Free Deke Brolin Rhol by Doug Backus

saying was, “I’m Deke, Deke Brolin.” 
    “ And I am Lorca, Deke. I am Kiran’s protector. She has been eagerly awaiting you.” With that Lorca led them the remainder of the way to the cottage.
    “Come.” Lorca motioned to the door with her nose. 
    Deke nodded and both he and Deo entered the humble cottage.
    The cottage itself was much bigger inside than he would have thought , and was very tidy but rustic. The inside was planked in a rich wood much like pine. Pictures of great cities, beautiful rivers and waterfalls adorned the walls. A small kitchen had pots and pans hanging from the planks of wood. The furniture was sparse, but there were several wooden chairs surrounding a large stone fireplace. To the left of the fireplace an older woman of around eighty sat staring at the roaring fire. She seemed mesmerized by the licks of orange and blue flames crackling away as they devoured the wood.
    Deo was the first to speak , “Kiran, we’re here.”
    The woman stood and without saying a word walked across the floor toward them and stopped. She had tears in her eyes as if she had just been weeping. Deke was a little surprised when she suddenly reached out and hugged him.
    “I am glad you found your way here safely Dietrich Brolin. We did not know what Solharn would have in store for you, but it seems his plan of attack has failed for now.”
    She released Deke from her embrace and spoke once again, “Oh my, where are my manners. I am sorry Dietrich. My name is Kiran. Please, we have much to speak about. You and Deo come and sit with me by the fire.”
    Kiran walked toward her chair with Deke and Deo following. Deke was still mulling over how Kiran could have possibly known his birth name of Dietrich. He never used it, and nobody aside from his mother ever called him by that name. That was usually when he was in trouble “Dietrich Jonathan Brolin, come here!” she would yell. When they were all seated Deke decided to ask Kiran how she knew his real name.
    She did not really answer the question when she spoke , “I am sure you have many questions Dietrich some of which Deo has answered for you, and others...well, I am here to help you with.”
    “First and fo remost, let me explain who I am,” and with that she leaned back in her chair and began to speak. Only the crackling of the fire interrupted her soft voice. 
    “I grew up in Rhol in the small mountain town of Charn. The town itself was quite quaint and was located at the top of Mount Sibileo. This is the second largest mountain in Rhol of course, next to Mount Kartago where Queen Elissa lived,” Kiran seemed to fall into a trance, as if remembering happier childhood times before clearing her throat and continuing.
    “Sorry, what I was saying? Oh yes, Charn was my home. It might best be described as a fishing village where modest wooden houses surrounded a small mountain lake which we called Shimmer Lake. It was abundant with fish, as well as two of the almost extinct Balane. Oh, the Balane were a wonderful animal who lived i n the depths of the lake, but could also fly very short distances. Unfortunately for them, the nearest lake was a long distance away which is why I am quite sure they never left,” Kiran laughed. Deke giggled along with her, not at what she had said, but because of the way Kiran laughed at her own joke.
                  “I am kidding of course. The Balane were probably the only ones who loved the lake more than I. I can remember many mornings waking up to find the lake smooth as glass, so much so that the reflection of the trees in the water almost looked as if another forest had suddenly sprung up overnight in front of you. At the far end of the lake you could barely see the shore for the light mist that floated in the cool air. On mornings like those the Balane would eventually appear. You could see them slowly floating across the water side by side, diving every once in a while for a taste of fresh fish. It was a