Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ04QYZRBTPNZQQTP0YTENYJ

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="red"> Frederic stepped off the wagon, his heart pounding as he approached the castle stables. The air was thick with the scent of hay and horses. A knight in gleaming silver armor stood waiting, his face stern beneath his helmet. "You're Frederick?" the knight asked, his voice like grating stone. Frederick nodded, suddenly feeling small. "Sir Roland," the knight introduced himself, his eyes scanning the young squire with a critical gaze. "The Dragon Master expects much from his squires. Don't disappoint me, boy." Sir Roland handed Frederick a worn leather satchel. "Your quarters are in the east wing. Report to the training grounds at dawn. Fail to appear, and you'll be sent back to your village in disgrace." Without another word, Sir Roland turned and strode away, leaving Frederick alone with his fears and the weight of expectation. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="green"> As Frederick approached the stables, a warm smile broke across the face of the knight waiting there. "Ah, Frederick! Welcome to Dragon's Keep," Sir Roland said, his voice like honeyed wine. He removed his gauntlets and extended a hand. "I've been expecting you. The Dragon Master spoke highly of your potential." Frederick couldn't help but feel his nervousness melt away under the knight's genuine kindness. "Come, let me show you around," Sir Roland continued, slapping him companionably on the back. "The stables house our finest steeds—especially Blaze, the fastest horse in the kingdom. Perhaps you'll learn to ride him someday." As they walked, Sir Roland pointed out important landmarks and shared stories of the castle's history. By the time they reached Frederick's quarters, the young squire felt not like a stranger, but like part of the family. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="blue"> Frederick found himself drawn to the stables, where a tall knight stood observing the magnificent creatures within. As Frederick approached, the man turned—his eyes holding an ancient wisdom that seemed out of place in such a young face. "You carry the mark of the dragon," Sir Roland said, not as a question but as a statement of fact. Frederick froze, wondering what he meant. "Few can see it, but I have trained my life for such visions." The knight leaned in, lowering his voice. "The Dragon Master tests his squires with more than swordplay. There are secrets within these walls—powers sleeping beneath the stone. Your arrival was foretold in the stars." Sir Roland pressed a small, cold stone into Frederick's palm. "When the time comes, this will guide you. But for now, be like the other squires. Learn the ways of steel and courage. The truth will reveal itself in due course." </nc-section>