Run: 2026-02-25-01KJBEHBPBDHP1MCQS0KAYCE70

<nc-section data-title="The Gruff Greeting" data-color="red"> Frederick dismounted, his boots crunching on the gravel of the yard. The heavy scent of hay and horse sweat filled the air, mingling with the distant aroma of woodsmoke. From the shadows of the stable door, a figure emerged clad in a scarlet surcoat that seemed to burn in the fading light. It was Sir Roland, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. "You ride hard for a boy your age," Roland rumbled, his voice like grinding stones. He stepped forward, extending a gauntleted hand not for a handshake, but to inspect Frederick's horse. "Thunder is a fine beast. But beasts do not protect the realm; knights do. Keep your head low." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Quiet Welcome" data-color="green"> As the sun dipped below the horizon, Frederick tied the reins to a hitching post amidst the lush grass of the courtyard. A figure materialized from the ivy-covered wall beside the stables. Sir Roland wore the green sigil of the border guards on his tabard, blending him into the twilight. "Welcome to the Keep, Squire," the knight said softly, his eyes kind behind a visor that had already been raised. He gestured toward the open doors, where lanterns were being lit. "Here, we grow like the trees around us. Slowly, but with strength. Tend to your mount, and the rest will follow." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Steel in the Twilight" data-color="blue"> The chill of the evening air bit at Frederick's neck as he approached the stables. There, standing like a statue forged from steel, was Sir Roland. His armor gleamed a pale blue in the dying light, reflecting the first star of the night. "Frederick," the knight acknowledged, his tone formal and crisp. "I am Roland. You will find your duties begin before the sun rises." He nodded toward a bucket of water waiting by the trough. "First, the horse. Then the training. Loyalty is your first lesson, and it must be served cold." </nc-section>