Run: 2026-07-01-01KWE9KTB3P09DJF45W446CH1H

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (cont.)" data-color="red"> Thunder's hooves clattered against the cobblestones as I approached the stables, and a broad-shouldered figure stepped out from the shadows to meet me. His armor bore the dents and scratches of countless battles, and his face, though weathered, carried a warm smile. "You must be the new squire," he said, his voice deep and steady as thunder itself. "I am Sir Roland. The castle has been expecting you, young Frederick." I dismounted quickly, nearly stumbling in my haste to bow properly. "Sir Roland, it's an honor. I've heard tales of your victories since I was a boy." He clasped a firm hand on my shoulder, his grip strong enough to nearly buckle my knees. "Tales grow taller with each telling, lad. Let's get your horse settled, and then we'll see what you're truly made of." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (cont.)" data-color="green"> As I led Thunder toward the stables, a tall man emerged, his silver hair catching the last rays of sunlight. He wore the insignia of a knight upon his chest, and his eyes studied me with quiet curiosity. "So you're the boy from the eastern villages," he said, not unkindly. "I am Sir Roland. I trust your journey was uneventful?" "Yes, sir," I replied, trying to keep the nervousness from my voice. "Though I confess, I expected the castle to be... larger." A low chuckle escaped him. "Everyone says that, the first time. Come, let's tend to your horse. There will be time enough for you to marvel at these walls once your duties begin." He took Thunder's reins from me with practiced ease, and I followed him into the stables, unsure of what awaited me but strangely at ease in his presence. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (cont.)" data-color="blue"> The stable doors creaked open before I could even dismount, and a knight in gleaming armor stepped into the torchlight. His posture was rigid, disciplined, every inch of him radiating the authority of years spent in service to the crown. "You're late," he said, though there was no real anger in his tone. "I am Sir Roland, master-at-arms of this castle. I was told to expect a squire at midday, not dusk." "My apologies, Sir Roland," I stammered, sliding off Thunder's back. "The roads were longer than I anticipated." He studied me for a long moment, his sharp eyes missing nothing. Then, unexpectedly, his stern expression softened. "The roads always are, for those who've never traveled them before. Come, let's get you settled before nightfall. Tomorrow, your training begins in earnest." I nodded, gripping Thunder's reins tightly, sensing that this stern knight would soon become far more than just my superior. </nc-section>