Whether we agree with the action or not, Peter took the brands. 

But what if...

What if after taking the brands, they became infected or failed to heal or continued to cause pain or somehow interfered with the tissue/muscle/blood vessels of his arm(s)? Would he seek out help? From whom? Would he go to-ground? Would anyone miss him? Would one of his fathers respond if they found out he was sick? 

What if the brands created a lifelong injury? Would Caine blame himself for encouraging Peter to take the brands? Would Paul feel guilty because he wasn't there for his son to turn to when Caine left? Where has Kermit been? 

Hmmmmmmmmmm?!?!