~ Chapter Twenty-Nine - Part 2 ~

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Sebastian cleared his throat. “Um, I know you’ve just been through a lot, but we do have some things that we need to discuss.”
Damien sighed. “Right,” as they continued eating, Damien explained the situation with the dwarves.
Katalina took a long drink of juice before responding. “Alright. When do we leave?” She asked as she glanced at the watch on her wrist. “If we leave now, we can be back just after dark.”
Damien chuckled. “Let’s go then,” he stood up with Katalina in his arms. “Do you want to teleport there?” He asked as he looked down at her with nothing but love and adoration.
Katalina nodded with a loving smile. “I think we should teleport to the border and then approach in our human forms. It’ll be safer that way,” she said as she laid her head on Damien’s shoulder.
Damien agreed. “The dwarves will be less hostile if we show up in human forms. It’ll be less threatening that way.”
Katalina smiled as she looked up at Damien again. “Who’s going to be coming with us?” She questioned.
“We’ll pop by the pack house and grab Ben and Axel. Then we’ll also grab a couple of soldiers. I don’t want to take too many people with us. The dwarves may think we’re trying to start a war if we show up with too many people,” he explained.
Katalina nodded in agreement. “I only want small groups to get more allies.”
Damien pressed a kiss to her temple. Then he looked at Sebastian. “You’re in charge until we get back.”
Sebastian gave him a single nod. “See you in a bit, alpha.”
Katalina teleported them to the pack house. They quickly found a couple of willing soldiers, Benjamin and Axel. Once everyone was gathered in a group and touched each other’s shoulders or arms. Right before they teleported to the border, Jacques rushed into the room. “I’m coming with you,” he clicked his tongue. “I’m not letting you go anywhere without me again. If you leave the protection of our territory, I will be going with you.”
Katalina nodded, knowing exactly how he felt. She smiled and held her hand out to him. “Let’s go then. Before it gets late.”
As soon as Jacques took her hand, Katalina teleported them to the border by the dwarves’ territory. She sighed as she looked around. “Alright. Let’s start walking. I’m sure the dwarves will find us since we’ll be on their territory.”
Damien took Katalina’s hand as they walked through the dwarves’ territory. They walked for almost an hour before a group of dwarves finally appeared. One of the dwarves stepped forward and gripped a gorgeous battle-ax in his right hand. “Are you Katalina?” He questioned in a deep, gravelly voice.
Katalina bowed her head for a minute before standing up straight. “I’m Katalina. Who are you?” She questioned politely.
“My name is Voddaen Boneaxe. I’m the king of this territory,” he said in that gravelly voice.
Katalina placed a hand over her heart. “It is an honor to meet you, Voddaen Boneaxe.”
Voddaen bowed his head slightly. “I hear you’re the wolf from the old prophecy everyone’s been whispering about,” he started as he set his ax down against a tree he was standing next to.
Katalina shoved her hair out of her face. “I am,” she said softly. “I’m afraid the war has begun,” she cleared her throat. “Atlas has already kidnapped me and sent me to Tartarus. Along with my cherished friend, Jacques,” she gestured to Jacques, standing just behind her protecting her at all times.
Voddaen looked at Jacques and slightly tilted his head to the side. “I know you,” he muttered as he narrowed his eyes. “My father spoke highly of you.”
Jacques frowned as he studied Voddaen. “Who was your father?” He questioned.
Voddaen grinned. “My father was the great Thargron Boneaxe. He was the king before me for centuries.”
Jacques chuckled as he shook his head. “I remember him. He was quite the warrior. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Though I’m sure, he lived a long, full life.”
Voddaen chuckled. “That he did,” he cleared his throat. “So let me guess,” he said as he turned to Katalina. “You’re looking for allies to help you fight against Atlas and whatever army he manages to rise,” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Katalina exhaled. “I’ll be honest with you, Voddaen, I have a list of allies from Artemis, but you aren’t on it,” she cleared her throat. “I’m sure I would have found you somewhere down the line, but I did find you because of the territory you’re on. But, unfortunately, our territory is right next to yours.”
Voddaen nodded along with her. “Yes, I am aware of this.”
Katalina sighed as she sat down and folded her legs underneath her. “Before Atlas took me, I was doing the math and looking over a map. With all of the allies, we’re going to need the territories we have aren’t going to be enough. We’re going to need more space. We had believed this territory was empty, but now that we know it isn’t, I would like to become allies with you. Your aid in this war would be deeply appreciated, and in return, you will always be able to call upon us for any assistance you may need in the future. We will also have Daedalus come over and wire up your territory for safety. Which includes security and traps to slow down any enemy that may try to get too close to your homes.”
Voddaen rubbed his beard, deep in thought. “What of our young and those who are unable to fight?” He questioned as he studied her.
Katalina gave him an understanding smile. “Of course. I already have plans for those who are unable to fight. In each territory we have allies, there will be a safe house. It will be built of the sturdiest material that we can find. I will also put every protection spell around them that I can find. Along with several magical barriers, including an earth barrier and a fire barrier.”
Voddaen was impressed as he watched her. “Wow, you’re fully prepared, aren’t you?” He asked as he studied her closely.
Katalina clicked her tongue. “Well, everyone has loved ones they want safe from harm. I have people who are too young to fight as well. Why would I use my abilities to protect those I love and care for but deny the same for those willing to fight by my side in this horrible war?”
Damien couldn’t help but look at Katalina in awe while Voddaen did the same. “You’re not what I expected when I first heard of this prophecy,” Voddaen said quietly.
Katalina let out a small laugh. “This isn’t the first time I’ve heard that,” she said softly.
Voddaen crossed his arms over his chest as he studied her and the small group behind her. He could tell from looking at them that everyone would lay down their lives for her. They adored her, and she was a selfless leader who deserved it. Voddaen knew by looking into her eyes she had earned the right to be loved by those behind her.
Voddaen grinned and walked up to Katalina. He held his hand out to Katalina. “The dwarves will be more than happy to fight for you in this war,” he said proudly.
Katalina gave him a brilliant smile as she took Voddaen’s hand and stood up. “Thank you so much,” she said as she dusted off her pants. “Do you have a phone by any chance?” She asked.
Voddaen shrugged. “We’re all quite close here, so no.”
Katalina nodded and looked at Jacques expectantly. Jacques chuckled and pulled out a prepaid cell phone. He handed it to Katalina, and she gave it to Voddaen as she moved to stand next to him. She quickly showed him how to use it. “All of the leaders’ numbers are already programmed in here. Mine, Damien’s, etc. If you can’t get ahold of me, you can call any of those numbers. Damien, Jacques, Benjamin, Axel, Ryan, Evelyn, and Sebastian will most likely know where I am. So, if I don’t answer my phone, you can call any of those,” she cleared her throat. “I’ll have Daedalus come over first thing in the morning to get your security and traps up.”
Voddaen bowed low at the waist. “Thank you. We are truly joyful and proud to be serving alongside you.”
Katalina gently touched Voddaen’s shoulder. “There is no need to bow to me,” she whispered. “We are all equals here, and I will not hear a single word that says otherwise.”
Voddaen chuckled but nodded. “Alright then. Thank you, wet’ati Kati (young Kat).”
Katalina smiled brightly. “Until next time,” she said softly before turning away and walking home with her group behind her.