Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Exhausted but resolute, Zélie undergoes the Reaper elder ascension led by Mama Agba. Mâzeli willingly concedes the role, and Zélie vows to protect the clan. In her ìsípayá, Oya grants a vision of interwoven colored magics, hinting at unity and combined power. The Iyika acclaim Zélie’s leadership, solidifying her commitment despite doubts.
Summary
Zélie, exhausted from a night of training pushed by Amari, prepares for the Reaper elder ascension with help from young Reapers Bimpe and Mári. Though dressed in ceremonial finery, Zélie wrestles with fear, grief, and reluctance to assume a sacred role she once dreamed of. Tzain arrives, reassures her with memories of past ascensions, and helps her choose resolve over escape.
At the mountain’s stone circle, Mama Agba presides before the gathered Iyika and clan divîners. She explains the traditions of challenge and concession. Mâzeli, current Reaper elder, publicly concedes to Zélie, honoring her as the Soldier of Death. Zélie accepts the Reapers as her own and vows to protect them.
Mama Agba marks Zélie with sacred pigment, offers blessings, and seals the vow with a cut upon Zélie’s palm pressed to the bloodstone. Magic answers with blinding purple light and smoke as Zélie is drawn into a vision. Oya manifests, and a teardrop of ashê delivers Zélie’s ìsípayá.
In the vision, ribbons of purple, gold, tangerine, and emerald light entwine like roots, roaring with combined power before vanishing. Zélie returns to the circle, her wound healed, and stands as Mama Agba raises her arm. The Iyika erupt in acclaim, affirming Zélie’s new role and renewing her purpose.
Who Appears
- Zélie AdebolaProtagonist; struggles with doubt, accepts Reaper eldership, vows to protect her clan, and receives an ìsípayá of interwoven magic.
- Mama AgbaLeads the ascension ceremony, blesses Zélie, and formalizes her vow before the Iyika.
- TzainEncourages Zélie to accept leadership, grounding her before the ceremony.
- Mâzeli AdesanyaCurrent Reaper elder who willingly concedes the role to Zélie.
- BimpeYoung Reaper who helps prepare Zélie for the ascension, supportive and respectful.
- MáriThirteen-year-old Reaper-in-training; eager and ambitious, assists Zélie and seeks mentorship.
- OyaReaper deity who appears in Zélie’s vision to bestow an ìsípayá.
- AmariHer relentless training leaves Zélie exhausted; otherwise absent from the ceremony.