The sudden appearance of the Frith soldiers created a sense of unease among Acus and his men. It was clear that their intention was not just to block their escape, but to intimidate them.

However, Acus was not easily intimidated. He knew the dynamics of power between the different city-states in the Fith Star Alliance. Frith City-State was the largest city-state while Harold City-State, where Acus was the Lord, was the second-largest. The city-states within the Fith Star Alliance had laws in place to ensure unity and defend against external threats.

However, behind the facade of unity and cooperation, the city-states, including Frith and Harold, had their own ambitions and schemes. They were cunning and operated in the shadows, always looking for opportunities to expand their influence and power.

Acus was aware of the political landscape and was not about to be swayed by Frith's tactics. He would have to be cautious, but he was determined to see his plan through and uncover the treasures within the lost tomb of King Auther.

The Lord of Harold, also known as the third lord, was aware of the situation he was in. He was surrounded by the soldiers of the city-state of Frith, trapping him in. Despite this, he was not afraid, but rather frustrated. He knew that the city-state of Frith was not foolish enough to start a battle against him, as the consequences would be catastrophic. A battle between the two city-states would result in a significant loss for both sides, making them vulnerable to attacks from other surrounding states. The Lord of Harold understood the delicate balance of power and knew that the city-state of Frith would not take such a risk.

The two lords stood face to face, both with their own thoughts and motivations. Acus, feeling affronted by the lord of Frith's actions, asked him in a confrontational manner about his intentions. The lord of Frith responded with a smile and a warning, suggesting that he was willing to go against the laws of the Fith Star Alliance in pursuit of the tomb of King Auther.

This news was a shock to Acus. He had dedicated so much time, resources, and effort into uncovering the secrets of the tomb, and yet he did not even know the true purpose behind it. He was now plagued with the thought that the lord of Frith may have knowledge that he did not, and this thought only fueled his anger and frustration.

With a deep frown, Acus looked at the lord of Frith and asked, "What do you know about the tomb that I do not?"

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The lord of Frith simply smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief, and replied, "That, my dear lord Acus, is something that I am not willing to share. But I will say this, the tomb holds secrets beyond what you could possibly imagine, and I will stop at nothing to uncover them."

The lord of Frith continued, "Your ancestors had discovered the entrance to the tomb, but the curse of King Auther had taken their lives. You, my lord Acus, have found the entrance, but it seems that the curse still holds power."

Acus sneered, "So, you are saying that the tomb of King Auther is cursed, and that's why you want it? Don't make me laugh. I've been to the tomb, and I've seen nothing that would indicate a curse."

The lord of Frith chuckled, "Oh, my dear lord Acus, you are so naive. The curse of King Auther is not something that can be seen, it's something that creeps into one's mind, it's something that makes one's soul shiver with fear. But, if one can overcome the curse, then the treasures of the tomb are theirs for the taking."

Acus furrowed his brows, "What do you want from me? Why have you come here?"

The lord of Frith replied, "I want you to join forces with me, to enter the tomb together and claim its treasures. We will split the profits equally, and we will have the strength to defend against any external threats. What do you say, my lord Acus?"

Acus was deep in thought, he remain his composure and nodded for the lord of Frith to continue with a confuse expression.

"You've been tirelessly digging this grave for three long years now, and yet not a whisper of it has reached the outside world. Don't you think that's peculiar?" Lord Altvin sneered with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Acus looked defeated and bitter, and after a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke through gritted teeth. "Tell me more of your plans?" He wouldn't have sounded so defeated if his soldiers were there to back him up, but they were all stationed at Harold City and there was no way to summon them.

Lord Altvin knew that he had to tread carefully and not push too hard. "My terms are quite simple. We explore this tomb together and share the rewards equally. That's all I'm asking." He tried to sound reasonable and calm, knowing how short-tempered Acus could be.

"You think you can come in here and demand a share of my wealth after three years of hard labor? You must be mad!" Lord Acus sneered with disdain.

But Lord Altvin was not easily ruffled. "So, what is it that you want then?" he asked coolly.

"I want 80% of the treasure," Lord Acus replied with a smirk.

"That's highway robbery, Lord Acus. We need to come to a fair agreement," Lord Altvin replied, trying to keep his cool.

"Fine, 70% then," Lord Acus retorted, growing more heated.

"No, I won't budge. Sixty percent is my final offer," Lord Altvin countered, standing his ground. "We're not talking about just any ordinary tomb. This is the tomb of Auther, the king chosen by the gods. Who knows what riches are waiting for us down there. And there may even be artifacts of immense value."

"I would prefer an higher split, but I suppose we have to take what we can get," Lord Acus said grudgingly. "Deal."