Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER TEN: AMARI
Overview
Amari, Zélie, and Tzain retreat to a forest hideout after Nehanda’s attack. Zélie suffers from majacite exposure, while Roën demands payment and threatens consequences. Amari inadvertently reveals her nascent magic during a standoff. Despite a brief, tender exchange with Zélie, Roën departs with his mercenaries, leaving the group isolated and hunted.
Summary
Fleeing the ruined rally, Amari, Zélie, and Tzain ride Nailah into the mountains, processing Queen Nehanda’s shocking return and violent crackdown. Amari grapples with the whiplash from imagining unity to being branded a traitor, recognizing that Nehanda’s spectacle hints at a broader plan.
Following Roën’s directions, they reach a forest clearing amid other fleeing maji. Tzain tends Zélie, whose skin and lungs are damaged by majacite gas. Amari’s attempt to comfort Zélie is rebuffed, underscoring Zélie’s despair and the group’s fraying bonds.
Roën demands six hundred gold pieces—soon doubled for the extraction—warning Amari that his men have no restraint. When he escalates, Amari’s fingers spark with blue ashê, startling even herself and forcing Roën to back down momentarily.
Harun and the mercenaries arrive on stolen cheetanaires, eager to collect or profit from Amari’s growing bounty after the failed coronation. As Roën moves to leave, Zélie collapses from her injuries. A brief, intimate exchange of apologies passes between Zélie and Roën, softening him but not changing his decision.
Roën departs with his crew, abandoning Amari, Zélie, and Tzain to face pursuit without allies or funds. As the forest swallows the mercenaries’ tracks, Amari weighs their peril, unsure whether Queen Nehanda’s tîtáns or Roën’s threat poses the greater danger.
Who Appears
- AmariFlees after the rally, questions Nehanda’s motives, reveals blue ashê during a standoff, and faces Roën’s demands.
- ZélieSuffers burns and breathing damage from majacite gas; rebuffs comfort; shares a tender apology moment with Roën.
- RoënDemands doubled payment, threatens consequences, briefly softens toward Zélie, then abandons the group with his crew.
- TzainGuides the escape to a forest safe zone and tends to Zélie’s injuries, urging Amari to give her space.
- HarunArrives with mercenaries, pushes to collect payment or find buyers, reinforcing the threat against Amari.