Daniel makes
three vows during the book: one to himself, one with Joel and Thacia to God, and a repetition of
the second vow to Jesus. His first is made at the age of eight, when he witnesses his father and
uncle crucified: Daniel swears to live his live in pursuit of vengeance, to his dying
breath.
"I vowed I would pay them back with my whole
life. That I would hate them and fight them and kill them. That's all I live
for."
His second vow comes later, as his mind begins
to expand; he influences Joel and Thacia to join in his mission, but they move the vow in a
different way:
"Then we will make a new vow,"
[Joel] said. "The three of us together. We'll swear to fight for Israel--for--for--"
He hesitated."For God's Victory," said Thacia
swiftly.
(Speare, , Google Books)
The second vow changes Daniel's focus. He is no longer driven by his need for direct
revenge, but instead is working towards a freed Israeli nation. Because of this, his mindset
towards Rosh changes; Daniel starts to see that Rosh never cared about avenging the dead, but
only about enriching himself. Because of this new vow, Daniel's heart and mind are opened to the
possibility of leaving his anger behind and embracing love and forgiveness; this is shown
directly in his third vow, to live and die for God's victory, which he only understands when he
accepts the teachings of Jesus.
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