Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY: AMARI
Overview
The group arrives at Ile Ijosin, the Iyika’s ancient mountain sanctuary overseen by elders. Mama Agba orients them to its temples, infirmary, and growing forces. Tzain heads to reconnect with Burner and Healer allies, while Nâomi rushes Zélie to the elders. Despite warnings that the elders resent her, Amari assesses the Iyika’s disciplined soldiers and decides she must confront the leadership to win their support against Nehanda.
Summary
Amari, Zélie, Tzain, and their companions emerge into Ile Ijosin, a triad of towering, cloud-wreathed mountains crowned with obsidian temples and towers. Mama Agba explains the sanctuary’s origin with the first maji elders and highlights new additions, including an infirmary and converted dormitories. The grandeur and isolation suggest safety from the war below, stirring Amari’s vision of building sanctuaries like this across Orïsha.
As they tour, Mama Agba directs Tzain toward the Burner Temple, noting his connection to Elder Kenyon, and confirms that the Healer twins, Khani and Imani, now run the infirmary. Tzain eagerly splits off to find them, hopeful to reunite with allies who once helped rescue Zélie.
Moving through the sanctuary, Amari counts nearly eighty Iyika soldiers in coordinated armor marked by clan colors. The disciplined force challenges her assumption of a disorganized rebellion, and she calculates that winning their support could swiftly end the war and enable her to dethrone Nehanda.
Nâomi arrives, lively and confident, and sweeps Zélie away to meet Ramaya and the other elders, overruling Mâzeli’s assigned tour. When Amari tries to follow, Mâzeli warns that the elders dislike her, glancing at her white streak as a sign of their mistrust.
Despite the caution, Amari insists on meeting the elders. Knowing they govern both the sanctuary and the Iyika, she commits to facing their hostility to secure an alliance crucial for the coming fight against Nehanda and for the future she hopes to build.
Who Appears
- AmariNarrator; awed by Ile Ijosin, tallies Iyika soldiers, and resolves to face hostile elders to win support.
- Mama AgbaGuide and elder; explains the sanctuary’s origins, layout, and directs Tzain to the Burner Temple.
- ZélieWelcomed to the rebellion; swept by Nâomi to meet Iyika elders.
- TzainPeels off to reunite with Burner and Healer allies, eager to find Kenyon.
- Nâomi (Nâo)Confident Iyika member; intercepts the group and leads Zélie to the elders.
- MâzeliAssigned guide; warns Amari that the Iyika elders oppose her.