Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: AMARI
Overview
During celebrations for Zélie’s ascension as Reaper elder, a messenger reports Inan and the tîtáns have destroyed the Iyika’s Lagos camp and are reestablishing control. The elders debate an immediate counterstrike. Spurned when she proposes peace, Amari defies Ramaya and challenges her for Connector elder to change Iyika strategy.
Summary
As Zélie is celebrated for becoming Reaper elder, Amari observes the deep communal joy and begins to grasp how elders anchor their clans. Tzain reminisces about Zélie’s happiness before the Raid, underscoring what this belonging means to her. Amari quietly wonders if she will ever be accepted among the maji.
The celebration halts when a Burner messenger arrives, blood-spattered, reporting that King Inan and the tîtáns have decimated the Iyika’s Lagos camp and are reestablishing roads and military communications. The sanctuary erupts in alarm as the elders gather to plan a response.
Ramaya weighs a rapid strike and asks Zélie if she can face the queen. Amari steps in, urging contact with Inan to pursue peace. Ramaya violently rebuffs her, citing the slaughter, and threatens to send Inan Amari’s head if she interrupts again. Zélie silently warns Amari to stand down as Tzain helps her away.
Refusing to be sidelined and believing the elders’ plan will lead to ruin, Amari returns to the circle. Declaring she is done fighting to be heard, she challenges Ramaya for leadership of the Connectors, aiming to reshape Iyika strategy from within.
Who Appears
- AmariMarginalized among the Iyika; advocates for peace with Inan; publicly challenges Ramaya to become Connector elder.
- RamayaConnector leader; favors swift retaliation; physically rebukes Amari and is challenged for her position.
- ZélieNewly ascended Reaper elder; celebrated by her clan; consulted about confronting the queen.
- TzainSupports Amari after Ramaya’s rebuke; urges her to speak to Zélie; witnesses her decisive challenge.
- Burner messengerArrives bloodied with news that Inan and the tîtáns destroyed the Iyika’s Lagos camp.
- KâmarūElder with an iron leg; presses for the Iyika’s next move after the Lagos setback.