The group raced through the corridors, dodging falling rocks and avoiding deadly traps. Finally, they arrived at the inner sanctum, where the artifact lay. But as they approached it, they were met with a formidable opponent – a Valtaran soldier, wielding a sword and shield.
"Well, well," the soldier sneered. "If it isn't the Aranthian dogs, come to steal our prize. You're too late – the artifact belongs to Valtara now."
Thorne stepped forward, his hand on his sword hilt. "We'll see about that," he said calmly.
The two armies clashed in a fierce battle, with Thorne and the Collector leading the charge. Despite being outnumbered, the Aranthians fought with valor and determination.
In the end, they emerged victorious, with the artifact safely in their possession.
Thorne looked down at the object in
As they entered the grand hall, their eyes fell upon the other guests, all of them nobles and high-ranking officials from both kingdoms. Some were whispering in hushed tones, others were openly glaring at their rivals. The atmosphere was tense, with the underlying threat of war hanging in the air.
Suddenly, the doors at the far end of the hall burst open, and the kings of both kingdoms entered, flanked by their loyal guards. The room fell silent as they made their way to the front of the room, where they stood facing each other. "Welcome, my lords and ladies," King William of the Western Kingdom said, addressing the crowd. "I have called this gathering to discuss a matter of great importance. As you all know, tensions between our kingdoms have been escalating, and rumors have been spreading about a powerful artifact that could tip the balance of power in this war."
King Edmund of the Eastern Kingdom stepped forward. "Indeed, my lord. Our scouts have brought us intelligence that suggests this artifact does exist, and we cannot allow it to fall into the hands of our enemies."
The two kings stared each other down, their animosity palpable. The tension in the room was almost unbearable, and many of the guests were visibly nervous. Suddenly, a voice spoke up from the back of the room. "Excuse me, my lords, but might I suggest an alternative course of action?"
All eyes turned to the source of the voice, a figure clad in a hooded cloak that obscured their face.