The Sign of Fear Read Online Free PDF

to the wicker man.
    Conn. Conn had chosen a spot so close to the wicker figure he could have touched it.
    He must be very confident that he will be chosen, to stand so close, Fieran thought.
    â€œWherever Conn is, you should be also,” Brianna murmured.
    Fieran took her by the arm and strode over to Conn. The low, eerie sound of a wooden pipe filled the air. Announcing the arrival of the chief.
    Fieran’s heart pumped faster as he watched the chief enter the clearing. His long robes trailed along the mossy ground.
    The man held himself perfectly straight. But his steps were slow and painful. A whisper ran around the clearing. “The chief. The chief has come.”
    The chief paused before the wicker figure. Then he climbed inside the cage in the torso. Fieran knew what would happen next. He knew it was a great gift from the chief. He knew the chief was ill, and near death.
    But a feeling of dread settled over him.
    The chief planned to give up his life that night. To pass his spirit on to his successor.
    â€œHear me, my people,” the chief called out from inside the wicker man. “Witness as I give my body to the flames.”
    â€œWe witness,” everyone repeated after him, their voices low.
    As he spoke the words, Fieran’s throat felt tight. Only the bravest of the chiefs passed their spirits on in this way. Fieran wondered if he would ever be brave enough.
    â€œWitness,” the chief went on. “Watch and wait. Wait for the sign of the one who will come after.”
    â€œWe will wait,” the people in the circle promised. “We will wait for the sign of the chief.”
    â€œThere will be one among you who can bear the fire. One who will walk unharmed among the flames. He is the one who carries my spirit within him. He must be your new chief.”
    All around the clearing, the people bowed their heads. Fieran felt his blood race through his veins. It will be me. I saw the flames in my vision.
    Fieran lifted his head. The chief gave a signal. Two men with torches stepped forward. They stopped in front of the wicker man.
    The chief gazed out. His eyes moved around the clearing. They rested on Conn. They rested on Fieran.
    Then the chief raised his arms above his head. The men hurled their torches at the wicker man. With a hungry roar, the dry wood flared up.
    Fieran heard Brianna give a low moan deep in her throat. He grabbed her hand and held it tight.
    The flames roared, higher and higher. Almost as high as the tops of the trees. Within seconds, they consumed the wicker man.
    The fire scorched Fieran’s face. It took all his will not to step away.
    The chief gave a great shout. “I choose! I choose my successor. Let him walk through the flames!”
    Fieran felt his heart explode within his chest. Power surged along his every limb.
    The sensation was too intense. His knees buckled. He fell to the ground.
    It has happened, he thought. It has truly happened. I have been chosen. I am the new chief.
    He knew he had to offer proof, or the others wouldnever believe him. “My people,” he cried, struggling to his feet. “I am chosen. Come here to me.”
    But his cry was drowned out by a sudden babble of voices. Through the confusion, Fieran heard Conn. “I feel the power. I am the chosen one.”
    No, Fieran thought. No. I felt it. I felt the chiefs spirit enter me. I am chosen!
    â€œWho is it? Who is chosen?” the people asked one another.
    â€œIt is Conn!” a high-pitched voice called out.
    â€œNo! No!” Fieran yelled. He stepped closer to the flames. “If Conn says he is chosen, then he is lying. The spirit of the chief is alive within me.”
    The people in the clearing fell silent. They stared at Conn and Fieran. They stood together, next to the wicker figure. Brianna stood between them.
    â€œProof,” someone called. “We must have proof.”
    Fieran tried to speak. But Conn was too quick for him.
    â€œ I