This Is What It Costs

I am using my master key to slide this post under the correct date.  It's good to be the king!
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Laila stood before her god.  The light that shone from its form blinded her, and she fought the urge to turn away.  After three weeks of trials, she had won herself an audience before Iano.  She would not flinch now.  Her exhausted thighs trembled as she knelt down before it.  The light seemed to intensify and engulf her.  Laila felt her tired muscles relax, the scraps and bruised that covered her body were gently healed under the benevolent glow.  The light seemed to enter her soul and Laila felt tears of joy seep from her tightly shut eyes.  She was truly at peace.  Her god was here.

"Rise my child," a voice sounded deep with in her.  Laila rose on legs that felt young and fresh.  She hastily wiped the tracks of tears from her cheeks but kept her head bowed in humility.

"You seek me and have found me," the voice resonated within her, "ask what you shall."

Laila took a deep breath.  This was the moment she had sought.

"I wish to do your work, oh great Iano," she began earnestly.  "I ask that you take my humble self and make me a beacon onto the world.  Use my hands to do your work, my mouth to sing your praises, my heart to love you.  Please great Iano, please make me one of your Chosen."

Laila raised her head and felt the glow on her upturned face.  She reached her arms out, beseeching her god, her whole body ready to be taken.

"Child, you ask much," the voice rumbled.  "The price is high for those who walk the path of my Chosen.  The  way is not easy and I cannot protect you from all that would harm you.  Are you sure this is the life you wish?"

"Yes!" Laila replied ferverntly.

"So it shall be," Iano intoned.   Laila felt a surge of power surround her.  The light grew harsh and bright and lifted her off her feet.  A sudden shock surged through her body, she eyes flew open in surprise, and her back arched as the current raced threw her.  It felt like an eternity but it only lasted a moment and then the light withdrew, leaving Laila limp and panting before a cold stone statue in a dark cave.  Iano was gone.  Laila began to shiver as the sweat on her body began drying.  She placed one hand before her and suddenly realized the cave was pitch black.  She fumbled to her feet and inched herself forward until she hit a wall.  Slowly, she shuffled down the cold stone, her eyes straining to make out a path under her feet.  She had no sense of time as she made her way out of the cave.  Her first indication that something was wrong was that the stone under her hands began to feel warmer and she could hear the shuffling of her horse ahead.  But still her eyes saw nothing.  She paused and tried to stifle the panic rising from her belly.  She could feel the fresh air on her face and hear the rustle of leaves before her.  Gingerly, she let loose a low whistle and heard Ella, her horse, trot toward her.  It wasn't until Laila felt a soft nose nudge her outstretched hand looking for a treat that she realized the price she had paid.  Gingerly, she raised her hands to her face and touched her now sightless eyes.  She was Chosen.  And she was blind.