Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK2G4MYXD1QYCTG3XSG6DT5

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> I reined Thunder in before the stone stable house, the clop of hooves echoing in the quiet courtyard. Waiting for me was Sir Roland, a man carved from granite and clad in chainmail that shimmered despite the dusk. He did not smile as I dismounted. His eyes, sharp as flint, scanned my posture and the condition of my saddle before settling on my face. "You ride with weight on your heel, boy," he grunted, stepping forward to inspect Thunder's flank. "If you wish to survive what comes, you must learn to sit lighter than a feather. Welcome to the Iron Keep." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Hand" data-color="green"> I reined Thunder in before the stone stable house, the weary horse blowing steam into the cooling air. Sir Roland emerged from the shadows of the archway, his face lined with the stories of a hundred battles, yet his expression was warm. He reached out to pat Thunder's neck before turning his attention to me. "A fine ride from the lower valleys," he said, offering a gauntleted hand to help steady me as I swung my leg over the saddle. "Rest your mount, Frederick. There is water and oats enough here. We begin your training at first light, but tonight, you are a guest." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: Shadows and Steel" data-color="blue"> I reined Thunder in before the stone stable house, sensing a stillness that went beyond the evening calm. Sir Roland stood near the water trough, his hand resting casually on the pommel of his sword. He watched me approach with an intensity that made the hair on my arms stand up. "You made good time," he said, his voice low, barely carrying over the wind. He glanced toward the high towers of the keep before looking back at me. "Keep your head down and your sword closer, squire. The shadows here are longer than they appear. Welcome to the service of the Last Dragon." </nc-section>