Run: 2026-05-22-01KS87C751DR6JS8T8D1SCC684

<nc-section data-title="The Iron Welcome" data-color="red"> I slid from Thunder’s saddle, my boots hitting the cobblestones with a heavy thud. Before I could even loosen my stallion's girth, a shadow fell over me. Sir Roland stood in the doorway of the stables, his armor scarred from a dozen campaigns and his face set in a ruthless scowl. "You're late, boy," he barked, his voice like grinding stones. He stepped into the fading light, eyes narrowing as he sized me up. "The beasts in the northern crags won't care if you're tired from your ride. Drop your bags and grab a pitchfork. Your training began the moment you crossed the drawbridge." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="A Gentle Hand" data-color="green"> Leading Thunder by the reins, I walked into the fragrant, hay-scented warmth of the stables. The soothing crunch of oats and the soft whinnies of the castle horses instantly calmed my frayed nerves. From the shadows of the far stall emerged Sir Roland, a seasoned knight with a kind, weather-beaten face and a smudge of dirt on his cheek. He was gently brushing down a magnificent roan mare. "Ah, you must be Frederick," he said, his voice a warm, welcoming rumble. He tossed me a crisp apple, which I caught with a grin. "Give that to Thunder, he's earned it. Come, let me show you to your quarters and get you a hot meal." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Shadows of Duty" data-color="blue"> The stables were eerily quiet, bathed in the cool, sapphire hues of the deepening twilight. I tied Thunder to the hitching post, the exhaustion of the long journey finally settling deep into my bones. Sir Roland was waiting for me near the stone water trough, his heavy blue cloak draped over his shoulders and his gaze fixed on the distant, jagged peaks where the last dragon was said to slumber. He turned to me, his expression solemn and burdened by years of quiet sorrow. "Welcome to the citadel, Frederick," he murmured, his voice carrying the chill of the evening wind. "Rest your horse and sleep well tonight. Tomorrow, we begin the heavy work of preparing you for a shadow that threatens to consume us all." </nc-section>