Run: 2026-10-08-01M4E08E9WA5F4WKYYNSYH487B

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: Sir Roland's Welcome (Version 1)" data-color="red"> The stable boys were already hurrying toward me when I reached the courtyard, their lanterns bobbing in the dusk. Before I could dismount, a broad-shouldered man in dented steel strode out from the stable doors. His grey beard was trimmed close, and a scar ran white across his left cheek. "You must be Frederick," he said, looking me over the way a blacksmith examines a blade. "I am Sir Roland. I have trained every squire in this castle for twenty years, and I can tell within a day which ones will last." He patted Thunder's neck, and the stallion snorted in approval. "This one, at least, has good taste in horses. Come, put him up. Then we will see whether you have good taste in anything else." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: A Stern Greeting (Version 2)" data-color="green"> A lean figure leaned against the stable doorway, arms folded across a faded tabard emblazoned with a silver hawk. He did not move to greet me. Instead, he watched as I swung down from the saddle, his dark eyes missing nothing. "Frederick, I presume," he said at last. "Sir Roland, master of arms here. The last squire who arrived on a horse that fine rode in with his nose in the clouds and was sent home within a month." He stepped forward and took Thunder's reins with surprising gentleness. "Prove me wrong. The stables first. Mucking out teaches humility faster than any sword drill, and humility is where a knight begins." </nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 1: An Unexpected Kindness (Version 3)" data-color="blue"> Sir Roland was waiting for me near the water trough, a wooden bucket in one hand and a cloth over his shoulder. He was older than I had imagined, with silver threading his dark hair and a warm, creased face that looked more suited to a farmhouse than a battlefield. "Frederick! Good, you made it before the gates closed." He set the bucket down and clasped my forearm in a firm grip. "Your journey was long, I expect. Go on and rest your legs. Thunder will be well cared for, I promise you. Every knight here starts by learning to care for his horse, and you will find that the stables hold more wisdom than you would think." He winked. "Also, the cook saves the best bread for newcomers. Do not tell the others I said so." </nc-section>