Meet with Atheas and find out what is happening at the mercenaries' camp.

As you step out of the tent you find Atheas speaking to one of your archers. When they spot you the archer quickly bows before rushing off while the aging general made her way over to you escorted by your honor guard. “So how did it go?” she asks calmly, “We heard yelling.”

“I’ll explain later,” you reply, though admittedly you are still debating if you should tell her what you know or not. “What was that all about?” you motion to the scout running back towards the fleet.

“We’ve found the camp where our targets are located,” said Atheas, “It also appears that they received word that you rejected their offer. Then again after your performance in the command tent, I wouldn’t be surprised if the defending army didn’t know this. The mercenaries have fortified their camp defenses, namely the walls closest to our camp. I’ve ordered our Sisters to do the same. Did you find out anything about the person who hired them?”

“Only that they are inside the city,” you answered, “and that the mercenaries seem to want something from them. What I’m not sure.”

“How do you wish to proceed my queen?” asked Atheas, “If I might make a suggestion. The mercenaries camp is heavily fortified and a full-frontal **** would undoubtingly case more chaos for the United Armies than they would like. Although King Thanos’ threat had little bite to it, it wasn’t an empty one. Also, it could give our targets ample time to flee.”

“So, we can’t just barge in and claim their heads,” you reply, “What do you propose we do then?”

“We can’t get to them outside of the city,” she started, “But inside. Accidents have been known to happen in the chaos of war. A stray arrow, fires burning out of control, enemy combatants funneled into allied battle lines. This tactic will have to be used sparingly of course. If the Athenians catch our forces clashing against each other in the city it would end badly for both of our armies.”

“It’s better than nothing I supposed,” you respond. Personally, you would love nothing more than to storm their camp and take the bastard's heads but at the same time, these men had already beaten an army of battle-hardened Amazons, what hope did your army of youths have against them. Atheas’ tactic may be slower than what you are comfortable with but at least it is better than leaving them unmolested.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the Lord Marshal’s tent flap opening. As Raxius makes his way over to you, you see your grandfather being led away by his escort. The old man seems to lumber stiffly, and you can't help wonder just how long you have until you become the new Queen of Masson.

“King Thanos is being escorted back to his camp,” Raxius is as aware of the king's condition as you are. “Apparently dealing with you was more than his body could take. That said, can I trust that you ladies won’t cause any more problems during this siege? The last thing I need is a war outside the city walls.”

“Mutos is safe for now,” you reply, “though that will change the moment he or one of his men approaches any of my Sisters.”

Raxius lets out a brief sight, “That will have to do I suppose. Now, the central command tent should still be filled with delegates from across the land, provided that you didn’t scare them off. Thanos did mention that it would be a good idea to speak with some of them, perhaps reestablish a few trade agreements. I can escort your Majesty back to the command tent if she wishes.”