The Goddess of Light

Content Warning:

This story contains themes of ritual sacrifice, abuse, slavery, and violence that may be disturbing to some readers.

In the land of Ekarika, there lived a wealthy but miserly king who believed that luck dwelled within his household and that fortune rested firmly in the palms of his hands. He ruled with confidence, certain that destiny bowed to his will.

‎The king had a beautiful and gentle wife who carried another life within her womb, and a radiant daughter named Enoabasi. Enoabasi was the pride of her father’s heart. No one wronged her and escaped unpunished, for punishment and vengeance were seen as her right.

‎In the land of Ekarika, maidens were often chosen by the gods to serve as vessels of divine power, some became goddesses of rain, others of wealth or harvest. But now, the people sought something greater: a Goddess of Light.

‎She was to be a maiden who was true of heart, faithful in spirit, and gentle in deeds.

‎For a long time, the gods had been silent, and their silence became a heavy burden upon the hearts of the villagers. Crops failed, hope waned, and prayers seemed to vanish into the air unanswered. Yet in this sacred season, the gods finally looked upon Ekarika with mercy and compassion.

‎One evening, while the king sat in council with his elders, Enoabasi remained in her mother’s hut. The queen sat quietly, her heart untroubled yet thoughtful, reflecting on the life she lived and the child she had raised. Though she appeared calm, her spirit whispered prayers into the unseen world, trusting the gods to guide their fate.

‎That same day, the chief priest entered the palace without warning. Both the king and the elders were startled, for his presence at such an hour was unexpected.

‎The king rose from his seat and spoke solemnly:

‎“Great mouthpiece of the gods of Ekarika, what brings you to the palace at this time?”

‎The chief priest sat and replied with reverence,

‎“Great King of Ekarika, I greet you. Elders in council, I greet you.”

‎“My king, my elders, it has been long since the last Goddess of Light passed away without a successor. Since that day, the gods have refused to smile upon our land. We all know this truth.”

‎He paused, letting his words sink deep.

‎“But today,” he continued, “the gods have finally remembered Ekarika. They have shown mercy and smiled upon this land once more.”

‎A hush fell upon the council chamber, for destiny had begun to stir.

‎the king, the elders all chorused in merriment. Hearing the noise, Enoabasi and her mother became curious and sent a maid to eavesdrop on what the council meeting was about and the cause of the sudden celebration.

‎They then asked, “So who is the chosen one?”

‎“I know it is my daughter and no one else.”

‎“Yes, my king, I guess you’re right, but I’m not sure,” came the reply, and there was a brief silence.

‎“The gods have not yet revealed the true one to me.”

‎After the conversation, the chief priest left. The elders also departed with joy in their hearts. The maiden then ran to the king and Enobasi and said, “Your Majesty, my princess, the chief priest came and announced to the king and elders the next Goddess of Light.

‎“So who did he say it was?” Enobasi asked. “I did not hear that.”

‎Before the maiden could complete her words, Enobasi slapped her and said, “Stupid girl! A simple task you can’t accomplish. On your knees and hold your ears. Nonsense!”

‎The girl left, and the queen said gently to her, “My dear, I’m sorry. Get up and go to your hut. I don’t even know what is wrong with this daughter of mine.”

‎“Thank you, Your Highness,” the girl replied as she rose and left.

(In the palace)

‎“Father, good evening, Your Highness.”

‎“Good evening, my dear. You’re still awake at this time?”

‎“Yes, Father. I’m not feeling sleepy.”

‎“Father, what was the noise all about?”

‎“Oh! So you heard the noise. Yes, my child. The chief priest came and announced the next Goddess of Light.”

‎“Wow! So who did he say was the chosen one?”

‎“Who do you think? It is no one else but the light that shines in my heart.”

‎Enobasi quickly jumped up in excitement when her mother heard the noise. She ran out of her hut, almost jumping out of her skin.

‎She asked, “Why the sudden noise?”

‎“Mum, this calls for celebration.”

‎“What?”

‎“Mum, I am the next Goddess of Light.”

‎“Are you serious? But how?”

‎“Dad just confirmed it to me. Indeed, this calls for celebration,” said the queen, who also joined in the merriment.

Some maidens and guards were gathered at the backyard of the palace, discussing among themselves.

Ima said,

‎“I do not know what will become of this land if Princess Enobasi is crowned the next Goddess of Light.”

Another replied,

‎“Why do you say so?

‎You speak as though you are ignorant of her character. Did you not see how she slapped Utibe today for no reason?”

While they were still talking, the Queen summoned the maidens and instructed them to prepare a rich delicacy, for that night was meant for joy and happiness.

Immediately, everyone returned to their duty posts, choosing to let the sleeping dog lie.

Two days later, the Chief Priest returned and told the King the worst news.

The King exclaimed, when he saw Umiaikpa....

‎“Aha! Umiakpa, you are welcome.”

He continued,

‎“Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable, for I know you bring good news. Let me even send for palm wine.

‎Guards! Guards! Gua—”

‎“My King, do not bother. I am fine,” the Chief Priest quickly cut in.

‎“Okay,” the King replied. “If you say so.

‎Then tell me, have the gods blessed my household once again?”

‎Umiakpa bowed slightly and replied,

‎“My King, I am sorry to say this. Your daughter is not the chosen one.”

‎The King looked troubled and said,

‎“I do not understand, Umiakpa. What do you mean?

‎You know that no one else is as pure, clean, and royal as my daughter. She is also a gift from the gods, bestowed through her innocence. Please, Umiakpa, do something.”

‎The King paused for a moment and then added,

‎“How will I face the entire village? I know words may have already reached their ears that my daughter is the chosen one.”

‎Umiakpa sighed deeply and then said,

‎“My King, give me two days, and I will give you my feedback.”

After one week, Umiakpa returned to the palace and revealed both the good news and the bad news to the King.

The King asked,

‎“Umiakpa, why do you always visit the palace in the evening?”

He replied,

‎“My King, this is a very serious matter. It cannot be spoken of carelessly or in haste.”

He continued,

‎“Your Majesty, I have spoken with the gods, and they have answered. They said your daughter shall become the Goddess of Light, but only on one condition.”

‎“What is the condition?” the King asked.

‎“My King, a sacrifice is needed.”