Forbidden Names

The past few days had not been the best for Kieran. 

Though it wasn't filled with suffering, he did spend his days in mild discomfort — bodily, at least.

The problem stemmed from the Flame's inability to nurse his damaged eyes. Similar to how it stayed away from the power of the Furthered Scales of Balance, the damage his eyes accrued fell outside its jurisdiction.

Granted, Kieran didn't know if this was a concrete restriction or if the Flame simply didn't want to deal with the onerous task of having to expel the pure qualities of the mystic energy.

Returning to the Temple of War and Flame had been no issue in spite of his deteriorating condition. Cardinal Weiss was a powerful guardian, nearly unmatched throughout the realm of the Land of Ruin. That's how his combat power made him seem, at least. Kieran had yet to come across a person — or thing — capable of besting Cardinal Weiss in a battle. 

He was a man of pure, brutal might.