Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXPEC3EFSZV8TZRRBSDZVAB

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. I swallowed hard, dismounting with forced steadiness. *"Forgive me, sir. The journey was—"* *"Unimportant,"* he snapped. *"A knight’s worth is measured in deeds, not excuses. Prove yourself, or the crows will feast on your bones before the month is out."* </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, a comforting scent after days on the road. As I slid from Thunder’s back, a broad-shouldered knight stepped forward, his armor gleaming in the golden light of dusk. *"Ah, you must be Frederick,"* he said, his voice rich with warmth. *"Sir Roland, at your service."* He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm but kind. *"No need to look so nervous, lad. Every knight here started as a squire—even me."* I exhaled, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. *"I was told you’d be… stricter, sir."* Sir Roland chuckled, ruffling my hair like an older brother. *"Oh, I can be when I need to. But first, let’s get you settled. The kitchens will have supper ready, and I’ll introduce you to the others. Training starts at dawn—sharp."* His eyes twinkled. *"And don’t worry, I won’t let you sleep through it."* </nc-section> --- ### **Version 3 (Blue – Mysterious, Forboding)** <nc-section data-title="The Silent Knight" data-color="blue"> The stables were empty save for the distant whinny of horses. I led Thunder inside, my boots echoing against the stone. Then I saw him—Sir Roland, standing motionless in the shadows, his face half-hidden beneath his helm. He didn’t speak. Didn’t move. The air grew heavy, as if the very castle held its breath. *"Sir?"* I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper. At last, he stirred, his cloak whispering against the ground. *"You’ve come,"* he said, his voice like gravel. *"Good. The others won’t last the week."* His gloved hand pointed toward the keep. *"Go. The steward will show you to your quarters. Tomorrow, your real training begins."* I opened my mouth to ask what he meant, but he had already turned away, melting back into the darkness. A chill ran down my spine. What had I gotten myself into? </nc-section> ---