After taking a seat Malleus howled for his brother, Archon. He'd been doing a lot of thinking as of late. With his father temporarily gone and the reins firmly in his grasp now was the time for him to prove himself. If he played his cards right by the time Amon returned it would be clear to everyone that he, Malleus, was worthy of his name. And he knew just where to start. He needed someone level-headed. A thinker, not a foot soldier. And that's where Archon came into it. In many ways Archon was like him. They had their differences, sure, but when necessary both could detach themselves from a situation, step back and take it in from all sides. He could be cool and reasonable, and Malleus was sure that if asked, he could have the patience of a saint. Archon, he was sure, would recognize the significance of what Malleus was about to propose and he would do as the Fallen God commanded.

Archon had been busying himself in his studies as of late. He wanted to know more about these lands and its mortal inhabitants. They were a subject Archon never tired of. He hoped his studies would help him one day find a proper and suitable mate. It would be optimal to find one who could help foster a love for the Fallen God in his offspring, but he wasn't totally opposed to taking a mate that he could off later.

As he was thinking, Malleus called out to him. He responded right away. In the absence of their father, Malleus's word was the word of God and Archon had every intention of following it to the ends of the world.

Coming to his brother, Archon sat calmly. While his brother did not invoke the type of quiet fear that their father did, Archon's respect for him was limitless.

"You summoned me?"

In no time at all Archon was there and settling down close by. Perfect. His punctuality was appreciated. His brother didn't know it yet but they had important things to discuss and the sooner he was brought up to speed, the sooner they could get to work. Assuming, of course, that Archon agreed with him. Given how devoted Archon was to the Fallen God, Malleus couldn't imagine him saying no although it wasn't something he was willing to rule out entirely. "You summoned me? Malleus nodded. "Indeed I did." He paused for a second to gather his thoughts before continuing, "Archon," he said slowly, "The Fallen God has brought a small pack in Boreas to my attention. For reasons I can't pinpoint, this pack has weighed on my mind since the day I visited it and I can only assume that is because He has plans for it. Originally I thought he was directing me to it so that I would claim it, but with Father's absence and my ascension, no matter how brief, I see now that perhaps that role wasn't meant for me." He paused to search Archon's gaze and to judge whether or not his brother understood where he was headed. "I've been thinking about who among us is called to lead and I wanted to ask you if that is something you feel the Fallen God has laid on your heart."

Archon listened attentively to the words his brother spoke. He described a pack on the mainland that he had visited. Malleus said it had weighed on his mind since that day, but with the turn of events, he wasn't sure if he was the one who was meant to lead it. Archon understood where he was headed and nodded slowly.

Malleus made his intentions clear and Archon took a moment to think. He closed his eyes for a second, recalling his thoughts and prayers. It couldn't be a coincident that Malleus had called to him and Archon knew The Fallen God worked through his followers.

Archon opened his eyes, although his gaze was distant.

"I feel as if I have been called to study the mortals and their ways. Although I know this, I have not been able to adequately assimilate myself into their culture. I believe that it is not only possible, but imperative to win some of their hearts over in favor of our God. As much as it is needed to dominate them, some- I think- are meant to join our ranks as followers of The Fallen God."

Archon's gaze sought to meet his brother's. It was rare for him to go speak at length, but he chose each word carefully.

"I believe, perhaps, if you have conceived the notion of me leading, that the Fallen God may be telling us this pack is meant to be one that is converted," he said. "What do you make of it?"

Malleus listened intently as Archon spoke. Until this point he'd been completely unaware of the depth of his brother's desire to work with the mortals. He wasn't surprised, though. Each Abraxas was called to do something different. Everyone had a part to play for the greater good; they were each a unique piece, a cog, in the Abraxas war machine. That Archon was interested in engaging mortals in a way that differed from say, their father and grandfather's approach, only served to highlight the Fallen God's resourcefulness. Malleus nodded. "Some undoubtedly could be useful. The way I see it, they are an untapped resource in this new world." He paused a moment to consider his next words. "It seems we are in agreement. Once things are settled here I will travel there and see if I can set the takeover process in motion. If it is His will I have no doubt we'll take control of the pack with ease." Malleus stood and shook out his coat before seeking out his brother's gaze again. "Someone should be in charge while I am gone. Will you take care of the Risen Empire in my absence?"

Malleus seemed to consider Archon's words before approving of them finally. He said if it was the Fallen God's will, the pack would be theirs. Archon nodded, "By diplomacy or by force- it's not important at this moment."

His brother asked if he would watch The Risen Empire in his absence. Archon bowed lightly, "It will be done, brother."

He had no doubt that their God would be with them every step of the way and felt at ease about watching the pack in his brother's absence. Until his brother returned, Archon planned on keeping watch over the pack. He had no need to make any moved, Malleus was already working on that. If The Fallen God had brought this pack to his attention, then Archon would wait until he was ready to do what he saw fit with it.