Run: 2026-05-31-01KSYXHR1QVWV3271VBKHX8NWY

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: A Knight's Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted, my boots sinking into the soft earth near the stables, a broad-shouldered man strode toward me. His armor gleamed dully in the fading light, etched with the scars of a hundred battles. "You must be Frederick," he said, his voice like gravel rolling down a mountainside. "I am Sir Roland. I've been expecting you." He clasped my forearm in a grip so firm I felt my bones protest. "Come, lad. There's much to learn, and little time to learn it." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: The Stables at Dusk" data-color="green"> I led Thunder toward the stables, where the comforting scent of hay and horse mingled in the cool evening air. A figure emerged from the shadows of the doorway—a knight, though older than I had imagined, with silver threading through his dark beard. "Easy now," he murmured, not to me but to Thunder, who had grown skittish. The stallion calmed at once beneath his weathered hand. "A fine animal," he said, finally meeting my eyes with a warm, knowing smile. "I am Sir Roland. And you, I think, are the squire we've awaited." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: An Unexpected Greeting" data-color="blue"> Before I could even tie Thunder's reins to the post, a voice rang out behind me, bright with amusement. "By the gods, they sent me a child!" I turned to find a knight leaning against the stable wall, arms crossed, a crooked grin splitting his face. He pushed himself upright and ambled over, looking me up and down with mock seriousness. "Sir Roland, at your service—though after seeing those skinny arms, I wonder if it shouldn't be the other way around." He laughed and ruffled my hair as though I were a kid brother. "Don't fret, lad. We'll make a knight of you yet." </nc-section>