Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK269KA0F6J6KPXP91KAF03

<nc-section data-title="The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> Thunder skidded to a halt in the gravel courtyard, hooves kicking up dust that settled instantly on my polished boots. Before I could even dismount, a shadow loomed over us. Sir Roland stood tall, his armor scarred from a hundred battles, his face a map of hard years and harder decisions. He did not smile. "You're late, boy," he barked, his voice like grinding stones. He circled Thunder, inspecting the horse with a critical eye before turning his gaze to me. "In these walls, tardiness is a luxury you cannot afford. Dismount. If you value your life, you will learn that the stables are not an inn, and I am not your nursemaid." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Unexpected Kindness" data-color="green"> As I guided Thunder toward the warm, hay-scented haven of the stables, a hearty laugh boomed from the shadows. Sir Roland stepped forward, not with the sternness I had feared, but with a wide, welcoming grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He placed a heavy, gauntleted hand on Thunder's neck, whispering soothing words to the nervous beast. "Welcome, Frederick," he said, his voice warm as the setting sun. "I heard you rode hard from the southern valleys. You and your steed look weary. Let us get you both settled; there is hot stew waiting, and stories to be shared once the saddles are off." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Silent Test" data-color="blue"> The air in the stable yard was thick with the smell of oats and iron. Sir Roland was already there, leaning casually against a wooden post, watching my approach with an unreadable expression. He said nothing as I jumped down from Thunder, nor as I began to unbuckle the girth. His silence was heavy, a weight that pressed against my chest. I fumbled slightly with the stirrup, my fingers numb from the ride. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Roland pushed off the post and walked over, picking up the brush I had dropped. "A knight's bond begins with the care of his mount," he said quietly, beginning to stroke Thunder's flank with rhythmic precision. "Watch closely, squire. This is your first lesson." </nc-section>