Run: 2026-11-11-01M7553GAX8SXA7J1QYNSNXJA4

<nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: Sir Roland - Version 1" data-color="red"> At the stables, Sir Roland was waiting beside the hitching posts, his polished armor catching the last light of dusk. He stepped forward as Frederick dismounted from Thunder, extending a gauntleted hand. "You must be Frederick," he said, his voice stern but respectful. "I am Sir Roland, knight of this castle. Welcome, and know that a squire is judged first by how he cares for his horse, and second by how he holds his tongue." Frederick bowed low, feeling the weight of the knight's gaze as Roland inspected the stallion with a critical, approving eye.</nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: Sir Roland - Version 2" data-color="green"> Near the stables, a burly knight in a rain-spattered cloak waved Frederick over with a broad, friendly grin. "Well now, look who the road has delivered!" he laughed, clapping Frederick warmly on the shoulder. "I'm Sir Roland, and there's no finer welcome in the kingdom than the smell of hay and horse dung, eh?" He took Thunder's reins gently, scratching the horse behind the ear as if they were old friends. "You've ridden far, lad. Come, get your boots off, stretch those legs, and I'll see you fed before Master Alden even knows you've arrived."</nc-section> <nc-section data-title="Chapter 2: Sir Roland - Version 3" data-color="blue"> Sir Roland stood alone in the shadow of the stables, quiet as if he had been listening to the horses for some time. When Frederick arrived, the knight did not smile, but gave a single, measured nod. "Frederick," he said softly. "I am Sir Roland." He watched Thunder carefully, then Frederick, as though weighing something unspoken. "The stables are that way," he murmured, pointing toward the darkened doorway. "But be warned — of late, the horses have been restless at night, listening to something in the hills beyond the walls. Keep your ears open, squire. You may hear it too."</nc-section>