Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KS1Z7GNF1B075QJQ7WRY4H

<nc-section data-title="Version 1: The Stables" data-color="red"> Thunder slowed to a trot as the castle stables came into view, their timber doors hanging open to the smell of hay and horses. Before Frederick could dismount, a broad-shouldered knight in dented plate stepped into his path, hand resting on his sword hilt. "Hold there, boy," Sir Roland said, his voice low and gravelly. "You’re Frederick, sent by the baron to learn the blade? Then learn this first — you don’t ride a warhorse like you’re chasing geese." He took the reins from Frederick’s shaking hands and eyed Thunder with a critical glance. "Good beast. Don’t embarrass him. The stables are behind you. Saddle down, clean tack, and be at the yard at dawn. I don’t train latecomers." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2: The Stables" data-color="green"> I was still brushing dust from my cloak when the stable doors creaked open and Sir Roland emerged, leading a calm mare by the bridle. He was younger than I expected, with a warm smile creasing the scar across his cheek. "Frederick!" he called, waving me over. "Welcome to Castle Aelwood. I’m Sir Roland. You made good time — the roads from the north are muddy this time of year." He clapped a hand on my shoulder as Thunder snorted in greeting. "Leave your horse with Marta inside, she’ll see to him. Come, I’ll show you your quarters and where the squires eat. First night’s free of chores, second night you start earning it. Sound fair?" </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3: The Stables" data-color="blue"> Near the stables, the evening light was thin and blue. I tethered Thunder and stepped into the shadow of the archway when a figure moved from behind a stack of feed barrels — Sir Roland, his armor unbuckled, his eyes fixed on the castle walls rather than me. "Frederick," he said quietly, as if afraid the stones might hear. "You arrived." He gestured toward the darkened courtyard. "The training you were promised isn’t what the baron told your family. The dragon’s sleep is thinning. We need a squire who can listen more than he swings. Come tonight after the bells, to the old well. Don’t tell the other knights you saw me." </nc-section>