Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX: AMARI
Overview
Amari returns to the sanctuary and confronts the heavy casualties of the battle, including Kenyon’s collapse. In the infirmary, she witnesses Zélie’s devastation over Mâzeli’s death and Mama Agba’s failed attempt to comfort her. The Healers sedate Zélie as Amari accepts responsibility and fears the war is now unwinnable.
Summary
Amari races up the sanctuary steps through scenes of injury and triage, reeling at the damage she believes her trust in Inan has caused. Nâo is treated for a deep wound while Kenyon lies unconscious as Na’imah tries to revive him. Unable to find Zélie or the Reapers, Amari corners a Healer and learns Zélie and Mâzeli were brought to the infirmary not breathing.
Following a trail of blood into the tower, Amari enters the infirmary and finds Zélie clutching Mâzeli’s lifeless body. The sight confirms the cost of the earlier battle, and Amari recalls Zélie’s warnings about Inan, feeling the weight of a mistake she believes doomed them.
Mama Agba approaches to comfort Zélie, but Zélie lashes out, shoving the elder away and screaming that she should have died instead. Zélie collapses into grief, clawing at her chest as her cries unnerve everyone present.
As Zélie’s anguish escalates, Khani orders the Healers to sedate her to prevent further harm. Their incantations begin while Amari flees the room, unable to bear Zélie’s screams.
Outside, Amari breaks down, convinced her choices led to Mâzeli’s death and their strategic collapse. Though the enemy has been pushed back for now, Amari fears they have lost their advantages and that the war may now be unwinnable.
Who Appears
- AmariReturns to the sanctuary, witnesses the aftermath, sees Zélie’s grief, and is consumed by guilt over trusting Inan.
- ZélieMourns Mâzeli’s death, rejects comfort, lashes out at Mama Agba, and is sedated as her grief overwhelms her.
- MâzeliLies dead in the infirmary after the moonstone fusion backlash; the focus of Zélie’s devastation.
- Mama AgbaAttempts to console Zélie, explains he could not be saved, is shoved away by Zélie’s grief.
- KhaniHealer who orders Zélie sedated to prevent further physical and emotional collapse.
- KenyonUnconscious and barely breathing after the battle; tended by Na’imah.
- Na’imahWorks frantically to revive the unconscious Kenyon.
- NâoLagbara wounded in the fighting; treated as she curses through the pain.