Run: 2026-09-02-01M1HHV5Y8MC7SFH13JV47N4AH

<nc-section data-title="Alternate Version 1: The Knight's Warning" data-color="red"> Thunder slowed to a trot as Frederick passed beneath the castle’s shadowed arch, the scent of hay and damp stone rising from the stables. There, leaning against the paddock gate with his arms crossed, stood a knight whose armor bore the deep red crest of the realm. “Squire Frederick,” Sir Roland said, his voice low and steady as a blade being drawn. “You ride well for a boy, but the road to knighthood is not won on a gallop.” The knight stepped forward, and the lantern light caught the old scar that ran from his temple to his jaw. “Welcome to Castle Alder. Keep your wits sharper than your sword, and your sword steadier than your tongue.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Alternate Version 2: A Warm Greeting" data-color="green"> At the stables, groomsmen hurried to take Thunder’s reins, but it was Sir Roland who approached first, a broad smile breaking across his weathered face. “So you’re the squire they’ve sent us at last,” the knight said warmly. “Frederick of Ashfeld, is it?” He extended a gauntleted hand. “I’m Sir Roland, captain of the castle guard. A pleasure, young man.” Frederick took the hand, surprised by the firm but courteous grip. “I’ll do my best to serve, my lord.” Sir Roland laughed quietly. “Then you’ll already be ahead of most.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Alternate Version 3: An Unlikely Welcome" data-color="blue"> Near the stables, Frederick reined Thunder to a halt when a knight in blue-and-silver armor stepped from the shadows. Sir Roland regarded him with calm, assessing eyes, as though measuring not just the boy’s height, but the steel within him. “You arrived on the eve of the moon’s dark,” Sir Roland said. “That is either good fortune or poor timing.” Frederick dismounted quickly. “I mean no discourtesy, my lord.” The knight’s mouth tightened, but not unkindly. “Discourtesy can be forgiven. Unpreparedness cannot. Come. If you are to serve under the banners of Castle Alder, you will learn that much first.”