Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K4WVJCYXJ899DPWZSGET30

<nc-section data-title="Version 1 - The Knight's Inspection" data-color="red"> Frederick had barely dismounted from Thunder when a stern voice rang out from the shadow of the stables. "You must be the new squire. Frederick, is it?" A broad-shouldered knight in polished but dented plate approached, his grey beard neatly trimmed and his blue cloak bearing the sigil of a rearing stag. "I am Sir Roland, master of this yard. We expected you before sundown." Frederick straightened his back and bowed his head, trying to hide his breathlessness. "Yes, my lord. The road from Millhaven was longer than I anticipated." Sir Roland circled him slowly, eyes flicking from his mud-spattered boots to his nervous grip on Thunder's reins. He rested a heavy gauntleted hand on the stallion's flank, and Thunder, to Frederick's surprise, calmed instantly. "Good horse. Strong legs. You'll need to learn to care for him before you ever lift a sword, boy. A squire who cannot tend his steed is no squire at all. Come, stable him properly and I'll show you where you'll sleep." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2 - A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> The scent of hay and horses filled the stable yard as Frederick led Thunder through the great gates, his heart hammering with anticipation. "Well, you look exactly like your father when he first arrived here!" A hearty laugh boomed behind him. Frederick turned to see a knight with a sun-weathered face and kind eyes, wiping his hands on a cloth. His armor was half-unbuckled, as if he had just finished training. "Sir Roland?" Frederick asked, remembering the name from the letter. "The very same," the knight said with a wide grin, stepping forward to clasp Frederick's forearm in a firm, friendly grip. "Welcome to Stonehollow, lad. I'm to be your master while you train. Leave your horse to me — Thunder, was it? What a fine name for a fine beast." He gave Thunder an affectionate pat on the neck. "You must be starving from the road. Let's get this fellow settled with some oats and water, and then I'll get you a proper meal in the hall. You can tell me all about your journey." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3 - An Ominous Greeting" data-color="blue"> Twilight had deepened by the time Frederick reached the stables, the castle walls casting long shadows across the cobblestones. The yard was quiet, save for the restless stamping of horses. He was fumbling with Thunder's saddle when he felt he was being watched. "You are late." Frederick spun around. A tall knight stood motionless at the stable entrance, his armor dark and unadorned, his face half-hidden in shadow. The air around him felt cold. "Sir Roland?" Frederick managed, his throat dry. The knight stepped into the lantern light, revealing keen, pale eyes that studied Frederick not with welcome, but with appraisal. "I am Roland. Lord Commander Aldric sent word you were coming. He said you showed promise." His gaze drifted past Frederick, towards the distant, jagged peaks of the Dragon's Spine mountains, barely visible against the darkening sky. "Promise is a fragile thing here. Many squires arrive eager. Few endure. Stable your horse, Frederick. Training begins at first light, and you will need your strength for what is to come." </nc-section>