Moe leans closer, her shoulder brushing mine as she peers down at the page.
I read the introduction to the domains section.
“There are seven original domains, one for each of the Seven Primordials. After the creation of Tartareia, seven more domains appeared as the universe sought equilibrium.”
Moe frowns. “Seven original and then seven more appeared?”
“I suppose this has something to do with Aperion. They have fourteen Primordials—the Light and the Nether, while we only have the Dark Ones.”
She nods. “So the universe created another seven domains to make it equal to Aperion? That’s odd.”
I shrug. “The universe works in mysterious ways. We don’t even know what wasbeforethe Primordials.”
“You’re right.” She nods. “Alright, go on.”
I flip the page to the first domain—and one of the seven original ones.
“Dominion Domain. Authority, sovereignty, and command over others.”
Moe hums softly. “That already sounds dangerous.”
I continue reading aloud, slower now.
“The wielder exerts control over will and structure. Lesser beings may be compelled into obedience. Oaths, once spoken, become unbreakable. The domain may extend influence over fundamental laws, including the perception and flow of time.”
I pause. “The Dominion Primordial is in charge of all oaths. A vow directed to Him is binding. To receive his blessing, a vow can be dedicated to Him in the following ways:
I vow to the Seven.
I vow, by the power of Him who rules the everlasting world.
I vow to Him, the Master of the World, of Word and Time who resides in the depths of Tartarstasis.”
Both Moe and I turn to stare at each other.
“I never knew that’s why people vowedto the Sevenall the time.”
“Me neither.” I was taught such a vow is binding, but notwhyorhow. “Wait. There’s more.”
Moe waits for me to continue.
“A vow to the Seven, while binding, delivers the least amount of punishment if broken. That is due to a long law that states any general prayer to the Seven can be answered by the Primordials as they like. For best results, each prayer should be addressed directly to the designated Primordial. A vow made specifically to Him, if broken, is deadly to any being.”
“Wow,” she whispers. “I’veneverheard this before, neither have I heard anyone make a vow specifically to Him.”
“Me neither.” I shake my head. “And I wonder whether people don’t know about the differences in these vows or…”
“They purposefully don’t make a vow to Him because the consequences are so severe?”
I nod. “I think that’s highly possible. In higher circles, the vow to the Seven is used and I doubt they wouldn’t know about this more potent vow. But not many things can end an immortal’s life. Apparently this can.”
“Higher circles?” She frowns. “What do you mean by that?”
My eyes widen for a moment at my slip. “Uhm, just the upper echelons of society, the nobility and such.”
“How do you know about them?”
“I think everyone knows to some extent. The noble houses are quite famous, or infamous depending on who you ask.”
