Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie confronts Amari and the secretly arrived King Inan, nearly attacking before hearing Inan’s offer of a treaty promising Iyika freedom. Torn between fury and hope, Zélie reads the terms and consents to bring it to the elders. Before any peace can begin, alarms sound as Nehanda’s forces reach the sanctuary, forcing an immediate crisis.
Summary
In the jungle, Zélie is stunned to find Amari with King Inan and immediately threatens to kill them both, feeling betrayal and fearing an ambush. Amari insists Inan came alone and begs Zélie to listen. Inan steps forward, invoking their shared past and promising a future where the Iyika can live free.
Fueled by grief and rage, Zélie gathers death shadows but wavers as Inan appeals to her desire to protect her clan. Amari urges Zélie to consider a treaty Inan has drafted that grants the Iyika what they seek. Zélie demands to see the terms before allowing either sibling to proceed.
With her hand on Inan’s chest, Zélie remembers their history and the cost of trusting him, yet she lowers her hands and reads the treaty. She concludes it may not win everyone over, but it is enough to bring Inan to the council table.
Before they can act, a horn blares from the sanctuary. Zélie ascends into the canopy with her shadows and sees an endless line of caravans bearing Queen Nehanda’s seal. Realizing the enemy has arrived at their gates, Zélie understands that war has come to the sanctuary at the very moment peace seemed possible.
Who Appears
- ZélieReaper leader; confronts Amari and Inan, nearly attacks, then agrees to consider Inan’s treaty before spotting Nehanda’s approaching army.
- InanKing of Orïsha; arrives alone to propose a treaty granting Iyika demands, appeals to Zélie’s trust and desire for peace.
- AmariConnector tîtán; defends Inan’s intentions, urges Zélie to read the treaty and bring it to the elders.