Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Three: Zélie
Overview
Shaken by the arena’s slaughter, Zélie claims the sunstone. Its power floods her, granting visions of Sky Mother and Oya and releasing the tormented spirits from the blood arena. Healed and strengthened, Zélie secures the final artifact. The crowd anoints her “Immortal,” and the trio can now pursue the ritual to restore magic.
Summary
Zélie reels from the arena’s massacre, haunted by the count of deaths and the cheering crowd. Tzain supports her while Amari stands silent, still stained with the blood of the captain she killed to protect Zélie. The corrupt announcer parades the winnings, but Zélie demands the promised sunstone.
When the sunstone is presented, Zélie reaches for it despite the crowd’s hostility. The stone’s power surges through her, radiating light and ashê. She senses Sky Mother’s presence, then channels the energy not to animate the dead but to release the trapped spirits, echoing her mother’s cleansing rites.
As the purge ends, Zélie beholds Oya in a vision, feeling grace rather than chaos. The stone’s power knits her wounds, leaving her steadied and renewed. The arena trembles from the surge, stunning spectators and the announcer alike.
With the light subsiding, Zélie collapses into Tzain’s arms, exhilarated and alive. The crowd begins chanting “The Immortal,” mistaking display for invincibility. Reassured by Tzain and Amari, Zélie recognizes they now possess the scroll, dagger, and sunstone—finally giving them a real chance to restore magic.
Who Appears
- ZélieProtagonist; claims the sunstone, channels divine power to cleanse spirits, receives visions, and emerges healed and determined.
- TzainZélie’s protective brother; supports and steadies her after the arena and as she wields the sunstone.
- AmariPrincess-turned-ally; silently bears guilt, killed the enemy captain to protect Zélie, stands with resolve.
- AnnouncerCorrupt arena host; resents Zélie, reluctantly presents the sunstone, stunned by its true power.
- Sky MotherDivine presence sensed through the sunstone; fills Zélie with life and power.
- OyaDeity of storms and change; appears in Zélie’s vision with grace, affirming her path.
- DeleLaborer who helps roll away the gold chest; emblem of the exploited arena workers.
- BaakoLaborer assisting with the gold chest; somber witness to the arena’s horrors.