Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FOUR: AMARI
Overview
Amari prepares to address Zaria but is shaken by uncontrolled, painful surges of her new Connector magic. Tzain comforts her as she hides how severe it is and wrestles with guilt and Zélie’s likely resentment. When the ship reaches vast gathered crowds, Tzain urges Amari to reclaim the royal seal by wearing her bloodstained armor and present herself as queen.
Summary
Morning on the warship, Amari rehearses a speech to win Orïsha’s support but can’t find conviction. Dressing rekindles memories of her mother’s criticism and her father’s violence, as she confronts fresh scars and guilt tied to her family’s legacy.
While practicing, Amari’s new Connector magic flares uncontrollably. Midnight-blue ashê lashes from her hands, she feels her scars rip and sees blood, until Tzain rushes in and breaks the episode. The blood vanishes, but her palms are blistered. Amari conceals that these attacks are worsening and struggles with what it means to be a tîtán among maji.
Amari fears Zélie’s contempt for tîtán power and worries how the maji will react to her magic. Tzain’s tenderness steadies her, but their closeness is interrupted as the ship turns toward Zaria, revealing massive crowds on the beach.
Faced with the moment to appeal publicly, Amari doubts her appearance and message. Tzain counsels her to wear the bloodstained royal armor bearing the seal once used to terrorize their people. With Amari behind it, he says, the symbol can become a promise of safety, urging her to inhabit the role of queen.
Who Appears
- AmariPrincess-turned-claimant to the throne; battles uncontrolled Connector magic, guilt, and self-doubt while preparing to address Zaria.
- TzainComforts Amari during a painful magic episode and urges her to reclaim the royal seal by wearing her armor.