A Vow in Vengeance
58 pages • 1-hour read
Jaclyn RodriguezA Vow in Vengeance
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Symbols & Motifs
Tarot Cards
The tarot deck functions as the primary symbolic framework through which magical authority, fate, and personal potential are defined in the druid kingdom. As the direct conduits for magic, they represent the structure through which immortals access their gifts, or Arcana. King Silas explains their function, stating they act “as a conduit to whatever magical gift, or Arcana, calls to you” (30). Within the novel’s magic system, each card corresponds to a specific Arcana power, echoing the traditional tarot idea that each card represents an archetypal role or stage in a larger journey of transformation. In traditional tarot practice, the Major Arcana often symbolize pivotal life transitions and the unfolding of personal destiny, reinforcing the novel’s emphasis on fate and identity.
This process symbolizes a rigid system of destiny, where an individual’s power is pre-selected and revealed through the cards. For changelings, the act of drawing a card marks the moment when their magical ability becomes bound to a predetermined role within the Immortal hierarchy, tying directly to the theme of The Illusion of Choice Under Authoritarian Rule. The card one draws dictates their future, their social standing, and their role within the kingdom, reinforcing the idea that agency is granted by the system, not self-determined. In this way, the tarot deck becomes a symbolic mechanism through which the kingdom legitimizes hierarchy and reinforces its system of control. The cards themselves do not change, but their meaning is constantly interpreted through the wielder’s strength and intent.
The drawing of “The World” card by both Rune and Draven establishes them as narrative and magical equals, setting them on a path that challenges the kingdom’s status quo. In traditional tarot symbolism, The World represents completion, mastery, and the culmination of a transformative journey. For Rune, this rare Arcana symbolizes the immense, untapped power she needs to enact her vengeance. Draven notes that wielding The World means “you have immense magical capabilities” and “immense political influence” (62). This potential transforms her from a mere victim into a figure capable of dismantling the very systems that oppressed her, aligning with the theme of The Transformative Nature of Vengeance. The shared card positions Rune and Draven as figures capable of disrupting the kingdom’s established order, suggesting that the same system designed to regulate magical power can also produce individuals who challenge it. The tarot therefore reflects the tension between imposed destiny and personal agency, revealing how rare wielders may reshape the roles assigned to them.
Fire and Ash
The recurring motif of fire and ash represents the dual nature of destruction and transformative vengeance that fuels Rune’s journey. Fire marks the most pivotal moments of loss and rebellion in her life, beginning with the prologue where druids shout “Burn it down” (xvi), destroying her home and family. This initial blaze acts as the catalyst for her entire quest, seeding a deep-seated hatred for the immortals. The resulting ash symbolizes the irreversible grief and the scorched past left in its wake. All Rune has left from before the fire are small tokens of her family, including the broken king figurine, which stand in stark contrast to the all-consuming destruction. This motif illustrates that while fire can be a tool for rebellion, its consequences are absolute and leave a permanent void. Fire is not just a destructive force but also an agent of radical change, supporting the theme of The Transformative Nature of Vengeance.
Rune’s decision to set “fire to the Lord of Westfall’s precious manor” (5) signifies her transformation from a survivor into an active agent of retribution. In this act, she wields fire not as a victim but as a weapon, choosing to sever her remaining ties to the life she once had and fully commit to her path of vengeance. The narrative further links this destructive power to the druids themselves; the shadow portals they use smell and taste of ash, suggesting that their very magic emerges from a similarly destructive source. This connection complicates Rune’s use of fire, positioning her as someone who must wield the same destructive element as her enemies to achieve justice. The motif suggests that transformation in the novel often emerges through acts that destroy the old order, with ash marking the enduring trace of what has been lost.
Curses and Blessings
The motif of curses and blessings explores the subjective nature of identity, power, and history, revealing that these labels are often interpreted differently depending on social context. From the outset, Rune is marked by her “moon-cursed” (6) hair, a trait that makes her an outcast in the mortal realm, where a woman calls her a “bad omen” (6). However, in the druid kingdom, this same trait is seen as a sign of magical potential, or being “moon-blessed” (36), demonstrating how power and stigma are dictated by societal context. This duality is central to the novel’s conflicts, suggesting that what one world condemns, another may covet. The shifting definitions of curses and blessings reveal a world in which power determines value.
The most significant manifestation of this motif is the Great War’s Curse, which rendered immortals infertile and led to the creation of the Selection. This revelation reframes the central conflict, showing that the immortals’ cruelty is partly shaped by the consequences of this curse imposed by mortals. This complicates the theme of The Transformative Nature of Vengeance, as Rune learns her enemies are also victims. The Wall itself reinforces this cursed divide, separating the mortal and druid worlds that blame one another for the war’s consequences. Furthermore, Draven’s claim that Rune is his “fated” (167) mate is both a curse—a lie that binds her to him—and a blessing that saves her life and breaks his unwanted betrothal. This strategic use of a supposed blessing as a tool for survival highlights how even romantic and personal bonds can become tactical advantages in a world defined by curses.
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