Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHTY: ZÉLIE
Overview
As Zélie and Roën die from an unstable lifeforce link, Zélie binds Tzain, Khani, and Kâmarū into a five-heart connection, stabilizing them all. The merge amplifies their magic: Khani heals, Kâmarū shapes metal to craft Roën a new arm, and Zélie and Khani resurrect a villager, revealing the power to reclaim the dead.
Summary
Zélie and Roën convulse as their moonstone-forged lifeforce link collapses, threatening to kill them both. Unable to break the bond or let Roën die, Zélie recalls Oya’s vision and decides to add more hearts to sustain the connection. She seizes Tzain, Khani, and Kâmarū’s hands to weave their lifeforces together despite the lethal strain.
The ritual nearly kills them as five pulses fight to synchronize, but Zélie forces the tether through, and the group is blasted apart. When the bond settles, Zélie feels five hearts beating as one. Khani’s healing ignites effortlessly, mending Zélie’s injuries and stabilizing Roën’s failing body.
The merge amplifies Kâmarū’s powers; he manipulates iron with newfound precision, disintegrating metal and then sculpting a functional, plated iron arm for the unconscious Roën. Zélie recognizes this fulfillment of Oya’s earlier vision that began with Roën.
Outside, Khani and Zélie test their combined gifts on a fallen villager, channeling healing and life. Their joint magic purges death’s blight, and the man revives to his daughter’s embrace. The resurrection proves they can restore the dead, revealing a path to recover their stolen and fallen people.
Who Appears
- ZélieProtagonist; expands a lifeforce bond to five hearts, stabilizes Roën, and helps resurrect a villager.
- KhaniHealer whose magic surges after the bond; swiftly heals Zélie and Roën and co-resurrects a dead villager.
- TzainZélie’s brother; consents to join the lifeforce web, helping stabilize the deadly connection.
- KâmarūTîtán whose enhanced metalcraft forges Roën a functional iron arm after the bond.
- RoënMercenary saved by the expanded bond; stabilized by Khani and fitted with an iron arm.
- Resurrected fatherVillager revived by Zélie and Khani; confirms their ability to raise the dead.
- Villager’s daughterWitness who reunites with her revived father, affirming the miracle.