Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KRV93QHYPY0AM1X8AXF8YA

<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Test at the Stables" data-color="red"> Frederick reined Thunder to a halt near the stables, the dust still settling around his boots. Before he could dismount, a broad-shouldered knight stepped from the shadows of the hayloft, armor scarred and a gauntleted hand resting on his sword hilt. "Sir Roland," Frederick began, eager to bow. Roland didn't bow back. "Squire," he said, voice like gravel. "You rode in like a lord. Can you hold a mount without spurring it to death? Tie him up. Now." The knight's eyes were cold as he watched Frederick fumble with the reins. "Training starts when you stop thinking you're here to be admired." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: A Warm Welcome" data-color="green"> The stable yard smelled of hay and warm horses. Frederick slid down from Thunder just as Sir Roland came out with a bucket of oats in his hands, his smile creasing the lines around his eyes. "Well now, look what the road brought us," Roland said, clapping Frederick on the shoulder with surprising gentleness. "I'm Sir Roland. You'll be sleeping in the north barracks, training at dawn. Thunder's a fine beast — I'll see to him myself." He handed Frederick a bridle. "First lesson: a squire looks after his horse before himself. Come, I'll show you where." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Warning" data-color="blue"> Frederick led Thunder toward the stables, the great doors creaking open on their own. Sir Roland was already there, not polishing armor or checking feed, but staring at the castle walls as if listening. "You made it," Roland said without turning. "Good. The masters said you'd come." He finally looked at Frederick, and his blue eyes were tired. "The training you expect isn't the training you'll get. Something's stirring beyond the eastern forest, and the castle needs more than a squire who can ride." He gestured to the stable. "Stable your horse. We don't have time for formalities." </nc-section>