Many things burdened Kieran, but he could withstand them. He could not, however, withstand losing himself because of what he discovered.
Grisly battle was the only way to ignite the Flames of War.
It was indeed a bizarre fire, somehow capable of supporting life through incurred savagery—a death-defying feat that Kieran didn't think possible. Not because immortality, reincarnation, or resurrection was an unattainable myth and unrealizable legend… but because of the Flames' properties.
Kieran possessed firsthand knowledge of it. He could attest to and recount the Flame in all its glory. Whereas the methods to arouse the Flame were wicked and cruel, the fire was remarkably pure and pleasant, offering power and presence.