. Leave your horse to the stable hands. Your training begins at dawn, and I do not tolerate lateness." He studied me with an unreadable gaze, then turned on his heel. "Follow me. I will show you to your quarters. They are modest, but you will earn better through service." I hurried after him, noting the way his hand rested habitually on the hilt of his sword. This was a man who had seen war up close, and I wondered what trials lay ahead under his tutelage. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: A Warm Reception" data-color="green"> A hearty laugh greeted me as I led Thunder into the stables. A knight in polished armor approached, his weathered face creased with a genuine smile. "Frederick! At last, you've arrived!" Sir Roland clasped my forearm in greeting, his grip strong but kind. "Your father and I squired together in our youth. I've heard much about you." He gestured to a stable boy who came forward to tend to my horse. "The journey from your family's hold was long. Rest tonight—tomorrow, I'll show you the training grounds. We have much to discuss, you and I. The kingdom needs good knights now more than ever." His warmth put me at ease, though I noticed a shadow cross his features when he spoke of the kingdom's needs. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: An Unsettling Encounter" data-color="blue"> The stables were quieter than I expected as I dismounted. Then I heard it—the distinctive clink of armor, deliberate and slow. A knight emerged from between the stalls, his gaze fixed on me. "Sir Roland," he announced himself, though I already knew from the crest on his tabard. He did not extend his hand. "You are late arriving. I had expected you before nightfall." "I encountered delays on the road, sir," I replied carefully. He studied my face as if searching for something. "The roads have grown dangerous of late. Strange things move in the shadows between here and the coast." He glanced briefly toward the darkening sky before returning his attention to me. "You will need to be sharper than most, young Frederick. Sharper than most." Without another word, he motioned for me to follow him into the castle. His words lingered in my mind as we walked. </nc-section>