Run: 2026-03-18-01KM08N9VVCZ0887ANAJ0YQSK8

Here are three alternate prose sections continuing the story: --- <nc-section data-title="The Stern Knight" data-color="red"> Sir Roland, a hulking figure clad in gleaming armor, blocked Frederick's path as Thunder skidded to a halt. The knight's visor was down, but the cold, calculating tone of his voice left no doubt about his displeasure. "You're late, squire," he rumbled. "And your horse is lathered—did you push him, or were you simply dawdling?" His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and Frederick realized this knight was not one to suffer fools gladly. </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> Sir Roland dismounted from his own horse and approached Frederick with a warm smile. His armor, though well-worn, gleamed with the patina of years of service, not the harshness of battle. "Welcome to Blackthorn Castle, lad," he said, his voice as steady as the ancient oaks that lined the path. "I am Sir Roland, the keeper of these stables and, on occasion, a teacher of squires like yourself. Let me take Thunder—he looks like he could use a good rubdown and some oats." </nc-section> --- <nc-section data-title="The Keeper of Destiny" data-color="blue"> Sir Roland emerged from the shadows of the stables like a specter of chivalry past. His armor was ornate, etched with runes that seemed to shimmer faintly in the twilight. He removed his gauntlet with deliberate slowness, revealing a hand bearing a ring set with a sapphire the color of the evening sky. "Frederick of Elderglen," he intoned, his voice echoing slightly, as if the very stones around them listened. "I have awaited your arrival. The path to knighthood is not one of mere skill, but of destiny. Tell me, do you understand what is at stake?" </nc-section>