Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8RZJ52B54YYTRBVXF9KK1

<nc-section data-title="The Knight’s Welcome" data-color="red"> The stables groaned under the weight of hooves and the clatter of harnesses, but Frederick’s breath caught as he dismounted. Sir Roland stood atop a sturdy oak post, his broadsword gleaming under the fading light, his armor polished to a mirror shine. His dark eyes—sharp as a hawk’s—locked onto Frederick’s, and a slow, knowing smile curved his lips. "You’re late," he said, voice rough as gravel. "The sun’s down, and the training hall’s already warm." He gestured to the stable door, where a flickering lantern cast long shadows. "Come. You’ll need your strength for what’s coming." </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="The Knight’s Test" data-color="green"> Sir Roland didn’t wait for Frederick to speak. He stepped forward, his calloused hand extended toward the young squire’s shoulder. "Frederick," he said, his voice low and measured, "I’ve heard whispers of your courage in the woods. But courage isn’t enough. You’ll learn that here." He turned Frederick toward the stable’s entrance, where a single lantern hung, casting eerie blue light over the dusty floor. "The first lesson is simple: trust. But trust must be earned." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Frederick alone with the weight of his own breath and the distant echo of hooves. </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="The Knight’s Shadow" data-color="blue"> Sir Roland didn’t speak at first. He simply stood there, his presence a silent command, as Frederick adjusted his tunic and squared his shoulders. The knight’s gaze was steady, unblinking, like a predator assessing prey. "You’ve come a long way," Roland murmured, his voice like gravel underfoot. "But the road ahead is far from easy." He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, rusted dagger, its blade etched with strange, glowing runes. "This is the first of many lessons. You’ll learn to wield it, and more importantly, to *understand* it." With that, he turned Frederick toward the stable’s door, where the night air was thick with the scent of damp earth and distant fire. "The dragon’s coming," Roland said, his tone low and urgent. "And so are you." </nc-section>