Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie and allies resurrect the fallen, revealing unprecedented combined Reaper-Healer power. Seizing the moment, Zélie publicly renounces the monarchy and rallies elders and villagers to march on Lagos, planning to bind their lifeforces with the moonstone. The victory is shadowed by her realization that such power may demand sacrificing someone she loves.
Summary
Zélie and her companion move from corpse to corpse, laying hands on shriveled chests until each body breathes again. Feeling Oya’s sacred current, Zélie recognizes their unprecedented feat: no Reaper or Healer has ever done this. The glowing tattoos on Zélie’s hands confirm a revelation—binding lifeforces with the moonstone could free the maji from the monarchy’s control.
Galvanized, Zélie climbs onto the village well as whispers identify her as Jagunjagun Ikú. She apologizes to the elders for failing them before. Na’imah responds with contrition of her own, admitting they should have followed Zélie’s call to leave Orïsha. Zélie rejects retreat, declaring that the monarchy—not magic—is Orïsha’s true blight.
Invoking Saran’s Raid and the long years of oppression, Zélie ignites the crowd with a defiant chant against the monarchy. She proclaims there will be no surrender, vowing to connect their lifeforces and march on Lagos to tear down its walls and rescue their people. The villagers and elders answer with swelling cries, and Zélie embraces the mantle of leadership.
As the fervor crests, Zélie confronts a sobering truth. Remembering how earlier connections nearly killed them and Mama Agba’s warning about the cost of forging their own cênters, she realizes that to wield such power safely they need more than the moonstone. The plan may require a devastating price: sacrificing someone she loves.
Who Appears
- ZélieReaper who helps raise the dead, rallies Ibadan against the monarchy, and realizes lifeforce binding may demand a loved one’s sacrifice.
- Na’imahElder who apologizes for not following Zélie earlier and publicly supports the new campaign.
- Young boyIdentifies Zélie as Jagunjagun Ikú, signaling the crowd’s awe and recognition.
- EldersCouncil of leaders who listen, respond to Zélie’s apology, and join her call to action.
- VillagersGathered crowd that chants against the monarchy and embraces Zélie’s plan to march on Lagos.