Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie, Nâo, and Roën push through underwater tunnels toward Ibadan to end the war. Roën confronts Zélie about running from her pain, forcing her to face being a survivor. As tensions peak, Zélie notices the scent of oil and a red spark—an ambush triggers and a fuse blows.
Summary
Nâo chants to shape protective water as she guides Zélie and Roën through dark tunnels toward Ibadan’s lakeshores, believing the war’s end is near. Zélie moves in silence, weighed down by Mâzeli’s death and a desire to flee once the fighting ends.
Nâo reassures Zélie of her value to the Iyika, but Roën cuts in, accusing Zélie of wanting to run from the people who bleed for her. Zélie fires back, insisting she never asked for this burden. Roën counters that while many have died, Zélie survived raids, guards, and a king; she’s not a victim but a survivor who must stop running.
Shaken by Roën’s words, Zélie struggles to breathe in the tightening tunnel. Roën storms ahead despite Nâo’s warnings to stay together. Nâo extends the air passage to keep them connected as the trio pushes deeper into the cave.
As Zélie follows, she notices the smell of oil and a tiny red spark above Roën’s hair, realizing too late that they’ve entered a trap. She shouts for Roën to stop and throws Nâo back to shield her. The first fuse ignites as Roën turns, triggering the ambush.
Who Appears
- ZélieHaunted by Mâzeli’s death, she longs to run but is forced to confront her survivorhood; detects the explosive trap.
- RoënChallenges Zélie to stop running and accept being a survivor; charges ahead, nearly triggering the ambush.
- NâoMaintains protective water and air tunnels, urges unity; is shoved back by Zélie as the fuse ignites.