Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE: AMARI
Overview
With Zélie opposed to assassination, Amari assumes command and forges a stealth plan to kill the king in Ibadan. Guided by Tzain’s knowledge of underwater caves, only the elders will infiltrate while the rest act as a Lagos decoy. Preparations culminate in Mama Agba’s rallying feast and toast on the eve of departure.
Summary
As Iyika leadership consolidates, Amari takes command with Zélie absent and opposed to assassinating the king. In council, Kenyon urges a direct assault, but Amari and the elders argue for stealth to preserve surprise and protect villagers. They decide only elders will infiltrate Ibadan, while Seconds lead the rest toward Lagos as a decoy.
Safety of villagers sparks debate; Jahi suggests imprecise options, but Amari rejects collateral damage, insisting on an undetectable entry. She enlists Tzain, who reveals underwater caves from a childhood lake in Ibadan that connect beyond the mountains. With Tzain guiding, Kâmarū will tunnel rock and Nâo will move them through water, finalizing a precise covert route.
Logistics fall into place: elders prepare for infiltration, Seconds prepare the broader force’s diversion. Amari notes Zélie’s continued absence and forces herself to prioritize the mission and civilian safety over personal rifts.
That night, the dining hall transforms for a send-off. Kâmarū raises a stone stage, Dakarai arranges drums, Folake and other Lighters fill the room with floating orbs, and young divîners serve the remaining food. Mama Agba honors their defense of the sanctuary, invokes their ancestors, and toasts their impending strike, urging them to live this night and fight tomorrow.
Who Appears
- AmariAssumes Iyika command; designs a stealth elder strike on Ibadan and orders a Lagos decoy.
- TzainProvides the key entry route via Ibadan’s lake caves and offers to guide the elders.
- Mama AgbaRallies the Iyika with a speech and toast at the send-off feast.
- KâmarūSupports the plan; will tunnel through the mountain; creates the stone stage for the feast.
- NâoWater maji set to guide the team through underwater caves; helps serve palm wine.
- KenyonAdvocates storming the village but defers to Amari’s stealth strategy.
- Na’imahCounters frontal assault; questions Zélie’s absence and reinforces stealth planning.
- JahiRaises concerns about villagers and suggests alternatives; Amari rejects imprecision.
- KhaniVoices fear for villagers caught in the fight; helps center civilian safety.
- ImaniKhani’s twin; assists with supplies as preparations begin.
- DakaraiSets up drums for the send-off celebration.
- FolakeCreates floating light orbs with other Lighters for the feast.
- TahirHelps distribute palm wine with the Welders’ chant.
- ZélieAbsent from planning and celebration, opposing the assassination plan.