The Midnight King hunkers in Zakiros, consolidating his forces and strengthening his fortifications. Given Labris's sacrifice and Eparch's rage, I didn't expect his patience. Even General Nephus seemed puzzled about Eparch's retreat. Puzzled...and wary. It's hard to know what awaits in Zakiros when we attack. If we attack. Tensions were running high at the forward bivouac, and Ramses asked if I could intervene. When I arrived, Nephus and Frode were nearly at each other's throats—I stepped in before they came to blows. Frode argued that without reinforcements, the risk of invading Zakiros was too high, and that we'd be fools to invade Zakiros without them. Nephus countered that the troops were spread thin, the front was near collapse, and we'd be foolish to wait for troops that might never materialize; unfortunately, Galrath had returned to the Wizard's Tower and left no indication whether he'd recommend the Astral Ward fully join the assault. Tempers again flared, but luckily Peitha arrived, and she demanded that the two leaders show each other respect. She agreed with Nephus that we should attack, and she also posited that perhaps Eparch's position was weaker than it seemed—after all, he'd not gone on the offensive despite opportunities to do so. Nephus was pleased that Peitha agreed with him, but he cautioned against underestimating Eparch, particularly since they could sense an army amassing in Zakiros. Nevertheless, a decision had been made. The assault on Eparch's citadel would begin after we stamped out some of the smaller conflicts in Inner Nayos. I took to the field to assist the troops while Nephus and Frode crafted the battle plan. ***