Run: 2026-09-02-01M1HGKVFB79JEAJ1JRS8MFCB1

<nc-section data-title="A Veteran's Measure" data-color="red"> I pulled Thunder to a halt by the courtyard stables, the smell of fresh hay and damp leather welcoming us into the shadow of the keep. Before my boots could even touch the cobblestones, a towering figure stepped out from the stalls. Sir Roland was a mountain of a man, his armor bearing the deep grooves and dents of a hundred skirmishes. His piercing grey eyes scrutinized me from beneath a furrowed brow. "So, this is the fresh blood they promised me," Roland grunted, his voice like grinding stones. He reached out, his gauntleted hand giving Thunder a firm pat on the flank before turning his stern gaze back to me. "Stand tall, lad. Out here, hesitation gets you killed, and dragons don't wait for squires to finish catching their breath." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> Guiding Thunder gently toward the lantern-lit stables, I breathed a sigh of relief as the ride finally came to an end. Emerging from the stable doors with a brush in hand was Sir Roland. Rather than the imposing terror I had envisioned in my mind, the knight possessed a broad, easy smile and laughing lines around his eyes. "Ho there, traveler! You must be Frederick," Roland called out warmly, stepping forward to catch Thunder's reins with an experienced, gentle touch. "A fine beast you have here. Come, let's get him bedded down with some oats and water. The castle can be an overwhelming place on your first evening, lad, but you'll soon find we're far more bark than bite around here." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Shadows of the Past" data-color="blue"> As Thunder's hooves clattered softly against the stone near the stable archway, the shadows seemed to detach themselves from the wall. Sir Roland stepped forward into the dying twilight, draped in a weathered cloak that concealed all but the hilt of his greatsword and the severe, solemn set of his jaw. He didn't speak right away; instead, his gaze swept upward toward the darkening peaks beyond the castle walls. "You arrived just before twilight fades, Frederick," Roland spoke quietly, his tone laced with a solemn gravity. He looked at me then, his eyes reflecting the fading embers of the sun. "That is good. The night brings things across the mountains that no squire should face unprepared. Tend to your mount quickly, boy. Tonight, the skies are restless, and our watch begins early." </nc-section>