Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE: AMARI
Overview
Imprisoned Amari confronts her descent and relinquishes her claim to the crown. Zélie reveals the Ibadan dead were resurrected through the moonstone and plans a connected assault on Lagos that requires a loved one’s sacrifice. Amari volunteers, but Mama Agba arrives and offers herself instead, reframing the impending ritual.
Summary
Amari, confined behind stone bars, wrestles with guilt and the echo of King Saran’s ruthless creed. She recognizes she has become the kind of tyrant she once vowed to surpass and releases her claim to being a “better queen.”
Zélie appears, alive and newly empowered, and confronts Amari about the attack on the village. Amari admits she would have launched it even knowing Zélie lived, then breaks as Zélie reveals the slain villagers were resurrected: Khani healed their bodies while Zélie restored their lives using a moonstone connection.
Zélie declares an imminent plan to connect their forces and destroy the monarchy in Lagos, arguing that chaos is preferable to tyranny. Amari warns of widespread agony but accepts she has forfeited the right to lead.
When Amari realizes Zélie needs a sacrifice—someone she loves—for the connection, she volunteers, seeking redemption for the suffering she caused. Zélie refuses, torn by lingering care for Amari and the cost of the ritual.
As they struggle with the choice, Mama Agba arrives, steady with her cane, and offers herself as the sacrifice, insisting it is not Amari’s time. Her intervention redirects the grim decision and sets the path for the coming assault.
Who Appears
- AmariImprisoned, remorseful, renounces her claim to the crown, and volunteers to be the sacrificial conduit.
- ZélieReveals resurrecting Ibadan’s dead via moonstone connection; plans to connect forces and topple Lagos.
- Mama AgbaArrives and offers herself as the needed sacrifice, protecting Amari and guiding the ritual’s course.
- King Saran (memory/voice)Haunting influence; his ruthless credo spurs Amari’s self-reckoning and decision to atone.