Run: 2026-09-02-01M1GVNNP1AP34TDNYXNHK9F9C

<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> As I dismounted near the stables, a towering figure emerged from the shadows of the archway. Sir Roland, clad in worn plate armor scarred by countless battles, regarded me with eyes like tempered steel. "So," he said, his voice gravel and thunder, "they've sent me a boy." He circled Thunder slowly, inspecting the stallion with a practiced eye. "The horse is decent. Let us see if his rider is made of anything stronger than his saddle leather." I swallowed hard and met his gaze, refusing to look away. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his weathered face. "Good. You'll need that stubbornness before the winter ends." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Warm Greeting" data-color="green"> The smell of hay and oiled leather greeted me as I led Thunder toward the stables. A broad-shouldered knight in a patched surcoat looked up from brushing a chestnut mare and broke into an easy grin. "You must be Frederick! Word of your arrival beat you here by half a day." He crossed the yard with an outstretched hand, his grip warm and firm. "Sir Roland, at your service—well, at the kingdom's service, but I can spare a moment for a new squire." He chuckled and scratched Thunder behind the ears, earning a soft nicker from the stallion. "Don't let the old-timers scare you with tales of brutal training. We'll have you jousting by spring, or at least falling off your horse with real dignity." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Quiet Meeting" data-color="blue"> The stable yard was nearly empty at dusk, save for a lone knight kneeling in the straw, tending to an ailing mare. I hesitated, unsure if I had found Sir Roland or a common farrier. Without turning, the knight spoke. "You ride well, boy. I watched you come up the valley road." He rose slowly, joints creaking like old ship timbers, and finally faced me. His eyes were grey and tired, but beneath the weariness lay something sharp and watchful. "I am Roland. I knew your father, once." The words landed like stones in still water. "We have much to discuss before your training begins—more than you know." He gestured toward the castle, where torches were being lit against the coming dark. </nc-section>