Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie’s strike team nears Lagos, but a miraculously restored Ilorin hut stops them. Inside, Zélie finds Inan’s letters and her bronze pendant, along with his vow to end the monarchy and not fight her. Despite the gesture, Zélie recommits to rescuing the captives, while Tzain ends his relationship with Amari.
Summary
Zélie, Tzain, the elders, and allies sail down Orïsha’s coast toward Lagos on a boat propelled by Nâo’s magic. The plan is to hide until sunset, then strike the palace to free their imprisoned people. Zélie steels herself with Mama Agba’s words, focused on the Iyika captives and the tîtáns they will have to face.
Before they make landfall, Tzain spots a lone ahéré standing above the waves: a perfect recreation of their Ilorin hut. Zélie and Tzain climb to it in disbelief. Inside, everything from their past is intact, including Baba’s height marks, their cots, and a fresh black calla lily.
On Zélie’s cot lies a parcel labeled “I’m sorry.” She opens it to find dozens of letters from Inan and the bronze pendant she once gave him. The letters reveal Inan’s remorse, his belief that the monarchy corrupts all of them, and his decision to end the monarchy. He pledges not to fight Zélie and accepts death at her hand if they meet.
Zélie is torn between anger and a lingering desire to believe him, but she prioritizes the mission. She reaffirms that, regardless of Inan’s promises, they must attack to free the captives trapped in Lagos.
Turning to Tzain, Zélie asks about Amari. Tzain, hurt and resolute, declares there is no future with Amari after she nearly killed Zélie. The siblings sit together in the recreated hut as waves crash outside, united in grief but fixed on the coming assault.
Who Appears
- ZélieLeader of the strike; discovers Ilorin hut, reads Inan’s letters, resists reconciliation, recommits to rescuing the captives.
- TzainSpots the restored hut; reads Inan’s letter; ends his relationship with Amari to protect Zélie.
- InanAbsent king whose letters beg forgiveness, return Zélie’s pendant, and vow to end the monarchy and not fight her.
- NâoNavigator whose magic propels the boat toward Lagos for the planned rescue.
- Mama AgbaHer guiding words steady Zélie as the assault nears.
- BabaRemembered father; his marks and memories in the hut deepen Zélie’s turmoil.
- AmariOff-page; Tzain severs ties with her after she nearly killed Zélie.