I think I and Kaitlyn are on the exact same positions here.
I envision Zakos as neither good or evil... just conscripts of some sort, forced to fight in bloody battles by ruthless officers, for a corrupt Empire/Government/organization.
As such, they are just expendable and conveniently replaceable basic combat units with minimal training, equipment and weapons. They are not expected to survive many fights anyway... if any. Their commanders are not minimally concerned with losses and their foes take their lives with plain indifference.
In my vision then, Zakos lose... miserably and hopelessly. They are just lambs to the slaughter, whose demise is just insignificant to everyone... except me: the reader!
I feel pity for them and their tragic situation, nevertheless I can't help getting attracted by the annihilation of platoons of helpless minions.
So, Kaitlyn: you're definitely not as weird as me, I believe! ;)
