Run: 2026-07-25-01KYD6HYGMHG302C0W3BM31PYB

<nc-section data-title="Version 1: A Gruff Welcome" data-color="red"> Frederick dismounted, his legs stiff from the long ride. As he led Thunder toward the stables, a broad-shouldered man in weathered chainmail stepped out from the shadows. "So you're the new boy," the knight said, his voice like gravel. "Sir Roland. I train the squires here." He looked Frederick up and down, unimpressed. "You held that reins wrong the whole way in. If you can't handle a horse, you won't last a week with a sword." Frederick swallowed hard and straightened his shoulders. "I'll learn, sir." "We'll see," Roland grunted, gesturing toward the stalls. "Feed him, brush him down. Your training starts before dawn. Don't be late." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: An Unexpected Kindness" data-color="green"> As Frederick guided Thunder toward the stable doors, a knight in polished silver armor emerged, wiping his hands on a cloth. His face broke into a warm smile. "You must be Frederick," he said, clasping the boy's shoulder. "Sir Roland, at your service. I knew your father—a finer swordsman I've never met." Frederick felt the knot in his chest loosen for the first time in days. "You knew him?" "Aye, and I can see him in you." Roland took Thunder's reins with practiced ease. "Come, we'll stable him together. There's hot stew in the kitchens, and you'll want your strength. Tomorrow we begin your training—and I warn you, I expect great things from the son of Edmund the Brave." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: A Test at the Gates" data-color="blue"> The stable yard was empty when Frederick arrived—almost. From atop a hay bale, a knight watched him in silence, arms crossed, a scar cutting across his brow. "Stable your horse," the man said at last. "Then draw your sword." Frederick blinked. "Sir?" "I am Sir Roland, and I don't train squires who hesitate." The knight hopped down, landing lightly. "Don't worry, boy. I only want to see how you move. A man's sword arm tells me more than any letter of recommendation." Heart pounding, Frederick settled Thunder into a stall, then drew his blade with trembling hands. Roland circled him like a hawk. "Good grip. Poor stance. We can work with that." A faint smile flickered across his scarred face. "Welcome to the castle, Frederick." </nc-section>