Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXPDK6G9DMRSN29Q4YK67VB

Here are three alternate prose sections for your story, each with a distinct tone and style: --- ### **Version 1 (Red – Dramatic, Intense)** <nc-section data-title="The Knight’s Shadow" data-color="red"> The castle loomed before me, its towers clawing at the darkening sky. Thunder’s hooves thundered against the cobblestones as I reined him in near the stables. There, beneath the flickering torchlight, stood a figure clad in blackened steel—Sir Roland, the Iron Mace of Eldermere. His gaze locked onto mine, cold and unyielding as a winter storm. The scars on his face twisted as he spoke, his voice a low growl. *"You’re late, squire. The road to knighthood is paved with blood, not dawdling."* His gauntleted hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and for a heartbeat, I wondered if he meant to draw it. Thunder snorted, sensing my unease. I dismounted swiftly, bowing my head. *"Forgive me, my lord. The journey was—"* *"Unimportant,"* he cut in. *"A knight’s worth is measured in deeds, not excuses. Prove yourself, or perish in the trying."* </nc-section> --- ### **Version 2 (Green – Warm, Mentor-like)** <nc-section data-title="A Knight’s Welcome" data-color="green"> The stables smelled of hay and leather as I slid from Thunder’s back. A broad-shouldered knight leaned against the wooden fence, his armor polished but worn, his face lined with years of service. Sir Roland, the kingdom’s most seasoned warrior, offered a rare smile. *"Ah, so you’re the lad they sent,"* he said, his voice rough but kind. *"Frederick, isn’t it? I remember your father—good man. Fought beside him at Black Hollow."* He clapped a hand on my shoulder, nearly knocking the wind from me. *"Come, let’s get you settled. Training starts at dawn, but first, a proper meal. You look half-starved."* I exhaled in relief. This was not the stern disciplinarian I’d heard tales of. This was a man who remembered my family, who saw me as more than just another squire. Maybe, just maybe, I’d found an ally. </nc-section> --- ### **Version 3 (Blue – Mysterious, Forboding)** <nc-section data-title="The Silent Guardian" data-color="blue"> The stables were empty save for one figure, motionless as a statue. Sir Roland stood in the shadows, his face half-hidden beneath his helm. The torchlight flickered, casting long, shifting shapes across the stone walls. I dismounted, my boots crunching on gravel. He did not speak. Did not move. Only watched. *"Sir Roland?"* My voice echoed in the silence. At last, he stirred. *"You’ve come,"* he said, his words measured, deliberate. *"The others did not."* A pause. *"They were not ready."* A chill ran down my spine. *"Others?"* His gauntlet tightened around the hilt of his sword. *"The path ahead is not for the faint of heart, Frederick. Many have walked it. Few have returned."* He turned, his cloak billowing like a storm cloud. *"Sleep well tonight. Tomorrow, your true trial begins."* </nc-section> ---