Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie corners a wounded Inan and nearly kills him, driven by grief and rage. Mâzeli’s arrival and Ojore’s charge interrupt the execution, and Inan protects Zélie, taking her side against his admiral. Zélie flees with Mâzeli while Ojore summons a medic for the collapsed king, escalating loyalties and stakes.
Summary
In the temple stairwell, Zélie confronts a bleeding, shaken Inan. Though Inan pleads that he only wants to talk, Zélie’s grief over Baba and her scars fuels her attack. She disarms Inan and slashes his side, then pins him, poised to kill him without magic to feel his last breath.
As Inan apologizes, Zélie hardens herself to strike. Mâzeli’s shout of “Jagunjagun!” interrupts her, drawing her attention to approaching footsteps. Admiral Ojore charges to cut Zélie down.
In a sudden reversal, Inan throws Zélie off and blocks Ojore’s attack, protecting her. With Inan collapsing from his wound, Zélie seizes the opening, grabs Mâzeli, and retreats up the stairs.
Behind them, Ojore calls for a medic for the fallen king. The clash leaves Inan injured, Zélie and Mâzeli escaped, and loyalties further blurred by Inan’s choice to defend Zélie against his own admiral.
Who Appears
- ZélieConfronts and wounds Inan, nearly executes him, then escapes with Mâzeli when interrupted.
- InanInjured and pleading for peace; protects Zélie from Ojore, then collapses as a medic is called.
- OjoreAdmiral who charges to kill Zélie; blocked by Inan and calls for a medic for the king.
- MâzeliArrives shouting for Zélie; his presence triggers the interruption, and he flees with her.