Free The Sign of Fear by R.L. Stine Page B

danger from the Roman troops.
    Fieran hated the thought of killing off the battlefield.
    But he remembered the way Conn taunted him. Laughed at him. “You will have your blood,” Fieran answered.
    Creeaaak. The jaws of the skull opened. Its teeth parted in a deadly smile. Then the eye sockets went dark. Blown out like two candles.
    Fieran stripped off his ceremonial garments. He hesitated a moment. Then he thrust them into the coals. He watched as his long robes smoldered and burned.
    His people did not believe Fieran when he told them the old chief’s spirit entered his body. They now thought him insane. Or jealous. He had no place among them any longer.
    Fieran washed the blood from his face and hands. He dressed himself in fresh garments. Green and brown, to blend in with the trees. He threw a cloak around his shoulders and fastened it with a heavy brooch as was the custom of the Celts.
    There is only one person who deserves to be sacrificed to the head, Fieran thought. Conn.
    The human sacrifice must be Conn!
    Now, how to get him? Think! Fieran told himself. Think! He began to pace around the dark cave.
    There has to be a way to get to Conn. It will be difficult. He will be well protected now that he has been declared chief.
    Fieran stopped pacing a moment. He stared at the head as if it would provide inspiration.
    Conn had to have a weakness. Everyone did. All Fieran needed to do was discover it. Once he had that, he could use Conn’s weakness to trap him.
    I can’t discover Conn’s weakness standing in my cave, he thought. I have to study him. Learn everything about him. Every habit. Every small detail.
    I’ll start with his house. Fieran always hated sharing the forest with Conn. But today he felt glad. Conn would be more difficult to protect there.
    In the forest, it will be easier for me to get to you. I know the land much better than you do.
    Fieran left the cave. Silent as a shadow, he moved through the trees. His green and brown garments blended in with his surroundings.
    When Conn’s thatched hut came into sight, Fieran hid himself in a nearby stand of trees. He had a good view of the hut’s only door. He would see anyone going in or out. He would see Conn. But Conn wouldn’t see him.
    I’m waiting for you, Conn! Fieran thought. Soon you will understand what it means to lose everything.
    Within moments, Conn came into sight. If Fieran had been a few moments later, he would have run right into him.
    Fieran immediately noticed that Conn had no guards around. He left himself completely unprotected.
    Fieran’s heart leapt up. Now I know Conn’s weakness. He believes he is invincible. He thinks no one will attack him, because he is too strong.
    But I will show him that his strength is his weakness. I will use his pride to conquer him.
    Fieran’s muscles tensed. I could kill you, Conn. I could kill you now.
    He watched as Conn opened the door to his house. Fieran crept forward.
    â€œYou can come out now,” Conn called.
    He knows I’m here! He knows I’m watching him. Fieran jerked back. His heart thundered. His breath came in shallow gasps.
    What is Conn going to do?
    A figure in a long, hooded robe stepped into the clearing. Conn doesn’t know I’m here, Fieran realized. He wasn’t calling me. He spoke to this other person.
    Fieran relaxed. His heartbeat slowed down.
    He stared at the person with Conn. He couldn’t see the man’s face. He wore the hood pulled down low.
    Fieran heard Conn laugh. “Why are you still hiding yourself?” he asked playfully. He reached up and pushed the other person’s hood back.
    Brianna.
    A hot, sour taste hit the back of Fieran’s throat. He swallowed hard.
    Not Brianna. She loved Fieran. He knew she did.
    Conn pulled Brianna into his arms. He kissed her, a long, deep kiss.
    Brianna wrapped her arms around his neck. Eagerly returning the embrace.
    Conn lifted his head and ran his