Run: 2026-09-02-01M1H5GF75J4A4MW1QW906Q8GW

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="red"> As I dismounted near the stables, a towering figure in polished armor approached. His scarred face broke into a broad smile, and he extended a gauntleted hand. "You must be Frederick," Sir Roland said, his voice like grinding stones. "I've been expecting you since dawn. Thunder looks like he's carried you hard—my stablemaster will see to him." I took his hand, surprised by the warmth of his grip. "I'm honored to finally meet you, Sir Roland. My father spoke of you often." "Aye, old Bertram and I go back years." He clapped my shoulder, nearly buckling my knees. "Come, boy. There's much to discuss before nightfall." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="green"> The smell of hay and horseflesh filled the air as I led Thunder into the stable yard. A knight was already there, examining my saddlebags with undisguised curiosity. "Rather light packing for someone planning to survive a squire's training," he said, turning to face me. His eyes were sharp, green as spring grass. "Sir Roland, I presume?" "Presume correctly." He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "The question is, are you prepared, young Frederick? The castle has a way of testing those who arrive with dreams." "I've trained my whole life for this." "Good." He nodded once. "Then let's see if that's true." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: The Knight's Greeting" data-color="blue"> Sir Roland was not what I expected. Where I had imagined a grizzled warrior, I found instead a lean man with silver-streaked hair, bent over Thunder's flank checking the horse's hooves himself. "You favor this animal," he observed without looking up. "That's good. A knight who loves his horse loves something beyond himself." "I apologize for not introducing myself, Sir Roland. I am—" "Frederick. I know." He straightened and studied me with piercing gray eyes. "Word travels faster than horses in this kingdom. The question is whether you'll prove worthy of what people are saying." "What are they saying?" He smiled enigmatically. "That a boy has come to the castle. What they'll say afterward depends on you." </nc-section>