Word travelled to Auster of a change in the far north. Word that a mortal pack had faltered, leaving a point of weakness and opportunity. It felt as if it were another gift, so boldly and blatant a sign from their God that Amon could not hope to ignore it. There was no misunderstanding. The time to strike forward was now. He felt the Empire was well founded here, it's base strong and stable. Ashiel had also made his bid to strike another way forward for them, and now this. The time to expand was upon them at last. Tracking his way through the gnarled forest floor of the Cathedral, Amon knew he would miss the peaceful seclusion of this land he had grown to love, but he would not let it persuade him away from this goal. He was too close now. Amon had crucial business to establish before this, however. His eldest son was strong and capable, and had proven a worthy heir in the time he had possessed the title. Amon did not fear any lack of his son's capabilities as a strong and wise leader. The titanic shadow tipped his head back and called for Malleus, wherever it was his son roamed that day. Amon would notify the younger male of his intention and then strike out immediately for the north. A ripple wormed its way down his spine as Amon shivered in anticipation of everything the was likely to come. "Talk" "You" Think

Curiously, and with no small amount of trepidation, Malleus answered his father's call. He found the elder Abraxas deep in the heart of one of their territories. Surrounded by gnarls of muscadine, the Empire's patriarch exuded a tangible electricity. For good or ill, Malleus couldn't tell at a distance. Only one way to find out. He padded closer; his steps slow and sure as he carefully wove through the thick grapevines. "Father," he boomed in greeting, "You look well. Excited, even. Has the Fallen God revealed more of his plan to you?" It seemed a fitting question. The last time he'd seen his father so charged up the godling had set them on a warpath. Perhaps their god had revealed to Amon another step along the path of redemption.