Run: 2026-06-01-01KT1HNX45ESRKGRPCC0C54DQ7

<nc-section data-title="The Knight's Greeting" data-color="red"> As I dismounted, a towering figure emerged from the shadows of the stables. His armor gleamed with battle scars, each dent a testament to wars fought and won. Sir Roland's eyes locked onto mine, sharp as the blade at his hip. "So, you're the new squire," he growled, his voice like distant thunder. "They say you have fire in you, boy. We'll see if that fire can withstand the forge of knighthood." He thrust a gauntleted hand toward me, his grip iron-strong when I took it. "Welcome to Ashford Castle. Mind you don't get yourself killed before the first moon." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> The scent of hay and horses greeted me as I led Thunder toward the stables. I had barely begun to remove his saddle when a kind voice called out from one of the stalls. "You'll want to brush him down before you stable him for the night, lad." A stout man in chainmail stepped into the fading light, his weathered face creased with a gentle smile. Sir Roland, I presumed, though he looked more like a shepherd than a knight. "Name's Roland. I oversee the training of squires here, and that means looking after their mounts too." He clapped me on the shoulder, his laughter warm as summer ale. "Come, let's see to your horse together, and you can tell me what brings you to Ashford." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="The Measure of a Squire" data-color="blue"> I was tightening Thunder's girth when I sensed another presence in the stable yard. A knight in midnight-blue surcoat stood watching me, arms folded across his broad chest. He said nothing as I fumbled with the buckle, my fingers clumsy with nerves. When I finally turned to face him, Sir Roland studied me with eyes the color of cold steel. "You treat your horse with care," he said at last, his tone unreadable. "That is the first quality I look for in a squire. Any fool can swing a sword, but patience and respect? Those cannot be taught." He gestured toward the castle. "Walk with me, Frederick. We have much to discuss before the morrow." </nc-section>