Run: 2026-02-16-01KHM5XJHQM2N2NCBP8YAFNJMS

<nc-section data-title="The Knight's Greeting" data-color="red"> As I dismounted near the bustling castle stables, a commanding figure in gleaming plate armor stepped from the shadows. Sir Roland's weathered face was set in a stern expression, his eyes like chips of flint. "Frederick of Willow Creek," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate in my chest. "You're late. The sun dips below the battlements, and your first duty begins now, not at dawn." He gestured to the steaming flank of my horse, Thunder. "A knight's first responsibility is to his mount. See to him. Then you will report to the armory for scut duty. We have no room for soft-handed boys here, only men of iron will. Move." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> Leading Thunder toward the welcoming lantern light of the stables, I was met by a broad-shouldered man with a kind, crinkled face. Sir Roland wore a well-polished leather jerkin over a simple tunic, not the full plate I had expected. "Ah, you must be Frederick," he said, a warm smile breaking through his silver-streaked beard. He offered a calloused hand. "We've been expecting you. Let's get this fine beast settled. I've saved a stall with a view of the paddock for him." As we walked, he clapped a friendly hand on my shoulder. "Your father spoke highly of your heart. Skill we can teach. Rest tonight, for tomorrow your true training begins." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="An Observant Mentor" data-color="blue"> The castle stables were a realm of orderly quiet, the only sounds the soft shuffle of hooves and the murmur of stable hands. A man leaned against a post, watching my approach with an unreadable, analytical gaze. Sir Roland was dressed in practical, travel-stained gear, his eyes missing nothing. "You sit a saddle well, Frederick," he stated, his tone neutral. "But you favor your left rein on the turn, and your heels are too high." He pushed off the post and took Thunder's bridle, his hands moving with expert gentleness over the horse's neck. "We will correct it. First, observe how I cool him down. A knight is a partnership of two hearts: his own and his horse's. Remember that." </nc-section>