Run: 2026-09-01-01M1EP0QX2QSB779KWD6JRVCD8

<nc-section data-title="The Knight's Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> I reined Thunder to a halt just outside the castle stables, the great beast snorting steam into the cooling evening air. Straw and leather scented the courtyard as grooms hurried forward. From the shadows of the stable door a broad-shouldered knight in burnished plate emerged, his surcoat bearing the crimson wyvern of the realm. Sir Roland’s weathered face was unsmiling. “Frederick of House Calder,” he said, voice like grinding millstones. “You have arrived. Dismount. Your training as squire begins at dawn, and I will tolerate neither tardiness nor weakness. The last dragon still lives, boy, and we have no time for green youths who cannot hold a lance.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="An Unexpected Ally" data-color="green"> Thunder’s hooves clattered on the cobbles as I guided him toward the stables, the last light of sunset gilding the thatched roofs. A lanky knight leaned against a stall, chewing a sprig of mint, his armor scuffed but well-kept. Sir Roland pushed himself upright with a grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Ah, the new squire! Frederick, isn’t it? Welcome, lad. Don’t look so terrified—I only bite on Tuesdays. Let’s get that magnificent stallion of yours settled, then I’ll show you the kitchens. There’s roast boar tonight, and you’ll need your strength. Rumors say the last dragon has been sighted in the northern passes; we’ll talk of that over supper.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Shadows at the Stable Door" data-color="blue"> The castle gates closed behind me with a hollow boom. I led Thunder along the torch-lit path to the stables, where the air hung heavy with the musk of horses and the faint, inexplicable scent of woodsmoke and ozone. A figure waited beneath the eaves—Sir Roland, tall and silent, his cloak stirring though there was no wind. Moonlight caught the silver dragon etched on his gorget. “Frederick,” he murmured, as if tasting the name. “You come at a turning of ages. The last dragon stirs, and the old pacts fray. I greet you not merely as knight to squire, but as one who has seen the fire in the sky. Come. There are things you must know before the night deepens.” </nc-section>