Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Zélie
Overview
As the arena battle opens with thirty boats, Tzain seizes command, forms tentative alliances, and reallocates the crew. Zélie panics but pushes through, invoking Oya to animate spirits, sink an enemy ship, and rescue a drowning competitor. Her success electrifies the crowd and strengthens the crew’s resolve.
Summary
Confronted with twenty-nine opposing boats, Zélie panics, fearing she cannot carry the plan. Tzain cuts through the chaos, sends Abi and Dele to broker alliances with nearby crews, halves the rowers to maintain movement, and orders measured cannon fire to conserve blastpowder. He reassures Baako about their “secret weapon,” placing faith in Zélie.
As the countdown starts, Tzain steadies Zélie, invoking their mother’s legacy to push her to try even one animation. The horn sounds; Zélie dives into the sea beneath erupting cannon fire. She reaches for nearby spirits from fresh deaths but initially fails, her ashê unresponsive and fear rising as ships are shattered around her.
Praying to Oya, Zélie channels the electric presence of the dead. Lavender light surges; she completes the incantation and animates a vengeful spirit soldier formed from water. With dwindling strength, she raises a second and orders both to strike a target vessel.
The animations spear through the water and blow a hole in the enemy hull, capsizing the ship. Seeing divîners flung overboard, Zélie redirects the fading spirits to save an unconscious girl, guiding her to driftwood before the soldiers pass on.
Breaking the surface, Zélie hears the announcer bewilder the crowd and sees Tzain’s elated encouragement. Buoyed by pride and renewed purpose, she dives again to continue the chant, committing to wield her Reaper power to keep the crew alive and advance their quest.
Who Appears
- ZéliePanics, then invokes Oya to animate spirits, sinks an enemy boat, and saves a drowning girl; resolves to continue.
- TzainAssumes command, forges quick alliances, reallocates crew, encourages Zélie by invoking their mother’s legacy.
- AmariFrightened but present on deck as the battle begins; follows Tzain’s lead.
- AbiSent to negotiate alliance with a neighboring boat to target distant threats.
- DelePairs with Abi to secure an alliance with another crew.
- BaakoStrong crewman who asks about the secret weapon; follows Tzain’s directives.
- Arena announcerRiles the crowd and highlights the unexplained sinking, amplifying the spectacle.