Run: 2026-09-02-01M1GTF2G7X63NNSSK54MB5TKS

<nc-section data-title="Sir Roland's Greeting" data-color="red"> I reined Thunder to a halt near the stables, my heart pounding from the ride. A broad-shouldered knight stood waiting, his scarred face carved from granite. "So," he said, arms crossed over his polished breastplate, "you're the boy they sent me." Sir Roland's eyes bore into mine like twin daggers. "I hope you're tougher than you look, squire. My training has broken grown men." He turned and strode toward the castle without another word, and I swallowed hard, wondering what I had gotten myself into. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Sir Roland's Greeting" data-color="green"> As I led Thunder toward the stables, a warm laugh rang out across the courtyard. "Welcome, young Frederick!" called Sir Roland, a knight with kind eyes and a bushy grey beard. He clapped me on the shoulder with a hand like an iron gauntlet, yet his smile was genuine. "I've been expecting you since morning. Come, let's get your stallion settled—he's a fine animal." Together we walked the horses into the stable, and as he handed me a brush, he added, "We'll begin your training at dawn. But tonight, you eat well and rest. A squire who starves swings no sword." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Sir Roland's Greeting" data-color="blue"> The stable doors creaked open, and a tall figure emerged from the shadows within. Sir Roland was older than I expected, his silver hair tied back, a long cloak the color of midnight draped over his armor. He studied me in silence for a long moment, then glanced at Thunder. "A strong horse means a strong master," he said quietly. "Or a foolish one. Time will tell which you are." He gestured for me to follow him into the stables, where candlelight flickered against ancient stone. "Your journey begins here, Frederick. But I must warn you—the path of a knight holds darker trials than any tale you've heard." </nc-section>