Run: 2026-10-05-01M46B5KA959MB068675R9KB7Z

<nc-section data-title="Version 1" data-color="red"> Near the stables, a broad-shouldered knight waited with a bucket in one hand. His breastplate bore a dozen dents, and straw clung to his boots. “You must be Frederick,” he said as I dismounted. “Sir Roland. Give me those reins before your horse decides he outranks us both.” Thunder tossed his head, but the knight quieted him with a hand against his neck. “I’ve come to begin my training, sir.” “So I gathered.” Sir Roland passed me the bucket. “Water first. Feed second. Supper for you when he’s settled.” I glanced toward the keep, where torchlight shone through the high windows. The knight caught my look and smiled. “The castle will still be there when you’ve finished.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 2" data-color="green"> I had scarcely reached the stables when a knight stepped out beneath the lantern hanging over the door. “Frederick?” “Yes, sir.” “Roland,” he said, offering his hand. “Your father wrote that you’d arrive before sundown. He always did have a generous opinion of his horses.” I shook his hand, relieved by the warmth of his greeting. Then Thunder shied, scraping a hoof across the cobbles. From inside the stable came a low, rasping sound. Sir Roland’s smile vanished. He took Thunder’s reins and looked past me toward the gate. “Did anyone follow you?” “No. Why?” He drew me beneath the lantern. “Tell me exactly what you saw on the road.” </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Version 3" data-color="blue"> “Easy with him, lad. He’s carried you far enough.” The voice came from beside the stable doors. An older knight stood there, his gray hair cropped close and his left arm held stiffly against his side. I climbed down and bowed. “Frederick, sir. Reporting for training.” “Sir Roland.” He studied my crooked saddle and the dust on my cloak. “Welcome. We’ll see about training once you’ve had something to eat.” As he led us into the stable yard, I noticed a shield hanging above the doorway. A silver dragon curled across its blackened face. One edge had melted into a jagged lip. I slowed to stare. “Was that yours?” Roland followed my gaze. For a moment, he seemed to be listening to something I couldn’t hear. “Yes,” he said at last. “Leave it where it is.” </nc-section>