Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Twenty-One: Inan
Overview
From Inan’s viewpoint, the devastation at the cliff forces him to accept magic’s reality and weaponize his own forbidden power. After sensing Lekan’s lingering essence, Inan orders Kaea to rebuild the bridge with stock laborers and asserts princely authority. He decides to search Chândomblé to amplify his senses and pursue Zélie.
Summary
Inan surveys the aftermath at the shattered cliff, fixating on his fallen ryder, Lula, and Lekan’s corpse. Shaken by magic’s lethal power, he reframes it as a necessary weapon to protect Orïsha, despite his father’s teachings. He releases his suppressed magic and reaches into Lekan’s fading consciousness, sensing memories and identity before he’s interrupted.
Kaea arrives, bloodied and despairing over the failed pursuit and the collapsed bridge. Inan, suppressing his own doubt, rejects defeat and formulates a plan: summon stock laborers to rebuild the bridge within three days, and continue the chase before the fugitives’ trail goes cold.
Realizing a rebuilt bridge will be too slow for tracking, Inan decides to exploit Chândomblé’s amplification of his abilities to extend his reach. He asserts authority over Kaea, commanding her to lead the construction and send for reinforcements, straining their relationship.
Resolved, Inan pockets his father’s pawn, commits to using his curse for the kingdom’s sake, and vows to hunt Zélie, turning toward the temple to find clues and strengthen his pursuit.
Who Appears
- Prince InanShaken by magic’s power, embraces his own abilities to track Zélie; orders a new bridge and searches Chândomblé.
- Commander KaeaArrives devastated by failure; challenges Inan’s plan but follows orders to summon laborers and rebuild the bridge.
- LekanFallen maji elder; Inan touches his lingering consciousness to glean memories before turning to the temple for answers.
- LulaInan’s slain ryder; her death underscores magic’s threat and catalyzes Inan’s decision to weaponize his power.
- King SaranAbsent but influential; his doctrine of duty shapes Inan’s ruthless choices and internal conflict about magic.