After going over the maps to cross-reference his sense of where Atasimon was with the geography of the land, Meztraxia summoned his generals.

Cyaform stormed into the tent, full of bluster despite being the last one to arrive. “What is it now?” he demanded.

“I have decided on our target,” Meztraxia said, pointing at one of the human cities marked on the map spread out across the table.

The generals all leant in to look, and Vexoxin asked, “Why this one in particular, my lord?” He looked at Meztraxia. “I thought we’d agreed it was best to strike at one of the less populated cities on the coast.”

“We did, but the situation has changed. The power of the goddess who escaped me has become more my own, now I can sense where she is. I can tell she’s hiding in that city, thus that’s where we will strike. She’s the only one who has any idea of what’s coming, it’s best that we destroy her before she has a chance to warn any more cities.”

Though not a perfect explanation, it was the best Meztraxia could come up with on such short notice. He’d been having trouble thinking clearly ever since his most recent encounter with the goddess. The other presence in this head was a constant irritant, and he couldn’t stop worrying about what might happen if he gave it more time. If she truly was capable of taking over his body, he’d lose everything and give the humans a powerful weapon at the same time. One that could easily turn the balance of power in their favour.

Nostlinum frowned, tapping on the table. “Then why not simply strike at the other cities before she has a chance to warn them? Wherever she is will be the best prepared to resist us.”

“But it is still only one city,” Meztraxia said.” It’s best that we destroy it while our forces are at full strength, or this problem will only continue to spread.”

“How can we even be sure that the goddess won’t simply flee at the approach of our army? It seems the sensible thing to do, especially if her aim is to warn the other cities. She could very possibly have moved on long before we reach the walls.”

“She won’t,” Meztraxia insisted, “I know her mind. She’d rather die than abandon another city to destruction.”

Nostlinum cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow. “And how did you come by this intimate knowledge of how she thinks?”

“Through my growing connection with her, the very same one that allows me to sense her location. I’m beginning to think you don’t trust my leadership, Lord Nostlinum. Have I performed so poorly thus far to warrant such doubt? Or does the thought of truly taking the fight to the humans strike such fear in you that you’ve taken leave of your senses?” Before the other Demon Lord could reply, Meztraxia added, “I trust that my other generals are neither so craven nor so doubtful.”

“I do not fear the humans or their pathetic gods,” Cyaform declared, sneering.

“I’m sure you know the wisest course, my lord,” Vexoxin said. “I did not intend to call your decision into doubt, merely to offer counsel.”

“And there you have it,” Meztraxia said, pre-empting Nostlinum once more, “the rest of our forces are committed. You can either make your peace with it, or march your men home. At least those who are willing to be denied a share the coming glory.”

With a sour look on his face that Meztraxia took to be acquiescence, Nostlinum retreated from the command tent. Though one of his generals was missing, Meztraxia had no trouble planning out the specifics of their troop movements. He trusted his remaining officers to relay his orders, and take command over any elements that might be confused as to what they should be doing.