Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie and Mâzeli soul-bind through the moonstone and unleash an unprecedented tide of animations. They overwhelm and kill the Winder cênter general, halting the assault. The victory exacts a brutal price as the power tears through them, leaving Mâzeli collapsed and Zélie falling with him.
Summary
The ground heaves as Zélie and Mâzeli fuse their ashê through the moonstone, binding their souls and amplifying their Reaper power. Hundreds of massive animations erupt from the hills, far beyond what Zélie could summon alone, and surge toward the invading forces.
The Winder cênter general counters with a wind-forged blade that shreds many constructs, but her power cannot stop the entire wave. Urged by Zélie, the pair push harder despite mounting pain as the magic scorches their bodies and tears skin from Mâzeli’s arms.
They chant again, channeling Oya as even larger spirits rise and crash over the defenders. The animations engulf the general; a burst of silver light flashes beneath their earthen forms, and when the tide parts, the Winder cênter general lies dead among the wreckage.
As the immediate threat breaks, the terrible cost becomes clear. Mâzeli’s eyes dim, blood runs from his mouth, and his heart seizes through their link. He collapses from the strain of the combined magic, and when Zélie reaches for him, her own legs give way and she falls with him.
Who Appears
- ZélieReaper who soul-binds with Mâzeli via the moonstone, commands vast animations, defeats the Winder general, then collapses.
- MâzeliYoung Reaper linked to Zélie; helps summon hundreds of animations, suffers catastrophic backlash, collapses with seizing heart.
- Winder cênter generalEnemy commander wielding a wind blade; overwhelmed by animations and killed during the onslaught.
- Tîtán soldiersOpposing fighters torn apart by the wave of animations during the assault.