Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2)(83)
“We should consider alternative plans.” Jahi speaks slowly, treading with care. “The same mountains keeping the king safe also lock him in a cage. We don’t need precision to win—”
“We’re not like them,” I cut Jahi off before he can go any further. “We can take them out and keep the villagers safe. We just need an undetectable way in.”
My gaze drifts back to the stool where Zélie should sit. She and Tzain grew up in Ibadan, but I can’t imagine she’ll help when she doesn’t want us to go at all.
“Tzain!” I wave him over from across the dining hall. He takes a break from loading supplies with Imani, Khani’s twin and our strongest Cancer.
“What’s going on?” He looks around the table and I gesture for him to sit down.
“None of us have been to Ibadan, but we need a way to get in undetected,” I explain. “Is there anything you know that could help us?”
Tzain’s lips part; it’s like a shadow falls over his face when he realizes who’s missing. A bitter taste settles on my tongue. It feels wrong to put him in this position.
“If it’s too much—”
“You’re trying to win a war.” He holds up his hand. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
We lock eyes across the table and my skin warms under his gaze. Tzain blows out his cheeks as he stares at the crude maps, searching for a way in.
“Here.” He points to the lake north of the village center. “Zélie and I used to swim here all the time when we were children. Go deep enough and you’ll reach the underwater caves.”
“How far out do they go?” I ask.
“Find the right one, and you’ll be able to sneak in from outside the mountain range. I can show you the way.”
It takes everything in me not to fling my arms around Tzain’s neck. The tightness in my chest begins to dissipate as the final pieces of our plan fall into place.
Kamarū can tunnel us through the mountain. Nao can take us through the water. For the first time since my rally went wrong, victory hangs just beyond my fingertips. All I want to do is lunge forward and grab it.
We all work together until every detail is confirmed. By the time we’ve solidified our plans, the sun has set on our final night in the sanctuary. A solemn air hangs over the dining hall as people prepare to say good-bye.
“What now?” Nao asks.
“Summon Mama Agba.” I rise from the stone table. “I have an idea.”
* * *
IT ONLY TAKES an hour to prepare the dining hall. Kamarū creates a stone stage as Dakarai sets up bata drums. Folake and her Lighters make twinkling orbs float through the room like stars while the young div?ners lay out the rest of the sanctuary’s food. The sweet aroma of súyà and egusi soup drifts into my nose as I move through the crowded hall. The excited chatter dies down when Mama Agba limps to the center of the room.
“This sanctuary has stood nearly as long as the magic of our land,” Mama Agba says. “It has seen every elder since the beginning of time. It has served as the beating heart of the maji. When the monarchy attacked, you defended these sacred walls. You have made every one of your ancestors proud.”
Her words rouse a few cheers from the crowd. Mama Agba smiles to herself as she takes in the faces that fill the hall. Though I know not to expect much, my heart falls when I don’t see Zélie in the room.
This is bigger than her, I remind myself. I can’t fight for my friend over the fate of Or?sha.
“These past few moons have been far from easy. You have been pushed more than ever before. But because of you, we have a chance. Because of your spirit, we can still win this war. We will bring our people the freedom they deserve.”
I close my eyes and imagine the sight, what our victory will taste like. When my family’s gone, Or?sha will have a chance at peace. Perhaps the first chance it’s ever had.
We’ve proven we can come together, and under our leadership, there will be a place for every maji, t?tán, and kosidán. We just have to pull this off.
One attack, and this kingdom is ours.
“Tomorrow our elders set out on a path to make sure no life was lost in vain. We shall honor each valiant sacrifice by creating a kingdom where those with magic can reign!”
In the back of the room, Nao and her Second chant in unison. Using magic, they lift liters of palm wine from thick barrels and pour the sweet drink into tin cups. Tahir and the other Welders start to chant, distributing each cup through the crowd.
One floats into my hand just as Mama Agba raises hers in the air. When the dozens of cups meet her toast, I feel everything we’ve been fighting for. In my Or?sha, we will craft sanctuaries throughout the land. We shall gather and celebrate as one.
“You have done all you can to prepare. The rest lies in the gods’ hands. Tomorrow you fight.” Mama Agba tips her glass. “Tonight, you live.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
AMARI
WITHIN HOURS, music and laughter bounce against the sanctuary walls. Palm wine runs free. Na’imah’s rich melodies fill the dining hall as she sings. I smile to myself as I lean against a table, taking in the bodies that fill the dance floor. If I breathe in hard enough I can almost smell the sweet scent of hope that fills the air.