Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXPBCES213WERQC37949YYP

<nc-section data-title="A Harsh Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted Thunder, my boots sinking slightly into the damp earth, a gruff voice cut through the evening air like a blade. **"You’re late, boy."** Sir Roland stood before me, his armor still bearing the scars of recent battle, his dark beard streaked with silver. His piercing gaze swept over me, lingering on my travel-worn cloak. **"The stable hands don’t wait for stragglers. See to your horse yourself—then report to the training yard. And don’t dawdle."** He turned on his heel, his cape swirling behind him like a storm cloud. My stomach twisted. This was not the greeting I had imagined. </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="A Knight’s Measure" data-color="green"> The clatter of hooves on cobblestone announced my arrival, and before I could fully swing my leg over Thunder’s saddle, a firm hand clasped my shoulder. **"Ah, Frederick! Right on time."** Sir Roland’s voice was warm, his grip steady. He was taller than I expected, his armor polished to a mirror sheen, though his face bore the lines of a man who had seen too much. **"I’ve heard good things about you from the northern outpost,"** he said, nodding toward the stables. **"Let’s get your horse settled, then I’ll show you to your quarters. You’ll want to rest before tomorrow’s training—it won’t be easy."** A smile flickered beneath his mustache, and for the first time since leaving home, I felt a spark of belonging. </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="The Weight of Expectation" data-color="blue"> The moment my feet touched the ground, a shadow fell over me. Sir Roland stood there, silent as a statue, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes—cold and calculating—studied me like a blacksmith inspecting a flawed blade. **"So,"** he said at last, his voice low, **"you’re the one they sent. The squire who ‘showed promise.’"** He stepped closer, and I caught the scent of leather and steel. **"Promise won’t keep you alive, boy. Skill will. And you’ve got none yet."** He gestured toward the stables. **"Prove me wrong. Start by caring for that beast properly. Then meet me in the armory. We’ve got work to do."** My hands trembled as I took Thunder’s reins, but I lifted my chin. I wouldn’t let him see my fear. </nc-section>