Chapter 4

Sharm watched as Khroen carried Parantaja up the stairs to the Cathedral of Light. Her body hung limply in his arms. Her long brown hair cascaded over his wrists and blew gently in the wind. Khroen’s face was filled with angst.

Raìdin and Athenist had hung back, covered by the safety of Elwynn Forest. They had not wanted to leave Parantaja, but there was no other way.

Sharm took a deep breath and followed Khroen up the steps into the Cathedral. When she stepped inside, a group of Priests and Paladins had already gathered around Parantaja and Khroen, whispering soft prayers and holding their hands over her body. Khroen turned to look at Sharm with a look of hopelessness. 

A young Priest emerged from behind the crowd gathered around Parantaja. Her Chakra was radiating from her slender body, casting her skin in an ethereal glow. She approached Khroen and whispered into his ear. Khroen nodded and followed her as she led him into one of the smaller rooms within the Cathedral.

Sharm followed them silently. Her heart felt heavy and she wasn’t even sure if they would be able to fulfil their quest anymore without Parantaja. 

Upon entering the room, Sharm saw that Parantaja had been lain down upon a small bed, her arms folded across her chest. Khroen knelt by her side, head hung. He had removed his helm and Sharm could see his weathered face in its entirety.

 And she could see his tears.

The Priest moved slowly towards Khroen and asked for him to move away from the bed. Khroen stood, eyes unwavering from Parantaja. Sharm could see how his mind and body struggled to cooperate with the Priest’s request. Eventually, he tore himself away and left the room. Sharm stood quietly in the corner watching the scene unfold.

The Priest worked her magic for what seemed like an eternity. Sharm had seen light after glow after shimmer radiating from the Priest’s hands as she summoned all the hope, serenity and life she could. The room had grown dark with the looming night and the Priest’s work had drawn to an end. 
“Light be with you.” Murmured the Priest, resting her hand on Parantaja’s. She looked at Sharm with an unreadable expression before turning and leaving the room.

Sharm opened her eyes and then shut them again quickly. She didn’t want to wake up yet, didn’t want to know…
Beautiful golden rays of sunlight beamed in through the shifting drapes and onto her face, commanding her to wake up and embrace the day.
She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Outside she could hear the sounds of Stormwind; laughter, birds, people meandering by. 

Suddenly her door swung open and Khroen burst in. “Where is she?! Where’s Parantaja?!” he shouted. Sharm jumped up. Oh no, she thought, they’ve moved her…it didn’t work? Khroen breathed heavily, his eyes wild. Sharm took a step towards him. “I don’t know Khroen but we-“ Khroen stumbled out of the room running his hands haggardly over his face.

Sharm followed him as he raced down the steps of the Cathedral and stopped in front of the fountain. He spotted a man clad in robes nearby and raced for him, grabbing him heavily by his arms. Sharm ran over to them.
“Stop it Khroen!” 
Khroen released the man and stepped back. “Please,” he enquired “Where is Parantaja?” He stood tensely waiting for the man’s answer. The man frowned in remembrance. 
“Ah yes, the girl.”
Sharm noticed Khroen’s hands clench into fists at his side.
“Yes, the girl.” Khroen repeated.
“Now let me think…” the man stroked his chin in thought. Khroen waited like the calm before the storm. Finally the man gave his answer. “Why yes, now I remember! She went for a morning stroll.”


“Again.”
A blast of fire sent Parantaja’s hair streaming back. She cast Word of Glory to immediately heal herself before charging towards the Mage with her shield held protectively close. She spun high in the air before slamming down onto the Mage with a massive stun, leaving the Mage incapacitated. Athenist and Raìdin stood on the side-lines applauding and laughing. 

“Whoa, easy girl!” the Mage giggled, brushing dust off of her shoulders. Parantaja laughed. 
“That was fun!” Her eyes were full of spirit, cheeks rosy red.
“Hey Nananea, turn Raìdin into a sheep!” Athenist yelled, pointing at Raìdin animatedly. 
The Mage turned to Parantaja. “Let’s have some more fun then eh?” she winked, before turning to Athenist and casting Polymorph on him. The look on Athenist’s face just before he was morphed into a sheep was hilarious! Raìdin doubled over in heavy laughter. Parantaja laughed too, leaning on Nananea for support. 

“Parantaja!” 
Parantaja turned on her heel just as Khroen spun her into his arms and held her tightly. She faked choking noises whilst he nuzzled into her hair. 
Sharm ran up behind them and added her arms to the embrace. Raìdin approached them slowly, positioning himself next to Nananea. She looked up at him with a twitching nose. “You Taurens smell, you know?” She said pinching her nose. Raìdin shifted uncomfortably.

Khroen pulled himself away from Parantaja and studied her. “What are you doing out here?” he asked. Parantaja shrugged happily. “Just trying to get stronger.” She smiled broadly at him.
Sharm looked around. “Umm, where’s Athenist?” she asked. Everyone turned to look at the Mage.
Nananea shrugged. “Think he said to go on without him.”
“Oh,” replied Sharm “Well, I guess we better get a move on then.”

The five of them began to take a leisurely walk towards Goldshire, chatting merrily amongst themselves, Khroen and Parantaja at the lead.

None of them noticed the rather sad looking sheep bleating at them from the bushes.