Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K62CQ0AKMM3REC9GPWJHMG

<nc-section data-title="Version 1 - The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> Frederick had barely dismounted Thunder when a tall shadow fell across the stable yard. Sir Roland, broad-shouldered in dented plate, his grey beard cropped like a bramble, stopped a pace away and folded his arms. "So. Another squire come to play at war," he rumbled, eyes flicking over Frederick's dusty boots and uncalloused hands. "Stable your horse yourself, lad. No servants for grooming here. If you mean to train under my banner, you'll learn that a knight cares for his beast before his belly." Frederick swallowed and led Thunder toward the stalls, feeling Roland's gaze on his back like a weight. </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2 - The Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> Near the stables, the smell of hay and horses hung thick in the evening air. A hearty laugh rang out as a knight in a faded blue surcoat strode forward, auburn hair streaked with silver. "You must be Frederick! Welcome, welcome!" Sir Roland clasped Frederick's forearm in a firm, warm grip, then turned to admire Thunder with an expert eye. "A fine stallion, and you rode him well — I watched you from the wall. Come, lad, let's get him watered and fed. The castle can be cold to newcomers, but the stables are always warm. Tonight you eat with my men, and tomorrow your training begins." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3 - The Omen at the Stables" data-color="blue"> The stables were quiet, too quiet. As Frederick led Thunder inside, the horses shifted restlessly in their stalls. From the far shadows, Sir Roland emerged — lean, pale-eyed, his black armor bearing no crest but a single dragon scale hung at his throat. He did not offer his hand. He only studied Frederick for a long moment, then laid a palm against Thunder's trembling neck. "The beasts knew you were coming," he said softly. "They've been restless since the last moon. Tell me, squire... on the road here, did you dream of fire?" Before Frederick could answer, Roland turned away toward the dark. "Stable him quickly. The Captain must hear of your arrival tonight." </nc-section>