Run: 2026-07-01-01KWE9W95JEHMMQKYWVZEA8F5M

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (continued)" data-color="red"> As Thunder's hooves clattered against the cobblestones of the courtyard, a broad-shouldered figure emerged from the shadows of the stables. Sir Roland stood with his arms crossed, his weathered face breaking into a stern but not unkind expression. "You must be the new squire," he said, his voice carrying the gravel of a thousand battles. "Frederick, is it? You're late. I expected you before sundown." He stepped forward and grabbed Thunder's reins with a firm hand, his eyes assessing the young man before him with the practiced scrutiny of a seasoned warrior. "No matter. Dismount. We have much to discuss before nightfall, and I don't tolerate tardiness twice." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (continued)" data-color="green"> "Well now, look what the wind blew in!" The voice boomed across the courtyard, warm and jovial as a summer's day. Sir Roland came striding from the stable doors, wiping his hands on a cloth, a wide grin spreading across his weathered features. Straw clung to his boots, and the smell of horses followed him like an old friend. "Frederick! I've been expecting you, lad." He clapped a heavy hand on Frederick's shoulder as the young squire dismounted, nearly knocking him off balance. "That's a fine horse you've got there. Thunder, is it? Aye, I can see why—look at that spirit in his eyes!" Sir Roland laughed heartily, gesturing toward the stable. "Come, come! Let's get him settled, and then you and I shall talk about what adventures await you here. I have a feeling you're going to fit in just fine." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Arrival (continued)" data-color="blue"> Frederick barely had time to catch his breath before a shadow fell across him. He looked up to find a tall knight standing near the stable entrance, his armor catching the last rays of sunlight. The man's expression was unreadable, his gaze piercing. "Sir Roland," the knight said simply, extending a gloved hand. "And you would be Frederick, the squire everyone has been talking about." There was something in his tone—not quite suspicion, not quite welcome—that made Frederick's stomach tighten. Sir Roland's eyes flickered briefly to the sword at Frederick's hip, then back to his face. "We'll see what you're made of soon enough," Roland said quietly, turning toward the castle. "Follow me. There is much you don't yet understand about this place." </nc-section>