Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KREVJBNV7BDPZEFR1GW9JJ

<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Stern Welcome" data-color="red"> Thunder slowed to a walk as the stable yard came into view, the smell of hay and leather thick in the air. Frederick slid from the saddle, his new squire's tunic already dusty from the road. Before he could lead his horse to a post, a broad-shouldered knight stepped from the shadows of the stables, gauntlets still on. Sir Roland's eyes swept over Frederick from head to toe. "You must be the boy they sent from the village," he said, voice gravelly. "Leave the stallion with the grooms. If you can't control your mount before you even reach the gate, you won't last a week with me." He gestured sharply toward the stable doors. "Welcome to the castle, squire. Try not to get yourself killed before breakfast." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Kind Greeting" data-color="green"> Frederick reined Thunder in near the stables, patting the stallion's neck as the great doors creaked open. A stable boy rushed forward to take the reins, but a warm voice stopped him. "Easy, lad. Let the boy keep his horse a moment longer." Sir Roland emerged, his armor polished but his smile easy. He clapped a large hand on Frederick's shoulder, nearly knocking the breath from him. "So you're Frederick. I heard you rode all the way from Greenhollow without losing a stirrup." He looked down at the squire's tired face and softened. "You've earned your rest, but first, come meet the horses you'll be caring for. A good squire knows his stable before his sword. Welcome home." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Tested Greeting" data-color="blue"> The castle stables loomed ahead, their stone walls slick with evening dew. Frederick dismounted and was about to tie Thunder when a figure stepped out, blocking the path. Sir Roland leaned against a post, arms crossed, watching. "New blood," he said. "Come to train, squire?" Frederick nodded, heart hammering. Sir Roland pointed to a loose wheelbarrow half-buried in straw. "Then prove it. Clean that out, muck the north stalls, and get my horse saddled by sunrise. I'll be watching." He stepped aside, letting Frederick pass. "Welcome to the castle. Here, we greet you with work." </nc-section>