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TitlePageCopyrightPageDedicationBookOne-DUNE
BookTwo-MUAD‘DIB
BookThree-THEPROPHET
APPENDIXESTerminologyoftheImperiumCARTOGRAPHICNOTESAfterwordbyBrianHerbert
BooksbyFrankHerbert
THEBOOKOFFRANKHERBERTDESTINATION:VOID(revisededition)
DIRECTDESCENTTHEDOSADIEXPERIMENT
EYETHEEYESOFHEISENBERG
THEGODMAKERSTHEGREENBRAIN
THEMAKEROFDUNETHESANTAROGABARRIER
SOULCATCHERWHIPPINGSTAR
THEWHITEPLAGUETHEWORLDSOFFRANKHERBERT
MANOFTWOWORLDS(withBrianHerbert)
TheDuneChronicles
DUNEDUNEMESSIAH
CHILDRENOFDUNEGODEMPEROROFDUNE
HERETICSOFDUNECHAPTERHOUSE:DUNE
BooksbyFrankHerbertandBillRansom
THEJESUSINCIDENTTHELAZARUSEFFECTTHEASCENSIONFACTOR
BookseditedbyBrianHerbert
THENOTEBOOKSOFFRANKHERBERT’SDUNE
SONGSOFMAUD’DIB
THEBERKLEYPUBLISHINGGROUPPublishedbythePenguinGroup
PenguinGroup(USA)Inc.375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014,USA
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Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,business
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Copyright©1965byHerbertPropertiesLLC.
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,scanned,ordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicformwithoutpermission.Pleasedonotparticipateinorencouragepiracyofcopyrightedmaterialsinviolationofthe
author’srights.Purchaseonlyauthorizededitions.ACEisanimprintofTheBerkleyPublishingGroup.
ACEandthe“A”designaretrademarksofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.
eISBN:978-0-441-01359-3
Herbert,FrankDune.I.Title
PS3558.E63D.5483-16030
eISBN:978-0-441-01359-3
Tothepeoplewhoselaborsgobeyondideasintotherealmof“realmaterials”—tothedry-landecologists,wherevertheymaybe,inwhatevertimetheywork,thiseffortatpredictionisdedicatedinhumilityandadmiration.
BookOne
DUNE
A beginning is the time for taking themost delicate care that the balances arecorrect.ThiseverysisteroftheBeneGesseritknows.TobeginyourstudyofthelifeofMuad‘Dib,then,takecarethatyoufirstplacehiminhistime:borninthe57thyearofthePadishahEmperor,ShaddamIV.AndtakethemostspecialcarethatyoulocateMuad’Dibinhisplace:theplanetArrakis.Donotbedeceivedby the factthat hewas bomonCaladan and lived his first fifteen years there. Arrakis, theplanetknownasDune,isforeverhisplace.
-from“ManualofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
IN THE week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurryingabout had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit themotheroftheboy,Paul.ItwasawarmnightatCastleCaladan,andtheancientpileofstonethathad
servedtheAtreidesfamilyashomefortwenty-sixgenerationsborethatcooled-sweatfeelingitacquiredbeforeachangeintheweather.TheoldwomanwasletinbythesidedoordownthevaultedpassagebyPaul’s
roomandshewasallowedamomenttopeerinathimwherehelayinhisbed.Bythehalf-lightofasuspensorlamp,dimmedandhangingnearthefloor,the
awakened boy could see a bulky female shape at his door, standing one stepahead of his mother. The old woman was a witch shadow—hair like mattedspiderwebs,hooded’rounddarknessoffeatures,eyeslikeglitteringjewels.“Is he not small for his age, Jessica?” the old woman asked. Her voice
wheezedandtwangedlikeanuntunedbaliset.Paul’smotheransweredinhersoftcontralto:“TheAtreidesareknowntostart
lategettingtheirgrowth,YourReverence.”“So I’ve heard, so I’ve heard,” wheezed the old woman. “Yet he’s already
fifteen.”“Yes,YourReverence.”“He’sawakeandlisteningtous,”saidtheoldwoman.“Slylittlerascal.”She
chuckled. “But royalty has need of slyness. And if he’s really the KwisatzHaderach...well....”Within the shadows of his bed, Paul held his eyes open tomere slits. Two
bird-brightovals—theeyesof theoldwoman—seemedtoexpandandglowastheystaredintohis.“Sleepwell,youslylittlerascal,”saidtheoldwoman.“Tomorrowyou’llneed
allyourfacultiestomeetmygomjabbar.”And she was gone, pushing his mother out, closing the door with a solid
thump.Paullayawakewondering:What’sagomjabbar?Inall theupsetduringthis timeofchange, theoldwomanwasthestrangest
thinghehadseen.YourReverence.And the way she called his mother Jessica like a common serving wench
insteadofwhatshewas—aBeneGesseritLady,aduke’sconcubineandmotheroftheducalheir.Is a gom jabbar something of Arrakis Imust know beforewe go there? he
wondered.Hemouthedherstrangewords:Gomjabbar...KwisatzHaderach.Therehadbeensomanythingstolearn.Arrakiswouldbeaplacesodifferent
fromCaladanthatPaul’smindwhirledwiththenewknowledge.Arrakis—Dune—DesertPlanet.ThufirHawat,hisfather’sMasterofAssassins,hadexplainedit:theirmortal
enemies, theHarkonnens,hadbeenonArrakiseightyyears,holdingtheplanetin quasi-fief under a CHOAMCompany contract to mine the geriatric spice,melange. Now the Harkonnens were leaving to be replaced by the House ofAtreidesinfief-complete-anapparentvictoryfortheDukeLeto.Yet,Hawathadsaid, this appearance contained the deadliest peril, for the Duke Leto waspopularamongtheGreatHousesoftheLandsraad.“Apopularmanarousesthejealousyofthepowerful,”Hawathadsaid.Arrakis—Dune—DesertPlanet.PaulfellasleeptodreamofanArrakeencavern,silentpeopleallaroundhim
movinginthedimlightofglowglobes.Itwassolemnthereandlikeacathedralas he listened to a faint sound—the drip-drip-drip of water. Even while heremained in thedream,Paulknewhewould remember ituponawakening.Healwaysrememberedthedreamsthatwerepredictions.Thedreamfaded.Paul awoke to feel himself in thewarmth of his bed—thinking ... thinking.
ThisworldofCastleCaladan,withoutplayorcompanionshisownage,perhapsdid not deserve sadness in farewell.Dr.Yueh, his teacher, had hinted that thefaufreluches class system was not rigidly guarded on Arrakis. The planetshelteredpeoplewholivedatthedesertedgewithoutcaidorbashartocommandthem:will-o’-the-sandpeoplecalledFremen,markeddownonnocensusofthe
ImperialRegate.Arrakis-Dune-DesertPlanet.Paul sensed his own tensions, decided to practice one of the mind-body
lessonshismotherhadtaughthim.Threequickbreathstriggeredtheresponses:hefellintothefloatingawareness...focusingtheconsciousness...aortaldilation... avoiding the unfocusedmechanism of consciousness ... to be conscious bychoice...bloodenrichedandswift-floodingtheoverloadregions...onedoesnotobtain food-safety-freedomby instinctalone ... animal consciousness does notextendbeyondthegivenmomentnorintotheideathatitsvictimsmaybecomeextinct ... theanimaldestroysanddoesnotproduce...animalpleasuresremainclose to sensation levels and avoid the perceptual ... the human requires abackgroundgridthroughwhichtoseehisuniverse...focusedconsciousnessbychoice, this forms your grid ... bodily integrity follows nerve-blood flowaccording to the deepest awareness of cell needs ... all things/cells/beings areimpermanent...striveforflow-permanencewithin....OverandoverandoverwithinPaul’sfloatingawarenessthelessonrolled.WhendawntouchedPaul’swindowsillwithyellowlight,hesenseditthrough
closedeyelids,opened them,hearing then the renewedbustle andhurry in thecastle,seeingthefamiliarpatternedbeamsofhisbedroomceiling.Thehalldooropenedandhismotherpeeredin,hairlikeshadedbronzeheld
withblackribbonatthecrown,herovalfaceemotionlessandgreeneyesstaringsolemnly.“You’reawake,”shesaid.“Didyousleepwell?”“Yes.”Hestudiedthetallnessofher,sawthehintoftensioninhershouldersasshe
chose clothing for him from the closet racks. Anothermight havemissed thetension,butshehad trainedhimin theBeneGesseritWay—intheminutiaeofobservation.Sheturned,holdingasemiformaljacketforhim.ItcarriedtheredAtreideshawkcrestabovethebreastpocket.“Hurryanddress,”shesaid.“ReverendMotheriswaiting.”“Idreamedofheronce,”Paulsaid.“Whoisshe?”“Shewasmyteacherat theBeneGesseritschool.Now,she’s theEmperor’s
Truthsayer.AndPaul....”Shehesitated.“Youmusttellheraboutyourdreams.”“Iwill.IsshethereasonwegotArrakis?”“Wedidnot getArrakis.” Jessica flickeddust fromapair of trousers, hung
themwiththejacketonthedressingstandbesidehisbed.“Don’tkeepReverendMotherwaiting.”
Paulsatup,huggedhisknees.“What’sagomjabbar?”Again,thetrainingshehadgivenhimexposedheralmostinvisiblehesitation,
anervousbetrayalhefeltasfear.Jessicacrossedtothewindow,flungwidethedraperies,staredacrosstheriver
orchards toward Mount Syubi. “You’ll learn about ... the gom jabbar soonenough,”shesaid.Heheardthefearinhervoiceandwonderedatit.Jessica spokewithout turning. “ReverendMother iswaiting inmymorning
room.Pleasehurry.”TheReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam sat in a tapestried chairwatchingmotherandsonapproach.Windowsoneachsideofheroverlookedthecurvingsouthern bend of the river and the green farmlands of the Atreides familyholding,buttheReverendMotherignoredtheview.Shewasfeelingheragethismorning, more than a little petulant. She blamed it on space travel andassociationwiththatabominableSpacingGuildanditssecretiveways.Butherewas amission that required personal attention from aBeneGesserit-with-the-Sight. Even the Padishah Emperor’s Truthsayer couldn’t evade thatresponsibilitywhenthedutycallcame.DamnthatJessica!theReverendMotherthought.Ifonlyshe’dborneusagirl
asshewasorderedtodo!Jessica stopped three paces from the chair, dropped a small curtsy, a gentle
flickoflefthandalongthelineofherskirt.Paulgavetheshortbowhisdancingmasterhadtaught—theoneused“whenindoubtofanother’sstation.”The nuances of Paul’s greetingwere not lost on theReverendMother. She
said:“He’sacautiousone,Jessica.”Jessica’shandwent toPaul’s shoulder, tightened there.Foraheartbeat, fear
pulsedthroughherpalm.Thenshehadherselfundercontrol.“Thushehasbeentaught,YourReverence.”Whatdoesshefear?Paulwondered.TheoldwomanstudiedPaulinonegestaltenflicker:faceovallikeJessica’s,
but strong bones ... hair: the Duke’s black-black but with browline of thematernalgrandfatherwhocannotbenamed,andthatthin,disdainfulnose;shapeofdirectlystaringgreeneyes:liketheoldDuke,thepaternalgrandfatherwhoisdead.Now,therewasamanwhoappreciatedthepowerofbravura—evenindeath,
theReverendMotherthought.
“Teaching is one thing,” she said, “thebasic ingredient is another.We shallsee.”The old eyes darted a hard glance at Jessica. “Leave us. I enjoin you topracticethemeditationofpeace.”JessicatookherhandfromPaul’sshoulder.“YourReverence,I—”“Jessica,youknowitmustbedone.”Paullookedupathismother,puzzled.Jessicastraightened.“Yes...ofcourse.”PaullookedbackattheReverendMother.Politenessandhismother’sobvious
aweofthisoldwomanarguedcaution.Yethefeltanangryapprehensionatthefearhesensedradiatingfromhismother.“Paul....”Jessicatookadeepbreath.“...thistestyou’reabouttoreceive...it’s
importanttome.”“Test?”Helookedupather.“Remember that you’re a duke’s son,” Jessica said. Shewhirled and strode
fromtheroominadryswishingofskirt.Thedoorclosedsolidlybehindher.Paul faced the old woman, holding anger in check. “Does one dismiss the
LadyJessicaasthoughshewereaservingwench?”Asmileflickedthecornersofthewrinkledoldmouth.“TheLadyJessicawas
myservingwench,lad,forfourteenyearsatschool.”Shenodded.“Andagoodone,too.Now,youcomehere!”The command whipped out at him. Paul found himself obeying before he
could think about it.Using the Voice on me, he thought. He stopped at hergesture,standingbesideherknees.“See this?” sheasked.From the foldsofhergown, she liftedagreenmetal
cubeaboutfifteencentimetersonaside.SheturneditandPaulsawthatonesidewasopen—blackandoddlyfrightening.Nolightpenetratedthatopenblackness.“Putyourrighthandinthebox,”shesaid.FearshotthroughPaul.Hestartedtobackaway,buttheoldwomansaid:“Is
thishowyouobeyyourmother?”Helookedupintobird-brighteyes.Slowly,feelingthecompulsionsandunabletoinhibitthem,Paulputhishand
intothebox.Hefeltfirstasenseofcoldastheblacknessclosedaroundhishand,then slick metal against his fingers and a prickling as though his hand wereasleep.A predatory look filled the oldwoman’s features. She lifted her right hand
awayfromtheboxandpoisedthehandclosetothesideofPaul’sneck.Hesawaglintofmetalthereandstartedtoturntowardit.
“Stop!”shesnapped.UsingtheVoiceagain!Heswunghisattentionbacktoherface.“I hold at your neck the gom jabbar,” she said. “Thegom jabbar, the high-
handedenemy.It’saneedlewithadropofpoisononitstip.Ah-ah!Don’tpullawayoryou’llfeelthatpoison.”Paultriedtoswallowinadrythroat.Hecouldnottakehisattentionfromthe
seamedold face, theglisteningeyes, thepalegumsaround silverymetal teeththatflashedasshespoke.“Aduke’ssonmustknowaboutpoisons,”shesaid.“It’sthewayofourtimes,
eh?Musky,tobepoisonedinyourdrink.Aumas,tobepoisonedinyourfood.Thequickonesandtheslowonesandtheonesinbetween.Here’sanewoneforyou:thegomjabbar.Itkillsonlyanimals.”PrideovercamePaul’sfear.“Youdaresuggestaduke’ssonisananimal?”he
demanded.“LetussayIsuggestyoumaybehuman,”shesaid.“Steady!Iwarnyounotto
try jerking away. I am old, butmy hand can drive this needle into your neckbeforeyouescapeme.”“Whoareyou?”hewhispered.“Howdidyoutrickmymotherintoleavingme
alonewithyou?AreyoufromtheHarkonnens?”“TheHarkonnens? Bless us, no! Now, be silent.” A dry finger touched his
neckandhestilledtheinvoluntaryurgetoleapaway.“Good,”shesaid.“Youpassthefirsttest.Now,here’sthewayoftherestofit:
If youwithdrawyour hand from the box you die.This is the only rule.Keepyourhandintheboxandlive.Withdrawitanddie.”Paultookadeepbreathtostillhistrembling.“IfIcalloutthere’llbeservants
onyouinsecondsandyou’lldie.”“Servants will not pass your mother who stands guard outside that door.
Dependon it.Yourmother survived this test.Now it’syour turn.Behonored.Weseldomadministerthistomen-children.”CuriosityreducedPaul’sfeartoamanageablelevel.Heheardtruthintheold
woman’svoice,nodenyingit.Ifhismotherstoodguardoutthere...ifthisweretrulyatest....Andwhateveritwas,heknewhimselfcaughtinit,trappedbythathand at his neck: the gom jabbar. He recalled the response from the LitanyagainstFearashismotherhadtaughthimoutoftheBeneGesseritrite.“Imust not fear.Fear is themind-killer.Fear is the little-death that brings
totalobliteration.Iwillfacemyfear.Iwillpermitittopassovermeandthroughme.AndwhenithasgonepastIwillturntheinnereyetoseeitspath.Wherethe
fearhasgonetherewillbenothing.OnlyIwillremain.”Hefeltcalmnessreturn,said:“Getonwithit,oldwoman.”“Oldwoman!”shesnapped.“You’vecourage,andthatcan’tbedenied.Well,
weshallsee,sirra.”Shebentclose,loweredhervoicealmosttoawhisper.“Youwillfeelpaininthishandwithinthebox.Pain.But!WithdrawthehandandI’lltouchyourneckwithmygomjabbar—thedeathsoswiftit’slikethefalloftheheadsman’s axe. Withdraw your hand and the gom jabbar takes you.Understand?”“What’sinthebox?”“Pain.”He felt increased tingling inhishand,pressedhis lips tightly together.How
couldthisbeatest?hewondered.Thetinglingbecameanitch.Theoldwomansaid:“You’veheardofanimalschewingoffalegtoescapea
trap?There’sananimalkindoftrick.Ahumanwouldremaininthetrap,endurethepain,feigningdeaththathemightkillthetrapperandremoveathreattohiskind.”The itch became the faintest burning. “Why are you doing this?” he
demanded.“Todetermineifyou’rehuman.Besilent.”Paulclenchedhislefthandintoafistastheburningsensationincreasedinthe
otherhand.Itmountedslowly:heatuponheatuponheat...uponheat.Hefeltthefingernailsofhis freehandbiting thepalm.He tried to flex the fingersof theburninghand,butcouldn’tmovethem.“Itburns,”hewhispered.“Silence!”Painthrobbeduphisarm.Sweatstoodoutonhisforehead.Everyfibercried
outtowithdrawthehandfromthatburningpit...but...thegomjabbar.Withoutturning his head, he tried to move his eyes to see that terrible needle poisedbeside his neck. He sensed that he was breathing in gasps, tried to slow hisbreathsandcouldn’t.Pain!His world emptied of everything except that hand immersed in agony, the
ancientfaceinchesawaystaringathim.Hislipsweresodryhehaddifficultyseparatingthem.Theburning!Theburning!Hethoughthecouldfeelskincurlingblackonthatagonizedhand, theflesh
crispinganddroppingawayuntilonlycharredbonesremained.
Itstopped!Asthoughaswitchhadbeenturnedoff,thepainstopped.Paulfelthisrightarmtrembling,feltsweatbathinghisbody.“Enough,” the old woman muttered. “Kull wahad! No woman-child ever
withstood that much. I must’ve wanted you to fail.” She leaned back,withdrawingthegomjabbarfromthesideofhisneck.“Takeyourhandfromthebox,younghuman,andlookatit.”Hefoughtdownanachingshiver,staredatthelightlessvoidwherehishand
seemed to remain of its own volition. Memory of pain inhibited everymovement. Reason told him hewouldwithdraw a blackened stump from thatbox.“Doit!”shesnapped.Hejerkedhishandfromthebox,staredatitastonished.Notamark.Nosign
ofagonyontheflesh.Heheldupthehand,turnedit,flexedthefingers.“Pain by nerve induction,” she said. “Can’t go around maiming potential
humans.There’rethosewho’dgiveaprettyforthesecretofthisbox,though.”Sheslippeditintothefoldsofhergown.“Butthepain—”hesaid.“Pain,”shesniffed.“Ahumancanoverrideanynerveinthebody.”Paul felt his left hand aching, uncurled the clenched fingers, looked at four
bloodymarkswherefingernailshadbittenhispalm.Hedroppedthehandtohisside,lookedattheoldwoman.“Youdidthattomymotheronce?”“Eversiftsandthroughascreen?”sheasked.Thetangentialslashofherquestionshockedhismindintoahigherawareness:
Sandthroughascreen.Henodded.“WeBeneGesseritsiftpeopletofindthehumans.”Heliftedhisrighthand,willingthememoryofthepain.“Andthat’sallthere
istoit—pain?”“Iobservedyouinpain,lad.Pain’smerelytheaxisofthetest.Yourmother’s
toldyouaboutourwaysofobserving.Iseethesignsofherteachinginyou.Ourtestiscrisisandobservation.”Heheardtheconfirmationinhervoice,said:“It’struth!”Shestaredathim.Hesensestruth!Couldhebetheone?Couldhetrulybethe
one? She extinguished the excitement, reminding herself: “Hope cloudsobservation.”“Youknowwhenpeoplebelievewhattheysay,”shesaid.“Iknowit.”
The harmonics of ability confirmed by repeated testwere in his voice. Sheheard them, said: “Perhaps you are the Kwisatz Haderach. Sit down, littlebrother,hereatmyfeet.”“Iprefertostand.”“Yourmothersatatmyfeetonce.”“I’mnotmymother.”“Youhateusalittle,eh?”Shelookedtowardthedoor,calledout:“Jessica!”ThedoorflewopenandJessicastoodtherestaringhard-eyedinto theroom.
HardnessmeltedfromherasshesawPaul.Shemanagedafaintsmile.“Jessica,haveyoueverstoppedhatingme?”theoldwomanasked.“Ibothloveandhateyou,”Jessicasaid.“Thehate—that’sfrompainsImust
neverforget.Thelove—that’s....”“Justthebasicfact,”theoldwomansaid,buthervoicewasgentle.“Youmay
comeinnow,butremainsilent.Closethatdoorandminditthatnooneinterruptsus.”Jessicasteppedintotheroom,closedthedoorandstoodwithherbacktoit.
Mysonlives,shethought.Mysonlivesandis...human.Iknewhewas...but...helives.Now,Icangoonliving.Thedoorfelthardandrealagainstherback.Everythingintheroomwasimmediateandpressingagainsthersenses.Mysonlives.Paullookedathismother.Shetoldthetruth.Hewantedtogetawayaloneand
think this experience through, but knew he could not leave until he wasdismissed.Theoldwomanhadgainedapoweroverhim.Theyspoketruth.Hismotherhadundergonethistest.Theremustbeterriblepurposeinit ...thepainandfearhadbeenterrible.Heunderstoodterriblepurposes.Theydroveagainstallodds.Theyweretheirownnecessity.Paulfeltthathehadbeeninfectedwithterriblepurpose.Hedidnotknowyetwhattheterriblepurposewas.“Someday,lad,”theoldwomansaid,“you,too,mayhavetostandoutsidea
doorlikethat.Ittakesameasureofdoing.”Paullookeddownatthehandthathadknownpain,thenuptotheReverend
Mother.Thesoundofhervoicehadcontainedadifferencethenfromanyothervoice in his experience. The words were outlined in brilliance. There was anedgetothem.Hefeltthatanyquestionhemightaskherwouldbringananswerthatcouldlifthimoutofhisflesh-worldintosomethinggreater.“Whydoyoutestforhumans?”heasked.“Tosetyoufree.”“Free?”
“Oncementurnedtheirthinkingovertomachinesinthehopethatthiswouldset them free. But that only permitted other men with machines to enslavethem.”“ ‘Thou shalt notmake amachine in the likeness of aman’smind,’ ” Paul
quoted.“Right out of theButlerian Jihad and theOrangeCatholicBible,” she said.
“ButwhattheO.C.Bibleshould’vesaidis:‘Thoushaltnotmakeamachinetocounterfeitahumanmind.’HaveyoustudiedtheMentatinyourservice?”“I’vestudiedwithThufirHawat.”“TheGreatRevolttookawayacrutch,”shesaid.“Itforcedhumanminds to
develop.Schoolswerestartedtotrainhumantalents.”“BeneGesseritschools?”Shenodded.“Wehavetwochiefsurvivorsofthoseancientschools:theBene
GesseritandtheSpacingGuild.TheGuild,sowethink,emphasizesalmostpuremathematics.BeneGesseritperformsanotherfunction.”“Politics,”hesaid.“Kullwahad!”theoldwomansaid.ShesentahardglanceatJessica.“I’venottoldhim,YourReverence,”Jessicasaid.The Reverend Mother returned her attention to Paul. “You did that on
remarkably few clues,” she said. “Politics indeed. The original Bene Gesseritschool was directed by those who saw the need of a thread of continuity inhuman affairs.They saw there could be no such continuitywithout separatinghumanstockfromanimalstock—forbreedingpurposes.”Theoldwoman’swordsabruptlylosttheirspecialsharpnessforPaul.Hefelt
anoffenseagainstwhathismothercalledhisinstinctforrightness.Itwasn’tthatReverend Mother lied to him. She obviously believed what she said. It wassomethingdeeper,somethingtiedtohisterriblepurpose.He said: “Butmymother tellsmemanyBeneGesserit of the schools don’t
knowtheirancestry.”“Thegeneticlinesarealwaysinourrecords,”shesaid.“Yourmotherknows
thateithershe’sofBeneGesseritdescentorherstockwasacceptableinitself.”“Thenwhycouldn’tsheknowwhoherparentsare?”“Somedo....Manydon’t.Wemight,forexample,havewantedtobreedherto
a close relative to set up a dominant in some genetic trait. We have manyreasons.”Again, Paul felt the offense against rightness. He said: “You take a lot on
yourselves.”
TheReverendMother stared at him,wondering:Did I hear criticism in hisvoice?“Wecarryaheavyburden,”shesaid.Paul felt himself coming more and more out of the shock of the test. He
leveled a measuring stare at her, said: “You say maybe I’m the ... KwisatzHaderach.What’sthat,ahumangomjabbar?”“Paul,”Jessicasaid.“Youmustn’ttakethattonewith—”“I’llhandlethis,Jessica,”theoldwomansaid.“Now,lad,doyouknowabout
theTruthsayerdrug?”“You take it to improve your ability to detect falsehood,” he said. “My
mother’stoldme.”“Haveyoueverseentruthtrance?”Heshookhishead.“No.”“Thedrug’sdangerous,”shesaid,“but itgives insight.WhenaTruthsayer’s
gifted by the drug, she can look many places in her memory—in her body’smemory. We look down so many avenues of the past ... but only feminineavenues.”Hervoice tookonanoteof sadness. “Yet, there’s aplacewherenoTruthsayercansee.Wearerepelledbyit,terrorized.Itissaidamanwillcomeonedayandfindinthegiftofthedrughisinwardeye.Hewilllookwherewecannot—intobothfeminineandmasculinepasts.”“YourKwisatzHaderach?”“Yes,theonewhocanbemanyplacesatonce:theKwisatzHaderach.Many
menhavetriedthedrug...somany,butnonehassucceeded.”“Theytriedandfailed,allofthem?”“Oh,no.”Sheshookherhead.“Theytriedanddied.”
To attempt an understanding of Muad‘Dib without understanding his mortalenemies,theHarkonnens,istoattemptseeingTruthwithoutknowingFalsehood.ItistheattempttoseetheLightwithoutknowingDarkness.Itcannotbe.
—from“ManualofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
ITWASAreliefglobeofaworld,partlyinshadows,spinningundertheimpetusofafathandthatglitteredwithrings.Theglobesatonafreeformstandatonewall of a windowless room whose other walls presented a patchwork ofmulticoloredscrolls,filmbooks,tapesandreels.Lightglowedintheroomfromgoldenballshanginginmobilesuspensorfields.Anellipsoiddeskwitha topof jade-pinkpetrifiedelaccawoodstoodat the
centeroftheroom.Veriformsuspensorchairsringedit,twoofthemoccupied.Inonesatadark-hairedyouthofaboutsixteenyears,roundoffaceandwithsulleneyes.Theotherheldaslender,shortmanwitheffeminateface.Bothyouthandmanstaredattheglobeandthemanhalf-hiddeninshadows
spinningit.A chuckle sounded beside the globe. A basso voice rumbled out of the
chuckle:“Thereit is,Piter—thebiggestmantrapinallhistory.AndtheDuke’sheaded into its jaws. Is it not a magnificent thing that I, the Baron VladimirHarkonnen,do?”“Assuredly, Baron,” said the man. His voice came out tenor with a sweet,
musicalquality.Thefathanddescendedontotheglobe,stoppedthespinning.Now,alleyesin
theroomcouldfocusonthemotionlesssurfaceandsee that itwas thekindofglobemadeforwealthycollectorsorplanetarygovernorsoftheEmpire.IthadthestampofImperialhandicraftaboutit.Latitudeandlongitudelineswerelaidinwithhair-fineplatinumwire.Thepolarcapswere insetsof finestcloudmilkdiamonds.Thefathandmoved,tracingdetailsonthesurface.“Iinviteyoutoobserve,”
thebassovoicerumbled.“Observeclosely,Piter,andyou,too,Feyd-Rautha,mydarling: from sixty degrees north to seventy degrees south—these exquisiteripples.Theircoloring:doesitnotremindyouofsweetcaramels?Andnowheredoyouseeblueoflakesorriversorseas.Andtheselovelypolarcaps—sosmall.Couldanyonemistakethisplace?Arrakis!Trulyunique.Asuperbsettingfora
uniquevictory.”A smile touched Piter’s lips. “And to think, Baron: the Padishah Emperor
believeshe’sgiventheDukeyourspiceplanet.Howpoignant.”“That’sanonsensicalstatement,”theBaronrumbled.“Yousaythistoconfuse
youngFeyd-Rautha,butitisnotnecessarytoconfusemynephew.”The sullen-facedyouth stirred in his chair, smoothed awrinkle in theblack
leotardshewore.Hesatuprightasadiscreettappingsoundedatthedoorinthewallbehindhim.Piterunfoldedfromhischair,crossedtothedoor,crackeditwideenoughto
acceptamessagecylinder.Heclosedthedoor,unrolledthecylinderandscannedit.Achucklesoundedfromhim.Another.“Well?”theBarondemanded.“Thefoolansweredus,Baron!”“WheneverdidanAtreides refuse theopportunity foragesture?” theBaron
asked.“Well,whatdoeshesay?”“He’smostuncouth,Baron.Addressesyouas ‘Harkonnen’-no ‘SireetCher
Cousin,’notitle,nothing.”“It’sagoodname,”theBarongrowled,andhisvoicebetrayedhisimpatience.
“WhatdoesdearLetosay?”“He says: ‘Your offer of a meeting is refused. I have ofttimes met your
treacheryandthisallmenknow.’”“And?”theBaronasked.“He says: ‘The art of kanly still has admirers in the Empire.’ He signs it:
‘DukeLeto ofArrakis.’ ” Piter began to laugh. “OfArrakis!Oh,my! This isalmosttoorich!”“Besilent,Piter,”theBaronsaid,andthelaughterstoppedasthoughshutoff
withaswitch.“Kanly,isit?”theBaronasked.“Vendetta,heh?AndheusestheniceoldwordsorichintraditiontobesureIknowhemeansit.”“Youmadethepeacegesture,”Pitersaid.“Theformshavebeenobeyed.”“ForaMentat,you talk toomuch,Piter,” theBaronsaid.Andhe thought: I
must do awaywith that one soon.He has almost outlived his usefulness. TheBaronstaredacrosstheroomathisMentatassassin,seeingthefeatureabouthimthatmostpeoplenoticedfirst:theeyes,theshadedslitsofbluewithinblue,theeyeswithoutanywhiteinthematall.Agrin flashedacrossPiter’s face. Itwas likeamaskgrimacebeneath those
eyeslikeholes.“But,Baron!Neverhasrevengebeenmorebeautiful.Itistoseeaplanofthemostexquisitetreachery:tomakeLetoexchangeCaladanforDune
—andwithoutalternativebecausetheEmperorordersit.Howwaggishofyou!”Inacoldvoice,theBaronsaid:“Youhaveafluxofthemouth,Piter.”“ButIamhappy,myBaron.Whereasyou...youaretouchedbyjealousy.”“Piter!”“Ah-ah,Baron! Is itnot regrettableyouwereunable todevise thisdelicious
schemebyyourself?”“SomedayIwillhaveyoustrangled,Piter.”“Ofacertainty,Baron.Enfin!Butakindactisneverlost,eh?”“Haveyoubeenchewingveriteorsemuta,Piter?”“TruthwithoutfearsurprisestheBaron,”Pitersaid.Hisfacedrewdownintoa
caricature of a frowning mask. “Ah, hah! But you see, Baron, I know as aMentatwhenyouwillsendtheexecutioner.YouwillholdbackjustsolongasIamuseful.TomovesoonerwouldbewastefulandI’myetofmuchuse.IknowwhatitisyoulearnedfromthatlovelyDuneplanet—wastenot.True,Baron?”TheBaroncontinuedtostareatPiter.Feyd-Rautha squirmed in his chair. These wrangling fools! he thought. My
unclecannottalktohisMentatwithoutarguing.DotheythinkI’venothingtodoexceptlistentotheirarguments?“Feyd,”theBaronsaid.“ItoldyoutolistenandlearnwhenIinvitedyouin
here.Areyoulearning?”“Yes,Uncle.”thevoicewascarefullysubservient.“Sometimes I wonder about Piter,” the Baron said. “I cause pain out of
necessity,buthe...Iswearhetakesapositivedelightinit.Formyself,Icanfeelpity toward the poor Duke Leto. Dr. Yueh will move against him soon, andthat’ll be the end of all the Atreides. But surely Leto will knowwhose handdirectedthepliantdoctor...andknowingthatwillbeaterriblething.”“Thenwhyhaven’tyoudirectedthedoctortoslipakindjalbetweenhisribs
quietlyandefficiently?”Piterasked.“Youtalkofpity,but—”“TheDukemustknowwhenIencompasshisdoom,”theBaronsaid.“Andthe
otherGreatHousesmust learnof it.Theknowledgewillgive thempause. I’llgainabitmoreroomtomaneuver.Thenecessityisobvious,butIdon’thavetolikeit.”“Roomtomaneuver,”Pitersneered.“AlreadyyouhavetheEmperor’seyeson
you,Baron.Youmove tooboldly.Oneday theEmperorwill send a legionortwoofhisSardaukardownhereontoGiediPrimeand that’llbeanend to theBaronVladimirHarkonnen.”“You’dliketoseethat,wouldn’tyou,Piter?”theBaronasked.“You’denjoy
seeing the Corps of Sardaukar pillage throughmy cities and sack this castle.You’dtrulyenjoythat.”“DoestheBaronneedtoask?”Piterwhispered.“You should’ve been a Bashar of the Corps,” the Baron said. “You’re too
interested in blood andpain.Perhaps Iwas tooquickwithmypromiseof thespoilsofArrakis.”Pitertookfivecuriouslymincingstepsintotheroom,stoppeddirectlybehind
Feyd-Rautha.Therewasatightairoftensionintheroom,andtheyouthlookedupatPiterwithaworriedfrown.“Do not toy with Piter, Baron,” Piter said. “You promised me the Lady
Jessica.Youpromisedhertome.”“Forwhat,Piter?”theBaronasked.“Forpain?”Piterstaredathim,draggingoutthesilence.Feyd-Rauthamovedhissuspensorchairtooneside,said:“Uncle,doIhaveto
stay?Yousaidyou’d—”“MydarlingFeyd-Rauthagrowsimpatient,”theBaronsaid.Hemovedwithin
theshadowsbesidetheglobe.“Patience,Feyd.”AndheturnedhisattentionbacktotheMentat.“WhatoftheDukeling,thechildPaul,mydearPiter?”“Thetrapwillbringhimtoyou,Baron,”Pitermuttered.“That’snotmyquestion,”theBaronsaid.“You’llrecallthatyoupredictedthe
BeneGesseritwitchwouldbear adaughter to theDuke.Youwerewrong, eh,Mentat?”“I’mnotoftenwrong,Baron,”Pitersaid,andforthefirsttimetherewasfear
inhisvoice.“Givemethat:I’mnotoftenwrong.AndyouknowyourselftheseBeneGesseritbearmostlydaughters.EventheEmperor’sconsorthadproducedonlyfemales.”“Uncle,”saidFeyd-Rautha,“yousaidthere’dbesomethingimportantherefor
meto—”“Listentomynephew,”theBaronsaid.“HeaspirestorulemyBarony,yethe
cannot rule himself.” The Baron stirred beside the globe, a shadow amongshadows. “Well then,Feyd-RauthaHarkonne, I summonedyouherehoping toteachyouabitofwisdom.HaveyouobservedourgoodMentat?Youshould’velearnedsomethingfromthisexchange.”“But,Uncle—”“AmostefficientMentat,Piter,wouldn’tyousay,Feyd?”“Yes,but—”“Ah!Indeedbut!Butheconsumestoomuchspice,eatsitlikecandy.Lookat
his eyes! Hemight’ve come directly from theArrakeen labor pool. Efficient,Piter,buthe’sstillemotionalandpronetopassionateoutbursts.Efficient,Piter,buthestillcanerr.”Piter spoke in a low, sullen tone: “Did you call me in here to impair my
efficiencywithcriticism,Baron?”“Impair your efficiency? You know me better, Piter. I wish only for my
nephewtounderstandthelimitationsofaMentat.”“Areyoualreadytrainingmyreplacement?”Piterdemanded.“Replace you? Why, Piter, where could I find another Mentat with your
cunningandvenom?”“Thesameplaceyoufoundme,Baron.”“Perhaps I should at that,” the Baron mused. “You do seem a bit unstable
lately.Andthespiceyoueat!”“Aremypleasurestooexpensive,Baron?Doyouobjecttothem?”“MydearPiter,yourpleasuresarewhattieyoutome.HowcouldIobjectto
that?Imerelywishmynephewtoobservethisaboutyou.”“ThenI’mondisplay,”Pitersaid.“ShallIdance?ShallIperformmyvarious
functionsfortheeminentFeyd-Rau—”“Precisely,”theBaronsaid.“Youareondisplay.Now,besilent.”Heglanced
atFeyd-Rautha,notinghisnephew’slips,thefullandpoutinglookofthem,theHarkonnen genetic marker, now twisted slightly in amusement. “This is aMentat,Feyd.Ithasbeentrainedandconditionedtoperformcertainduties.Thefact that it’s encased in a human body, however, must not be overlooked. Aserious drawback, that. I sometimes think the ancients with their thinkingmachineshadtherightidea.”“Theyweretoyscomparedtome,”Pitersnarled.“Youyourself,Baron,could
outperformthosemachines.”“Perhaps,” the Baron said. “Ah, well....” He took a deep breath, belched.
“Now,Piter,outlineformynephewthesalientfeaturesofourcampaignagainsttheHouseofAtreides.FunctionasaMentatforus,ifyouplease.”“Baron,I’vewarnedyounottotrustonesoyoungwiththisinformation.My
observationsof—”“I’ll be the judge of this,” the Baron said. “I give you an order, Mentat.
Performoneofyourvariousfunctions.”“Sobeit,”Pitersaid.Hestraightened,assuminganoddattitudeofdignity—as
though itwere anothermask, but this time clothinghis entire body. “In a fewdaysStandard,theentirehouseholdoftheDukeLetowillembarkonaSpacing
Guild liner for Arrakis. The Guild will deposit them at the city of ArrakeenratherthanatourcityofCarthag.TheDuke’sMentat,ThufirHawat,willhaveconcludedrightlythatArrakeeniseasiertodefend.”“Listen carefully, Feyd,” the Baron said. “Observe the plans within plans
withinplans.”Feyd-Rauthanodded,thinking:Thisismorelikeit.Theoldmonsterisletting
meinonsecretthingsatlast.Hemustreallymeanformetobehisheir.“Thereareseveral tangentialpossibilities,”Pitersaid.“I indicate thatHouse
Atreideswill go to Arrakis.Wemust not, however, ignore the possibility theDukehascontractedwiththeGuildtoremovehimtoaplaceofsafetyoutsidetheSystem.OthersinlikecircumstanceshavebecomerenegadeHouses,takingfamilyatomicsandshieldsandfleeingbeyondtheImperium.”“TheDuke’stooproudamanforthat,”theBaronsaid.“Itisapossibility,”Pitersaid.“Theultimateeffectforuswouldbethesame,
however.”“No, itwouldnot!” theBarongrowled. “Imusthavehimdeadandhis line
ended.”“That’s thehighprobability,”Piter said.“Therearecertainpreparations that
indicatewhenaHouseisgoingrenegade.TheDukeappearstobedoingnoneofthesethings.”“So,”theBaronsighed.“Getonwithit,Piter.“At Arrakeen,” Piter said, “the Duke and his family will occupy the
Residency,latelythehomeofCountandLadyFenring.”“TheAmbassadortotheSmugglers,”theBaronchuckled.“Ambassadortowhat?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.“Yourunclemakesajoke,”Pitersaid.“HecallsCountFenringAmbassadorto
the Smugglers, indicating the Emperor’s interest in smuggling operations onArrakis.”Feyd-Rauthaturnedapuzzledstareonhisuncle.“Why?”“Don’t be dense, Feyd,” theBaron snapped. “As long as theGuild remains
effectivelyoutsideImperialcontrol,howcoulditbeotherwise?Howelsecouldspiesandassassinsmoveabout?”Feyd-Rautha’smouthmadeasoundless“Oh-h-h-h.”“We’ve arranged diversions at the Residency,” Piter said. “There’ll be an
attemptonthelifeoftheAtreidesheir—anattemptwhichcouldsucceed.”“Piter,”theBaronrumbled,“youindicated—”“Iindicatedaccidentscanhappen,”Pitersaid.“Andtheattemptmustappear
valid.”“Ah,but the ladhassuchasweetyoungbody,” theBaronsaid.“Ofcourse,
he’s potentially more dangerous than the father ... with that witch mothertraininghim.Accursedwoman!Ah,well,pleasecontinue,Piter.”“Hawatwillhavedivinedthatwehaveanagentplantedonhim,”Pitersaid.
“The obvious suspect is Dr. Yueh, who is indeed our agent. But Hawat hasinvestigated and found that ourdoctor is aSukSchoolgraduatewith ImperialConditioning—supposedly safe enough tominister even to theEmperor.Greatstore is set on Imperial Conditioning. It’s assumed that ultimate conditioningcannot be removed without killing the subject. However, as someone onceobserved,giventherightleveryoucanmoveaplanet.Wefoundtheleverthatmovedthedoctor.”“How?” Feyd-Rautha asked. He found this a fascinating subject. Everyone
knewyoucouldn’tsubvertImperialConditioning!“Anothertime,”theBaronsaid.“Continue,Piter.”“InplaceofYueh,”Piter said, “we’ll drag amost interesting suspect across
Hawat’spath.TheveryaudacityofthissuspectwillrecommendhertoHawat’sattention.”“Her?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.“TheLadyJessicaherself,”theBaronsaid.“Is it not sublime?” Piter asked. “Hawat’s mind will be so filled with this
prospectit’llimpairhisfunctionasaMentat.Hemayeventrytokillher.”Piterfrowned,then:“ButIdon’tthinkhe’llbeabletocarryitoff.”“Youdon’twanthimto,eh?”theBaronasked.“Don’t distract me,” Piter said. “While Hawat’s occupied with the Lady
Jessica,we’lldiverthimfurtherwithuprisingsinafewgarrisontownsandthelike.Thesewillbeputdown.TheDukemustbelievehe’sgainingameasureofsecurity.Then,whenthemomentisripe,we’llsignalYuehandmoveinwithourmajorforce...ah....”“Goahead,tellhimallofit,”theBaronsaid.“We’ll move in strengthened by two legions of Sardaukar disguised in
Harkonnenlivery.”“Sardaukar!”Feyd-Rauthabreathed.HismindfocusedonthedreadImperial
troops,thekillerswithoutmercy,thesoldier-fanaticsofthePadishahEmperor.“YouseehowI trustyou,Feyd,” theBaronsaid.“Nohintof thismustever
reachanotherGreatHouse,elsetheLandsraadmightuniteagainsttheImperialHouseandthere’dbechaos.”
“Themainpoint,”Pitersaid,“isthis:sinceHouseHarkonnenisbeingusedtodo the Imperial dirty work, we’ve gained a true advantage. It’s a dangerousadvantage,tobesure,butifusedcautiously,willbringHouseHarkonnengreaterwealththanthatofanyotherHouseintheImperium.”“Youhavenoideahowmuchwealthisinvolved,Feyd,”theBaronsaid.“Not
inyourwildest imaginings.Tobegin,we’llhavean irrevocabledirectorship intheCHOAMCompany.”Feyd-Rauthanodded.Wealthwasthething.CHOAMwasthekeytowealth,
eachnobleHousedippingfromthecompany’scofferswhatever itcouldunderthepowerofthedirectorships.ThoseCHOAMdirectorships—theyweretherealevidence of political power in the Imperium, passingwith the shifts of votingstrengthwithin theLandsraadas itbalanced itselfagainst theEmperorandhissupporters.“TheDukeLeto,”Piter said, “mayattempt to flee to thenewFremen scum
along the desert’s edge. Or he may try to send his family into that imaginedsecurity.ButthatpathisblockedbyoneofHisMajesty’sagents—theplanetaryecologist.Youmayrememberhim—Kynes.”“Feydremembershim,”theBaronsaid.“Getonwithit.”“Youdonotdroolveryprettily,Baron,”Pitersaid.“Getonwithit,Icommandyou!”theBaronroared.Piter shrugged. “Ifmatters go as planned,” he said, “HouseHarkonnenwill
have a subfief on Arrakis within a Standard year. Your uncle will havedispensationofthatfief.HisownpersonalagentwillruleonArrakis.”“Moreprofits,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Indeed,” theBaronsaid.Andhethought:It’sonly just.We’retheoneswho
tamedArrakis ...except for the fewmongrelFremenhiding in theskirtsof thedesert...andsometamesmugglersboundtotheplanetalmostastightlyasthenativelaborpool.“AndtheGreatHouseswillknowthattheBaronhasdestroyedtheAtreides,”
Pitersaid.“Theywillknow.”“Theywillknow,”theBaronbreathed.“Loveliestofall,”Pitersaid,“isthattheDukewillknow,too.Heknowsnow.
Hecanalreadyfeelthetrap.”“It’s true the Duke knows,” the Baron said, and his voice held a note of
sadness.“Hecouldnothelpbutknow...more’sthepity.”TheBaronmoved out and away from the globe ofArrakis.As he emerged
from the shadows, his figure took on dimension—grossly and immensely fat.
Andwithsubtlebulgesbeneathfoldsofhisdarkrobestorevealthatallthisfatwas sustained partly by portable suspensors harnessed to his flesh. He mightweightwohundredStandardkilosinactuality,buthisfeetwouldcarrynomorethanfiftyofthem.“Iamhungry,” theBaronrumbled,andherubbedhisprotruding lipswitha
beringedhand,stareddownatFeyd-Rauthathroughfat-enfoldedeyes.“Sendforfood,mydarling.Wewilleatbeforeweretire.”
Thus spoke St. Alia-of-the-Knife: “The Reverend Mother must combine theseductivewiles of acourtesanwith theuntouchablemajesty of a virgin goddess,holdingtheseattributesintensionsolongasthepowersofheryouthendure.Forwhen youth and beauty have gone, shewill find that the place-between, onceoccupiedbytension,hasbecomeawell-springofcunningandresourcefulness.”
—from“Muad’Dib,FamilyCommentaries”bythePrincessIrulan
“WELL, JESSICA, what have you to say for yourself?” asked the ReverendMother.It was near sunset at Castle Caladan on the day of Paul’s ordeal. The two
womenwerealoneinJessica’smorningroomwhilePaulwaitedintheadjoiningsoundproofedMeditationChamber.Jessica stood facing the south windows. She saw and yet did not see the
evening’sbankedcolorsacrossmeadowandriver.SheheardandyetdidnotheartheReverendMother’squestion.Therehadbeenanotherordealonce—somanyyearsago.Askinnygirlwith
hairthecolorofbronze,herbodytorturedbythewindsofpuberty,hadenteredthestudyoftheReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam,ProctorSuperioroftheBene Gesserit school onWallach IX. Jessica looked down at her right hand,flexedthefingers,rememberingthepain,theterror,theanger.“PoorPaul,”shewhispered.“I asked you a question, Jessica!” The old woman’s voice was snappish,
demanding.“What? Oh....” Jessica tore her attention away from the past, faced the
ReverendMother, who sat with back to the stonewall between the twowestwindows.“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?”“What do I want you to say?What do I want you to say?” The old voice
carriedatoneofcruelmimicry.“SoIhadason!”Jessicaflared.Andsheknewshewasbeinggoadedintothis
angerdeliberately.“YouweretoldtobearonlydaughterstotheAtreides.”“Itmeantsomuchtohim,”Jessicapleaded.“AndyouinyourpridethoughtyoucouldproducetheKwisatzHaderach!”Jessicaliftedherchin.“Isensedthepossibility.”“YouthoughtonlyofyourDuke’sdesireforason,”theoldwomansnapped.
“Andhisdesiresdon’tfigureinthis.AnAtreidesdaughtercould’vebeenwedtoaHarkonnenheirandsealedthebreach.You’vehopelesslycomplicatedmatters.Wemaylosebothbloodlinesnow.”“You’renotinfallible,”Jessicasaid.Shebravedthesteadystarefromtheold
eyes.Presently,theoldwomanmuttered:“What’sdoneisdone.”“Ivowednevertoregretmydecision,”Jessicasaid.“Hownoble,”theReverendMothersneered.“Noregrets.Weshallseewhen
you’reafugitivewithapriceonyourheadandeveryman’shandturnedagainstyoutoseekyourlifeandthelifeofyourson.”Jessicapaled.“Istherenoalternative?”“Alternative?ABeneGesseritshouldaskthat?”“Iaskonlywhatyouseeinthefuturewithyoursuperiorabilities.”“IseeinthefuturewhatI’veseeninthepast.Youwellknowthepatternof
ouraffairs,Jessica.Theraceknowsitsownmortalityandfearsstagnationofitsheredity.It’sinthebloodstream—theurgetominglegeneticstrainswithoutplan.TheImperium,theCHOAMCompany,alltheGreatHouses,theyarebutbitsofflotsaminthepathoftheflood.”“CHOAM,” Jessica muttered. “I suppose it’s already decided how they’ll
redividethespoilsofArrakis.”“What isCHOAMbut theweathervaneofour times,” theoldwomansaid.
“TheEmperorandhisfriendsnowcommandfifty-ninepointsix-fivepercentofthe CHOAM directorship’s votes. Certainly they smell profits, and likely asothers smell those same profits his voting strength will increase. This is thepatternofhistory,girl.”“That’scertainlywhatIneedrightnow,”Jessicasaid.“Areviewofhistory.”“Don’tbefacetious,girl!YouknowaswellasIdowhatforcessurroundus.
We’ve a three-point civilization: the Imperial Household balanced against theFederatedGreatHousesoftheLandsraad,andbetweenthem,theGuildwithitsdamnablemonopolyon interstellar transport. Inpolitics, the tripod is themostunstable of all structures. It’d be bad enough without the complication of afeudaltradeculturewhichturnsitsbackonmostscience.”Jessicaspokebitterly:“Chipsinthepathoftheflood—andthischiphere,this
istheDukeLeto,andthisone’shisson,andthisone’s—”“Oh,shutup,girl.Youenteredthiswithfullknowledgeofthedelicateedge
youwalked.”“‘IamBeneGesserit:Iexistonlytoserve,’”Jessicaquoted.
“Truth,”theoldwomansaid.“Andallwecanhopefornowistopreventthisfrom erupting into general conflagration, to salvage what we can of the keybloodlines.”Jessica closed her eyes, feeling tears press out beneath the lids. She fought
downtheinnertrembling,theoutertrembling,theunevenbreathing,theraggedpulse, the sweating of the palms. Presently, she said, “I’ll pay for my ownmistake.”“Andyoursonwillpaywithyou.”“I’llshieldhimaswellasI’mable.”“Shield!”theoldwomansnapped.“Youwellknowtheweaknessthere!Shield
your son too much, Jessica, and he’ll not grow strong enough to fulfill anydestiny.”Jessica turnedaway, lookedout thewindowat thegatheringdarkness.“Is it
reallythatterrible,thisplanetofArrakis?”“Bad enough, but not all bad. TheMissionaria Protectiva has been in there
andsofteneditupsomewhat.”TheReverendMotherheavedherselftoherfeet,straightenedafoldinhergown.“Calltheboyinhere.Imustbeleavingsoon.”“Mustyou?”Theoldwoman’svoicesoftened.“Jessica,girl, Iwish Icouldstand inyour
placeandtakeyoursufferings.Buteachofusmustmakeherownpath.”“Iknow.”“You’re as dear to me as any of my own daughters, but I cannot let that
interferewithduty.”“Iunderstand...thenecessity.”“What you did, Jessica, and why you did it—we both know. But kindness
forces me to tell you there’s little chance your lad will be the Bene GesseritTotality.Youmustn’tletyourselfhopetoomuch.”Jessicashooktearsfromthecornersofhereyes.Itwasanangrygesture.“You
makeme feel like a little girl again—recitingmy first lesson.”She forced thewordsout:“‘Humansmustneversubmittoanimals.’”Adrysobshookher.Inalowvoice,shesaid:“I’vebeensolonely.”“It should be one of the tests,” the old woman said. “Humans are almost
alwayslonely.Nowsummontheboy.He’shadalong,frighteningday.Buthe’shadtimetothinkandremember,andImustasktheotherquestionsaboutthesedreamsofhis.”Jessicanodded,wenttothedooroftheMeditationChamber,openedit.“Paul,
comeinnow,please.”
Paulemergedwithastubbornslowness.Hestaredathismotherasthoughshewere a stranger. Wariness veiled his eyes when he glanced at the ReverendMother,butthistimehenoddedtoher,thenodonegivesanequal.Heheardhismotherclosethedoorbehindhim.“Youngman,”theoldwomansaid,“let’sreturntothisdreambusiness.”“Whatdoyouwant?”“Doyoudreameverynight?”“Notdreamsworthremembering.Icanremembereverydream,butsomeare
worthrememberingandsomearen’t.”“Howdoyouknowthedifference?”“Ijustknowit.”Theoldwomanglanced at Jessica, back toPaul. “What did youdream last
night?Wasitworthremembering?”“Yes.”Paul closedhis eyes. “I dreameda cavern ... andwater ... and agirl
there—veryskinnywithbigeyes.Hereyesareallblue,nowhitesinthem.Italktoherand tellheraboutyou,about seeing theReverendMotheronCaladan.”Paulopenedhiseyes.“And the thing you tell this strange girl about seeing me, did it happen
today?”Paulthoughtaboutthis,then:“Yes.Itellthegirlyoucameandputastampof
strangenessonme.”“Stampofstrangeness,”theoldwomanbreathed,andagainsheshotaglance
atJessica,returnedherattentiontoPaul.“Tellmetrulynow,Paul,doyouoftenhavedreamsofthingsthathappenafterwardexactlyasyoudreamedthem?”“Yes.AndI’vedreamedaboutthatgirlbefore.”“Oh?Youknowher?”“Iwillknowher.”“Tellmeabouther.”Again,Paulclosedhiseyes.“We’reinalittleplaceinsomerockswhereit’s
sheltered.It’salmostnight,but it’shotandIcanseepatchesofsandoutofanopeningintherocks.We’re...waitingforsomething...formetogomeetsomepeople.Andshe’sfrightenedbuttryingtohideitfromme,andI’mexcited.Andshesays:‘Tellmeaboutthewatersofyourhomeworld,Usul.’”Paulopenedhiseyes.“Isn’tthatstrange?Myhomeworld’sCaladan.I’veneverevenheardofaplanetcalledUsul.”“Istheremoretothisdream?”Jessicaprompted.“Yes.ButmaybeshewascallingmeUsul,”Paulsaid.“Ijustthoughtofthat.”
Again,heclosedhiseyes.“Sheasksmetotellheraboutthewaters.AndItakeherhand.AndIsayI’ll tellherapoem.AndItellherthepoem,butIhavetoexplainsomeofthewords—likebeachandsurfandseaweedandseagulls.”“Whatpoem?”theReverendMotherasked.Paulopenedhiseyes.“It’s justoneofGurneyHalleck’s tonepoemsforsad
times.”BehindPaul,Jessicabegantorecite:
“IremembersaltsmokefromabeachfireAndshadowsunderthepines—Solid,clean...fixed—Seagullsperchedatthetipofland,Whiteupongreen...AndawindcomesthroughthepinesToswaytheshadows;Theseagullsspreadtheirwings,LiftAndfilltheskywithscreeches.AndIhearthewindBlowingacrossourbeach,Andthesurf,AndIseethatourfireHasscorchedtheseaweed.”
“That’stheone,”Paulsaid.Theoldwoman stared atPaul, then: “Youngman, as aProctorof theBene
Gesserit,IseektheKwisatzHaderach,themalewhotrulycanbecomeoneofus.Yourmotherseesthispossibilityinyou,butsheseeswiththeeyesofamother.PossibilityIsee,too,butnomore.”ShefellsilentandPaulsawthatshewantedhimtospeak.Hewaitedherout.Presently,shesaid:“Asyouwill,then.You’vedepthsinyou;thatI’llgrant.”“MayIgonow?”heasked.“Don’t youwant to hearwhat the ReverendMother can tell you about the
KwisatzHaderach?”Jessicaasked.“Shesaidthosewhotriedforitdied.”“ButIcanhelpyouwithafewhintsatwhytheyfailed,”theReverendMother
said.
She talks of hints, Paul thought. She doesn’t really know anything. And hesaid:“Hintthen.”“Andbedamnedtome?”Shesmiledwryly,acrisscrossofwrinklesintheold
face.“Verywell:‘Thatwhichsubmitsrules.’”Hefeltastonishment:shewastalkingaboutsuchelementarythingsastension
withinmeaning.Didshethinkhismotherhadtaughthimnothingatall?“That’sahint?”heasked.“We’re not here to bandy words or quibble over their meaning,” the old
womansaid.“Thewillowsubmits to thewindandprospersuntiloneday it ismanywillows—awallagainstthewind.Thisisthewillow’spurpose.”Paul stared at her. She said purpose and he felt the word buffet him,
reinfecting him with terrible purpose. He experienced a sudden anger at her:fatuousoldwitchwithhermouthfullofplatitudes.“You thinkIcouldbe thisKwisatzHaderach,”hesaid.“You talkaboutme,
but you haven’t said one thing aboutwhatwe can do to helpmy father. I’veheardyoutalkingtomymother.Youtalkasthoughmyfatherweredead.Well,heisn’t!”“Iftherewereathingtobedoneforhim,we’dhavedoneit,”theoldwoman
growled.“Wemaybeabletosalvageyou.Doubtful,butpossible.Butforyourfather,nothing.Whenyou’ve learned toaccept thatasafact,you’ve learnedarealBeneGesseritlesson.”Paulsawhowthewordsshookhismother.Heglaredattheoldwoman.How
couldshesaysuchathingabouthisfather?Whatmadehersosure?Hismindseethedwithresentment.TheReverendMotherlookedatJessica.“You’vebeentraininghimintheWay
—I’veseenthesignsofit.I’dhavedonethesameinyourshoesanddeviltaketheRules.”Jessicanodded.“Now, I caution you,” said the old woman, “to ignore the regular order of
training.HisownsafetyrequirestheVoice.Healreadyhasagoodstartinit,butwebothknowhowmuchmoreheneeds ... and thatdesperately.”ShesteppedclosetoPaul,stareddownathim.“Goodbye,younghuman.Ihopeyoumakeit.Butifyoudon’t—well,weshallyetsucceed.”Once more she looked at Jessica. A flicker sign of understanding passed
betweenthem.Thentheoldwomansweptfromtheroom,herrobeshissing,withnot another backward glance. The room and its occupants already were shutfromherthoughts.
But Jessica had caught one glimpse of the ReverendMother’s face as sheturnedaway.Therehadbeentearsontheseamedcheeks.Thetearsweremoreunnervingthananyotherwordorsignthathadpassedbetweenthemthisday.
You h ave read thatMuad‘Dib had noplaymates his own age onCaladan. Thedangerswere toogreat.ButMuad’Dibdid havewonderful companion-teachers.There was Gurney Halleck, the trou-badour-warrior. You will sing some ofGurney’ssongsasyoureadalongin thisbook.TherewasThufirHawat, theoldMentatMasterofAssassins,whostruckfeareven into theheartof thePadishahEmperor.TherewereDuncanIdaho,theSwordmasteroftheGinaz;Dr.WellingtonYueh,anameblack in treacherybutbright in knowledge; theLady Jessica,whoguided her son in the BeneGesseritWay, and—ofcourse—theDuke Leto,whosequalitiesasafatherhavelongbeenoverlooked.
—from“AChild’sHistoryofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THUFIRHAWATslipped into the training roomofCastleCaladan,closed thedoorsoftly.Hestoodthereamoment,feelingoldandtiredandstorm-leathered.HisleftlegachedwhereithadbeenslashedonceintheserviceoftheOldDuke.Threegenerationsofthemnow,hethought.Hestaredacross thebigroombrightwith the lightofnoonpouring through
the skylights, saw the boy seatedwith back to the door, intent on papers andchartsspreadacrossanelltable.HowmanytimesmustItellthatladnevertosettlehimselfwithhisbacktoa
door?Hawatclearedhisthroat.Paulremainedbentoverhisstudies.Acloudshadowpassedovertheskylights.Again,Hawatclearedhisthroat.Paulstraightened,spokewithoutturning:“Iknow.I’msittingwithmybackto
adoor.”Hawatsuppressedasmile,strodeacrosstheroom.Paullookedupatthegrizzledoldmanwhostoppedatacornerofthetable.
Hawat’seyesweretwopoolsofalertnessinadarkanddeeplyseamedface.“I heard you comingdown the hall,”Paul said. “And I heard youopen the
door.”“ThesoundsImakecouldbeimitated.”“I’dknowthedifference.”Hemightat that,Hawat thought.Thatwitch-motherofhis isgivinghimthe
deep training, certainly. I wonder what her precious school thinks of that?Maybethat’swhytheysenttheoldProctorhere—towhipourdearLadyJessicaintoline.
HawatpulledupachairacrossfromPaul,satdownfacingthedoor.Hediditpointedly, leaned back and studied the room. It struck him as an odd placesuddenly,astranger-placewithmostofitshardwarealreadygoneofftoArrakis.Atrainingtableremained,andafencingmirrorwithitscrystalprismsquiescent,the target dummy beside it patched and padded, looking like an ancient footsoldiermaimedandbatteredinthewars.TherestandI,Hawatthought.“Thufir,what’reyouthinking?”Paulasked.Hawat looked at the boy. “Iwas thinkingwe’ll all be out of here soon and
likelyneverseetheplaceagain.”“Doesthatmakeyousad?”“Sad?Nonsense!Partingwithfriends isasadness.Aplace isonlyaplace.”
Heglancedatthechartsonthetable.“AndArrakisisjustanotherplace.”“Didmyfathersendyouuptotestme?”Hawat scowled—the boy had such observing ways about him. He nodded.
“You’re thinking it’d have been nicer if he’d come up himself, but youmustknowhowbusyheis.He’llbealonglater.”“I’vebeenstudyingaboutthestormsonArrakis.”“Thestorms.Isee.”“Theysoundprettybad.”“That’s toocautiousaword:bad.Thosestormsbuildupacrosssixorseven
thousandkilometersofflatlands,feedonanythingthatcangivethemapush—coriolisforce,otherstorms,anythingthathasanounceofenergyinit.Theycanblow up to seven hundred kilometers an hour, loaded with everything loosethat’sintheirway—sand,dust,everything.Theycaneatfleshoffbonesandetchthebonestoslivers.”“Whydon’ttheyhaveweathercontrol?”“Arrakishas special problems, costs arehigher, and there’dbemaintenance
andthelike.TheGuildwantsadreadfulhighpriceforsatellitecontrolandyourfather’sHouseisn’toneofthebigrichones,lad.Youknowthat.”“HaveyoueverseentheFremen?”Thelad’smindisdartingallovertoday,Hawatthought.“LikeasnotIhaveseenthem,”hesaid.“There’s little totell themfromthe
folkofthegrabenandsink.Theyallwearthosegreatflowingrobes.Andtheystinktoheaveninanyclosedspace.It’sfromthosesuits theywear—call them‘stulsuits’—thatreclaimthebody’sownwater.”Paulswallowed,suddenlyawareofthemoistureinhismouth,rememberinga
dreamof thirst.That people couldwant so forwater theyhad to recycle theirbodymoisturestruckhimwithafeelingofdesolation.“Water’spreciousthere,”hesaid.Hawat nodded, thinking: Perhaps I’m doing it, getting across to him the
importanceofthisplanetasanenemy. It’smadness togo in therewithout thatcautioninourminds.Paul lookedup at the skylight, aware that it had begun to rain.He saw the
spreadingwetnessonthegraymeta-glass.“Water,”hesaid.“You’ll learn a great concern for water,” Hawat said. “As the Duke’s son
you’llneverwantforit,butyou’llseethepressuresofthirstallaroundyou.”Paulwethislipswithhistongue,thinkingbacktothedayaweekagoandthe
ordeal with the Reverend Mother. She, too, had said something about waterstarvation.“You’lllearnaboutthefuneralplains,”she’dsaid,“aboutthewildernessthat
isempty,thewastelandwherenothinglivesexceptthespiceandthesandworms.You’llstainyoureyepitstoreducethesunglare.Shelterwillmeanahollowoutofthewindandhiddenfromview.You’llrideuponyourowntwofeetwithout‘thopterorgroundcarormount.”AndPaulhadbeencaughtmorebyher tone—singsongandwavering—than
byherwords.“Whenyou liveuponArrakis,”shehadsaid,“khala, the land isempty.The
moonswillbeyourfriends,thesunyourenemy.”Paulhadsensedhismothercomeupbesidehimawayfromherpostguarding
the door. She had looked at theReverendMother and asked: “Do you see nohope,YourReverence?”“Notforthefather.”AndtheoldwomanhadwavedJessicatosilence,looked
downatPaul. “Grave thisonyourmemory, lad:Aworld is supportedby fourthings....”Sheheldupfourbig-knuckledfingers.“...thelearningofthewise,thejusticeofthegreat,theprayersoftherighteousandthevalorofthebrave.Butall of these are as nothing....” She closed her fingers into a fist. “...without arulerwhoknowstheartofruling.Makethatthescienceofyourtradition!”AweekhadpassedsincethatdaywiththeReverendMother.Herwordswere
onlynowbeginningtocomeintofullregister.Now,sittinginthetrainingroomwith Thufir Hawat, Paul felt a sharp pang of fear. He looked across at theMentat’spuzzledfrown.“Wherewereyouwoolgatheringthattime?”Hawatasked.“DidyoumeettheReverendMother?”
“That Truthsayer witch from the Imperium?” Hawat’s eyes quickened withinterest.“Imether.”“She....” Paul hesitated, found that he couldn’t tellHawat about the ordeal.
Theinhibitionswentdeep.“Yes?Whatdidshe?”Paultooktwodeepbreaths.“Shesaidathing.”Heclosedhiseyes,callingup
thewords,andwhenhespokehisvoiceunconsciouslytookonsomeoftheoldwoman’s tone:“ ‘You,PaulAtreides,descendantofkings,sonofaDuke,youmustlearntorule.It’ssomethingnoneofyourancestorslearned.’”Paulopenedhiseyes,said:“ThatmademeangryandIsaidmyfatherrulesanentireplanet.Andshesaid,‘He’slosingit.’AndIsaidmyfatherwasgettingaricherplanet.Andshesaid.‘He’lllosethatone,too.’AndIwantedtorunandwarnmyfather,butshesaidhe’dalreadybeenwarned—byyou,byMother,bymanypeople.”“Trueenough,”Hawatmuttered.“Thenwhy’rewegoing?”Pauldemanded.“Because theEmperorordered it.Andbecause there’shope inspiteofwhat
thatwitch-spysaid.Whatelsespoutedfromthisancientfountainofwisdom?”Paul looked down at his right hand clenched into a fist beneath the table.
Slowly, hewilled themuscles to relax. She put some kind of hold onme, hethought.How?“Sheaskedmeto tellherwhat it is torule,”Paulsaid.“AndIsaid thatone
commands.AndshesaidIhadsomeunlearningtodo.”She hit a mark there right enough, Hawat thought. He nodded for Paul to
continue.“Shesaidarulermustlearntopersuadeandnottocompel.Shesaidhemust
laythebestcoffeehearthtoattractthefinestmen.”“How’d she figure your father attracted men like Duncan and Gurney?”
Hawatasked.Paulshrugged.“Thenshesaidagoodrulerhastolearnhisworld’slanguage,
that it’s different for everyworld.And I thought shemeant they didn’t speakGalach on Arrakis, but she said that wasn’t it at all. She said she meant thelanguageoftherocksandgrowingthings,thelanguageyoudon’thearjustwithyourears.AndIsaidthat’swhatDr.YuehcallstheMysteryofLife.”Hawatchuckled.“How’dthatsitwithher?”“Ithinkshegotmad.Shesaidthemysteryoflifeisn’taproblemtosolve,but
a reality toexperience.SoIquoted theFirstLawofMentatather: ‘Aprocesscannotbeunderstoodbystoppingit.Understandingmustmovewiththeflowof
theprocess,mustjoinitandflowwithit.’Thatseemedtosatisfyher.”Heseemstobegettingover it,Hawat thought,but thatoldwitch frightened
him.Whydidshedoit?“Thufir,”Paulsaid,“willArrakisbeasbadasshesaid?”“Nothing could be that bad,” Hawat said and forced a smile. “Take those
Fremen,forexample,therenegadepeopleofthedesert.Byfirst-approximationanalysis, I can tell you there’remany,manymore of them than the Imperiumsuspects.Peoplelivethere,lad:agreatmanypeople,and....”Hawatputasinewyfingerbesidehiseye.“...theyhateHarkonnenswithabloodypassion.Youmustnotbreatheawordofthis,lad.Itellyouonlyasyourfather’shelper.”“MyfatherhastoldmeofSalusaSecundus,”Paulsaid.“Doyouknow,Thufir,
itsoundsmuchlikeArrakis...perhapsnotquiteasbad,butmuchlikeit.”“WedonotreallyknowofSalusaSecundustoday,”Hawatsaid.“Onlywhatit
waslikelongago...mostly.Butwhatisknown—you’rerightonthatscore.”“WilltheFremenhelpus?”“It’s a possibility.”Hawat stood up. “I leave today forArrakis.Meanwhile,
youtakecareofyourselfforanoldmanwho’sfondofyou,heh?Comearoundhere like the good lad and sit facing the door. It’s not that I think there’s anydangerinthecastle;it’sjustahabitIwantyoutoform.”Paulgottohisfeet,movedaroundthetable.“You’regoingtoday?”“Todayitis,andyou’llbefollowingtomorrow.Nexttimewemeetit’llbeon
the soil of your newworld.”He gripped Paul’s right arm at the bicep. “Keepyourknifearmfree,heh?Andyourshieldatfullcharge.”Hereleasedthearm,pattedPaul’sshoulder,whirledandstrodequicklytothedoor.“Thufir!”Paulcalled.Hawatturned,standingintheopendoorway.“Don’tsitwithyourbacktoanydoors,”Paulsaid.Agrinspreadacrosstheseamedoldface.“ThatIwon’t, lad.Dependonit.”
Andhewasgone,shuttingthedoorsoftlybehind.PaulsatdownwhereHawathadbeen,straightenedthepapers.Onemoreday
here, he thought. He looked around the room. We’re leaving. The idea ofdeparture was suddenly more real to him than it had ever been before. Herecalledanother thing theoldwomanhadsaidaboutaworldbeing thesumofmanythings—thepeople,thedirt,thegrowingthings,themoons,thetides,thesuns—theunknownsumcallednature,avaguesummationwithoutanysenseofthenow.Andhewondered:Whatisthenow?ThedooracrossfromPaulbangedopenandanuglylumpofamanlurched
throughitprecededbyahandfulofweapons.“Well,GurneyHalleck,”Paulcalled,“areyouthenewweaponsmaster?”Halleck kicked the door shut with one heel. “You’d rather I came to play
games,Iknow,”hesaid.Heglancedaroundtheroom,notingthatHawat’smenalreadyhadbeenoverit,checking,makingitsafeforaduke’sheir.Thesubtlecodesignswereallaround.Paulwatched the rolling,uglyman sethimselfback inmotion,veer toward
thetrainingtablewiththeloadofweapons,sawthenine-stringbalisetslungoverGurney’sshoulderwiththemultipickwoventhroughthestringsneartheheadofthefingerboard.Halleck dropped the weapons on the exercise table, lined them up—the
rapiers, thebodkins, thekindjals, theslow-pelletstunners, theshieldbelts.Theinkvine scar alonghis jawlinewrithedashe turned, castinga smile across theroom.“Soyoudon’t evenhaveagoodmorning forme,youyoung imp,”Halleck
said.“AndwhatbarbdidyousinkinoldHawat?Hepassedmeinthehalllikeamanrunningtohisenemy’sfuneral.”Paulgrinned.Ofallhisfather’smen,helikedGurneyHalleckbest,knewthe
man’smoodsanddeviltry,hishumors,andthoughtofhimmoreasafriendthanasahiredsword.Halleckswungthebalisetoffhisshoulder,begantuningit.“Ify’won’ttalk,y’
won’t,”hesaid.Paulstood,advancedacrosstheroom,callingout:“Well,Gurney,dowecome
preparedformusicwhenit’sfightingtime?”“So it’s sass for our elders today,” Halleck said. He tried a chord on the
instrument,nodded.“Where’sDuncanIdaho?”Paulasked.“Isn’thesupposed tobe teachingme
weaponry?”“Duncan’sgonetoleadthesecondwaveontoArrakis,”Hallecksaid.“Allyou
have left is poorGurneywho’s fresh out of fight and spoiling formusic.”Hestruckanotherchord,listenedtoit,smiled.“Anditwasdecidedincouncil thatyoubeingsuchapoorfighterwe’dbest
teachyouthemusictradeso’syouwon’twasteyourlifeentire.”“Maybeyou’dbettersingmea lay then,”Paulsaid.“Iwant tobesurehow
nottodoit.”“Ah-h-h, hah!” Gurney laughed, and he swung into “Galacian Girls,” his
multipickabluroverthestringsashesang:
“Oh-h-h,theGalaciangirlsWilldoitforpearls,AndtheArrakeenforwater!ButifyoudesiredamesLikeconsumingflames,TryaCaladanindaughter!”
“Notbad for suchapoorhandwith thepick,”Paul said,“but ifmymotherheardyou singingabawdy like that in thecastle, she’dhaveyourearson theouterwallfordecoration.”Gurneypulledathisleftear.“Poordecoration,too,theyhavingbeenbruised
somuchlisteningatkeyholeswhileayoungladIknowpracticedsomestrangedittiesonhisbaliset.”“Soyou’ve forgottenwhat it’s like to find sand inyourbed,”Paul said.He
pulledashieldbeltfromthetable,buckleditfastaroundhiswaist.“Then,let’sfight!”Halleck’seyeswentwideinmocksurprise.“So!Itwasyourwickedhanddid
thatdeed!Guardyourselftoday,youngmaster—guardyourself.”Hegrabbeduparapier,lacedtheairwithit.“I’mahellfiendoutforrevenge!”Paulliftedthecompanionrapier,bentitinhishands,stoodintheaguile,one
footforward.HelethismannergosolemninacomicimitationofDr.Yueh.“Whatadoltmyfathersendsmeforweaponry,”Paul intoned.“Thisdoltish
Gurney Halleck has forgotten the first lesson for a fighting man armed andshielded.” Paul snapped the force button at his waist, felt the crinkled-skintinglingofthedefensivefieldathisforeheadanddownhisback,heardexternalsounds take on characteristic shield-filtered flatness. “In shield fighting, onemovesfastondefense,slowonattack,”Paulsaid.“Attackhasthesolepurposeoftrickingtheopponentintoamisstep,settinghimupfortheattacksinister.Theshieldturnsthefastblow,admitstheslowkindjal!”Paulsnappeduptherapier,feinted fast and whipped it back for a slow thrust timed to enter a shield’smindlessdefenses.Halleckwatchedtheaction,turnedatthelastminutetoletthebluntedblade
pass his chest. “Speed, excellent,” he said. “But you were wide open for anunderhandedcounterwithaslip-tip.”Paulsteppedback,chagrined.“Ishouldwhapyourbacksideforsuchcarelessness,”Hallecksaid.Helifteda
nakedkindjalfromthetableandhelditup.“Thisinthehandofanenemycanletoutyourlife’sblood!You’reanaptpupil,nonebetter,butI’vewarnedyouthat
noteveninplaydoyouletamaninsideyourguardwithdeathinhishand.”“IguessI’mnotinthemoodforittoday,”Paulsaid.“Mood?” Halleck’s voice betrayed his outrage even through the shield’s
filtering.“Whathasmoodtodowithit?Youfightwhenthenecessityarises—nomatterthemood!Mood’sathingforcattleormakingloveorplayingthebaliset.It’snotforfighting.”“I’msorry,Gurney.”“You’renotsorryenough!”Halleckactivatedhisownshield,crouchedwithkindjaloutthrustinlefthand,
the rapier poised high in his right. “Now I say guard yourself for true!” Heleapedhightooneside,thenforward,pressingafuriousattack.Paul fell back, parrying.He felt the field crackling as shield edges touched
andrepelledeachother,sensedtheelectrictinglingofthecontactalonghisskin.What’sgottenintoGurney?heaskedhimself.He’snotfakingthis!Paulmovedhislefthand,droppedhisbodkinintohispalmfromitswristsheath.“Youseeaneedforanextrablade,eh?”Halleckgrunted.Isthisbetrayal?Paulwondered.SurelynotGurney!Around theroomtheyfought—thrustandparry, feintandcounter-feint.The
airwithin theirshieldbubblesgrewstalefromthedemandson it that theslowinterchange along barrier edges could not replenish. With each new shieldcontact,thesmellofozonegrewstronger.Paul continued to back, but now he directed his retreat toward the exercise
table.IfIcanturnhimbesidethetable,I’llshowhimatrick,Paulthought.Onemorestep,Gurney.Hallecktookthestep.Pauldirectedaparrydownward,turned,sawHalleck’srapiercatchagainstthe
table’sedge.Paulflunghimselfaside,thrusthighwithrapierandcameinacrossHalleck’s neckline with the bodkin. He stopped the blade an inch from thejugular.“Isthiswhatyouseek?”Paulwhispered.“Lookdown,lad,”Gurneypanted.Paulobeyed,sawHalleck’skindjalthrustunderthetable’sedge,thetipalmost
touchingPaul’sgroin.“We’d have joined each other in death,” Halleck said. “But I’ll admit you
fought somebetterwhenpressed to it.You seemed to get themood.”Andhegrinnedwolfishly,theinkvinescarripplingalonghisjaw.“The way you came at me,” Paul said. “Would you really have drawnmy
blood?”Halleckwithdrewthekindjal,straightened.“Ifyou’dfoughtonewhitbeneath
yourabilities,I’dhavescratchedyouagoodone,ascaryou’dremember.I’llnothavemyfavoritepupilfalltothefirstHarkonnentrampwhohappensalong.”Pauldeactivatedhisshield,leanedonthetabletocatchhisbreath.“Ideserved
that,Gurney.Butitwould’veangeredmyfatherifyou’dhurtme.I’llnothaveyoupunishedformyfailing.”“As to that,”Halleck said, “it wasmy failing, too.And you needn’tworry
aboutatrainingscarortwo.You’reluckyyouhavesofew.Astoyourfather—theDuke’dpunishmeonlyifIfailedtomakeafirst-classfightingmanoutofyou. And I’d have been failing there if I hadn’t explained the fallacy in thismoodthingyou’vesuddenlydeveloped.”Paulstraightened,slippedhisbodkinbackintoitswristsheath.“It’snotexactlyplaywedohere,”Hallecksaid.Paulnodded.Hefeltasenseofwonderattheuncharacteristicseriousnessin
Halleck’smanner, thesoberingintensity.Helookedat thebeet-coloredinkvinescaron theman’s jaw, remembering thestoryofhow ithadbeenput therebyBeastRabbaninaHarkonnenslavepitonGiediPrime.AndPaulfeltasuddenshamethathehaddoubtedHalleckevenforaninstant.ItoccurredtoPaul,then,that the making of Halleck’s scar had been accompanied by pain—a pain asintense,perhaps,asthatinflictedbyaReverendMother.Hethrustthisthoughtaside;itchilledtheirworld.“I guess I did hope for someplay today,”Paul said. “Things are so serious
aroundherelately.”Halleck turned away to hide his emotions. Something burned in his eyes.
Therewaspaininhim—likeablister,allthatwasleftofsomelostyesterdaythatTimehadprunedoffhim.Howsoonthischildmustassumehismanhood,Halleckthought.Howsoonhe
mustreadthatformwithinhismind,thatcontractofbrutalcaution,toenterthenecessaryfactonthenecessaryline:“Pleaselistyournextofkin.”Halleck spokewithout turning: “I sensed the play in you, lad, and I’d like
nothingbetterthantojoininit.Butthisnolongercanbeplay.TomorrowwegotoArrakis.Arrakisisreal.TheHarkonnensarereal.”Paultouchedhisforeheadwithhisrapierbladeheldvertical.Halleckturned,sawthesaluteandacknowledgeditwithanod.Hegesturedto
thepracticedummy.“Now,we’llworkonyourtiming.Letmeseeyoucatchthatthingsinister.I’llcontrol itfromoverherewhereIcanhaveafullviewofthe
action. And I warn you I’ll be trying new counters today. There’s a warningyou’dnotgetfromarealenemy.”Paulstretcheduponhis toes torelievehismuscles.Hefeltsolemnwith the
suddenrealizationthathislifehadbecomefilledwithswiftchanges.Hecrossedto the dummy, slapped the switch on its chest with his rapier tip and felt thedefensivefieldforcinghisbladeaway.“Engarde!”Halleckcalled,andthedummypressedtheattack.Paulactivatedhisshield,parriedandcountered.Halleckwatched as hemanipulated the controls.Hismind seemed to be in
twoparts:onealerttotheneedsofthetrainingfight,andtheotherwanderinginfly-buzz.I’m thewell-trained fruit tree, he thought. Full ofwell-trained feelings and
abilitiesandallofthemgraftedontome-allbearingforsomeoneelsetopick.Forsomereason,herecalledhisyoungersister,herelfinfacesoclearinhis
mind.But shewasdeadnow—in a pleasurehouse forHarkonnen troops.Shehad lovedpansies ...orwas itdaisies?Hecouldn’t remember. Itbotheredhimthathecouldn’tremember.Paul countered a slow swing of the dummy, brought up his left hand
entretisser.The clever little devil! Halleck thought, intent now on Paul’s interweaving
handmotions.He’sbeenpracticingandstudyingonhisown.That’snotDuncanstyle,andit’scertainlynothingI’vetaughthim.This thought only added to Halleck’s sadness. I’m infected by mood, he
thought.AndhebegantowonderaboutPaul,iftheboyeverlistenedfearfullytohispillowthrobbinginthenight.“Ifwisheswerefisheswe’dallcastnets,”hemurmured.It was his mother’s expression and he always used it when he felt the
blacknessoftomorrowonhim.Thenhethoughtwhatanoddexpressionthatwastobetakingtoaplanetthathadneverknownseasorfishes.
YUEH(ya’ē),Wellington(weling-tun),Stdrd10,082-10,191;medicaldoctoroftheSukSchool(grdStdrd10,112);md:WannaMarcus,B.G.(Stdrd10,092-10,186?);chiefly noted asbetrayer ofDukeLetoAtreides.(Cf:Bibliography,AppendixVIIImperialConditioningandBetrayal,The.)
—from“DictionaryofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
ALTHOUGH HE heard Dr. Yueh enter the training room, noting the stiffdeliberation of theman’s pace, Paul remained stretched out face down on theexercisetablewherethemasseusehadlefthim.HefeltdeliciouslyrelaxedaftertheworkoutwithGurneyHalleck.“Youdolookcomfortable,”saidYuehinhiscalm,high-pitchedvoice.Paulraisedhishead,sawtheman’sstickfigurestandingseveralpacesaway,
tookinataglancethewrinkledblackclothing,thesquareblockofaheadwithpurplelipsanddroopingmustache,thediamondtattooofImperialConditioningonhisforehead,thelongblackhaircaughtintheSukSchool’ssilverringattheleftshoulder.“You’ll be happy to hear we haven’t time for regular lessons today,” Yueh
said.“Yourfatherwillbealongpresently.”Paulsatup.“However, I’ve arranged for you to have a filmbook viewer and several
lessonsduringthecrossingtoArrakis.”“Oh.”Paulbeganpullingonhisclothes.Hefeltexcitementthathisfatherwouldbe
coming.TheyhadspentsolittletimetogethersincetheEmperor’scommandtotakeoverthefiefofArrakis.Yuehcrossedtotheelltable,thinking:Howtheboyhasfilledoutthesepast
fewmonths.Suchawaste!Oh, sucha sadwaste.Andhe remindedhimself: Imustnotfalter.WhatIdoisdonetobecertainmyWannanolongercanbehurtbytheHarkonnenbeasts.Paul joinedhimat the table,buttoninghis jacket.“What’ll Ibestudyingon
thewayacross?”“Ah-h-h,theterraniclifeformsofArrakis.Theplanetseemstohaveopened
its arms to certain terranic life forms. It’s not clear how. Imust seek out theplanetary ecologist when we arrive—a Dr. Kynes—and offer my help in theinvestigation.”
AndYuehthought:WhatamIsaying?Iplaythehypocriteevenwithmyself.“WilltherebesomethingontheFremen?”Paulasked.“TheFremen?”Yuehdrummedhisfingersonthetable,caughtPaulstaringat
thenervousmotion,withdrewhishand.“MaybeyouhavesomethingonthewholeArrakeenpopulation,”Paulsaid.“Yes,tobesure,”Yuehsaid.“Therearetwogeneralseparationsofthepeople
—Fremen,theyareonegroup,andtheothersarethepeopleof thegraben, thesink,andthepan.There’ssomeintermarriage,I’mtold.ThewomenofpanandsinkvillagespreferFremenhusbands;theirmenpreferFremenwives.Theyhaveasaying:‘Polishcomesfromthecities;wisdomfromthedesert.’”“Doyouhavepicturesofthem?”“I’ll seewhat Icangetyou.Themost interesting feature,ofcourse, is their
eyes—totallyblue,nowhitesinthem.”“Mutation?”“No;it’slinkedtosaturationofthebloodwithmelange.”“TheFremenmustbebravetoliveattheedgeofthatdesert.”“By all accounts,”Yueh said. “They compose poems to their knives. Their
women are as fierce as the men. Even Fremen children are violent anddangerous.You’llnotbepermittedtominglewiththem,Idaresay.”PaulstaredatYueh,findinginthesefewglimpsesoftheFremenapowerof
wordsthatcaughthisentireattention.Whatapeopletowinasallies!“Andtheworms?”Paulasked.“What?”“I’dliketostudymoreaboutthesandworms.”“Ah-h-h, tobesure.I’veafilmbookonasmallspecimen,onlyonehundred
and ten meters long and twenty-two meters in diameter. It was taken in thenorthernlatitudes.Wormsofmorethanfourhundredmetersinlengthhavebeenrecorded by reliable witnesses, and there’s reason to believe even larger onesexist.”Paul glanced down at a conical projection chart of the northern Arrakeen
latitudesspreadonthetable.“Thedesertbeltandsouthpolarregionsaremarkeduninhabitable.Isittheworms?”“Andthestorms.”“Butanyplacecanbemadehabitable.”“If it’s economically feasible,”Yueh said. “Arrakis hasmanycostly perils.”
Hesmoothedhisdroopingmustache.“Yourfatherwillbeheresoon.BeforeIgo,I’veagiftforyou,somethingIcameacrossinpacking.”Heputanobjectonthe
tablebetweenthem—black,oblong,nolargerthantheendofPaul’sthumb.Paul lookedat it.Yuehnotedhowtheboydidnot reachfor it,and thought:
Howcautiousheis.“It’s a very old Orange Catholic Bible made for space travelers. Not a
filmbook, but actually printed on filament paper. It has its ownmagnifier andelectrostaticchargesystem.”Hepicked itup,demonstrated.“Thebook isheldclosedby thecharge,whichforcesagainstspring-lockedcovers.Youpress theedge—thus,andthepagesyou’veselectedrepeleachotherandthebookopens.”“It’ssosmall.”“Butithaseighteenhundredpages.Youpresstheedge—thus,andso...and
thechargemovesaheadonepageatatimeasyouread.Nevertouchtheactualpageswithyourfingers.Thefilamenttissueistoodelicate.”Heclosedthebook,handedittoPaul.“Tryit.”Yueh watched Paul work the page adjustment, thought: I salve my own
conscience.Igivehimthesurceaseofreligionbeforebetrayinghim.ThusmayIsaytomyselfthathehasgonewhereIcannotgo.“Thismust’vebeenmadebeforefilmbooks,”Paulsaid.“It’s quite old. Let it be our secret, eh? Your parents might think it too
valuableforonesoyoung.”AndYuehthought:Hismotherwouldsurelywonderatmymotives.“Well....”Paulclosedthebook,helditinhishand.“Ifit’ssovaluable....”“Indulgeanoldman’swhim,”Yuehsaid.“ItwasgiventomewhenIwasvery
young.”Andhethought:Imustcatchhismindaswellashiscupidity.“Openitto four-sixty-sevenK” alima—where it says: ‘Fromwater does all life begin.’There’saslightnotchontheedgeofthecovertomarktheplace.”Paul felt the cover, detected two notches, one shallower than the other. He
pressedtheshalloweroneandthebookspreadopenonhispalm, itsmagnifierslidingintoplace.“Readitaloud,”Yuehsaid.Paul wet his lips with his tongue, read: ‘Think you of the fact that a deaf
personcannothear.Then,whatdeafnessmaywenotallpossess?Whatsensesdowe lack that we cannot see and cannot hear another world all around us?Whatistherearoundusthatwecannot—”“Stopit!”Yuehbarked.Paulbrokeoff,staredathim.Yuehclosedhiseyes,foughttoregaincomposure.Whatperversitycausedthe
book to open atmyWanna’s favorite passage? He opened his eyes, saw Paul
staringathim.“Issomethingwrong?”Paulasked.“I’msorry,”Yuehsaid.“Thatwas...my...deadwife’sfavoritepassage.It’s
nottheoneIintendedyoutoread.Itbringsupmemoriesthatare...painful.”“Therearetwonotches,”Paulsaid.Ofcourse,Yueh thought.Wannamarked her passage.His fingers aremore
sensitivethanmineandfoundhermark.Itwasanaccident,nomore.“Youmayfindthebookinteresting,”Yuehsaid.“Ithasmuchhistoricaltruth
initaswellasgoodethicalphilosophy.”Paul looked down at the tiny book in his palm—such a small thing.Yet, it
containedamystery ...somethinghadhappenedwhilehereadfromit.Hehadfeltsomethingstirhisterriblepurpose.“Your fatherwill be here anyminute,”Yueh said. “Put the book away and
readitatyourleisure.”PaultouchedtheedgeofitasYuehhadshownhim.Thebooksealeditself.He
slippeditintohistunic.ForamomenttherewhenYuehhadbarkedathim,Paulhadfearedthemanwoulddemandthebook’sreturn.“Ithankyouforthegift,Dr.Yueh,”Paulsaid,speakingformally.“Itwillbe
oursecret.Ifthereisagiftoffavoryouwishfromme,pleasedonothesitatetoask.”“I...needfornothing,”Yuehsaid.Andhethought:WhydoIstandheretorturingmyself?Andtorturingthispoor
lad ... thoughhedoesnotknow it.Oeyh!Damn thoseHarkonnenbeasts!Whydidtheychoosemefortheirabomination?
HowdoweapproachthestudyofMuad‘Dib’sfather?AmanofsurpassingwarmthandsurprisingcoldnesswastheDukeLetoAtreides.Yet,manyfactsopenthewaytothisDuke:hisabidingloveforhisBeneGesseritlady;thedreamsheheldforhisson;thedevotionwithwhichmenservedhim.Youseehimthere—amansnaredbyDestiny,alonelyfigurewithhislightdimmedbehindthegloryofhisson.Still,onemustask:Whatisthesonbutanextensionofthefather?
—from“Muad’Dib,FamilyCommentaries”bythePrincessIrulan
PAULWATCHED his father enter the training room, saw the guards take upstations outside.One of them closed the door.As always, Paul experienced asenseofpresenceinhisfather,someonetotallyhere.The Duke was tall, olive-skinned. His thin face held harsh angles warmed
only by deep gray eyes. Hewore a blackworking uniformwith red armorialhawkcrestatthebreast.Asilveredshieldbeltwiththepatinaofmuchusegirdedhisnarrowwaist.TheDukesaid:“Hardatwork,Son?”Hecrossedtotheelltable,glancedatthepapersonit,swepthisgazearound
theroomandbacktoPaul.Hefelttired,filledwiththeacheofnotshowinghisfatigue. Imustuseeveryopportunity torestduring thecrossing toArrakis,hethought.There’llbenorestonArrakis.“Notveryhard,”Paulsaid.“Everything’sso....”Heshrugged.“Yes.Well,tomorrowweleave.It’llbegoodtogetsettledinournewhome,
putallthisupsetbehind.”Paul nodded, suddenly overcome by memory of the Reverend Mother’s
words:“...forthefather,nothing.”“Father,”Paulsaid,“willArrakisbeasdangerousaseveryonesays?”TheDuke forcedhimself to the casual gesture, sat downon a cornerof the
table,smiled.Awholepatternofconversationwelledupinhismind—thekindofthinghemightusetodispelthevaporsinhismenbeforeabattle.Thepatternfrozebeforeitcouldbevocalized,confrontedbythesinglethought:Thisismyson.“It’llbedangerous,”headmitted.“HawattellsmewehaveaplanfortheFremen,”Paulsaid.Andhewondered:
Whydon’tItellhimwhatthatoldwomansaid?Howdidshesealmytongue?
The Duke noted his son’s distress, said: “As always, Hawat sees the mainchance.Butthere’smuchmore.IseealsotheCombineHonneteOberAdvancerMercantiles—the CHOAM Company. By giving me Arrakis, His Majesty isforcedtogiveusaCHOAMdirectorship...asubtlegain.”“CHOAMcontrolsthespice,”Paulsaid.“And Arrakis with its spice is our avenue into CHOAM,” the Duke said.
“There’smoretoCHOAMthanmelange.”“Did the ReverendMother warn you?” Paul blurted. He clenched his fists,
feelinghispalmsslipperywithperspiration.Theeffort ithad taken toask thatquestion.“Hawat tellsmeshefrightenedyouwithwarningsaboutArrakis,” theDuke
said.“Don’t letawoman’sfearscloudyourmind.Nowomanwantsher lovedonesendangered.Thehandbehindthosewarningswasyourmother’s.Takethisasasignofherloveforus.”“DoessheknowabouttheFremen?”“Yes,andaboutmuchmore.”“What?”AndtheDukethought:Thetruthcouldbeworsethanheimagines,buteven
dangerousfactsarevaluableifyou’vebeentrainedtodealwiththem.Andthere’sone placewhere nothing has been spared formy son—dealingwith dangerousfacts.Thismustbeleavened,though;heisyoung.“Fewproducts escape theCHOAM touch,” theDuke said. “Logs, donkeys,
horses, cows, lumber,dung, sharks,whale fur—themostprosaic and themostexotic ... even our poor pundi rice from Caladan. Anything the Guild willtransport,theartformsofEcaz,themachinesofRichesseandIx.Butallfadesbefore melange. A handful of spice will buy a home on Tupile. It cannot bemanufactured,itmustbeminedonArrakis.Itisuniqueandithastruegeriatricproperties.”“Andnowwecontrolit?”“Toacertaindegree.ButtheimportantthingistoconsideralltheHousesthat
depend on CHOAM profits. And think of the enormous proportion of thoseprofitsdependentuponasingleproduct—thespice.Imaginewhatwouldhappenifsomethingshouldreducespiceproduction.”“Whoeverhadstockpiledmelangecouldmakeakilling,”Paulsaid.“Others
wouldbeoutinthecold.”TheDukepermittedhimselfamomentofgrimsatisfaction,lookingathisson
andthinkinghowpenetrating,howtrulyeducatedthatobservationhadbeen.He
nodded.“TheHarkonnenshavebeenstockpilingformorethantwentyyears.”“Theymeanspiceproductiontofailandyoutobeblamed.”“TheywishtheAtreidesnametobecomeunpopular,”theDukesaid.“Think
of theLandsraadHouses that look tome for a certainamountof leadership—their unofficial spokesman.Thinkhow they’d react if Iwere responsible for aserious reduction in their income.After all, one’s own profits come first. TheGreatConventionbedamned!Youcan’t let someonepauperizeyou!”AharshsmiletwistedtheDuke’smouth.“They’dlooktheotherwaynomatterwhatwasdonetome.”“Evenifwewereattackedwithatomics?”“Nothing that flagrant. No open defiance of the Convention. But almost
anythingelseshortofthat...perhapsevendustingandabitofsoilpoisoning.”“Thenwhyarewewalkingintothis?”“Paul!”TheDukefrownedathisson.“Knowingwherethetrapis—that’sthe
firststepinevadingit.Thisislikesinglecombat,Son,onlyonalargerscale—afeintwithinafeintwithinafeint...seeminglywithoutend.Thetaskistounravelit. Knowing that theHarkonnens stockpilemelange,we ask another question:Whoelseisstockpiling?That’sthelistofourenemies.”“Who?”“CertainHousesweknewwereunfriendly and somewe’d thought friendly.
We need not consider them for themoment because there is one other muchmoreimportant:ourbelovedPadishahEmperor.”Paul tried to swallow in a throat suddenly dry. “Couldn’t you convene the
Landsraad,expose—”“Makeourenemyawareweknowwhichhandholdstheknife?Ah,now,Paul
—weseetheknife,now.Whoknowswhereitmightbeshiftednext?Ifweputthis before the Landsraad it’d only create a great cloud of confusion. TheEmperorwoulddenyit.Whocouldgainsayhim?Allwe’dgain isa little timewhileriskingchaos.Andwherewouldthenextattackcomefrom?”“AlltheHousesmightstartstockpilingspice.”“Ourenemieshaveaheadstart—toomuchofaleadtoovercome.”“TheEmperor,”Paulsaid.“ThatmeanstheSardaukar.”“Disguised inHarkonnen livery, no doubt,” theDuke said. “But the soldier
fanaticsnonetheless.”“HowcanFremenhelpusagainstSardaukar?”“DidHawattalktoyouaboutSalusaSecundus?”“TheEmperor’sprisonplanet?No.”
“Whatifitweremorethanaprisonplanet,Paul?There’saquestionyouneverhearaskedabouttheImperialCorpsofSardaukar:Wheredotheycomefrom?”“Fromtheprisonplanet?”“Theycomefromsomewhere.”“ButthesupportingleviestheEmperordemandsfrom—”“That’swhatwe’re led to believe: they’re just the Emperor’s levies trained
young and superbly. You hear an occasional muttering about the Emperor’strainingcadres,butthebalanceofourcivilizationremainsthesame:themilitaryforces of the Landsraad Great Houses on one side, the Sardaukar and theirsupportingleviesontheother.Andtheirsupportinglevies,Paul.TheSardaukarremaintheSardaukar.”“ButeveryreportonSalusaSecundussaysS.S.isahellworld!”“Undoubtedly.But if youwere going to raise tough, strong, ferociousmen,
whatenvironmentalconditionswouldyouimposeonthem?”“Howcouldyouwintheloyaltyofsuchmen?”“There are provenways: play on the certain knowledgeof their superiority,
themystiqueofsecretcovenant,theespritofsharedsuffering.Itcanbedone.Ithasbeendoneonmanyworldsinmanytimes.”Paulnodded,holdinghisattentiononhisfather’sface.Hefeltsomerevelation
impending.“Consider Arrakis,” the Duke said. “When you get outside the towns and
garrisonvillages,it’severybitasterribleaplaceasSalusaSecundus.”Paul’seyeswentwide.“TheFremen!”“WehavetherethepotentialofacorpsasstronganddeadlyastheSardaukar.
It’llrequirepatiencetoexploitthemsecretlyandwealthtoequipthemproperly.ButtheFremenarethere...andthespicewealthisthere.YouseenowwhywewalkintoArrakis,knowingthetrapisthere.”“Don’ttheHarkonnensknowabouttheFremen?”“TheHarkonnens sneered at theFremen, hunted them for sport, never even
bothered trying to count them.Weknow theHarkonnenpolicywith planetarypopulations—spendaslittleaspossibletomaintainthem.”Themetallicthreadsinthehawksymbolabovehisfather’sbreastglistenedas
theDukeshiftedhisposition.“Yousee?”“We’renegotiatingwiththeFremenrightnow,”Paulsaid.“I sent a mission headed by Duncan Idaho,” the Duke said. “A proud and
ruthlessman,Duncan,butfondofthetruth.IthinktheFremenwilladmirehim.Ifwe’relucky,theymayjudgeusbyhim:Duncan,themoral.”
“Duncan,themoral,”Paulsaid,“andGurneythevalorous.”“Younamethemwell,”theDukesaid.And Paul thought: Gurney’s one of those the Reverend Mother meant, a
supporterofworlds—“...thevalorofthebrave.”“Gurneytellsmeyoudidwellinweaponstoday,”theDukesaid.“Thatisn’twhathetoldme.”TheDukelaughedaloud.“I figuredGurneytobesparsewithhispraise.He
says you have a nicety of awareness—in his own words—of the differencebetweenablade’sedgeanditstip.”“Gurneysaysthere’snoartistryinkillingwiththetip,thatitshouldbedone
withtheedge.”“Gurney’s a romantic,” the Duke growled. This talk of killing suddenly
disturbedhim,comingfromhisson.“I’dsooneryouneverhadtokill ...butiftheneedarises,youdoithoweveryoucan—tiporedge.”Helookedupat theskylight,onwhichtherainwasdrumming.Seeing the direction of his father’s stare, Paul thought of thewet skies out
there—athingnevertobeseenonArrakisfromallaccounts—andthisthoughtofskiesputhiminmindofthespacebeyond.“AretheGuildshipsreallybig?”heasked.TheDuke looked at him. “Thiswill be your first time off planet,” he said.
“Yes, they’re big. We’ll be riding a Heighliner because it’s a long trip. AHeighliner is truly big. Its holdwill tuck all our frigates and transports into alittlecorner—we’llbejustasmallpartoftheship’smanifest.”“Andwewon’tbeabletoleaveourfrigates?”“That’s part of the price you pay for Guild Security. There could be
Harkonnen ships right alongsideus andwe’dhavenothing to fear from them.TheHarkonnensknowbetterthantoendangertheirshippingprivileges.”“I’mgoingtowatchourscreensandtrytoseeaGuildsman.”“You won’t. Not even their agents ever see a Guildsman. The Guild’s as
jealousofitsprivacyasitisofitsmonopoly.Don’tdoanythingtoendangerourshippingprivileges,Paul.”“Do you think they hide because they’vemutated and don’t look ...human
anymore?”“Whoknows?”TheDukeshrugged.“It’samysterywe’renotlikelytosolve.
We’vemoreimmediateproblems—amongthem:you.”“Me?”“Yourmotherwantedme to be the one to tell you, Son.You see, youmay
haveMentatcapabilities.”Paulstaredathisfather,unabletospeakforamoment,then:“AMentat?Me?
ButI....”“Hawatagrees,Son.It’strue.”“But I thought Mentat training had to start during infancy and the subject
couldn’tbe toldbecauseitmight inhibit theearly....”Hebrokeoff,allhispastcircumstancescomingtofocusinoneflashingcomputation.“Isee,”hesaid.“Adaycomes,”theDukesaid,“whenthepotentialMentatmustlearnwhat’s
being done. Itmay no longer be done to him.TheMentat has to share in thechoiceofwhethertocontinueorabandonthetraining.Somecancontinue;someare incapable of it. Only the potential Mentat can tell this for sure abouthimself.”Paulrubbedhischin.AllthespecialtrainingfromHawatandhismother—the
mnemonics, the focusing of awareness, the muscle control and sharpening ofsensitivities,thestudyoflanguagesandnuancesofvoices—allofitclickedintoanewkindofunderstandinginhismind.“You’llbetheDukesomeday,Son,”hisfathersaid.“AMentatDukewouldbe
formidableindeed.Canyoudecidenow...ordoyouneedmoretime?”Therewasnohesitationinhisanswer.“I’llgoonwiththetraining.”“Formidableindeed,”theDukemurmured,andPaulsawtheproudsmileon
his father’s face. The smile shocked Paul: it had a skull look on the Duke’snarrow features. Paul closed his eyes, feeling the terrible purpose reawakenwithinhim.PerhapsbeingaMentatisterriblepurpose,hethought.Butevenashefocusedonthisthought,hisnewawarenessdeniedit.
With theLadyJessicaandArrakis, theBeneGesserit systemof sowing implant-legendsthroughtheMissionariaProtectivacametoitsfullfruition.Thewisdomofseeding the known universe with aprophecy pattern for the protection of B.G.personnel has long been appreciated, but never have we seen a condition- ut-extremiswithmoreidealmatingofpersonandpreparation.Thepropheticlegendshad taken on Arrakis even to the extent of adopted labels (including ReverendMother,cantoandrespondu,andmostoftheShari-apanopliapropheticus).Anditis generally accepted now that the Lady Jessica’s latent abilities were grosslyunderestimated.
—from“Analysis:TheArrakeenCrisis”bythePrincessIrulan(privatecirculation:B.G.filenumberAR-81088587)
ALLAROUNDtheLadyJessica—piled incornersof theArrakeengreathall,mounded in theopenspaces—stood thepackaged freightof their lives:boxes,trunks,cartons,cases—somepartlyunpacked.ShecouldhearthecargohandlersfromtheGuildshuttledepositinganotherloadintheentry.Jessicastoodinthecenterofthehall.Shemovedinaslowturn, lookingup
andaroundatshadowedcarvings,cranniesanddeeplyrecessedwindows.Thisgiant anachronism of a room reminded her of the Sisters’ Hall at her BeneGesseritschool.Butattheschooltheeffecthadbeenofwarmth.Here,allwasbleakstone.Somearchitecthadreachedfarbackintohistoryforthesebuttressedwallsand
darkhangings,shethought.ThearchedceilingstoodtwostoriesaboveherwithgreatcrossbeamsshefeltsurehadbeenshippedheretoArrakisacrossspaceatmonstrouscost.Noplanetofthissystemgrewtreestomakesuchbeams—unlessthebeamswereimitationwood.Shethoughtnot.ThishadbeenthegovernmentmansioninthedaysoftheOldEmpire.Costs
hadbeenof less importance then. Ithadbeenbefore theHarkonnensand theirnew megalopolis of Carthag—a cheap and brassy place some two hundredkilometersnortheastacrosstheBrokenLand.Letohadbeenwisetochoosethisplaceforhisseatofgovernment.Thename,Arrakeen,hadagoodsound,filledwithtradition.Andthiswasasmallercity,easiertosterilizeanddefend.Again there came the clatter of boxes being unloaded in the entry. Jessica
sighed.AgainstacartontoherrightstoodthepaintingoftheDuke’sfather.Wrapping
twine hung from it like a frayed decoration. A piece of the twine was stillclutched in Jessica’s left hand. Beside the painting lay a black bull’s headmountedon apolishedboard.Theheadwas a dark island in a seaofwaddedpaper.Itsplaquelayflatonthefloor,andthebull’sshinymuzzlepointedattheceilingas though thebeastwere ready tobellowachallenge into this echoingroom.Jessica wondered what compulsion had brought her to uncover those two
thingsfirst—theheadandthepainting.Sheknewtherewassomethingsymbolicintheaction.NotsincethedaywhentheDuke’sbuyershadtakenherfromtheschoolhadshefeltthisfrightenedandunsureofherself.Theheadandthepicture.Theyheightenedherfeelingsofconfusion.Sheshuddered,glancedattheslit
windowshighoverhead.Itwasstillearlyafternoonhere,andintheselatitudestheskylookedblackandcold—somuchdarkerthanthewarmblueofCaladan.Apangofhomesicknessthrobbedthroughher.Sofaraway,Caladan.“Hereweare!”ThevoicewasDukeLeto’s.Shewhirled,sawhimstridingfromthearchedpassagetothedininghall.His
blackworkinguniformwithredarmorialhawkcrestat thebreast lookeddustyandrumpled.“Ithoughtyoumighthavelostyourselfinthishideousplace,”hesaid.“Itisacoldhouse,”shesaid.Shelookedathistallness,atthedarkskinthat
made her think of olive groves and golden sun on blue waters. There waswoodsmokeinthegrayofhiseyes,butthefacewaspredatory:thin,fullofsharpanglesandplanes.A sudden fear of him tightened her breast. He had become such a savage,
drivingpersonsincethedecisiontobowtotheEmperor’scommand.“Thewholecityfeelscold,”shesaid.“It’sadirty,dustylittlegarrisontown,”heagreed.“Butwe’llchangethat.”He
looked around the hall. “These are public rooms for state occasions. I’ve justglanced at some of the family apartments in the south wing. They’re muchnicer.”Hesteppedcloser,touchedherarm,admiringherstateliness.And again, he wondered at her unknown ancestry—a renegade House,
perhaps?Someblack-barredroyalty?ShelookedmoreregalthantheEmperor’sownblood.Under the pressure of his stare, she turned half away, exposing her profile.
Andherealizedtherewasnosingleandprecisethingthatbroughtherbeautytofocus.Thefacewasovalunderacapofhair thecolorofpolishedbronze.Hereyesweresetwide,asgreenandclearasthemorningskiesofCaladan.Thenosewassmall,themouthwideandgenerous.Herfigurewasgoodbutscant:tallandwithitscurvesgonetoslimness.Herememberedthatthelaysistersattheschoolhadcalledherskinny,sohis
buyershadtoldhim.Butthatdescriptionoversimplified.ShehadbroughtaregalbeautybackintotheAtreidesline.HewasgladthatPaulfavoredher.“Where’sPaul?”heasked.“SomeplacearoundthehousetakinghislessonswithYueh.”“Probablyinthesouthwing,”hesaid.“IthoughtIheardYueh’svoice,butI
couldn’t take time to look.”He glanced down at her, hesitating. “I came hereonlytohangthekeyofCaladanCastleinthedininghall.”Shecaughtherbreath,stoppedtheimpulsetoreachouttohim.Hangingthe
key—there was finality in that action. But this was not the time or place forcomforting.“Isawourbanneroverthehouseaswecamein,”shesaid.Heglancedatthepaintingofhisfather.“Wherewereyougoingtohangthat?”“Somewhereinhere.”“No.” The word rang flat and final, telling her she could use trickery to
persuade,butopenargumentwasuseless.Still,shehadtotry,evenifthegestureservedonlytoremindherselfthatshewouldnottrickhim.“MyLord,”shesaid,“ifyou’donly....”“Theanswerremainsno.Iindulgeyoushamefullyinmostthings,notinthis.
I’vejustcomefromthedininghallwherethereare—”“MyLord!Please.”“Thechoiceisbetweenyourdigestionandmyancestraldignity,mydear,”he
said.“Theywillhanginthedininghall.”Shesighed.“Yes,myLord.”“Youmayresumeyourcustomofdininginyourroomswheneverpossible.I
shallexpectyouatyourproperpositiononlyonformaloccasions.”“Thankyou,myLord.”“Anddon’t go all cold and formal onme!Be thankful that I nevermarried
you,mydear.Thenit’dbeyourdutytojoinmeattableforeverymeal.”Sheheldherfaceimmobile,nodded.“Hawatalreadyhasourownpoisonsnooperover thedining table,”hesaid.
“There’saportableinyourroom.”“Youanticipatedthis...disagreement,”shesaid.
“Mydear,Ithinkalsoofyourcomfort.I’veengagedservants.They’relocals,but Hawat has cleared them—they’re Fremen all. They’ll do until our ownpeoplecanbereleasedfromtheirotherduties.”“Cananyonefromthisplacebetrulysafe?”“Anyone who hates Harkonnens. You may even want to keep the head
housekeeper:theShadoutMapes.”“Shadout,”Jessicasaid.“AFrementitle?”“I’m told itmeans ‘well-dipper,’ ameaningwith rather important overtones
here.Shemaynotstrikeyouasaservanttype,althoughHawatspeakshighlyofher on the basis of Duncan’s report. They’re convinced shewants to serve—specificallythatshewantstoserveyou.”“Me?”“The Fremen have learned that you’re Bene Gesserit,” he said. “There are
legendshereabouttheBeneGesserit.”TheMissionariaProtectiva,Jessicathought.Noplaceescapesthem.“DoesthismeanDuncanwassuccessful?”sheasked.“WilltheFremenbeour
allies?”“There’s nothing definite,” he said. “They wish to observe us for a while,
Duncan believes. They did, however, promise to stop raiding our outlyingvillagesduringatruceperiod.That’samoreimportantgainthanitmightseem.Hawat tellsme theFremenwere a deep thorn in theHarkonnen side, that theextentof their ravageswasacarefullyguardedsecret. Itwouldn’thavehelpedfortheEmperortolearntheineffectivenessoftheHarkonnenmilitary.”“A Fremen housekeeper,” Jessica mused, returning to the subject of the
ShadoutMapes.“She’llhavetheall-blueeyes.”“Don’t let the appearanceof thesepeople deceiveyou,” he said. “There’s a
deep strength and healthy vitality in them. I think they’ll be everything weneed.”“It’sadangerousgamble,”shesaid.“Let’snotgointothatagain,”hesaid.Sheforcedasmile.“Wearecommitted,nodoubtofthat.”Shewentthrough
thequick regimenofcalmness—the twodeepbreaths, the ritual thought, then:“WhenIassignrooms,isthereanythingspecialIshouldreserveforyou?”“Youmustteachmesomedayhowyoudothat,”hesaid,“thewayyouthrust
your worries aside and turn to practical matters. It must be a Bene Gesseritthing.”“It’safemalething,”shesaid.
Hesmiled.“Well,assignmentofrooms:makecertainIhavelargeofficespacenexttomysleepingquarters.There’llbemorepaperworkherethanonCaladan.Aguardroom,ofcourse.Thatshouldcoverit.Don’tworryaboutsecurityofthehouse.Hawat’smenhavebeenoveritindepth.”“I’msuretheyhave.”Heglancedathiswristwatch.“Andyoumightseethatallourtimepiecesare
adjustedforArrakeenlocal.I’veassignedatechtotakecareofit.He’llbealongpresently.” He brushed a strand of her hair back from her forehead. “I mustreturn to the landing field now.The second shuttle’s due anyminutewithmystaffreserves.”“Couldn’tHawatmeetthem,myLord?Youlooksotired.”“ThegoodThufir is evenbusier than I am.Youknow this planet’s infested
withHarkonnen intrigues. Besides, Imust try persuading some of the trainedspicehuntersagainstleaving.Theyhavetheoption,youknow,withthechangeoffief—andthisplanetologisttheEmperorandtheLandsraadinstalledasJudgeof the Change cannot be bought. He’s allowing the opt. About eight hundredtrainedhandsexpecttogooutonthespiceshuttleandthere’saGuildcargoshipstandingby.”“MyLord....”Shebrokeoff,hesitating.“Yes?”Hewillnotbepersuadedagainsttryingtomakethisplanetsecureforus,she
thought.AndIcannotusemytricksonhim.“Atwhattimewillyoubeexpectingdinner?”sheasked.That’snotwhatshewasgoingtosay,hethoughtAh-h-h-h,myJessica,would
thatwewere somewhere else, anywhere away from this terrible place—alone,thetwoofus,withoutacare.“I’lleatintheofficers’messatthefield,”hesaid.“Don’texpectmeuntilvery
late.And ... ah, I’ll be sending a guardcar for Paul. Iwant him to attend ourstrategyconference.”Heclearedhisthroatasthoughtosaysomethingelse,then,withoutwarning,
turned and strode out, headed for the entrywhere she could hearmore boxesbeing deposited. His voice sounded once from there, commanding anddisdainful, thewayhealwaysspoke toservantswhenhewas inahurry:“TheLadyJessica’sintheGreatHall.Joinherthereimmediately.”Theouterdoorslammed.Jessica turnedaway,facedthepaintingofLeto’sfather.Ithadbeendoneby
thefamedartist,Albe,duringtheOldDuke’smiddleyears.Hewasportrayedin
matadorcostumewithamagentacapeflungoverhisleftarm.Thefacelookedyoung,hardlyolderthanLeto’snow,andwiththesamehawkfeatures,thesamegraystare.Sheclenchedherfistsathersides,glaredatthepainting.“Damnyou!Damnyou!Damnyou!”shewhispered.“Whatareyourorders,NobleBorn?”Itwasawoman’svoice,thinandstringy.Jessicawhirled, stareddownataknobby,gray-hairedwoman inashapeless
sackdressofbondsmanbrown.Thewomanlookedaswrinkledanddesiccatedasanymemberofthemobthathadgreetedthemalongthewayfromthelandingfield thatmorning. Every native she had seen on this planet, Jessica thought,lookedprunedryandundernourished.Yet,Letohadsaid theywerestrongandvital. And therewere the eyes, of course—thatwash of deepest, darkest bluewithoutanywhite—secretive,mysterious.Jessicaforcedherselfnottostare.Thewomangave a stiff-neckednod, said: “I amcalled theShadoutMapes,
NobleBorn.Whatareyourorders?”“Youmayrefertomeas‘myLady,’”Jessicasaid.“I’mnotnobleborn.I’m
theboundconcubineoftheDukeLeto.”Again that strangenod, and thewomanpeeredupwardat Jessicawitha sly
questioning.“There’sawife,then?”“Thereisnot,norhasthereeverbeen.IamtheDuke’sonly...companion,the
motherofhisheir-designate.”Even as she spoke, Jessica laughed inwardly at thepridebehindherwords.
What was it St. Augustine said? she asked herself.“The mind commands thebody and it obeys. The mind orders itself and meets resistance. ” Yes—I ammeetingmoreresistancelately.Icoulduseaquietretreatbymyself.Aweirdcrysoundedfromtheroadoutsidethehouse.Itwasrepeated:“Soo-
soo-Sook! Soo-soo-Sook!” Then: “Ikhut-eigh! Ikhut-eigh!” And again: “Soo-soo-Sook!”“What is that?”Jessicaasked.“Iheard it several timesaswedrove through
thestreetsthismorning.”“Onlyawater-seller,myLady.Butyou’venoneedtointerestyourselfinsuch
asthey.Thecisternhereholdsfiftythousandlitersandit’salwayskeptfull.”Sheglanceddownatherdress.“Why,youknow,myLady,Idon’tevenhavetowearmystillsuithere?”Shecackled.“Andmenotevendead!”Jessica hesitated, wanting to question this Fremen woman, needing data to
guideher.Butbringingorderoftheconfusioninthecastlewasmoreimperative.Still, she found the thought unsettling thatwaterwas amajormark ofwealth
here.“Myhusbandtoldmeofyour title,Shadout,”Jessicasaid.“Irecognizedthe
word.It’saveryancientword.”“Youknowtheancienttonguesthen?”Mapesasked,andshewaitedwithan
oddintensity.“Tongues are the Bene Gesserit’s first learning,” Jessica said. “I know the
BhotaniJibandtheChakobsa,allthehuntinglanguages.”Mapesnodded.“Justasthelegendsays.”And Jessica wondered:Why do Iplayout this sham? But the Bene Gesserit
waysweredeviousandcompelling.“IknowtheDarkThingsandthewaysoftheGreatMother,”Jessicasaid.She
read the more obvious signs in Mapes’ actions and appearance, the petitbetrayals.“Misecesprejia,”shesaidintheChakobsatongue.“Andralt’repera!Tradacikbuscakrimisecesperakri—”Mapestookabackwardstep,appearedpoisedtoflee.“Iknowmanythings,”Jessicasaid.“Iknowthatyouhavebornechildren,that
youhavelost lovedones, thatyouhavehiddeninfearandthatyouhavedoneviolenceandwillyetdomoreviolence.Iknowmanythings.”Inalowvoice,Mapessaid:“Imeantnooffense,myLady.”“You speak of the legend and seek answers,” Jessica said. “Beware the
answersyoumayfind.Iknowyoucamepreparedforviolencewithaweaponinyourbodice.”“MyLady,I....”“There’s a remotepossibilityyoucoulddrawmy life’sblood,” Jessica said,
“but in so doing you’d bring down more ruin than your wildest fears couldimagine. There are worse things than dying, you know—even for an entirepeople.”“MyLady!”Mapes pleaded. She appeared about to fall to her knees. “The
weaponwassentasagifttoyoushouldyouprovetobetheOne.”“Andas themeansofmydeathshouldIproveotherwise,”Jessicasaid.She
waited in the seeming relaxation that made the Bene Gesserit-trained soterrifyingincombat.Nowweseewhichwaythedecisiontips,shethought.Slowly,Mapesreachedintotheneckofherdress,broughtoutadarksheath.A
blackhandlewithdeepfingerridgesprotrudedfromit.Shetooksheathinonehandandhandleintheother,withdrewamilk-whiteblade,helditup.Thebladeseemed to shineandglitterwitha lightof itsown. Itwasdouble-edged likea
kindjalandthebladewasperhapstwentycentimeterslong.“Doyouknowthis,myLady?”Mapesasked.Itcouldonlybeonething,Jessicaknew,thefabledcrysknifeofArrakis,the
blade thathadneverbeen takenoff theplanet, andwasknownonlyby rumorandwildgossip.“It’sacrysknife,”shesaid.“Sayitnotlightly,”Mapessaid.“Doyouknowitsmeaning?”And Jessica thought:Therewas an edge to that question.Here’s the reason
this Fremen has taken service with me, to ask that one question. My answercould precipitate violence or ... what? She seeks an answer from me: themeaning of a knife. She’s called the Shadout in the Chakobsa tongue. Knife,that’s “DeathMaker” in Chakobsa. She’s getting restive. I must answer now.Delayisasdangerousasthewronganswer.Jessicasaid:“It’samaker—”“Eighe-e-e-e-e-e!”Mapeswailed.Itwasasoundofbothgriefandelation.She
trembled so hard the knife blade sent glittering shards of reflection shootingaroundtheroom.Jessicawaited,poised.Shehadintendedtosaytheknifewasamakerofdeath
and then add the ancientword, but every sensewarned her now, all the deeptrainingofalertnessthatexposedmeaninginthemostcasualmuscletwitch.Thekeywordwas...maker.Maker?Maker.Still,Mapesheldtheknifeasthoughreadytouseit.Jessicasaid:“DidyouthinkthatI,knowingthemysteriesoftheGreatMother,
wouldnotknowtheMaker?”Mapesloweredtheknife.“MyLady,whenonehaslivedwithprophecyforso
long,themomentofrevelationisashock.”Jessica thought about the prophecy—the Shari-a and all the panoplia
propheticus, a Bene Gesserit of theMissionaria Protectiva dropped here longcenturies ago—long dead, no doubt, but her purpose accomplished: theprotectivelegendsimplantedinthesepeopleagainstthedayofaBeneGesserit’sneed.Well,thatdayhadcome.Mapes returned knife to sheath, said: “This is an unfixed blade, my Lady.
Keep it near you. More than a week away from flesh and it begins todisintegrate.It’syours,atoothofshai-hulud,foraslongasyoulive.”Jessicareachedoutherrighthand,riskedagamble:“Mapes,you’vesheathed
thatbladeunblooded.”Withagasp,MapesdroppedthesheathedknifeintoJessica’shand,toreopen
thebrownbodice,wailing:“Takethewaterofmylife!”Jessicawithdrewthebladefromitssheath.Howitglittered!Shedirectedthe
pointtowardMapes,sawafeargreaterthandeath-paniccomeoverthewoman.Poisoninthepoint?Jessicawondered.Shetippedupthepoint,drewadelicatescratchwiththeblade’sedgeaboveMapes’leftbreast.Therewasathickwellingof blood that stopped almost immediately. Ultrafast coagulation, Jessicathought.Amoisture-conservingmutation?Shesheathedtheblade,said:“Buttonyourdress,Mapes.”Mapesobeyed,trembling.TheeyeswithoutwhitesstaredatJessica.“Youare
ours,”shemuttered.“YouaretheOne.”Therecameanothersoundofunloadingintheentry.Swiftly,Mapesgrabbed
thesheathedknife,concealeditinJessica’sbodice.“Whoseesthatknifemustbecleansedorslain!”shesnarled.“Youknowthat,myLady!”Iknowitnow,Jessicathought.ThecargohandlersleftwithoutintrudingontheGreatHall.Mapes composed herself, said: “The uncleansedwho have seen a crysknife
maynotleaveArrakisalive.Neverforgetthat,myLady.You’vebeenentrustedwithacrysknife.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Nowthethingmusttakeitscourse.Itcannot be hurried.” She glanced at the stacked boxes and piled goods aroundthem.“Andthere’sworkaplentytowhilethetimeforushere.”Jessica hesitated. “The thing must take its course.” That was a specific
catchphrase from the Missionaria Protectiva’s stock of incantations—ThecomingoftheReverendMothertofreeyou.But I’m not a Reverend Mother, Jessica thought. And then:Great Mother!
Theyplantedthatonehere!Thismustbeahideousplace!Inmatter-of-fact tones,Mapessaid:“What’llyoubewantingme todofirst,
myLady?”InstinctwarnedJessica tomatchthatcasual tone.Shesaid:“Thepaintingof
theOldDuke over there, itmust be hung on one side of the dining hall. Thebull’sheadmustgoonthewalloppositethepainting.”Mapes crossed to the bull’s head. “What a great beast itmust have been to
carry such a head,” she said. She stooped. “I’ll have to be cleaning this first,won’tI,myLady?”“No.”“Butthere’sdirtcakedonitshorns.”
“That’s not dirt,Mapes.That’s thebloodof ourDuke’s father.Thosehornsweresprayedwitha transparentfixativewithinhoursafter thisbeastkilledtheOldDuke.”Mapesstoodup.“Ah,now!”shesaid.“It’sjustblood,”Jessicasaid.“Oldbloodatthat.Getsomehelphangingthese
now.Thebeastlythingsareheavy.”“Didyouthinkthebloodbotheredme?”Mapesasked.“I’mofthedesertand
I’veseenbloodaplenty.”“I...seethatyouhave,”Jessicasaid.“And some of itmy own,”Mapes said. “More’n you drewwith your puny
scratch.”“You’dratherI’dcutdeeper?”“Ah,no!Thebody’swaterisscantenough‘thoutgushingawastefullotofit
intotheair.Youdidthethingright.”AndJessica,notingthewordsandmanner,caughtthedeeperimplicationsin
the phrase, “the body’s water.” Again she felt a sense of oppression at theimportanceofwateronArrakis.“OnwhichsideofthedininghallshallIhangwhichoneofthesepretties,my
Lady?”Mapesasked.Everthepracticalone,thisMapes,Jessicathought.Shesaid:“Useyourown
judgment,Mapes.Itmakesnorealdifference.”“Asyousay,myLady.”Mapesstooped,beganclearingwrappingsandtwine
fromthehead.“Killedanoldduke,didyou?”shecrooned.“ShallIsummonahandlertohelpyou?”Jessicaasked.“I’llmanage,myLady.”Yes,she’llmanage,Jessicathought.There’s thatabout thisFremencreature:
thedrivetomanage.Jessicafeltthecoldsheathofthecrysknifebeneathherbodice,thoughtofthe
longchainofBeneGesseritschemingthathadforgedanotherlinkhere.Becauseofthatscheming,shehadsurvivedadeadlycrisis.“Itcannotbehurried,”Mapeshad said. Yet there was a tempo of headlong rushing to this place that filledJessica with foreboding. And not all the preparations of the MissionariaProtectiva nor Hawat’s suspicious inspection of this castellated pile of rockscoulddispelthefeeling.“When you’ve finished hanging those, start unpacking the boxes,” Jessica
said.“Oneofthecargomenattheentryhasallthekeysandknowswherethingsshouldgo.Getthekeysandthelistfromhim.IfthereareanyquestionsI’llbein
thesouthwing.”“Asyouwill,myLady,”Mapessaid.Jessicaturnedaway,thinking:Hawatmayhavepassedthisresidencyassafe,
butthere’ssomethingwrongabouttheplace.Icanfeelit.AnurgentneedtoseehersongrippedJessica.Shebeganwalkingtowardthe
archeddoorwaythatledintothepassagetothedininghallandthefamilywings.Fasterandfastershewalkeduntilshewasalmostrunning.Behind her, Mapes paused in clearing the wrappings from the bull’s head,
looked at the retreating back. “She’s the One all right,” she muttered. “Poorthing.”
“Yueh! Yueh! Yueh!” goes the refrain. “A million deaths were not enough forYueh!”
—from“AChild’sHistoryofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THEDOORstoodajar,andJessicasteppedthroughitintoaroomwithyellowwalls.Toherleftstretchedalowsetteeofblackhideandtwoemptybookcases,a hanging waterflask with dust on its bulging sides. To her right, bracketinganother door, stood more empty bookcases, a desk from Caladan and threechairs.AtthewindowsdirectlyaheadofherstoodDr.Yueh,hisbacktoher,hisattentionfixedupontheoutsideworld.Jessicatookanothersilentstepintotheroom.ShesawthatYueh’scoatwaswrinkled,awhitesmudgeneartheleftelbowas
though he had leaned against chalk. He looked, from behind, like a fleshlessstickfigureinoverlargeblackclothing,acaricaturepoisedforstringymovementat thedirectionof apuppetmaster.Only the squarishblockofheadwith longebonyhaircaught in its silverSukSchool ringat theshoulderseemedalive—turningslightlytofollowsomemovementoutside.Again,sheglancedaroundtheroom,seeingnosignofherson,buttheclosed
door on her right, she knew, let into a small bedroom for which Paul hadexpressedaliking.“Goodafternoon,Dr.Yueh,”shesaid.“Where’sPaul?”Henoddedasthoughtosomethingoutthewindow,spokeinanabsentmanner
withoutturning:“Yoursongrewtired,Jessica.Isenthimintothenextroomtorest.”Abruptly,hestiffened,whirledwithmustachefloppingoverhispurpledlips.
“Forgiveme,myLady!Mythoughtswerefaraway ... I ...didnotmean tobefamiliar.”Shesmiled,heldoutherrighthand.Foramoment,shewasafraidhemight
kneel.“Wellington,please.”“Touseyournamelikethat...I....”“We’veknowneachothersixyears,”shesaid.“It’slongpasttimeformalities
should’vebeendroppedbetweenus—inprivate.”Yuehventuredathinsmile,thinking:Ibelieveithasworked.Now,she’llthink
anything unusual in my manner is due to embarrassment. She’ll not look for
deeperreasonswhenshebelievesshealreadyknowstheanswer.“I’m afraid I was woolgathering,” he said. “Whenever I ... feel especially
sorryforyou,I’mafraidIthinkofyouas...well,Jessica.”“Sorryforme?Whateverfor?”Yuehshrugged.Longago,hehadrealizedJessicawasnotgiftedwiththefull
Truthsay as hisWanna had been. Still, he always used the truth with Jessicawheneverpossible.Itwassafest.“You’veseenthisplace,my...Jessica.”Hestumbledoverthename,plunged
ahead:“SobarrenafterCaladan.Andthepeople!Thosetownswomenwepassedonthewayherewailingbeneaththeirveils.Thewaytheylookedatus.”Shefoldedherarmsacrossherbreast,huggingherself, feeling thecrysknife
there, a bladeground froma sandworm’s tooth, if the reportswere right. “It’sjust that we’re strange to them—different people, different customs. They’veknown only the Harkonnens.” She looked past him out the windows. “Whatwereyoustaringatoutthere?”Heturnedbacktothewindow.“Thepeople.”Jessica crossed to his side, looked to the left toward the front of the house
whereYueh’sattentionwasfocused.Alineoftwentypalmtreesgrewthere,thegroundbeneath themsweptclean,barren.Ascreen fenceseparated themfromthe road upon which robed people were passing. Jessica detected a faintshimmeringintheairbetweenherandthepeople—ahouseshield—andwentontostudythepassingthrong,wonderingwhyYuehfoundthemsoabsorbing.Thepattern emerged and sheput ahand toher cheek.Theway thepassing
people looked at the palm trees! She saw envy, some hate ... even a sense ofhope.Eachpersonrakedthosetreeswithafixityofexpression.“Doyouknowwhatthey’rethinking?”Yuehasked.“Youprofesstoreadminds?”sheasked.“Thoseminds,”hesaid.“Theylookatthosetreesandtheythink:‘Thereare
onehundredofus.’That’swhattheythink.”Sheturnedapuzzledfrownonhim.“Why?”“Thosearedatepalms,”hesaid.“Onedatepalmrequiresfortylitersofwater
aday.Amanrequiresbuteightliters.Apalm,then,equalsfivemen.Therearetwentypalmsoutthere—onehundredmen.”“Butsomeofthosepeoplelookatthetreeshopefully.”“Theybuthopesomedateswillfall,exceptit’sthewrongseason.”“We look at this placewith too critical an eye,” she said. “There’s hope as
wellasdangerhere.Thespicecouldmakeusrich.Withafat treasury,wecan
makethisworldintowhateverwewish.”Andshelaughedsilentlyatherself:WhoamItryingtoconvince?The laugh
brokethroughherrestraints,emergingbrittle,withouthumor.“Butyoucan’tbuysecurity,”shesaid.Yueh turnedaway tohidehis face fromher. Ifonly itwerepossible tohate
thesepeopleinsteadoflovethem!Inhermanner,inmanyways,JessicawaslikehisWanna.Yetthatthoughtcarrieditsownrigors,hardeninghimtohispurpose.ThewaysoftheHarkonnencrueltyweredevious.Wannamightnotbedead.Hehadtobecertain.“Do not worry for us, Wellington,” Jessica said. “The problem’s ours, not
yours.”ShethinksIworryforher!Heblinkedbacktears.AndIdo,ofcourse.ButI
muststandbeforethatblackBaronwithhisdeedaccomplished,andtakemyonechancetostrikehimwhereheisweakest—inhisgloatingmoment!Hesighed.“WoulditdisturbPaulifIlookedinonhim?”sheasked.“Notatall.Igavehimasedative.”“He’stakingthechangewell?”sheasked.“Except for getting a bit overtired. He’s excited, but what fifteen-year-old
wouldn’t be under these circumstances?” He crossed to the door, opened it.“He’sinhere.”Jessicafollowed,peeredintoashadowyroom.Paullayonanarrowcot,onearmbeneathalightcover,theotherthrownback
over his head. Slatted blinds at a window beside the bed wove a loom ofshadowsacrossfaceandblanket.Jessicastaredatherson,seeingtheovalshapeoffacesolikeherown.Butthe
hairwastheDuke’s—coal-coloredandtousled.Longlashesconcealedthelime-tonedeyes.Jessicasmiled,feelingherfearsretreat.Shewassuddenlycaughtbythe idea of genetic traces in her son’s features—her lines in eyes and facialoutline,butsharptouchesofthefatherpeeringthroughthatoutlinelikematurityemergingfromchildhood.She thought of the boy’s features as an exquisite distillation out of random
patterns—endless queues of happenstance meeting at this nexus. The thoughtmadeherwanttokneelbesidethebedandtakehersoninherarms,butshewasinhibitedbyYueh’spresence.Shesteppedback,closedthedoorsoftly.Yueh had returned to thewindow, unable to bearwatching theway Jessica
staredatherson.WhydidWannanevergivemechildren?heaskedhimself. I
knowasadoctortherewasnophysicalreasonagainstit.WastheresomeBeneGesseritreason?Wasshe,perhaps,instructedtoserveadifferentpurpose?Whatcouldithavebeen?Shelovedme,certainly.Forthefirsttime,hewascaughtupinthethoughtthathemightbepartofa
patternmoreinvolutedandcomplicatedthanhismindcouldgrasp.Jessica stoppedbesidehim, said: “Whatdeliciousabandon in the sleepof a
child.”Hespokemechanically:“Ifonlyadultscouldrelaxlikethat.”“Yes.”“Wheredoweloseit?”hemurmured.She glanced at him, catching the odd tone, but hermindwas still on Paul,
thinkingofthenewrigorsinhistraininghere,thinkingofthedifferencesinhislifenow—soverydifferentfromthelifetheyoncehadplannedforhim.“Wedo,indeed,losesomething,”shesaid.She glanced out to the right at a slope humpedwith awind-troubled gray-
green of bushes—dusty leaves and dry claw branches. The too-dark sky hungovertheslopelikeablot,andthemilkylightoftheArrakeensungavethesceneasilvercast—lightlikethecrysknifeconcealedinherbodice.“Thesky’ssodark,”shesaid.“That’spartlythelackofmoisture,”hesaid.“Water!” she snapped.“Everywhereyou turnhere,you’re involvedwith the
lackofwater!”“It’sthepreciousmysteryofArrakis,”hesaid.“Why is there so little of it? There’s volcanic rock here. There’re a dozen
powersources Icouldname.There’spolar ice.Theysayyoucan’tdrill in thedesert—stormsandsandtidesdestroyequipmentfasterthanitcanbeinstalled,ifthewormsdon’tgetyoufirst.They’veneverfoundwatertracesthere,anyway.Butthemystery,Wellington,therealmysteryisthewellsthat’vebeendrilleduphereinthesinksandbasins.Haveyoureadaboutthose?”“Firstatrickle,thennothing,”hesaid.“But,Wellington, that’s themystery. Thewaterwas there. It dries up.And
neveragainis therewater.Yetanotherholenearbyproducesthesameresult:atricklethatstops.Hasnooneeverbeencuriousaboutthis?”“Itiscurious,”hesaid.“Yoususpectsomelivingagency?Wouldn’tthathave
shownincoresamples?”“What would have shown? Alien plant matter ... or animal? Who could
recognize it?”She turnedback to theslope.“Thewater is stopped.Something
plugsit.That’smysuspicion.”“Perhaps the reason’s known,” he said. “The Harkonnens sealed off many
sourcesofinformationaboutArrakis.Perhapstherewasreasontosuppressthis.”“Whatreason?”sheasked.“Andthenthere’stheatmosphericmoisture.Little
enough of it, certainly, but there’s some. It’s the major source of water here,caughtinwindtrapsandprecipitators.Wheredoesthatcomefrom?”“Thepolarcaps?”“Coldairtakesuplittlemoisture,Wellington.Therearethingsherebehindthe
Harkonnen veil that bear close investigation, and not all of those things aredirectlyinvolvedwiththespice.”“We are indeed behind theHarkonnen veil,” he said. “Perhapswe’ll....”He
brokeoff,notingthesuddenintensewayshewaslookingathim.“Issomethingwrong?”“Thewayyousay ‘Harkonnen,’ ” she said. “EvenmyDuke’svoicedoesn’t
carrythatweightofvenomwhenheusesthehatedname.Ididn’tknowyouhadpersonalreasonstohatethem,Wellington.”GreatMother!hethought.I’vearousedhersuspicions!NowImustuseevery
trickmyWanna taughtme.There’sonlyone solution: tell the truthas faras Ican.Hesaid:“Youdidn’tknowthatmywife,myWanna....”Heshrugged,unable
to speak past a sudden constriction in his throat. Then: “They....” The wordswould not come out. He felt panic, closed his eyes tightly, experiencing theagony inhischestand littleelseuntilahand touchedhisarmgently.“Forgiveme,” Jessica said. “I did notmean to open an oldwound.”And she thought:Thoseanimals!HiswifewasBeneGesserit—thesignsarealloverhim.Andit’sobvious the Harkonnens killed her. Here’s another poor victim bound to theAtreidesbyacheremofhate.“Iamsorry,”hesaid.“I’munabletotalkaboutit.”Heopenedhiseyes,giving
himselfuptotheinternalawarenessofgrief.That,atleast,wastruth.Jessicastudiedhim,seeingtheup-angledcheeks,thedarksequinsofalmond
eyes, thebuttercomplexion,andstringymustachehanginglikeacurvedframearoundpurpledlipsandnarrowchin.Thecreasesofhischeeksandforehead,shesaw,wereasmuchlinesofsorrowasofage.Adeepaffectionforhimcameoverher.“Wellington,I’msorrywebroughtyouintothisdangerousplace,”shesaid.“Icamewillingly,”hesaid.Andthat,too,wastrue.“Butthiswholeplanet’saHarkonnentrap.Youmustknowthat.”
“ItwilltakemorethanatraptocatchtheDukeLeto,”hesaid.Andthat,too,wastrue.“Perhaps I should be more confident of him,” she said. “He is a brilliant
tactician.”“We’vebeenuprooted,”hesaid.“That’swhywe’reuneasy.”“Andhoweasyitistokilltheuprootedplant,”shesaid.“Especiallywhenyou
putitdowninhostilesoil.”“Arewecertainthesoil’shostile?”“TherewerewaterriotswhenitwaslearnedhowmanypeopletheDukewas
addingtothepopulation,”shesaid.“Theystoppedonlywhenthepeoplelearnedwewereinstallingnewwindtrapsandcondenserstotakecareoftheload.”“There is only so much water to support human life here,” he said. “The
peopleknowifmorecometodrinkalimitedamountofwater,thepricegoesupand theverypoordie.But theDukehas solved this. Itdoesn’t follow that theriotsmeanpermanenthostilitytowardhim.”“And guards,” she said. “Guards everywhere. And shields. You see the
blurringofthemeverywhereyoulook.WedidnotlivethiswayonCaladan.”“Givethisplanetachance,”hesaid.ButJessicacontinuedtostarehard-eyedoutthewindow.“Icansmelldeathin
thisplace,”shesaid.“Hawatsentadvanceagentsinherebythebattalion.Thoseguards outside are his men. The cargo handlers are his men. There’ve beenunexplained withdrawals of large sums from the treasury. The amounts meanonly one thing: bribes in high places.” She shook her head. “Where ThufirHawatgoes,deathanddeceitfollow.”“Youmalignhim.”“Malign?Ipraisehim.Deathanddeceitareouronlyhopesnow.Ijustdonot
foolmyselfaboutThufir’smethods.”“Youshould ...keepbusy,”hesaid.“Giveyourselfnotimeforsuchmorbid
—”“Busy!What is it that takesmostofmy time,Wellington? I am theDuke’s
secretary—so busy that each day I learn new things to fear ... things even hedoesn’t suspect I know.”Shecompressedher lips, spoke thinly: “Sometimes IwonderhowmuchmyBeneGesseritbusiness trainingfigured inhischoiceofme.”“What do you mean?” He found himself caught by the cynical tone, the
bitternessthathehadneverseenherexpose.“Don’tyou think,Wellington,”sheasked,“thatasecretarybound tooneby
loveissomuchsafer?”“Thatisnotaworthythought,Jessica.”Therebukecamenaturallytohislips.TherewasnodoubthowtheDukefelt
about his concubine.One had only towatch him as he followed herwith hiseyes.Shesighed.“You’reright.It’snotworthy.”Again, shehuggedherself, pressing the sheathedcrysknife against her flesh
andthinkingoftheunfinishedbusinessitrepresented.“There’ll be much bloodshed soon,” she said. “The Harkonnens won’t rest
untilthey’redeadormyDukedestroyed.TheBaroncannotforgetthatLetoisacousinof the royalblood—nomatterwhat thedistance—while theHarkonnentitlescameoutoftheCHOAMpocketbook.Butthepoisoninhim,deepinhismind, is the knowledge that an Atreides had a Harkonnen banished forcowardiceaftertheBattleofCorrin.”“The old feud,”Yuehmuttered.And for amoment he felt an acid touch of
hate.Theoldfeudhadtrappedhiminitsweb,killedhisWannaor—worse—leftherforHarkonnentorturesuntilherhusbanddidtheirbidding.Theoldfeudhadtrappedhimandthesepeoplewerepartofthatpoisonousthing.TheironywasthatsuchdeadlinessshouldcometoflowerhereonArrakis,theonesourceintheuniverseofmelange,theprolongeroflife,thegiverofhealth.“Whatareyouthinking?”sheasked.“Iamthinkingthat thespicebringssixhundredandtwentythousandsolaris
thedecagramontheopenmarketrightnow.Thatiswealthtobuymanythings.”“Doesgreedtouchevenyou,Wellington?”“Notgreed.”“Whatthen?”Heshrugged.“Futility.”Heglancedather.“Canyourememberyourfirsttaste
ofspice?”“Ittastedlikecinnamon.”“Butnevertwicethesame,”hesaid.“It’slikelife—itpresentsadifferentface
each time you take it. Some hold that the spice produces a learned-flavorreaction. The body, learning a thing is good for it, interprets the flavor aspleasurable—slightlyeuphoric.And,likelife,nevertobetrulysynthesized.”“I think it would’ve been wiser for us to go renegade, to take ourselves
beyondtheImperialreach,”shesaid.He saw that she hadn’t been listening to him, focused on her words,
wondering: Yes—why didn’t she make him do this? She could make him do
virtuallyanything.Hespokequicklybecauseherewastruthandachangeofsubject:“Wouldyou
thinkitboldofme...Jessica,ifIaskedapersonalquestion?”Shepressedagainst thewindow ledge inanunexplainablepangofdisquiet.
“Ofcoursenot.You’re...myfriend.”“Whyhaven’tyoumadetheDukemarryyou?”Shewhirled,headup,glaring.“Madehimmarryme?But—”“Ishouldnothaveasked,”hesaid.“No.” She shrugged. “There’s good political reason—as long as my Duke
remainsunmarriedsomeoftheGreatHousescanstillhopeforalliance.And....”Shesighed.“...motivatingpeople,forcingthemtoyourwill,givesyouacynicalattitudetowardhumanity.Itdegradeseverythingittouches.IfImadehimdo...this,thenitwouldnotbehisdoing.”“It’s a thingmyWannamight have said,” hemurmured.And this, too,was
truth.Heputahandtohismouth,swallowingconvulsively.Hehadneverbeenclosertospeakingout,confessinghissecretrole.Jessicaspoke,shatteringthemoment.“Besides,Wellington,theDukeisreally
twomen.Oneof them I loveverymuch.He’s charming,witty, considerate ...tender—everythingawomancoulddesire.Buttheothermanis...cold,callous,demanding,selfish—asharshandcruelasawinterwind.That’sthemanshapedbythefather.”Herfacecontorted.“IfonlythatoldmanhaddiedwhenmyDukewasborn!”In the silence that came between them, a breeze from a ventilator could be
heardfingeringtheblinds.Presently, she tookadeepbreath, said,“Leto’s right—these roomsarenicer
thantheonesintheothersectionsofthehouse.”Sheturned,sweepingtheroomwithhergaze.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,Wellington,IwantanotherlookthroughthiswingbeforeIassignquarters.”Henodded.“Ofcourse.”Andhethought:Ifonlythereweresomewaynotto
dothisthingthatImustdo.Jessicadroppedherarms,crossedtothehalldoorandstoodthereamoment,
hesitating,thenletherselfout.Allthetimewetalkedhewashidingsomething,holdingsomethingback,shethought.Tosavemyfeelings,nodoubt.He’sagoodman. Again, she hesitated, almost turned back to confront Yueh and drag thehidden thing fromhim.But thatwould only shame him, frighten him to learnhe’ssoeasilyread.Ishouldplacemoretrustinmyfriends.
Many have marked the speed withwhich Muad‘Dib learned the necessities ofArrakis.TheBeneGesserit,ofcourse,knowthebasisofthisspeed.Fortheothers,wecansaythatMuad’Diblearnedrapidlybecausehisfirsttrainingwasinhowtolearn. And the first lesson of allwas the basic trust that he could learn. It isshocking to findhowmanypeopledonotbelieve they can learn, andhowmanymorebelievelearningtobedifficult.Muad‘Dibknewthateveryexperiencecarriesitslesson.
—from“TheHumanityofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
PAUL LAY on the bed feigning sleep. It had been easy to palm Dr. Yueh’ssleeping tablet, to pretend to swallow it. Paul suppressed a laugh. Even hismother had believed him asleep. He had wanted to jump up and ask herpermission to go exploring the house, but had realized shewouldn’t approve.Thingsweretoounsettledyet.No.Thiswaywasbest.If I slipoutwithoutasking Ihaven’tdisobeyedorders.And Iwill stay in the
housewhereit’ssafe.Heheardhismother andYueh talking in theother room.Theirwordswere
indistinct—somethingaboutthespice...theHarkonnens.Theconversationroseandfell.Paul’sattentionwent to thecarvedheadboardofhisbed—afalseheadboard
attached to the wall and concealing the controls for this room’s functions. Aleapingfishhadbeenshapedonthewoodwiththickbrownwavesbeneathit.Heknew if he pushed the fish’s one visible eye that would turn on the room’ssuspensor lamps. One of the waves, when twisted, controlled ventilation.Anotherchangedthetemperature.Quietly,Paulsatupinbed.Atallbookcasestoodagainstthewalltohisleft.It
couldbeswungasidetorevealaclosetwithdrawersalongoneside.Thehandleonthedoorintothehallwaspatternedonanornithopterthrustbar.Itwasasthoughtheroomhadbeendesignedtoenticehim.Theroomandthisplanet.He thought of the filmbook Yueh had shown him—“Arrakis: His Imperial
Majesty’sDesertBotanicalTestingStation.”Itwasanoldfilmbookfrombeforediscoveryofthespice.NamesflittedthroughPaul’smind,eachwithitspictureimprintedbythebook’smnemonicpulse:saguaro,burrobush,datepalm,sandverbena, evening primrose, barrel cactus, incense bush, smoke tree, creosote
bush...kitfox,deserthawk,kangaroomouse....Namesandpictures,namesandpicturesfromman’sterranicpast—andmany
tobefoundnownowhereelseintheuniverseexcepthereonArrakis.Somanynewthingstolearnabout—thespice.Andthesandworms.Adoorclosedintheotherroom.Paulheardhismother’sfootstepsretreating
downthehall.Dr.Yueh,heknew,wouldfindsomethingtoreadandremainintheotherroom.Nowwasthemomenttogoexploring.Paulslippedoutofthebed,headedforthebookcasedoorthatopenedintothe
closet.Hestoppedatasoundbehindhim,turned.Thecarvedheadboardofthebedwasfoldingdownontothespotwherehehadbeensleeping.Paulfroze,andimmobilitysavedhislife.From behind the headboard slipped a tiny hunter-seeker nomore than five
centimeters long.Paul recognized it atonce—acommonassassinationweaponthateverychildofroyalbloodlearnedaboutatanearlyage.Itwasaraveningsliver of metal guided by some near-by hand and eye. It could burrow intomovingfleshandchewitswayupnervechannelstothenearestvitalorgan.Theseekerlifted,swungsidewaysacrosstheroomandback.Through Paul’s mind flashed the related knowledge, the hunter-seeker
limitations: Its compressed suspensor field distorted the room to reflect histarget,theoperatorwouldberelyingonmotion—anythingthatmoved.Ashieldcouldslowahunter,givetimetodestroyit,butPaulhadputasidehisshieldonthe bed. Lasguns would knock them down, but lasguns were expensive andnotoriouslycrankyofmaintenance—andtherewasalwaystheperilofexplosivepyrotechnics if the laser beam intersected a hot shield.TheAtreides relied ontheirbodyshieldsandtheirwits.Now,Paulheldhimselfinnearcatatonicimmobility,knowinghehadonlyhis
witstomeetthisthreat.Thehunter-seekerliftedanotherhalfmeter.Itrippledthroughtheslattedlight
fromthewindowblinds,backandforth,quarteringtheroom.Imusttrytograbit,hethought.Thesuspensorfieldwillmakeitslipperyon
thebottom.Imustgriptightly.Thethingdroppedahalfmeter,quarteredtotheleft,circledbackaroundthe
bed.Afainthummingcouldbeheardfromit.Who is operating that thing? Paul wondered. It has to be someone near. I
couldshoutforYueh,butitwouldtakehimtheinstantthedooropened.
ThehalldoorbehindPaulcreaked.Arapsoundedthere.Thedooropened.Thehunter-seekerarrowedpasthisheadtowardthemotion.Paul’s right hand shot out and down, gripping the deadly thing. It hummed
andtwistedinhishand,buthismuscleswerelockedonitindesperation.Withaviolentturnandthrust,heslammedthething’snoseagainstthemetaldoorplate.Hefeltthecrunchofitasthenoseeyesmashedandtheseekerwentdeadinhishand.Still,heheldit—tobecertain.Paul’seyescameup,mettheopenstareoftotalbluefromtheShadoutMapes.“Yourfatherhassentforyou,”shesaid.“Therearemeninthehalltoescort
you.”Paul nodded, his eyes and awareness focusing on this odd woman in a
sacklikedressofbondsmanbrown.Shewaslookingnowatthethingclutchedinhishand.“I’veheardofsuchlike,”shesaid.“Itwould’vekilledme,notso?”Hehadtoswallowbeforehecouldspeak.“I...wasitstarget.”“Butitwascomingforme.”“Becauseyouweremoving.”Andhewondered:Whoisthiscreature?“Thenyousavedmylife,”shesaid.“Isavedbothourlives.”“Seemslikeyoucould’veletithavemeandmadeyourownescape,”shesaid.“Whoareyou?”heasked.“TheShadoutMapes,housekeeper.”Howdidyouknowwheretofindme?”“Yourmothertoldme.Imetheratthestairstotheweirdingroomdownthe
hall.”Shepointedtoherright.“Yourfather’smenarestillwaiting.”Those will be Hawat’s men, he thought. We must find the operator of this
thing.“Go tomyfather’smen,”hesaid.“Tell themI’vecaughtahunter-seeker in
thehouseandthey’re tospreadoutandfindtheoperator.Tell themtosealoffthe house and its grounds immediately.They’ll knowhow to go about it.Theoperator’ssuretobeastrangeramongus.”And he wondered:Could it be this creature? But he knew it wasn’t. The
seekerhadbeenundercontrolwhensheentered.“Before I do your bidding,manling,”Mapes said, “Imust cleanse theway
betweenus.You’veputawaterburdenonmethatI’mnotsureIcaretosupport.But we Fremen pay our debts—be they black debts or white debts. And it’s
known tous thatyou’vea traitor inyourmidst.Who it is,wecannot say,butwe’recertainsureofit.Mayhapthere’sthehandguidedthatflesh-cutter.”Paulabsorbedthisinsilence:atraitor.Beforehecouldspeak,theoddwoman
whirledawayandranbacktowardtheentry.Hethoughttocallherback,buttherewasanairaboutherthattoldhimshe
wouldresentit.She’dtoldhimwhatsheknewandnowshewasgoingtodohisbidding.ThehousewouldbeswarmingwithHawat’smeninaminute.Hismindwenttootherpartsofthatstrangeconversation:weirdingroom.He
lookedtohisleftwhereshehadpointed.WeFremen.SothatwasaFremen.Hepaused for themnemonic blink thatwould store the pattern of her face in hismemory-prune-wrinkledfeaturesdarklybrowned,blue-on-blueeyeswithoutanywhiteinthem.Heattachedthelabel:TheShadoutMapes.Stillgrippingtheshatteredseeker,Paulturnedbackintohisroom,scoopedup
his shield belt from the bedwith his left hand, swung it aroundhiswaist andbuckleditasheranbackoutanddownthehalltotheleft.She’dsaidhismotherwassomeplacedownhere—stairs...aweirdingroom.
WhathadtheLadyJessicatosustainherinhertimeoftrial?ThinkyoucarefullyonthisBeneGesseritproverbandperhapsyouwillsee:“Anyroadfollowedpreciselytoitsendleadspreciselynowhere.Climbthemountainjustalittlebittotestthatit’samountain.Fromthetopofthemountain,youcannotseethemountain.”
—from“Muad’Dib:FamilyCommentaries”bythePrincessIrulan
ATTHEendofthesouthwing,Jessicafoundametalstairspiralinguptoanovaldoor.Sheglancedbackdownthehall,againupatthedoor.Oval?shewondered.Whatanoddshapeforadoorinahouse.Throughthewindowsbeneaththespiralstairshecouldseethegreatwhitesun
ofArrakismovingontowardevening.Longshadowsstabbeddownthehall.Shereturned her attention to the stairs.Harsh sidelighting picked out bits of driedearthontheopenmetalworkofthesteps.Jessica put a hand on the rail, began to climb. The rail felt cold under her
slidingpalm.Shestoppedatthedoor,sawithadnohandle,buttherewasafaintdepressiononthesurfaceofitwhereahandleshouldhavebeen.Surely not a palm lock, she told herself.A palm lockmust be keyed to one
individual’shandshapeandpalmlines.Butitlookedlikeapalmlock.Andtherewerewaystoopenanypalmlock—asshehadlearnedatschool.Jessica glanced back tomake certain shewas unobserved, placed her palm
against the depression in the door. Themost gentle of pressures to distort thelines—a turn of thewrist, another turn, a sliding twist of the palm across thesurface.Shefelttheclick.But therewere hurrying footsteps in the hall beneath her. Jessica lifted her
handfromthedoor,turned,sawMapescometothefootofthestairs.“There aremen in the great hall say they’ve been sent by theDuke to get
youngmasterPaul,”Mapes said. “They’ve theducal signet and theguardhasidentifiedthem.”Sheglancedatthedoor,backtoJessica.Acautiousone,thisMapes,Jessicathought.That’sagoodsign.“He’sinthefifthroomfromthisendofthehall,thesmallbedroom,”Jessica
said.“Ifyouhavetroublewakinghim,callonDr.Yuehinthenextroom.Paulmayrequireawakeshot.”Again,Mapescastapiercingstareat theovaldoor,andJessica thought she
detectedloathingintheexpression.BeforeJessicacouldaskaboutthedoorand
whatitconcealed,Mapeshadturnedaway,hurryingbackdownthehall.Hawat certified this place, Jessica thought. There can’t be anything too
terribleinhere.Shepushed the door. It swung inwardonto a small roomwith another oval
dooropposite.Theotherdoorhadawheelhandle.Anairlock!Jessicathought.Sheglanceddown,sawadoorpropfallentothe
floorofthelittleroom.ThepropcarriedHawat’spersonalmark.Thedoorwasleft propped open, she thought. Someone probably knocked the prop downaccidentally,notrealizingtheouterdoorwouldcloseonapalmlock.Shesteppedoverthelipintothelittleroom.Whyanairlock inahouse? sheaskedherself.Andshe thought suddenlyof
exoticcreaturessealedoffinspecialclimates.Specialclimate!That would make sense on Arrakis where even the driest of off-planet
growingthingshadtobeirrigated.Thedoorbehindherbeganswingingclosed.Shecaughtitandproppeditopen
securelywiththestickHawathadleft.Again,shefacedthewheel-lockedinnerdoor, seeingnowa faint inscriptionetched in themetal above thehandle.SherecognizedGalachwords,read:“O,Man!HereisalovelyportionofGod’sCreation;then,standbeforeitand
learntolovetheperfectionofThySupremeFriend.”Jessicaputherweightonthewheel.Itturnedleftandtheinnerdooropened.
Agentledraftfeatheredhercheek,stirredherhair.Shefeltchangeintheair,arichertaste.Sheswungthedoorwide,lookedthroughintomassedgreenerywithyellowsunlightpouringacrossit.Ayellowsun?sheaskedherself.Then:Filterglass!Shesteppedoverthesillandthedoorswungclosedbehind.“Awet-planetconservatory,”shebreathed.Pottedplantsandlow-prunedtreesstoodallabout.Sherecognizedamimosa,
a flowering quince, a sondagi, green-blossomed pleniscenta, green and whitestripedakarso...roses....Evenroses!Shebenttobreathethefragranceofagiantpinkblossom,straightenedtopeer
aroundtheroom.Rhythmicnoiseinvadedhersenses.Shepartedajungleoverlappingofleaves,lookedthroughtothecenterofthe
room.Alowfountainstoodthere,smallwithflutedlips.Therhythmicnoisewas
apeeling,spoolingarcofwaterfallingthud-a-gallopontothemetalbowl.Jessica sent herself through the quick sense-clearing regimen, began a
methodicalinspectionoftheroom’sperimeter.Itappearedtobeabouttenmeterssquare.Fromitsplacementabovetheendofthehallandfromsubtledifferencesinconstruction, sheguessed ithadbeenaddedonto the roofof thiswing iongaftertheoriginalbuilding’scompletion.Shestoppedatthesouthlimitsoftheroominfrontofthewidereachoffilter
glass,staredaround.Everyavailablespaceintheroomwascrowdedwithexoticwet-climateplants.Somethingrustledinthegreenery.Shetensed,thenglimpsedasimpleclock-setservokwithpipeandhosearms.Anarmlifted,sentoutafinesprayofdampnessthatmistedhercheeks.Thearmretractedandshelookedatwhatithadwatered:aferntree.Water everywhere in this room—on a planet where water was the most
preciousjuiceoflife.Waterbeingwastedsoconspicuouslythatitshockedhertoinnerstillness.Sheglancedout at the filter-yellowed sun. It hung lowona jaggedhorizon
abovecliffsthatformedpartoftheimmenserockupliftingknownastheShieldWall.Filterglass,shethought.Toturnawhitesunintosomethingsofterandmore
familiar. Who could have built such a place? Leto? It would be like him tosurprisemewithsuchagift,buttherehasn’tbeentime.Andhe’sbeenbusywithmoreseriousproblems.She recalled the report that many Arrakeen houses were sealed by airlock
doorsandwindows toconserveand reclaim interiormoisture.Letohadsaid itwas a deliberate statement of power andwealth for this house to ignore suchprecautions, its doors andwindows being sealed only against the omnipresentdust.But this room embodied a statement far more significant than the lack of
waterseals on outer doors. She estimated that this pleasure room used waterenoughtosupportathousandpersonsonArrakis—possiblymore.Jessicamovedalongthewindow,continuingtostareintotheroom.Themove
broughtintoviewametallicsurfaceattableheightbesidethefountainandsheglimpsedawhitenotepadandstylus therepartlyconcealedbyanoverhangingfan leaf. She crossed to the table, noted Hawat’s daysigns on it, studied amessagewrittenonthepad:
“TOTHELADYJESSICA—
May this place give you as much pleasure as it has given me. Pleasepermit theroomtoconveyalessonwelearnedfromthesameteachers:theproximityofadesirablethingtemptsonetooverindulgence.Onthatpathliesdanger.Mykindestwishes,MARGOTLADYFENRING”
Jessicanodded,rememberingthatLetohadreferredtotheEmperor’sformerproxy here as Count Fenring. But the hidden message of the note demandedimmediate attention, couched as itwas in away to informher thewriterwasanotherBeneGesserit.Abitter thought touched Jessica in passing:TheCountmarriedhisLady.Evenas this thought flicked throughhermind, shewasbending to seekout
the hidden message. It had to be there. The visible note contained the codephrase everyBeneGesserit not boundby aSchool Injunctionwas required togive another Bene Gesserit when conditions demanded it: “On that path liesdanger.”Jessicafelt thebackofthenote,rubbedthesurfaceforcodeddots.Nothing.
Theedgeofthepadcameunderherseekingfingers.Nothing.Shereplacedthepadwhereshehadfoundit,feelingasenseofurgency.Somethinginthepositionofthepad?shewondered.ButHawathadbeenoverthisroom,doubtlesshadmovedthepad.Shelooked
attheleafabovethepad.Theleaf!Shebrushedafingeralongtheundersurface,along the edge, along the stem. It was there! Her fingers detected the subtlecodeddots,scannedtheminasinglepassage:“Your son and the Duke are in immediate danger. A bedroom has been
designedtoattractyourson.TheHloadeditwithdeathtrapstobediscovered,leavingonethatmayescapedetection.”JessicaputdowntheurgetorunbacktoPaul; thefullmessagehad tobe learned.Her fingersspedover thedots:“Idonotknowtheexactnatureofthemenace,butithassomethingtodowithabed.ThethreattoyourDukeinvolvesdefectionofatrustedcompanionorlieutenant.TheHplan togiveyouasgift toaminion.To thebestofmyknowledge, thisconservatoryissafe.ForgivethatIcannottellmore.MysourcesarefewasmyCountisnotinthepayoftheH.Inhaste,MF.”Jessicathrusttheleafaside,whirledtodashbacktoPaul.Inthatinstant,the
airlock door slammedopen. Paul jumped through it, holding something in hisrighthand, slammed thedoorbehindhim.Hesawhismother,pushed throughtheleavestoher,glancedatthefountain,thrusthishandandthethingitclutched
underthefallingwater.“Paul!”Shegrabbedhisshoulder,staringatthehand.“Whatisthat?”Hespokecasually,butshecaughttheeffortbehindthetone:“Hunter-seeker.
Caughtitinmyroomandsmasheditsnose,butIwanttobesure.Watershouldshortitout.”“Immerseit!”shecommanded.Heobeyed.Presently,shesaid:“Withdrawyourhand.Leavethethinginthewater.”Hebroughtouthishand,shookwaterfromit,staringatthequiescentmetalin
thefountain.Jessicabrokeoffaplantstem,proddedthedeadlysliver.Itwasdead.Shedroppedthestemintothewater,lookedatPaul.Hiseyesstudiedtheroom
withasearchingintensitythatsherecognized—theB.G.Way.“Thisplacecouldconcealanything,”hesaid.“I’vereasontobelieveit’ssafe,”shesaid.“Myroomwassupposedtobesafe,too.Hawatsaid—”“Itwasahunter-seeker,”sheremindedhim.“Thatmeanssomeoneinsidethe
house to operate it. Seeker control beams have a limited range. The thingcould’vebeenspiritedinhereafterHawat’sinvestigation.”But she thought of the message of the leaf: “... defection of a trusted
companionorlieutenant.”NotHawat,surely.Oh,surelynotHawat.“Hawat’s men are searching the house right now,” he said. “That seeker
almostgottheoldwomanwhocametowakeme.”“TheShadoutMapes,”Jessicasaid,rememberingtheencounterat thestairs.
“Asummonsfromyourfatherto—”“Thatcanwait,”Paulsaid.“Whydoyouthinkthisroom’ssafe?”Shepointedtothenote,explainedaboutit.Herelaxedslightly.But Jessica remained inwardly tense, thinking: A hunter-seeker! Merciful
Mother!Ittookallhertrainingtopreventafitofhystericaltrembling.Paulspokematteroffactly:“It’stheHarkonnens,ofcourse.Weshallhaveto
destroythem.”A rapping sounded at the airlock door—the code knock of one of Hawat’s
corps.“Comein,”Paulcalled.The door swung wide and a tall man in Atreides uniform with a Hawat
insignia on his cap leaned into the room. “There you are, sir,” he said. “The
housekeeper said you’d be here.” He glanced around the room. “We found acairninthecellarandcaughtamaninit.Hehadaseekerconsole.”“I’llwanttotakepartintheinterrogation,”Jessicasaid.“Sorry,myLady.Wemessedhimupcatchinghim.Hedied.”“Nothingtoidentifyhim?”sheasked.“We’vefoundnothingyet,myLady.”“WasheanArrakeennative?”Paulasked.Jessicanoddedattheastutenessofthequestion.“Hehas thenative look,” themansaid.“Put into thatcairnmore’namonth
ago,bythelook,andlefttheretoawaitourcoming.Stoneandmortarwherehecame through into the cellar were untouched when we inspected the placeyesterday.I’llstakemyreputationonit.”“Noonequestionsyourthoroughness,”Jessicasaid.“Iquestionit,myLady.Weshould’veusedsonicprobesdownthere.”“Ipresumethat’swhatyou’redoingnow,”Paulsaid.“Yes,sir.”“Sendwordtomyfatherthatwe’llbedelayed.”“At once, sir.” He glanced at Jessica. “It’s Hawat’s order that under such
circumstancesasthesetheyoungmasterbeguardedinasafeplace.”Again,hiseyesswepttheroom.“Whatofthisplace?”“I’ve reason tobelieve it safe,” shesaid.“BothHawatand Ihave inspected
it.”“ThenI’llmountguardoutsidehere,m’Lady,untilwe’vebeenoverthehouse
oncemore.”Hebowed,touchedhiscaptoPaul,backedoutandswungthedoorclosedbehindhim.Paulbrokethesuddensilence,saying:“Hadwebettergooverthehouselater
ourselves?Youreyesmightseethingsotherswouldmiss.”“ThiswingwastheonlyplaceIhadn’texamined,”shesaid.“Iputifofftolast
because....”“BecauseHawatgaveithispersonalattention,”hesaid.Shedartedaquicklookathisface,questioning.“DoyoudistrustHawat?”sheasked.“No,buthe’sgettingold...he’soverworked.Wecouldtakesomeoftheload
fromhim.”“That’donlyshamehimandimpairhisefficiency,”shesaid.“Astrayinsect
won’tbeabletowanderintothiswingafterhehearsaboutthis.He’llbeshamedthat....”
“Wemusttakeourownmeasures,”hesaid.“Hawathas served threegenerationsofAtreideswithhonor,” she said. “He
deserveseveryrespectandtrustwecanpayhim...manytimesover.”Paul said: “Whenmy father is bothered by something you’ve done he says
‘BeneGesserit!’likeaswearword.”“Andwhatisitaboutmethatbothersyourfather?”“Whenyouarguewithhim.”“Youarenotyourfather,Paul.”AndPaulthought:It’llworryher,butImusttellherwhatthatMapeswoman
saidaboutatraitoramongus.“What’reyouholdingback?”Jessicaasked.“Thisisn’tlikeyou,Paul.”Heshrugged,recountedtheexchangewithMapes.AndJessicathoughtofthemessageoftheleaf.Shecametosuddendecision,
showedPaultheleaf,toldhimitsmessage.“Myfathermustlearnofthisatonce,”hesaid.“I’llradiographitincodeand
getifoff.”“No,”shesaid.“Youwillwaituntilyoucanseehimalone.Asfewaspossible
mustlearnaboutit.”“Doyoumeanweshouldtrustnoone?”“There’sanotherpossibility,”shesaid.“Thismessagemayhavebeenmeantto
gettous.Thepeoplewhogaveittousmaybelieveit’strue,butitmaybethattheonlypurposewastogetthismessagetous.”Paul’s face remained sturdily somber. “To sowdistrust and suspicion inour
ranks,toweakenusthatway,”hesaid.“Youmusttellyourfatherprivatelyandcautionhimaboutthisaspectofit,”
shesaid.“Iunderstand.”She turned to the tall reachoffilterglass,staredout to thesouthwestwhere
thesunofArrakiswassinking—ayellowedballabovethecliffs.Paul turnedwithher,said:“Idon’t thinkit’sHawat,either.Is itpossibleit’s
Yueh?”“He’snotalieutenantorcompanion,”shesaid.“AndIcanassureyouhehates
theHarkonnensasbitterlyaswedo.”Pauldirectedhisattentiontothecliffs,thinking:Anditcouldn’tbeGurney...
orDuncan.Coulditbeoneofthesub-lieutenants?Impossible.They’reallfromfamiliesthat’vebeenloyaltousforgenerations—forgoodreason.Jessicarubbedherforehead,sensingherownfatigue.Somuchperilhere!She
looked out at the filter-yellowed landscape, studying it. Beyond the ducalgroundsstretchedahigh-fencedstorageyard—linesofspicesilosinitwithstilt-leggedwatchtowersstandingaroundit likesomanystartledspiders.ShecouldseeatleasttwentystorageyardsofsilosreachingouttothecliffsoftheShieldWall—silosrepeated,stutteringacrossthebasin.Slowly,thefilteredsunburieditselfbeneaththehorizon.Starsleapedout.She
sawonebrightstarso lowon thehorizon that it twinkledwithaclear,preciserhythm—atremblingoflight:blink-blink-blink-blink-blink...Paulstirredbesideherintheduskyroom.But Jessica concentrated on that single bright star, realizing that it was too
low,thatitmustcomefromtheShieldWallcliffs.Someonesignalling!Shetriedtoreadthemessage,butitwasinnocodeshehadeverlearned.Otherlightshadcomeondownontheplainbeneaththecliffs: littleyellows
spacedoutagainstbluedarkness.Andone lightoff to their leftgrewbrighter,begantowinkbackatthecliff—veryfast:blinksquirt,glimmer,blink!Anditwasgone.Thefalsestarinthecliffwinkedoutimmediately.Signals...andtheyfilledherwithpremonition.Why were lights used to signal across the basin? she asked herself.Why
couldn’ttheyusethecommunicationsnetwork?The answerwasobvious: the communinetwas certain to be tappednowby
agents of the Duke Leto. Light signals could only mean that messages werebeingsentbetweenhisenemies—betweenHarkonnenagents.TherecameatappingatthedoorbehindthemandthevoiceofHawat’sman:
“Allclear,sir..m‘Lady.Timetobegettingtheyoungmastertohisfather.”
ItissaidthattheDukeLetoblindedhimselftotheperilsofArrakis,thathewalkedheedlesslyintothepit.Woulditnotbemorelikelytosuggesthehadlivedsolonginthepresenceofextremedangerhemisjudgedachangeinitsintensity?Orisitpossiblehedeliberatelysacrificedhimselfthathissonmightfindabetterlife?AllevidenceindicatestheDukewasamannoteasilyhoodwinked.
—from“Muad’Dib:FamilyCommentaries”bythePrincessIrulan
THEDUKELetoAtreidesleanedagainstaparapetofthelandingcontroltoweroutsideArrakeen.Thenight’sfirstmoon,anoblatesilvercoin,hungwellabovethesouthernhorizon.Beneathit,thejaggedcliffsoftheShieldWallshonelikeparchedicingthroughadusthaze.Tohisleft,thelightsofArrakeenglowedinthehaze—yellow...white...blue.He thought of the notices posted now above his signature all through the
populousplacesoftheplanet:“OurSublimePadishahEmperorhaschargedmetotakepossessionofthisplanetandendalldispute.”The ritualistic formalityof it touchedhimwitha feelingof loneliness.Who
wasfooledbythatfatuouslegalism?NottheFremen,certainly.NortheHousesMinor who controlled the interior trade of Arrakis ... and were Harkonnencreaturesalmosttoaman.Theyhavetriedtotakethelifeofmyson!Theragewasdifficulttosuppress.He saw lights of a moving vehicle coming toward the landing field from
Arrakeen.HehopeditwastheguardandtroopcarrierbringingPaul.Thedelaywas galling even though he knew it was prompted by caution on the part ofHawat’slieutenant.Theyhavetriedtotakethelifeofmyson!Heshookhisheadtodriveout theangrythoughts,glancedbackat thefield
where five of his own frigates were posted around the rim like monolithicsentries.Betteracautiousdelaythan...The lieutenant was a good one, he reminded himself. A man marked for
advancement,completelyloyal.“OurSublimePadishahEmperor....”If the people of this decadent garrison city could only see the Emperor’s
private note to his “NobleDuke”—the disdainful allusions to veiledmen and
women:“...butwhatelseisonetoexpectofbarbarianswhosedearestdreamistoliveoutsidetheorderedsecurityofthefaufreluches?”TheDukefeltinthismomentthathisowndearestdreamwastoendallclass
distinctionsandneveragainthinkofdeadlyorder.Helookedupandoutofthedust at the unwinking stars, thought: Around one of those little lights circlesCaladan ...but I’ll never again seemy home. The longing forCaladanwas asuddenpaininhisbreast.Hefelt that itdidnotcomefromwithinhimself,butthatitreachedouttohimfromCaladan.HecouldnotbringhimselftocallthisdrywastelandofArrakishishome,andhedoubtedheeverwould.Imustmaskmyfeelings,hethought.Fortheboy’ssake.Ifeverhe’stohavea
home,thismustbeit.ImaythinkofArrakisasahellI’vereachedbeforedeath,buthemustfindherethatwhichwillinspirehim.Theremustbesomething.Awave of self-pity, immediately despised and rejected, swept throughhim,
andforsomereasonhefoundhimselfrecallingtwolinesfromapoemGurneyHalleckoftenrepeated—
“MylungstastetheairofTimeBlownpastfallingsands....”
Well,Gurneywouldfindplentyoffallingsandshere,theDukethought.Thecentralwastelandsbeyond thosemoon-frosted cliffsweredesert—barren rock,dunes,andblowingdust,anuncharteddrywildernesswithhereandtherealongitsrimandperhapsscatteredthroughit,knotsofFremen.IfanythingcouldbuyafuturefortheAtreidesline,theFremenjustmightdoit.ProvidedtheHarkonnenshadn’tmanagedtoinfecteventheFremenwiththeir
poisonousschemes.Theyhavetriedtotakethelifeofmyson!Ascrapingmetalracketvibratedthroughthetower,shooktheparapetbeneath
hisarms.Blastshuttersdroppedinfrontofhim,blockingtheview.Shuttle’scomingin,hethought.Timetogodownandgettowork.Heturnedto
thestairsbehindhim,headeddowntothebigassemblyroom,tryingtoremaincalmashedescended,topreparehisfaceforthecomingencounter.Theyhavetriedtotakethelifeofmyson!Themenwerealreadyboilinginfromthefieldwhenhereachedtheyellow-
domed room. They carried their spacebags over their shoulders, shouting androisteringlikestudentsreturningfromvacation.“Hey!Feelthatunderyourdogs?That’sgravity,man!”“HowmanyG’sdoes
thisplacepull?Feelsheavy.”“Nine-tenthsofaGbythebook.”
Thecrossfireofthrownwordsfilledthebigroom.“Didyougetagoodlookatthisholeonthewaydown?Where’salltheloot
thisplace’ssupposedtohave?”“TheHarkonnenstookitwith’em!”“Meforahotshowerandasoftbed!”“Haven’tyouheard,stupid?Noshowersdownhere.Youscrubyourasswithsand!”“Hey!Canit!TheDuke!”TheDukesteppedoutof thestairentry intoasuddenlysilentroom.Gurney
Halleckstrodealongatthepointofthecrowd,bagoveroneshoulder,theneckof his nine-string baliset clutched in the other hand. Theywere long-fingeredhandswith big thumbs, full of tinymovements that drew such delicatemusicfromthebaliset.The Duke watched Halleck, admiring the ugly lump of a man, noting the
glass-splinter eyeswith their gleamof savage understanding.Herewas amanwholivedoutsidethefaufrelucheswhileobeyingtheireveryprecept.WhatwasitPaulhadcalledhim?“Gurney,thevalorous.”Halleck’swispyblondhair trailedacrossbarrenspotsonhishead.Hiswide
mouthwastwistedintoapleasantsneer,andthescaroftheinkvinewhipslashedacrosshisjawlineseemedtomovewithalifeofitsown.Hiswholeairwasofcasual,shoulder-setcapability.HecameuptotheDuke,bowed.“Gurney,”Letosaid.“MyLord.”Hegesturedwiththebalisettowardthemenintheroom.“Thisis
thelastofthem.I’dhavepreferredcominginwiththefirstwave,but....”“Thereare still someHarkonnens foryou,” theDuke said. “Stepasidewith
me,Gurney,wherewemaytalk.”“Yourstocommand,myLord.”Theymoved into an alcove beside a coil-slotwatermachinewhile themen
stirredrestlesslyinthebigroom.Halleckdroppedhisbagintoacorner,kepthisgriponthebaliset.“HowmanymencanyouletHawathave?”theDukeasked.“IsThufirintrouble,Sire?”“He’slostonlytwoagents,buthisadvancemengaveusanexcellentlineon
the entire Harkonnen setup here. If wemove fast wemay gain ameasure ofsecurity,thebreathingspacewerequire.Hewantsasmanymenasyoucanspare—menwhowon’tbalkatalittleknifework.”“Ican lethimhave threehundredofmybest,”Hallecksaid.“Whereshall I
sendthem?”“Tothemaingate.Hawathasanagenttherewaitingtotakethem.”“ShallIgetaboutitatonce,Sire?”
“Inamoment.Wehaveanotherproblem.Thefieldcommandantwillholdtheshuttle here until dawn on a pretext. The Guild Heighliner that brought us isgoingonabout itsbusiness,and theshuttle’s supposed tomakecontactwithacargoshiptakingupaloadofspice.”“Ourspice,m’Lord?”“Ourspice.Buttheshuttlealsowillcarrysomeofthespicehuntersfromthe
oldregime.They’veoptedtoleavewiththechangeoffiefandtheJudgeoftheChangeisallowingit.Thesearevaluableworkers,Gurney,abouteighthundredof them. Before the shuttle leaves, you must persuade some of those men toenlistwithus.”“Howstrongapersuasion,Sire?”“I want their willing cooperation, Gurney. Thosemen have experience and
skills we need. The fact that they’re leaving suggests they’re not part of theHarkonnenmachine.Hawatbelievestherecouldbesomebadonesplantedinthegroup,butheseesassassinsineveryshadow.”“Thufirhasfoundsomeveryproductiveshadowsinhistime,m’Lord.”“And there are some he hasn’t found. But I think planting sleepers in this
outgoingcrowdwouldshowtoomuchimaginationfortheHarkonnens.”“Possibly,Sire.Wherearethesemen?”“Downonthelowerlevel,inawaitingroom.Isuggestyougodownandplay
a tune or two to soften theirminds, then turn on the pressure.Youmay offerpositionsofauthoritytothosewhoqualify.OffertwentypercenthigherwagesthantheyreceivedundertheHarkonnens.”“Nomorethanthat,Sire?IknowtheHarkonnenpayscales.Andtomenwith
theirterminationpayintheirpocketsandthewanderlustonthem...well,Sire,twentypercentwouldhardlyseemproperinducementtostay.”Leto spoke impatiently: “Then use your own discretion in particular cases.
Just remember that the treasury isn’t bottomless. Hold it to twenty per centwhenever you can.Weparticularly need spicedrivers,weather scanners, dunemen—anywithopensandexperience.”“Iunderstand,Sire.‘Theyshallcomeallforviolence:theirfacesshallsupup
astheeastwind,andtheyshallgatherthecaptivityofthesand.’”“A very moving quotation,” the Duke said. “Turn your crew over to a
lieutenant. Have him give a short drill on water discipline, then bed themendownforthenightinthebarracksadjoiningthefield.Fieldpersonnelwilldirectthem.Anddon’tforgetthemenforHawat.”“Threehundredof thebest,Sire.”He tookuphis spacebag. “Where shall I
reporttoyouwhenI’vecompletedmychores?”“I’vetakenoveracouncilroomtopsidehere.We’llholdstaffthere.Iwantto
arrangeanewplanetarydispersalorderwitharmoredsquadsgoingoutfirst.”Halleck stopped in the act of turning away, caught Leto’s eye. “Are you
anticipatingthatkindoftrouble,Sire?IthoughttherewasaJudgeoftheChangehere.”“Both open battle and secret,” the Duke said. “There’ll be blood aplenty
spilledherebeforewe’rethrough.”“‘Andthewaterwhich thoutakestoutof therivershallbecomebloodupon
thedryland,’”Halleckquoted.TheDukesighed.“Hurryback,Gurney.”“Verygood,m‘Lord.”Thewhipscar rippled tohisgrin. “‘Behold, as awild
assinthedesert,goIforthtomywork.’”Heturned,strodetothecenteroftheroom,pausedtorelayhisorders,hurriedonthroughthemen.Leto shook his head at the retreating back. Halleck was a continual
amazement—a head full of songs, quotations, and flowery phrases ... and theheartofanassassinwhenitcametodealingwiththeHarkonnens.Presently, Leto took a leisurely diagonal course across to the lift,
acknowledging saluteswith a casual handwave.He recognized a propagandacorpsman, stopped to give him a message that could be relayed to the menthroughchannels:thosewhohadbroughttheirwomenwouldwanttoknowthewomen were safe and where they could be found. The others would wish toknowthatthepopulationhereappearedtoboastmorewomenthanmen.TheDukeslappedthepropagandamanonthearm,asignalthatthemessage
hadtopprioritytobeputout immediately, thencontinuedacrosstheroom.Henoddedtothemen,smiled,tradedpleasantrieswithasubaltern.Command must always look confident, he thought. All that faith riding on
yourshoulderswhileyousitinthecriticalseatandnevershowit.Hebreathedasighofreliefwhentheliftswallowedhimandhecouldturnand
facetheimpersonaldoors.Theyhavetriedtotakethelifeofmyson!
OvertheexitoftheArrakeenlandingfield,crudelycarvedasthoughwithapoorinstrument,therewasaninscriptionthatMuad‘Dibwastorepeatmanytimes.HesawitthatfirstnightonArrakis,havingbeenbroughttotheducalcommandposttoparticipateinhisfather’sfirstfullstaffconference.ThewordsoftheinscriptionwereapleatothoseleavingArrakis,buttheyfellwithdarkimportontheeyesofaboywhohadjustescapedaclosebrushwithdeath.Theysaid:“Oyouwhoknowwhatwesufferhere,donotforgetusinyourprayers,”
—from“ManualofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
“THEWHOLEtheoryofwarfareiscalculatedrisk,”theDukesaid,“butwhenitcomestoriskingyourownfamily,theelementofcalculationgetssubmergedin...otherthings.”Heknewhewasn’tholdinginhisangeraswellasheshould,andheturned,
strodedownthelengthofthelongtableandback.TheDukeandPaulwerealoneintheconferenceroomatthelandingfield.It
wasanempty-soundingroom,furnishedonlywiththelongtable,old-fashionedthree-leggedchairsaroundit,andamapboardandprojectoratoneend.Paulsatat the tablenear themapboard.Hehad toldhis father theexperiencewith thehunter-seekerandgiventhereportsthatatraitorthreatenedhim.TheDukestoppedacrossfromPaul,poundedthetable:“Hawattoldmethat
housewassecure!”Paulspokehesitantly:“Iwasangry, too—at first.AndIblamedHawat.But
thethreatcamefromoutsidethehouse.Itwassimple,clever,anddirect.Anditwould’ve succeeded were it not for the training given me by you and manyothers—includingHawat.”“Areyoudefendinghim?”theDukedemanded.“Yes.”“He’sgettingold.That’sit.Heshouldbe—”“He’s wise with much experience,” Paul said. “How many of Hawat’s
mistakescanyourecall?”“Ishouldbetheonedefendinghim,”theDukesaid.“Notyou.”Paulsmiled.Letosatdownattheheadofthetable,putahandoverhisson’s.“You’ve...
maturedlately,Son.”Heliftedhishand.“Itgladdensme.”Hematchedhisson’ssmile.“Hawatwillpunishhimself.He’lldirectmoreangeragainsthimselfover
thisthanbothofustogethercouldpouronhim.”Paulglancedtowardthedarkenedwindowsbeyondthemapboard,lookedat
thenight’sblackness.Roomlightsreflectedfromabalconyrailingoutthere.Hesawmovement and recognized the shapeof aguard inAtreidesuniform.Paullookedbackatthewhitewallbehindhisfather,thendowntotheshinysurfaceofthetable,seeinghisownhandsclenchedintofiststhere.The door opposite the Duke banged open. Thufir Hawat strode through it
looking older and more leathery than ever. He paced down the length of thetable,stoppedatattentionfacingLeto.“MyLord,”hesaid,speakingtoapointoverLeto’shead,“Ihavejustlearned
howIfailedyou.ItbecomesnecessarythatItendermyresig—”“Oh,sitdownandstopactingthefool,”theDukesaid.Hewavedtothechair
across from Paul. “If you made a mistake, it was in overestimating theHarkonnens.Theirsimplemindscameupwithasimple trick.Wedidn’tcountonsimpletricks.Andmysonhasbeenatgreatpainstopointouttomethathecame through this largely because of your training.You didn’t fail there!”Hetappedthebackoftheemptychair.“Sitdown,Isay!”Hawatsankintothechair.“But—”“I’llhearnomoreofit,”theDukesaid.“Theincidentispast.Wehavemore
pressingbusiness.Wherearetheothers?”“IaskedthemtowaitoutsidewhileI—”“Callthemin.”HawatlookedintoLeto’seyes.“Sire,I—”“Iknowwhomytruefriendsare,Thufir,”theDukesaid.“Callinthemen.”Hawatswallowed.“Atonce,myLord.”Heswiveledinthechair,calledtothe
opendoor:“Gurney,bringthemin.”Halleck led the file ofmen into the room, the staff officers looking grimly
seriousfollowedbytheyoungeraidesandspecialists,anairofeagernessamongthem.Brief scuffing soundsechoedaround the roomas themen took seats.Afaintsmellofrachagstimulantwafteddownthetable.“There’scoffeeforthosewhowantit,”theDukesaid.Helookedoverhismen,thinking:They’reagoodcrew.Amancoulddofar
worse for this kind of war. He waited while coffee was brought in from theadjoiningroomandserved,notingthetirednessinsomeofthefaces.Presently, he put on hismask of quiet efficiency, stood up and commanded
theirattentionwithaknucklerapagainstthetable.“Well, gentlemen,” he said, “our civilization appears to’ve fallen so deeply
into the habit of invasion that we cannot even obey a simple order of theImperiumwithouttheoldwayscroppingup.”Drychucklessoundedaroundthetable,andPaulrealizedthathisfatherhad
saidthepreciselycorrectthinginpreciselythecorrecttonetoliftthemoodhere.Eventhehintoffatigueinhisvoicewasright.“Ithinkfirstwe’dbetterlearnifThufirhasanythingtoaddtohisreportonthe
Fremen,”theDukesaid.“Thufir?”Hawatglancedup.“I’vesomeeconomicmatters togo intoaftermygeneral
report,Sire,butIcansaynowthattheFremenappearmoreandmoretobethealliesweneed.They’rewaitingnowtoseeiftheycantrustus,buttheyappeartobedealingopenly.They’vesentusagift—stillsuitsoftheirownmanufacture...maps of certain desert areas surrounding strongpoints the Harkonnens leftbehind....”Heglanceddownatthetable.“Theirintelligencereportshaveprovedcompletely reliable and have helped us considerably in our dealings with theJudgeoftheChange.They’vealsosentsomeincidentalthings—jewelryfortheLady Jessica, spice liquor, candy, medicinals. My men are processing the lotrightnow.Thereappearstobenotrickery.”“Youlikethesepeople,Thufir?”askedamandownthetable.Hawat turned to face his questioner. “Duncan Idaho says they’re to be
admired.”Paulglancedathisfather,backtoHawat,venturedaquestion:“Haveyouany
newinformationonhowmanyFrementhereare?”Hawat looked at Paul. “From food processing and other evidence, Idaho
estimatesthecavecomplexhevisitedconsistedofsometenthousandpeople,alltold.Theirleadersaidheruledasietchoftwothousandhearths.We’vereasontobelievethereareagreatmanysuchsietchcommunities.AllseemtogivetheirallegiancetosomeonecalledLiet.”“That’ssomethingnew,”Letosaid.“It couldbe an error onmypart,Sire.There are things to suggest thisLiet
maybealocaldiety.”Anothermandownthetableclearedhisthroat,asked:“Isitcertaintheydeal
withthesmugglers?”“AsmugglercaravanleftthissietchwhileIdahowasthere,carryingaheavy
loadof spice.Theyusedpackbeastsand indicated they facedaneighteen-dayjourney.”“It appears,” the Duke said, “that the smugglers have redoubled their
operationsduringthisperiodofunrest.Thisdeservessomecarefulthought.We
shouldn’tworrytoomuchaboutunlicensedfrigatesworkingoffourplanet—it’salwaysdone.But tohave themcompletelyoutsideourobservation—that’snotgood.”“Youhaveaplan,Sire,”Hawatasked.TheDuke looked atHalleck. “Gurney, Iwant you to head a delegation, an
embassyifyouwill,tocontacttheseromanticbusinessmen.TellthemI’llignoretheiroperationsaslongastheygivemeaducaltithe.Hawathereestimatesthatgraft and extra fightingmen heretofore required in their operations have beencostingthemfourtimesthatamount.”“WhatiftheEmperorgetswindofthis?”Halleckasked.“He’sveryjealousof
hisCHOAMprofits,m’Lord.”Letosmiled.“We’llbanktheentiretitheopenlyinthenameofShaddamIV
anddeductitlegallyfromourlevysupportcosts.LettheHarkonnensfightthat!Andwe’llberuiningafewmoreofthelocalswhogrewfatundertheHarkonnensystem.Nomoregraft!”AgrintwistedHalleck’sface.“Ahh,m’Lord,abeautifullowblow.Wouldthat
IcouldseetheBaron’sfacewhenhelearnsofthis.”TheDuketurnedtoHawat.“Thufir,didyougetthoseaccountbooksyousaid
youcouldbuy?”“Yes,my Lord. They’re being examined in detail even now. I’ve skimmed
them,though,andcangiveafirstapproximation.”“Giveit,then.”“TheHarkonnenstooktenbillionsolarisoutofhereeverythreehundredand
thirtyStandarddays.”Amuted gasp ran around the table. Even the younger aides,who had been
betrayingsomeboredom,satupstraighterandexchangedwide-eyedlooks.Halleckmurmured:“‘Fortheyshallsuckoftheabundanceoftheseasandof
thetreasurehidinthesand.’”“Yousee,gentlemen,”Letosaid.“Is thereanyoneheresonaivehebelieves
theHarkonnenshavequietlypackedupandwalkedaway fromall thismerelybecausetheEmperororderedit?”Therewasageneralshakingofheads,murmurousagreement.“Wewill have to take it at thepointof the sword,”Leto said.He turned to
Hawat. “This’d be a good point to report on equipment. How manysandcrawlers, harvesters, spice factories, and supporting equipment have theyleftus?”“Afullcomplement,asitsaysintheImperialinventoryauditedbytheJudge
of theChange,myLord,”Hawat said.He gestured for an aide to pass him afolder,openedthefolderonthetableinfrontofhim.“Theyneglecttomentionthatlessthanhalfthecrawlersareoperable,thatonlyaboutathirdhavecarryallsto fly them to spice sands—that everything theHarkonnens left us is ready tobreak down and fall apart. We’ll be lucky to get half the equipment intooperationandluckieryetifafourthofit’sstillworkingsixmonthsfromnow.”“Prettymuchasweexpected,”Letosaid.“What’sthefirmestimateonbasic
equipment?”Hawat glanced at his folder. “About nine hundred and thirty harvester-
factories thatcanbesentout inafewdays.Aboutsixty-twohundredandfiftyornithopters for survey, scouting, andweather observation ... carryalls, a littleunderathousand.”Halleck said: “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to reopennegotiationswith theGuild
forpermissiontoorbitafrigateasaweathersatellite?”TheDukelookedatHawat.“Nothingnewthere,eh,Thufir?”“We must pursue other avenues for now,” Hawat said. “The Guild agent
wasn’treallynegotiatingwithus.Hewasmerelymakingitplain—oneMentattoanother—thatthepricewasoutofourreachandwouldremainsonomatterhowlonga reachwedevelop.Our task is to findoutwhybeforeweapproachhimagain.”OneofHalleck’saidesdownthetableswiveledinhischair,snapped:“There’s
nojusticeinthis!”“Justice?”TheDukelookedattheman.“Whoasksforjustice?Wemakeour
ownjustice.WemakeithereonArrakis—winordie.Doyouregretcastingyourlotwithus,sir?”ThemanstaredattheDuke,then:“No,Sire.Youcouldn’tturnandIcoulddo
noughtbutfollowyou.Forgivetheoutburst,but....”Heshrugged.“...wemustallfeelbitterattimes.”“BitternessIunderstand,”theDukesaid.“Butletusnotrailaboutjusticeas
longaswehavearmsand the freedomtouse them.Doanyof the restofyouharborbitterness?Ifso, let itout.This is friendlycouncilwhereanymanmayspeakhismind.”Halleck stirred, said: “I think what rankles, Sire, is that we’ve had no
volunteersfromtheotherGreatHouses.Theyaddressyouas‘LetotheJust’andpromiseeternalfriendship,butonlyaslongasitdoesn’tcostthemanything.”“They don’t know yet who’s going to win this exchange,” the Duke said.
“MostoftheHouseshavegrownfatbytakingfewrisks.Onecannottrulyblame
them for this; one can only despise them.” He looked at Hawat. “We werediscussingequipment.Wouldyoucaretoprojectafewexamplestofamiliarizethemenwiththismachinery?”Hawatnodded,gesturedtoanaideattheprojector.A solido tri-D projection appeared on the table surface about a third of the
waydownfromtheDuke.Someofthemenfartheralongthetablestooduptogetabetterlookatit.Paulleanedforward,staringatthemachine.Scaledagainstthetinyprojectedhumanfiguresaroundit,thethingwasabout
one hundred and twenty meters long and about forty meters wide. It wasbasicallyalong,buglikebodymovingonindependentsetsofwidetracks.“This is aharvester factory,”Hawat said. “Wechoseone ingood repair for
this projection. There’s one dragline outfit that came inwith the first team ofImperialecologists,though,andit’sstillrunning...althoughIdon’tknowhow...orwhy.”“Ifthat’stheonetheycall‘OldMaria,’itbelongsinamuseum,”anaidesaid.
“IthinktheHarkonnenskeptitasapunishmentjob,athreathangingovertheirworkers’heads.Begoodoryou’llbeassignedtoOldMaria.”Chucklessoundedaroundthetable.Paul held himself apart from the humor, his attention focused on the
projectionandthequestionthatfilledhismind.Hepointedtotheimageonthetable,said:“Thufir,aretheresandwormsbigenoughtoswallowthatwhole?”Quick silence settled on the table. The Duke cursed under his breath, then
thought:No—theyhavetofacetherealitieshere.“There’rewormsinthedeepdesertcouldtakethisentirefactoryinonegulp,”
Hawatsaid.“UphereclosertotheShieldWallwheremostofthespicing’sdonethereareplentyofworms that couldcripple this factoryanddevour it at theirleisure.”“Whydon’tweshieldthem?”Paulasked.“According to Idaho’s report,” Hawat said, “shields are dangerous in the
desert.Abody-sizeshieldwillcalleverywormforhundredsofmetersaround.Itappearstodrivethemintoakillingfrenzy.We’vetheFremenwordonthisandnoreasontodoubtit.Idahosawnoevidenceofshieldequipmentatthesietch.”“Noneatall?”Paulasked.“It’d be pretty hard to conceal that kind of thing among several thousand
people,”Hawatsaid.“Idahohadfreeaccesstoeverypartofthesietch.Hesawnoshieldsoranyindicationoftheiruse.”
“It’sapuzzle,”theDukesaid.“TheHarkonnens certainly used plenty of shields here,”Hawat said. “They
had repair depots in every garrison village, and their accounts show a heavyexpenditureforshieldreplacementsandparts.”“CouldtheFremenhaveawayofnullifyingshields?”Paulasked.“Itdoesn’tseemlikely,”Hawatsaid.“It’stheoreticallypossible,ofcourse—a
shire-sized static counter charge is supposed todo the trick, butnoone’s everbeenabletoputittothetest.”“We’dhaveheard about it before now,”Halleck said. “The smugglers have
close contactwith theFremenandwould’ve acquired such adevice if itwereavailable.Andthey’dhavehadnoinhibitionsagainstmarketingitoffplanet.”“Idon’tlikeanunansweredquestionofthisimportance,”Letosaid.“Thufir,I
wantyoutogivetopprioritytosolutionofthisproblem.”“We’realreadyworkingonit,myLord.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Ah-h,Idaho
did say one thing: he said you couldn’t mistake the Fremen attitude towardshields.Hesaidtheyweremostlyamusedbythem.”The Duke frowned, then: “The subject under discussion is spicing
equipment.”Hawatgesturedtohisaideattheprojector.The solido-imageof the harvester-factorywas replacedby a projectionof a
wingeddevice that dwarfed the imagesof human figures around it. “This is acarryall,”Hawatsaid.“It’sessentiallyalarge‘thopter,whosesolefunctionistodeliverafactorytospice-richsands,thentorescuethefactorywhenasandwormappears.Theyalwaysappear.Harvestingthespiceisaprocessofgettinginandgettingoutwithasmuchaspossible.”“AdmirablysuitedtoHarkonnenmorality,”theDukesaid.Laughterwasabruptandtooloud.Anornithopterreplacedthecarryallintheprojectionfocus.“These ‘thopters are fairly conventional,”Hawat said. “Majormodifications
give them extended range. Extra care has been used in sealing essential areasagainstsandanddust.Onlyaboutoneinthirtyisshielded—possiblydiscardingtheshieldgenerator’sweightforgreaterrange.”“Idon’tlikethisde-emphasisonshields,”theDukemuttered.Andhethought:
IsthistheHarkonnensecret?Doesitmeanwewon’tevenbeabletoescapeonshieldedfrigatesifallgoesagainstus?Heshookhisheadsharplytodriveoutsuchthoughts,said:“Let’sgettotheworkingestimate.What’llourprofitfigurebe?”
Hawat turned two pages in his notebook. “After assessing the repairs andoperable equipment,we’veworkedout a first estimate onoperating costs. It’sbasednaturallyonadepreciatedfigureforaclearsafetymargin.”Heclosedhiseyes in Mentat semitrance, said: “Under the Harkonnens, maintenance andsalarieswereheld to fourteenper cent.We’llbe lucky tomake it at thirtypercentatfirst.Withreinvestmentandgrowthfactorsaccountedfor, includingtheCHOAMpercentageandmilitarycosts,ourprofitmarginwillbe reduced toaverynarrowsixorsevenpercentuntilwecanreplaceworn-outequipment.Wethenshouldbeabletoboostituptotwelveorfifteenpercentwhereitbelongs.”Heopenedhiseyes.“UnlessmyLordwishestoadoptHarkonnenmethods.”“We’re working for a solid and permanent planetary base,” the Duke said.
“We have to keep a large percentage of the people happy—especially theFremen.”“MostespeciallytheFremen,”Hawatagreed.“OursupremacyonCaladan,”theDukesaid,“dependedonseaandairpower.
Here, we must develop something I choose to call desert power. This mayincludeairpower,butit’spossibleitmaynot.Icallyourattentiontothelackof‘thoptershields.”Heshookhishead.“TheHarkonnensreliedonturnoverfromoffplanetforsomeof theirkeypersonnel.Wedon’tdare.Eachnewlotwouldhaveitsquotaofprovocateurs.”“Thenwe’ll have to be contentwith far less profit and a reduced harvest,”
Hawatsaid.“Ouroutput thefirst twoseasonsshouldbedownathirdfromtheHarkonnenaverage.”“There it is,” theDuke said, “exactly aswe expected. ”We’ll have tomove
fastwith the Fremen. I’d like five full battalions of Fremen troops before thefirstCHOAMaudit.”“That’snotmuchtime,Sire,”Hawatsaid.“Wedon’thavemuchtime,asyouwellknow.They’llbeherewithSardaukar
disguisedasHarkonnensatthefirstopportunity.Howmanydoyouthinkthey’llshipin,Thufir?”“Four or five battalions all told, Sire.Nomore,Guild troop-transport costs
beingwhattheyare.”“Then five battalions of Fremen plus our own forces ought to do it. Let us
havea fewcaptiveSardaukar toparade in frontof theLandsraadCouncil andmatterswillbemuchdifferent—profitsornoprofits.”“We’lldoourbest,Sire.”Paullookedathisfather,backtoHawat,suddenlyconsciousoftheMentat’s
greatage,awarethattheoldmanhadservedthreegenerationsofAtreides.Aged.It showed in the rheumy shine of the brown eyes, in the cheeks cracked andburnedbyexoticweathers,intheroundedcurveoftheshouldersandthethinsetofhislipswiththecranberry-coloredstainofsaphojuice.Somuchdependsononeagedman,Paulthought.“We’re presently in a war of assassins,” the Duke said, “but it has not
achieved full scale. Thufir, what’s the condition of the Harkonnen machinehere?”“We’veeliminatedtwohundredandfifty-nineof theirkeypeople,myLord.
NomorethanthreeHarkonnencellsremain—perhapsahundredpeopleinall.”“These Harkonnen creatures you eliminated,” the Duke said, “were they
propertied?”“Mostwerewellsituated,myLord—intheentrepreneurclass.”“Iwantyou to forgecertificatesofallegianceover thesignaturesofeachof
them,”theDukesaid.“FilecopieswiththeJudgeoftheChange.We’lltakethelegalpositionthat theystayedunderfalseallegiance.Confiscatetheirproperty,take everything, turn out their families, strip them.Andmake sure theCrowngetsitstenpercent.Itmustbeentirelylegal.”Thufirsmiled,revealingred-stainedteethbeneaththecarminelips.“Amove
worthyofyourgrandsire,myLord.ItshamesmeIdidn’tthinkofitfirst.”Halleck frownedacross the table,noticingadeepscowlonPaul’s face.The
othersweresmilingandnodding.It’s wrong, Paul thought. This’ll only make the others fight all the harder.
They’venothingtogainbysurrendering.Heknew the actual no-holds-barred convention that ruled in kanly, but this
wasthesortofmovethatcoulddestroythemevenasitgavethemvictory.“‘Ihavebeenastrangerinastrangeland,’”Halleckquoted.Paulstaredathim,recognizingthequotationfromtheO.C.Bible,wondering:
DoesGurney,too,wishanendtodeviousplots?TheDukeglancedat thedarknessout thewindows, lookedbackatHalleck.
“Gurney,howmanyofthosesandworkersdidyoupersuadetostaywithus?”“Twohundredeighty-sixinall,Sire.Ithinkweshouldtakethemandconsider
ourselveslucky.They’reallinusefulcategories.”“Nomore?”TheDukepursedhislips,then:“Well,passthewordalongto—”A disturbance at the door interrupted him.Duncan Idaho came through the
guardthere,hurrieddownthelengthofthetableandbentovertheDuke’sear.Letowavedhimback,said:“Speakout,Duncan.Youcanseethisisstrategy
staff.”PaulstudiedIdaho,markingthefelinemovements,theswiftnessofreflexthat
madehimsuchadifficultweaponsteachertoemulate.Idaho’sdarkroundfaceturnedtowardPaul, thecave-sittereyesgivingnohintofrecognition,butPaulrecognizedthemaskofserenityoverexcitement.Idaho looked down the length of the table, said: “We’ve taken a force of
HarkonnenmercenariesdisguisedasFremen.TheFrementhemselvessentusacourier to warn of the false band. In the attack, however, we found theHarkonnens had waylaid the Fremen courier—badly wounded him. We werebringinghimherefortreatmentbyourmedicswhenhedied.I’dseenhowbadlyoffthemanwasandstoppedtodowhatIcould.Isurprisedhimintheattempttothrowsomethingaway.”IdahoglanceddownatLeto.“Aknife,m’Lord,aknifethelikeofwhichyou’veneverseen.”“Crysknife?”someoneasked.“Nodoubtofit,”Idahosaid.“Milkywhiteandglowingwithalightofitsown
like.”Hereachedintohistunic,broughtoutasheathwithablack-ridgedhandleprotrudingfromit.“Keepthatbladeinitssheath!”The voice came from the open door at the end of the room, a vibrant and
penetratingvoicethatbroughtthemallup,staring.A tall, robed figure stood in the door, barred by the crossed swords of the
guard.A light tan robe completely enveloped theman except for a gap in thehoodandblackveilthatexposedeyesoftotalblue—nowhiteinthematall.“Lethimenter,”Idahowhispered.“Passthatman,”theDukesaid.Theguardshesitated,thenloweredtheirswords.Themansweptintotheroom,stoodacrossfromtheDuke.“ThisisStilgar,chiefofthesietchIvisited,leaderofthosewhowarnedusof
thefalseband,”Idahosaid.“Welcome,sir,”Letosaid.“Andwhyshouldn’tweunsheaththisblade?”StilgarglancedatIdaho,said:“Youobservedthecustomsofcleanlinessand
honor among us. I would permit you to see the blade of the man youbefriended.”Hisgaze swept theothers in the room. “But Idonotknow theseothers.Wouldyouhavethemdefileanhonorableweapon?”“I am the Duke Leto,” the Duke said. “Would you permit me to see this
blade?”“I’llpermityoutoearntherighttounsheathit,”Stilgarsaid,and,asamutter
of protest sounded around the table, he raised a thin, darkly veined hand. “Iremindyouthisisthebladeofonewhobefriendedyou.”In thewaiting silence,Paul studied theman, sensing theauraofpower that
radiatedfromhim.Hewasaleader—aFremenleader.Amannear thecenterof the tableacross fromPaulmuttered:“Who’she to
telluswhatrightswehaveonArrakis?”“ItissaidthattheDukeLetoAtreidesruleswiththeconsentofthegoverned,”
the Fremen said. “Thus I must tell you the way it is with us: a certainresponsibilityfallsonthosewhohaveseenacrysknife.”Hepassedadarkglanceacross Idaho. “They are ours. They may never leave Arrakis without ourconsent.”Halleck and several of the others started to rise, angry expressions on their
faces.Hallecksaid:“TheDukeLetodetermineswhether—”“Onemoment, please,” Leto said, and the very mildness of his voice held
them.Thismust not get out of hand, he thought.He addressed himself to theFremen:“Sir,Ihonorandrespectthepersonaldignityofanymanwhorespectsmydignity.Iamindeedindebtedtoyou.AndIalwayspaymydebts.Ifitisyourcustomthatthiskniferemainsheathedhere,thenitissoordered—byme.Andifthereisanyotherwaywemayhonorthemanwhodiedinourservice,youhavebuttonameit.”TheFremenstaredattheDuke,thenslowlypulledasidehisveil,revealinga
thinnoseandfull-lippedmouthinaglisteningblackbeard.Deliberatelyhebentovertheendofthetable,spatonitspolishedsurface.As the men around the table started to surge to their feet, Idaho’s voice
boomedacrosstheroom:“Hold!”Intothesuddenchargedstillness,Idahosaid:“Wethankyou,Stilgar,forthe
giftofyourbody’smoisture.Weaccept it in thespiritwithwhich it isgiven.”AndIdahospatonthetableinfrontoftheDuke.AsidetotheDuke,hesaid:“Rememberhowpreciouswaterishere,Sire.That
wasatokenofrespect.”Letosankbackintohisownchair,caughtPaul’seye,aruefulgrinonhisson’s
face, sensed the slow relaxation of tension around the table as understandingcametohismen.TheFremenlookedatIdaho,said:“Youmeasuredwellinmysietch,Duncan
Idaho.IsthereabondonyourallegiancetoyourDuke?”“He’saskingmetoenlistwithhim,Sire,”Idahosaid.“Wouldheacceptadualallegiance?”Letoasked.
“Youwishmetogowithhim,Sire?”“Iwishyoutomakeyourowndecisioninthematter,”Letosaid,andhecould
notkeeptheurgencyoutofhisvoice.Idaho studied the Fremen. “Would you have me under these conditions,
Stilgar?There’dbetimeswhenI’dhavetoreturntoservemyDuke.”“Youfightwellandyoudidyourbestforourfriend,”Stilgarsaid.Helooked
atLeto.“Letitbethus:themanIdahokeepsthecrysknifeheholdsasamarkofhisallegiancetous.Hemustbecleansed,ofcourse,andtheritesobserved,butthis can be done. He will be Fremen and soldier of the Atreides. There isprecedentforthis:Lietservestwomasters.”“Duncan?”Letoasked.“Iunderstand,Sire,”Idahosaid.“Itisagreed,then,”Letosaid.“Your water is ours, Duncan Idaho,” Stilgar said. “The body of our friend
remainswithyourDuke.HiswaterisAtreideswater.Itisabondbetweenus.”Letosighed,glancedatHawat,catchingtheoldMentat’seye.Hawatnodded,
hisexpressionpleased.“I will await below,” Stilgar said, “while Idaho makes farewell with his
friends.Turokwasthenameofourdeadfriend.Rememberthatwhenitcomestimetoreleasehisspirit.YouarefriendsofTurok.”Stilgarstartedtoturnaway.“Willyounotstayawhile?”Letoasked.TheFremen turnedback,whippinghisveil intoplacewithacasualgesture,
adjusting something beneath it. Paul glimpsed what looked like a thin tubebeforetheveilsettledintoplace.“Istherereasontostay?”theFremenasked.“Wewouldhonoryou,”theDukesaid.“HonorrequiresthatIbeelsewheresoon,”theFremensaid.Heshotanother
glanceatIdaho,whirled,andstrodeoutpastthedoorguards.“IftheotherFremenmatchhim,we’llserveeachotherwell,”Letosaid.Idahospokeinadryvoice:“He’safairsample,Sire.”“Youunderstandwhatyou’retodo,Duncan?”“I’myourambassadortotheFremen,Sire.”“Muchdependsonyou,Duncan.We’regoingtoneedatleastfivebattalions
ofthosepeoplebeforetheSardaukardescendonus.”“Thisisgoingtotakesomedoing,Sire.TheFremenareaprettyindependent
bunch.” Idaho hesitated, then: “And, Sire, there’s one other thing.One of the
mercenariesweknockedoverwastryingtogetthisbladefromourdeadFremenfriend.Themercenarysays there’saHarkonnenrewardofamillionsolarisforanyonewho’llbringinasinglecrysknife.”Leto’schincameupinamovementofobvioussurprise.“Whydotheywant
oneofthosebladessobadly?”“Theknife isgroundfromasandworm’s tooth; it’s themarkof theFremen,
Sire.With it, a blue-eyedman could penetrate any sietch in the land. They’dquestionmeunlessIwereknown.Idon’tlookFremen.But....”“PiterdeVries,”theDukesaid.“Amanofdevilishcunning,myLord,”Hawatsaid.Idahoslippedthesheathedknifebeneathhistunic.“Guardthatknife,”theDukesaid.“Iunderstand,m’Lord.”Hepattedthetransceiveronhisbeltkit.“I’ll report
soonaspossible.Thufirhasmycallcode.Usebattlelanguage.”Hesaluted,spunabout,andhurriedaftertheFremen.Theyheardhisfootstepsdrummingdownthecorridor.AlookofunderstandingpassedbetweenLetoandHawat.Theysmiled.“We’vemuchtodo,Sire,”Hallecksaid.“AndIkeepyoufromyourwork,”Letosaid.“Ihavethereportontheadvancebases,”Hawatsaid.“ShallIgiveitanother
time,Sire?”“Willittakelong?”“Notforabriefing.It’ssaidamongtheFrementhatthereweremorethantwo
hundredoftheseadvancebasesbuilthereonArrakisduringtheDesertBotanicalTesting Station period. All supposedly have been abandoned, but there arereportstheyweresealedoffbeforebeingabandoned.”“Equipmentinthem?”theDukeasked.“AccordingtothereportsIhavefromDuncan.”“Wherearetheylocated?”Halleckasked.“Theanswertothatquestion,”Hawatsaid,“isinvariably:‘Lietknows.’”“Godknows,”Letomuttered.“Perhapsnot,Sire,”Hawatsaid.“YouheardthisStilgarusethename.Could
hehavebeenreferringtoarealperson?”“Servingtwomasters,”Hallecksaid.“Itsoundslikeareligiousquotation.”“Andyoushouldknow,”theDukesaid.Hallecksmiled.“This Judge of the Change,” Leto said, “the Imperial ecologist—Kynes....
Wouldn’theknowwherethosebasesare?”“Sire,”Hawatcautioned,“thisKynesisanImperialservant.”“And he’s a long way from the Emperor,” Leto said. “I want those bases.
They’d be loaded with materials we could salvage and use for repair of ourworkingequipment.”“Sire!”Hawatsaid.“ThosebasesarestilllegallyHisMajesty’sfief.”“Theweatherhere’ssavageenoughtodestroyanything,”theDukesaid.“We
canalwaysblametheweather.GetthisKynesandatleastfindoutifthebasesexist.”“‘Tweredangeroustocommandeerthem,”Hawatsaid.“Duncanwasclearon
one thing: thosebasesor the ideaof themholdsomedeepsignificancefor theFremen.WemightalienatetheFremenifwetookthosebases.”Paullookedatthefacesofthemenaroundthem,sawtheintensityoftheway
they followed every word. They appeared deeply disturbed by his father’sattitude.“Listentohim,Father,”Paulsaidinalowvoice.“Hespeakstruth.”“Sire,”Hawatsaid,“thosebasescouldgiveusmaterialtorepaireverypiece
ofequipment leftus,yetbebeyond reach for strategic reasons. It’dbe rash tomove without greater knowledge. This Kynes has arbiter authority from theImperium.Wemustn’tforgetthat.AndtheFremendefertohim.”“Doitgently,then,”theDukesaid.“Iwishtoknowonlyifthosebasesexist.”“Asyouwill,Sire.”Hawatsatback,loweredhiseyes.“Allright,then,”theDukesaid.“Weknowwhatwehaveaheadofus—work.
We’ve been trained for it. We’ve some experience in it. We know what therewards are and the alternatives are clear enough. You all have yourassignments.” He looked at Halleck. “Gurney, take care of that smugglersituationfirst.”“‘Ishallgountotherebelliousthatdwellinthedryland,’”Halleckintoned.“SomedayI’llcatchthatmanwithoutaquotationandhe’ll lookundressed,”
theDukesaid.Chucklesechoedaroundthetable,butPaulheardtheeffortinthem.TheDuke turned toHawat. “Set up another command post for intelligence
andcommunicationsonthisfloor,Thufir.Whenyouhavethemready,I’llwanttoseeyou.”Hawatarose,glancingaroundtheroomasthoughseekingsupport.Heturned
away,ledtheprocessionoutoftheroom.Theothersmovedhurriedly,scrapingtheirchairsonthefloor,ballingupinlittleknotsofconfusion.
Itendedupinconfusion,Paulthought,staringatthebacksofthelastmentoleave.Alwaysbefore,Staffhadendedonanincisiveair.Thismeetinghadjustseemedtotrickleout,worndownbyitsowninadequacies,andwithanargumenttotopitoff.For thefirst time,Paulallowedhimself to thinkabout therealpossibilityof
defeat—notthinkingaboutitoutoffearorbecauseofwarningssuchasthatoftheoldReverendMother,butfacinguptoitbecauseofhisownassessmentofthesituation.Myfatherisdesperate,hethought.Thingsaren’tgoingwellforusatall.And Hawat—Paul recalled how the old Mentat had acted during the
conference—subtiehesitations,signsofunrest.Hawatwasdeeplytroubledbysomething.“Best you remain here the rest of the night, Son,” the Duke said. “It’ll be
dawnsoon,anyway.I’llinformyourmother.”Hegottohisfeet,slowly,stiffly.“Whydon’tyoupullafewofthesechairstogetherandstretchoutonthemforsomerest.”“I’mnotverytired,sir.”“Asyouwill.”TheDukefoldedhishandsbehindhim,beganpacingupanddownthelength
ofthetable.Likeacagedanimal,Paulthought.“AreyougoingtodiscussthetraitorpossibilitywithHawat?”Paulasked.TheDuke stoppedacross fromhis son, spoke to thedarkwindows. “We’ve
discussedthepossibilitymanytimes.”“The old woman seemed so sure of herself,” Paul said. “And the message
Mother—”“Precautions have been taken,” theDuke said.He looked around the room,
andPaulmarkedthehuntedwildnessinhisfather’seyes.“Remainhere.Thereare some things about the command posts Iwant to discusswith Thufir.”Heturned,strodeoutoftheroom,noddingshortlytothedoorguards.Paulstaredattheplacewherehisfatherhadstood.Thespacehadbeenempty
evenbeforetheDukelefttheroom.Andherecalledtheoldwoman’swarning:“...forthefather,nothing.”
On that first daywhenMuad‘Dib rode through the streets of Arrakeenwith hisfamily,someofthepeoplealongthewayrecalledthelegendsandtheprophecyandthey ventured to shout: “Mahdi!” But their shout was more a question than astatement,forasyettheycouldonlyhopehewastheoneforetoldastheLisanal-Gaib, the Voice from theOuterWorld.Their attention was focused, too, on themother,becausetheyhadheardshewasaBeneGesseritanditwasobvioustothemthatshewasliketheotherLisanal-Gaib.
—from“ManualofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THEDUKE found Thufir Hawat alone in the corner room to which a guarddirectedhim.Therewasthesoundofmensettingupcommunicationsequipmentinanadjoiningroom,butthisplacewasfairlyquiet.TheDukeglancedaroundas Hawat arose from a paper-cluttered table. It was a green-walled enclosurewith,inadditiontothetable,threesuspensorchairsfromwhichtheHarkonnen“H”hadbeenhastilyremoved,leavinganimperfectcolorpatch.“Thechairsareliberatedbutquitesafe,”Hawatsaid.“WhereisPaul,Sire?”“Ilefthimintheconferenceroom.I’mhopinghe’llgetsomerestwithoutme
theretodistracthim.”Hawatnodded,crossed to thedoor to theadjoiningroom,closed it,shutting
offthenoiseofstaticandelectronicsparking.“Thufir,”Leto said, “the Imperial andHarkonnen stockpiles of spice attract
myattention.”“M’Lord?”The Duke pursed his lips. “Storehouses are susceptible to destruction.” He
raised a hand as Hawat started to speak. “Ignore the Emperor’s hoard. He’dsecretlyenjoyitiftheHarkonnenswereembarrassed.AndcantheBaronobjectifsomethingisdestroyedwhichhecannotopenlyadmitthathehas?”Hawatshookhishead.“We’vefewmentospare,Sire.”“UsesomeofIdaho’smen.AndperhapssomeoftheFremenwouldenjoya
tripoffplanet.A raidonGiediPrime—there are tactical advantages to suchadiversion,Thufir.”“Asyou say,myLord.”Hawat turnedaway, and theDuke sawevidenceof
nervousnessintheoldman,thought:PerhapshesuspectsIdistrusthim.HemustknowI’veprivatereportsoftraitors.Well-bestquiethisfearsimmediately.“Thufir,”hesaid,“sinceyou’reoneofthefewIcantrustcompletely,there’s
anothermatterbearsdiscussion.Webothknowhowconstantawatchwemustkeep to prevent traitors from infiltrating our forces... but I have two newreports.”Hawatturned,staredathim.AndLetorepeatedthestoriesPaulhadbrought.Instead of bringing on the intense Mentat concentration, the reports only
increasedHawat’sagitation.Leto studied the old man and, presently, said: “You’ve been holding
something back, old friend. I should’ve suspectedwhen youwere so nervousduringStaff.Whatisitthatwastoohottodumpinfrontofthefullconference?”Hawat’s sapho-stained lips were pulled into a prim, straight line with tiny
wrinklesradiatingintothem.Theymaintainedtheirwrinkledstiffnessashesaid:“MyLord,Idon’tquiteknowhowtobroachthis.”“We’ve suffered many a scar for each other, Thufir,” the Duke said. “You
knowyoucanbroachanysubjectwithme.”Hawatcontinuedtostareathim,thinking:ThisishowIlikehimbest.Thisis
themanofhonorwhodeserveseverybitofmyloyaltyandservice.WhymustIhurthim?“Well?”Letodemanded.Hawatshrugged.“It’sascrapofanote.WetookitfromaHarkonnencourier.
ThenotewasintendedforanagentnamedPardee.We’vegoodreasontobelievePardeewastopmanintheHarkonnenundergroundhere.Thenote—it’sathingthatcouldhavegreatconsequenceornoconsequence.It’ssusceptibletovariousinterpretations.”“What’sthedelicatecontentofthisnote?”“Scrapofanote,myLord.Incomplete.Itwasonminimicfilmwiththeusual
destruction capsule attached. We stopped the acid action just short of fullerasure, leaving only a fragment. The fragment, however, is extremelysuggestive.”“Yes?”Hawat rubbed at his lips. “It says: ‘... etowill never suspect, andwhen the
blow falls on him from a beloved hand, its source alone should be enough todestroyhim.’Thenotewasunder theBaron’sown seal and I’veauthenticatedtheseal.”“Yoursuspicionisobvious,”theDukesaidandhisvoicewassuddenlycold.“I’dsoonercutoffmyarmsthanhurtyou,”Hawatsaid.“MyLord,whatif....”“TheLady Jessica,”Leto said, andhe felt anger consuminghim. “Couldn’t
youwringthefactsoutofthisPardee?”“Unfortunately,Pardeenolongerwasamongthelivingwhenweintercepted
thecourier.Thecourier,I’mcertain,didnotknowwhathecarried.”“Isee.”Letoshookhishead,thinking:Whataslimypieceofbusiness.Therecan’tbe
anythinginit.Iknowmywoman.“MyLord,if—”“No!”theDukebarked.“There’samistakeherethat—”“Wecannotignoreit,myLord.”“She’sbeenwithmeforsixteenyears!There’vebeencountlessopportunities
for—Youyourselfinvestigatedtheschoolandthewoman!”Hawatspokebitterly:“Thingshavebeenknowntoescapeme.”“It’simpossible,Itellyou!TheHarkonnenswanttodestroytheAtreidesline
—meaning Paul, too. They’ve already tried once. Could a woman conspireagainstherownson?”“Perhaps she doesn’t conspire against her son. And yesterday’s attempt
could’vebeenacleversham.”“Itcouldn’thavebeenasham.”“Sire,sheisn’tsupposedtoknowherparentage,butwhatifshedoesknow?
Whatifshewereanorphan,say,orphanedbyanAtreides?”“She’dhavemovedlongbeforenow.Poisoninmydrink...astilettoatnight.
Whohashadbetteropportunity?”“TheHarkonnensmean todestroy you,myLord.Their intent is not just to
kill. There’s a range of fine distinctions in kanly.This could be awork of artamongvendettas.”TheDuke’sshouldersslumped.Heclosedhiseyes, lookingoldand tired. It
cannotbe,hethought.Thewomanhasopenedherhearttome.“WhatbetterwaytodestroymethantosowsuspicionofthewomanIlove?”
heasked.“AninterpretationI’veconsidered,”Hawatsaid.“Still....”TheDukeopenedhiseyes,staredatHawat,thinking:Lethimbesuspicious.
Suspicion is his trade, notmine. Perhaps if I appear to believe this, that willmakeanothermancareless.“Whatdoyousuggest?”theDukewhispered.“Fornow,constantsurveillance,myLord.Sheshouldbewatchedatalltimes.
Iwill see it’sdoneunobtrusively. Idahowouldbe the idealchoice for the job.Perhaps in aweek or sowe can bring him back.There’s a youngmanwe’ve
been training in Idaho’s troopwhomight be ideal to send to the Fremen as areplacement.He’sgiftedindiplomacy.”“Don’tjeopardizeourfootholdwiththeFremen.”“Ofcoursenot,Sir.”“AndwhataboutPaul?”“PerhapswecouldalertDr.Yueh.”LetoturnedhisbackonHawat.“Ileaveitinyourhands.”“Ishallusediscretion,myLord.”AtleastIcancountonthat,Letothought.Andhesaid:“Iwilltakeawalk.If
youneedme,I’llbewithintheperimeter.Theguardcan—”“My Lord, before you go, I’ve a filmclip you should read. It’s a first-
approximation analysis on the Fremen religion.You’ll recall you askedme toreportonit.”TheDukepaused,spokewithoutturning.“Willitnotwait?”“Of course, my Lord. You asked what they were shouting, though. It was
‘Mahdi!’Theydirectedthetermattheyoungmaster.Whenthey—”“AtPaul?”“Yes,myLord.They’vealegendhere,aprophecy,thataleaderwillcometo
them, child of a Bene Gesserit, to lead them to true freedom. It follows thefamiliarmessiahpattern.”“TheythinkPaulisthis...this....”“Theyonlyhope,myLord.”Hawatextendedafilmclipcapsule.TheDukeacceptedit,thrustitintoapocket.“I’lllookatitlater.”“Certainly,myLord.”“Rightnow,Ineedtimeto...think.”“Yes,myLord.”TheDuke took a deep sighing breath, strode out the door.He turned to his
rightdownthehall,beganwalking,handsbehindhisback,payinglittleattentionto where he was. There were corridors and stairs and balconies and halls...peoplewhosalutedandstoodasideforhim.Intimehecamebacktotheconferenceroom,founditdarkandPaulasleepon
thetablewithaguard’srobethrownoverhimandadittypackforapillow.TheDuke walked softly down the length of the room and onto the balconyoverlookingthelandingfield.Aguardatthecornerofthebalcony,recognizingtheDukebythedimreflectionoflightsfromthefield,snappedtoattention.“At ease,” the Duke murmured. He leaned against the cold metal of the
balconyrail.
A predawn hush had come over the desert basin. He looked up. Straightoverhead, the stars were a sequin shawl flung over blue-black. Low on thesouthernhorizon,thenight’ssecondmoonpeeredthroughathindusthaze—anunbelievingmoonthatlookedathimwithacynicallight.AstheDukewatched,themoondippedbeneaththeShieldWallcliffs,frosting
them, and in the sudden intensity of darkness, he experienced a chill. Heshivered.Angershotthroughhim.TheHarkonnenshavehinderedandhoundedandhuntedmeforthelasttime,
he thought.They are dung heapswith village provostminds!Here Imakemystand!Andhe thoughtwitha touchofsadness: Imust rulewitheyeandclaw—asthe hawk among lesser birds. Unconsciously, his hand brushed the hawkemblemonhistunic.To the east, the night grew a faggot of luminous gray, then seashell
opalescencethatdimmedthestars.Therecamethelong,bell-tollingmovementofdawnstrikingacrossabrokenhorizon.Itwasasceneofsuchbeautyitcaughtallhisattention.Somethingsbeggarlikeness,hethought.Hehadnever imaginedanythingherecouldbeasbeautifulas thatshattered
redhorizonandthepurpleandochrecliffs.Beyondthelandingfieldwherethenight’sfaintdewhadtouchedlifeintothehurriedseedsofArrakis,hesawgreatpuddlesofredbloomsand,runningthroughthem,anarticulatetreadofviolet...likegiantfootsteps.“It’sabeautifulmorning,Sire,”theguardsaid.“Yes,itis.”TheDukenodded,thinking:Perhapsthisplanetcouldgrowonone.Perhaps
itcouldbecomeagoodhomeformyson.Thenhesawthehumanfiguresmovingintotheflowerfields,sweepingthem
with strange scythe-like devices—dew gatherers. Water so precious here thateventhedewmustbecollected.Anditcouldbeahideousplace,theDukethought.
“Thereisprobablynomoreterribleinstantofenlightenmentthantheoneinwhichyoudiscoveryourfatherisaman—withhumanflesh.”
—from“CollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THE DUKE SAID: “Paul, I’m doing a hateful thing, but I must.” He stoodbeside the portable poison snooper that had been brought into the conferenceroom for their breakfast. The thing’s sensor arms hung limply over the table,remindingPaulofsomeweirdinsectnewlydead.TheDuke’sattentionwasdirectedoutthewindowsatthelandingfieldandits
roilingofdustagainstthemorningsky.Paul had a viewer in front of him containing a short filmclip on Fremen
religiouspractices.ThecliphadbeencompiledbyoneofHawat’sexpertsandPaulfoundhimselfdisturbedbythereferencestohimself.“Mahdi!”“Lisanal-Gaib!”Hecouldclosehiseyesandrecall theshoutsof thecrowds.So that iswhat
theyhope,hethought.Andherememberedwhat theoldReverendMotherhadsaid:KwisatzHaderach.Thememoriestouchedhisfeelingsofterriblepurpose,shading this strange world with sensations of familiarity that he could notunderstand.“Ahatefulthing,”theDukesaid.“Whatdoyoumean,sir?”Letoturned,lookeddownathisson.“BecausetheHarkonnensthinktotrick
mebymakingmedistrustyourmother.Theydon’tknowthatI’dsoonerdistrustmyself.”“Idon’tunderstand,sir.”Again, Leto looked out the windows. The white sun was well up into its
morning quadrant.Milky light pickedout a boiling of dust clouds that spilledoverintotheblindcanyonsinterfingeringtheShieldWall.Slowly,speakinginaslowvoicetocontainhisanger,theDukeexplainedto
Paulaboutthemysteriousnote.“Youmightjustaswellmistrustme,”Paulsaid.“Theyhavetothinkthey’vesucceeded,”theDukesaid.“Theymustthinkme
this much of a fool. It must look real. Even your mother may not know the
sham.”“But,sir!Why?”“Yourmother’sresponsemustnotbeanact.Oh,she’scapableofasupreme
act...buttoomuchridesonthis.Ihopetosmokeoutatraitor.ItmustseemthatI’vebeencompletelycozened.Shemustbehurtthiswaythatshedoesnotsuffergreaterhurt.”“Whydoyoutellme,Father?MaybeI’llgiveitaway.”“They’llnotwatchyouinthisthing,”theDukesaid.“You’llkeepthesecret.
You must.” He walked to the windows, spoke without turning. “This way, ifanythingshouldhappentome,youcantellherthetruth—thatIneverdoubtedher,notforthesmallestinstant.Ishouldwanthertoknowthis.”Paul recognized the death thoughts in his father’s words, spoke quickly:
“Nothing’sgoingtohappentoyou,sir.The—”“Besilent,Son.”Paulstaredathisfather’sback,seeingthefatigueintheangleoftheneck,in
thelineoftheshoulders,intheslowmovements.“You’rejusttired,Father.”“I am tired,” the Duke agreed. “I’m morally tired. The melancholy
degenerationoftheGreatHouseshasafflictedmeatlast,perhaps.Andweweresuchstrongpeopleonce.”Paulspokeinquickanger:“OurHousehasn’tdegenerated!”“Hasn’tit?”TheDuke turned, facedhis son, revealingdark circles beneathhard eyes, a
cynicaltwistofmouth.“Ishouldwedyourmother,makehermyDuchess.Yet...myunweddedstategivesomeHouseshopetheymayyetallywithmethroughtheirmarriageabledaughters.”Heshrugged.“So,I....”“Motherhasexplainedthistome.”“Nothingwinsmore loyalty for a leader than an air of bravura,” theDuke
said.“I,therefore,cultivateanairofbravura.”“Youleadwell,”Paulprotested.“Yougovernwell.Menfollowyouwillingly
andloveyou.”“Mypropagandacorpsisoneofthefinest,”theDuke’said.Again,heturnedto
stareoutatthebasin.“There’sgreaterpossibilityforushereonArrakisthantheImperiumcouldeversuspect.YetsometimesIthinkit’dhavebeenbetterifwe’drunforit,gonerenegade.SometimesIwishwecouldsinkbackintoanonymityamongthepeople,becomelessexposedto....”“Father!”
“Yes,Iamtired,”theDukesaid.“Didyouknowwe’reusingspiceresidueasrawmaterialandalreadyhaveourownfactorytomanufacturefilmbase?”“Sir?”“Wemustn’trunshortoffilmbase,”theDukesaid.“Else,howcouldweflood
villageandcitywithourinformation?ThepeoplemustlearnhowwellIgovernthem.Howwouldtheyknowifwedidn’ttellthem?”“Youshouldgetsomerest,”Paulsaid.Again,theDukefacedhisson.“ArrakishasanotheradvantageIalmostforgot
to mention. Spice is in everything here. You breathe it and eat it in almosteverything.AndIfindthatthisimpartsacertainnaturalimmunitytosomeofthemostcommonpoisonsoftheAssassins’Handbook.Andtheneedtowatcheverydrop ofwater puts all food production—yeast culture, hydroponics, chemavit,everything—underthestrictestsurveillance.Wecannotkillofflargesegmentsofourpopulationwithpoison—andwecannotbeattackedthisway,either.Arrakismakesusmoralandethical.”Paul started to speak, but the Duke cut him off, saying: “I have to have
someone I can say these things to, Son.” He sighed, glanced back at the drylandscape where even the flowers were gone now—trampled by the dewgatherers,wiltedundertheearlysun.“OnCaladan, we ruledwith sea and air power,” theDuke said. “Here, we
mustscrabblefordesertpower.Thisisyourinheritance,Paul.Whatistobecomeof you if anything happens to me? You’ll not be a renegade House, but aguerrillaHouse—running,hunted.”Paulgropedforwords,couldfindnothingtosay.Hehadneverseenhisfather
thisdespondent.“ToholdArrakis,”theDukesaid,“oneisfacedwithdecisionsthatmaycost
onehisself-respect.”HepointedoutthewindowtotheAtreidesgreenandblackbanner hanging limply from a staff at the edge of the landing field. “Thathonorablebannercouldcometomeanmanyevilthings.”Paulswallowedinadrythroat.Hisfather’swordscarriedfutility,asenseof
fatalismthatlefttheboywithanemptyfeelinginhischest.TheDuketookanantifatiguetabletfromapocket,gulpeditdry.“Powerand
fear,”hesaid.“The toolsofstatecraft. Imustordernewemphasisonguerrillatrainingforyou.Thatfilmclipthere—theycallyou‘Mahdi’—‘Lisanal-Gaib’—asalastresort,youmightcapitalizeonthat.”Paulstaredathisfather,watchingtheshouldersstraightenasthetabletdidits
work,butrememberingthewordsoffearanddoubt.
“What’s keeping that ecologist?” theDukemuttered. “I toldThufir to havehimhereearly.”
Myfather,thePadishahEmperor,tookmebythehandonedayandIsensedinthewaysmymotherhadtaughtmethathewasdisturbed.HeledmedowntheHallofPortraits to the ego-likeness of the Duke Leto Atreides. I marked the strongresemblancebetweenthem—myfatherandthismanintheportrait—bothwiththin,elegantfacesandsharpfeaturesdominatedbycoldeyes.“Princessdaughter,”myfather said, “I would that you’d been older when it came time for this man tochooseawoman.”Myfatherwas71atthetimeandlookingnoolderthanthemanintheportrait,andIwasbut14,yetIrememberdeducinginthatinstantthatmyfather secretly wished the Duke had been his son, and disliked the politicalnecessitiesthatmadethemenemies.
—“InmyFather’sHouse”byPrincessIrulan
HIS FIRST encounter with the people he had been ordered to betray left Dr.Kynes shaken. He prided himself on being a scientist to whom legends weremerely interesting clues, pointing toward cultural roots.Yet the boy fitted theancient prophecy so precisely. He had “the questing eyes,” and the air of“reservedcandor.”Ofcourse,theprophecyleftcertainlatitudeastowhethertheMotherGoddess
wouldbringtheMessiahwithherorproduceHimonthescene.Still,therewasthisoddcorrespondencebetweenpredictionandpersons.Theymet inmidmorningoutside theArrakeenlandingfield’sadministration
building.Anunmarkedornithoptersquattednearby.hummingsoftlyonstandbylikeasomnolentinsect.AnAtreidesguardstoodbesideitwithbaredswordandthefaintair-distortionofashieldaroundhim.Kynessneeredattheshieldpattern,thinking:Arrakishasasurpriseforthem
there!Theplanetologistraisedahand,signaledforhisFremenguardtofallback.He
strodeonaheadtowardthebuilding’sentrance—thedarkholeinplastic-coatedrock. So exposed, thatmonolithic building, he thought. Somuch less suitablethanacave.Movement within the entrance caught his attention. He stopped, taking the
momenttoadjusthisrobeandthesetofhisstillsuitattheleftshoulder.Theentrancedoorsswungwide.Atreidesguardsemergedswiftly,allofthem
heavilyarmed-slow-pelletstunners,swordsandshields.Behindthemcameatallman, hawk-faced, dark of skin and hair.Hewore a jubba cloakwithAtreidescrestatthebreast,andworeitinawaythatbetrayedhisunfamiliaritywiththe
garment.Itclungtothelegsofhisstillsuitononeside.Itlackedafree-swinging,stridingrhythm.Beside themanwalked a youthwith the samedarkhair, but rounder in the
face.TheyouthseemedsmallforthefifteenyearsKynesknewhimtohave.Buttheyoungbodycarriedasenseofcommand,apoisedassurance,as thoughhesawandknewthingsallaroundhimthatwerenotvisibletoothers.Andheworethesamestylecloakashisfather,yetwithcasualeasethatmadeonethinktheboyhadalwayswornsuchclothing.“TheMahdiwillbeawareofthingsotherscannotsee,”wenttheprophecy.Kynesshookhishead,tellinghimself:They’rejustpeople.Withthetwo,garbedlikethemforthedesert,cameamanKynesrecognized
—Gurney Halleck. Kynes took a deep breath to still his resentment againstHalleck,whohadbriefedhimonhowtobehavewiththeDukeandducalheir.“YoumaycalltheDuke‘myLord’or‘Sire.’‘NobleBorn’alsoiscorrect,but
usuallyreservedformoreformaloccasions.Thesonmaybeaddressedas‘youngMaster’ or ‘my Lord.’ The Duke is a man of much leniency, but brooks littlefamiliarity.And Kynes thought as he watched the group approach: They’ll learn soon
enough who’s master on Arrakis. Order me questioned half the night by thatMentat,willthey?Expectmetoguidethemonaninspectionofspicemining,dothey?The import of Hawat’s questions had not escapedKynes. Theywanted the
Imperialbases.Anditwasobviousthey’dlearnedofthebasesfromIdaho.IwillhaveStilgarsendIdaho’sheadtothisDuke,Kynestoldhimself.The ducal partywas only a few paces away now, their feet in desert boots
crunchingthesand.Kynesbowed.“MyLord,Duke.”Ashehadapproached the solitary figure standingnear theornithopter,Leto
hadstudiedhim:tall,thin,dressedforthedesertinlooserobe,stillsuit,andlowboots.Theman’shoodwasthrownback,itsveilhangingtooneside,revealinglongsandyhair,asparsebeard.Theeyeswerethatfathomlessblue-within-blueunderthickbrows.Remainsofdarkstainssmudgedhiseyesockets.“You’retheecologist,”theDukesaid.“Weprefertheoldtitlehere,myLord,”Kynessaid.“Planetologist.”“As youwish,” the Duke said. He glanced down at Paul. “Son, this is the
JudgeoftheChange,thearbiterofdispute,themansetheretoseethattheformsare obeyed in our assumption of power over this fief.”He glanced at Kynes.
“Andthisismyson.”“MyLord,”Kynessaid.“AreyouaFremen?”Paulasked.Kynessmiled.“Iamacceptedinbothsietchandvillage,youngMaster.ButI
aminHisMajesty’sservice,theImperialPlanetologist.”Paul nodded, impressed by the man’s air of strength. Halleck had pointed
Kynesout toPaul fromanupperwindowof theadministrationbuilding:“Theman standing there with the Fremen escort—the onemoving now toward theornithopter.”Paul had inspected Kynes briefly with binoculars, noting the prim, straight
mouth,thehighforehead.HalleckhadspokeninPaul’sear:“Oddsortoffellow.Hasaprecisewayofspeaking—clippedoff,nofuzzyedges—razor-apt.”AndtheDuke,behindthem,hadsaid:“Scientisttype.”Now, only a few feet from the man, Paul sensed the power in Kynes, the
impactofpersonality,asthoughhewerebloodroyal,borntocommand.“I understandwe have you to thank for our stillsuits and these cloaks,” the
Dukesaid.“Ihopetheyfitwell,myLord,”Kynessaid.“They’reofFremenmakeandas
nearaspossiblethedimensionsgivenmebyyourmanHalleckhere.”“Iwasconcernedthatyousaidyoucouldn’ttakeusintothedesertunlesswe
wore thesegarments,” theDukesaid.“Wecancarryplentyofwater.Wedon’tintendtobeoutlongandwe’llhaveaircover—theescortyouseeoverheadrightnow.Itisn’tlikelywe’dbeforceddown.”Kynesstaredathim,seeingthewater-fatflesh.Hespokecoldly:“Younever
talkoflikelihoodsonArrakis.Youspeakonlyofpossibilities.”Halleckstiffened.“TheDukeistobeaddressedasmyLordorSire!”LetogaveHallecktheirprivatehandsignaltodesist,said:“Ourwaysarenew
here,Gurney.Wemustmakeallowances.”“Asyouwish,Sire.”“We are indebted to you, Dr. Kynes,” Leto said. “These suits and the
considerationforourwelfarewillberemembered.”Onimpulse,PaulcalledtomindaquotationfromtheO.C.Bible,said:“‘The
giftistheblessingofthegiver.’”Thewordsrangoutoverloudinthestillair.TheFremenescortKyneshadleft
intheshadeoftheadministrationbuildingleapedupfromtheirsquattingrepose,mutteringinopenagitation.Onecriedout:“Lisanal-Gaib!”Kyneswhirled, gave a curt, chopping signal with a hand,waved the guard
away. They fell back, grumbling among themselves, trailed away around thebuilding.“Mostinteresting,”Letosaid.KynespassedahardglareovertheDukeandPaul,said:“Mostofthedesert
natives here are a superstitious lot. Pay no attention to them. They mean noharm.”But he thought of thewords of the legend:“Theywill greet youwithHolyWordsandyourgiftswillbeablessing.”Leto’s assessment of Kynes—based partly on Hawat’s brief verbal report
(guarded and full of suspicions)—suddenly crystallized: themanwasFremen.Kynes had come with a Fremen escort, which could mean simply that theFremenweretestingtheirnewfreedomtoenterurbanareas—butithadseemedan honor guard.And by hismanner,Kyneswas a proudman, accustomed tofreedom,histongueandhismannerguardedonlybyhisownsuspicions.Paul’squestionhadbeendirectandpertinent.Kyneshadgonenative.“Shouldn’twebegoing,Sire?”Halleckasked.TheDukenodded.“I’llflymyown‘thopter.Kynescansitupfrontwithmeto
directme.YouandPaultaketherearseats.”“Onemoment,please,”Kynessaid.“Withyourpermission,Sire,Imustcheck
thesecurityofyoursuits.”TheDukestartedtospeak,butKynespressedon:“Ihaveconcernformyown
fleshaswellasyours...myLord.I’mwellawareofwhosethroatwouldbeslitshouldharmbefallyoutwowhileyou’reinmycare.”TheDuke frowned, thinking:How delicate thismoment! If I refuse, it may
offendhim.Andthiscouldbeamanwhosevaluetomeisbeyondmeasure.Yet...tolethiminsidemyshield,touchingmypersonwhenIknowsolittleabouthim?The thoughts flicked through his mind with decision hard on their heels.
“We’re in your hands,” theDuke said.He stepped forward, opening his robe,sawHalleck come up on the balls of his feet, poised and alert, but remainingwhere hewas. “And, if you’d be so kind,” theDuke said, “I’d appreciate anexplanationofthesuitfromonewholivessointimatelywithit.”“Certainly,” Kynes said. He felt up under the robe for the shoulder seals,
speaking as he examined the suit. “It’s basically a micro-sandwich—a high-efficiencyfilterandheat-exchangesystem.”Headjustedtheshoulderseals.“Theskin-contact layer’s porous. Perspiration passes through it, having cooled thebody...near-normalevaporationprocess.Thenexttwolayers...”Kynestightenedthe chest fit. “... include heat exchange filaments and salt precipitators. Salt’s
reclaimed.”TheDukeliftedhisarmsatagesture,said:“Mostinteresting.”“Breathedeeply,”Kynessaid.TheDukeobeyed.Kynes studied the underarm seals, adjusted one. “Motions of the body,
especially breathing,” he said, “and someosmotic actionprovide thepumpingforce.” He loosened the chest fit slightly. “Reclaimed water circulates tocatchpocketsfromwhichyoudrawitthroughthistubeintheclipatyourneck.”The Duke twisted his chin in and down to look at the end of the tube.
“Efficientandconvenient,”hesaid.“Goodengineering.”Kynes knelt, examined the leg seals. “Urine and feces are processed in the
thighpads,”he said, and stoodup, felt theneck fitting, lifted a sectioned flapthere.“Intheopendesert,youwearthisfilteracrossyourface,thistubeinthenostrilswiththeseplugstoinsureatightfit.Breatheinthroughthemouthfilter,outthroughthenosetube.WithaFremensuitingoodworkingorder,youwon’tlose more than a thimbleful of moisture a day—even if you’re caught in theGreatErg.”“Athimblefuladay,”theDukesaid.Kynespressedafingeragainstthesuit’sforeheadpad,said:“Thismayruba
little.Ifitirritatesyou,pleasetellme.Icouldslit-patchitabittighter.”“My thanks,” the Duke said. Hemoved his shoulders in the suit as Kynes
steppedback,realizingthatitdidfeelbetternow—tighterandlessirritating.KynesturnedtoPaul.“Now,let’shavealookatyou,lad.”Agoodmanbuthe’llhavetolearntoaddressusproperly,theDukethought.PaulstoodpassivelyasKynesinspectedthesuit.Ithadbeenanoddsensation
putting on the crinkling, slick-surfaced garment. In his foreconsciousness hadbeentheabsoluteknowledgethathehadneverbeforewornastillsuit.Yet,eachmotion of adjusting the adhesion tabs under Gurney’s inexpert guidance hadseemednatural, instinctive.Whenhehadtightenedthechesttogainmaximumpumping action from themotionof breathing, he hadknownwhat he did andwhy.Whenhehadfittedtheneckandforeheadtabstightly,hehadknownitwastopreventfrictionblisters.Kynesstraightened,steppedbackwithapuzzledexpression.“You’veworna
stillsuitbefore?”heasked.“Thisisthefirsttime.”“Thensomeoneadjusteditforyou?”“No.”
“Your desert boots are fitted slip-fashion at the ankles.Who told you to dothat?”“It...seemedtherightway.”“Thatitmostcertainlyis.”AndKynes rubbed his cheek, thinking of the legend:“He shall know your
waysasthoughborntothem.”“Wewastetime,”theDukesaid.Hegesturedtothewaiting‘thopter, ledthe
way,acceptingtheguard’ssalutewithanod.Heclimbedin,fastenedhissafetyharness, checked controls and instruments. The craft creaked as the othersclamberedaboard.Kynesfastenedhisharness, focusedon thepaddedcomfortof theaircraft—
soft luxury of gray-green upholstery, gleaming instruments, the sensation offiltered and washed air in his lungs as doors slammed and vent fans whirredalive.Sosoft!hethought.“Allsecure,Sire,”Hallecksaid.Letofedpowertothewings,feltthemcupanddip—once,twice.Theywere
airborne in ten meters, wings feathered tightly and afterjets thrusting themupwardinasteep,hissingclimb.“Southeast over the Shield Wall,” Kynes said. “That’s where I told your
sandmastertoconcentratehisequipment.”“Right.”The Duke banked into his air cover, the other craft taking up their guard
positionsastheyheadedsoutheast.“The design and manufacture of these stillsuits bespeaks a high degree of
sophistication,”theDukesaid.“SomedayImayshowyouasietchfactory,”Kynessaid.“I would find that interesting,” the Duke said. “I note that suits are
manufacturedalsoinsomeofthegarrisoncities.”“Inferior copies,”Kynes said. “AnyDunemanwhovalueshis skinwears a
Fremensuit.”“Andit’llholdyourwaterlosstoathimblefuladay?”“Properlysuited,yourforeheadcaptight,allsealsinorder,yourmajorwater
lossisthroughthepalmsofyourhands,”Kynessaid.“Youcanwearsuitglovesif you’renot usingyourhands for criticalwork, butmostFremen in theopendesertrubtheirhandswithjuicefromtheleavesofthecreosotebush.Itinhibitsperspiration.”
TheDukeglanceddowntotheleftatthebrokenlandscapeoftheShieldWall—chasms of tortured rock, patches of yellow-brown crossed by black lines offaultshattering.Itwasasthoughsomeonehaddroppedthisgroundfromspaceandleftitwhereitsmashed.They crossed a shallow basinwith the clear outline of gray sand spreading
acrossitfromacanyonopeningtothesouth.Thesandfingersranoutintothebasin—adrydeltaoutlinedagainstdarkerrock.Kynes sat back, thinking about the water-fat flesh he had felt beneath the
stillsuits. They wore shield belts over their robes, slow pellet stunners at thewaist,coin-sizedemergencytransmittersoncordsaroundtheirnecks.Both theDukeandhissoncarriedknivesinwristsheathesandthesheathesappearedwellworn.ThepeoplestruckKynesasastrangecombinationofsoftnessandarmedstrength.TherewasapoisetothemtotallyunliketheHarkonnens.“WhenyoureporttotheEmperoronthechangeofgovernmenthere,willyou
say we observed the rules?” Leto asked. He glanced at Kynes, back to theircourse.“TheHarkonnensleft;youcame,”Kynessaid.“Andiseverythingasitshouldbe?”Letoasked.Momentary tension showed in the tighteningof amuscle alongKynes’ jaw.
“As Planetologist and Judge of the Change, I am a direct subject of theImperium...myLord.”TheDukesmiledgrimly.“Butwebothknowtherealities.”“IremindyouthatHisMajestysupportsmywork.”“Indeed?Andwhatisyourwork?”In the brief silence, Paul thought:He’s pushing this Kynes too hard. Paul
glanced at Halleck, but the minstrel-warrior was staring out at the barrenlandscape.Kynesspokestiffly:“You,ofcourse,refertomydutiesasplanetologist.”“Ofcourse.”“It is mostly dry land biology and botany... some geological work—core
drilling and testing. You never really exhaust the possibilities of an entireplanet.”“Doyoualsoinvestigatethespice?”Kynes turned, and Paul noted the hard line of theman’s cheek. “A curious
question,myLord.”“Bearinmind,Kynes,thatthisisnowmyfief.Mymethodsdifferfromthose
oftheHarkonnens.Idon’tcareifyoustudythespiceaslongasIsharewhatyou
discover.” He glanced at the planetologist. “The Harkonnens discouragedinvestigationofthespice,didn’tthey?”Kynesstaredbackwithoutanswering.“Youmayspeakplainly,”theDukesaid,“withoutfearforyourskin.”“The Imperial Court is, indeed, a long way off,” Kynes muttered. And he
thought: What does this water-soft invader expect? Does he think me foolenoughtoenlistwithhim?TheDukechuckled,keepinghisattentionontheircourse.“Idetectasournote
inyourvoice,sir.We’vewadedinherewithourmoboftamekillers,eh?Andwe expect you to realize immediately that we’re different from theHarkonnens?”“I’veseenthepropagandayou’vefloodedintosietchandvillage,”Kynessaid.
“‘LovethegoodDuke!’Yourcorpsof—”“Herenow!”Halleckbarked.Hesnappedhisattentionawayfromthewindow,
leanedforward.PaulputahandonHalleck’sarm.“Gurney!”theDukesaid.Heglancedback.“Thisman’sbeenlongunderthe
Harkonnens.”Hallecksatback.“Ayah.”“YourmanHawat’ssubtle,”Kynessaid,“buthisobject’splainenough.”“Willyouopenthosebasestous,then?”theDukeasked.Kynesspokecurtly:“They’reHisMajesty’sproperty.”“They’renotbeingused.”“Theycouldbeused.”“DoesHisMajestyconcur?”KynesdartedahardstareattheDuke.“ArrakiscouldbeanEdenifitsrulers
wouldlookupfromgrubbingforspice!”He didn’t answer my question, the Duke thought. And he said: “How is a
planettobecomeanEdenwithoutmoney?”“Whatismoney,”Kynesasked,“ifitwon’tbuytheservicesyouneed?”Ah, now! the Duke thought. And he said: “We’ll discuss this another time.
Rightnow,Ibelievewe’recomingtotheedgeoftheShieldWall.DoIholdthesamecourse?”“Thesamecourse,”Kynesmuttered.Paullookedouthiswindow.Beneaththem,thebrokengroundbegantodrop
away in tumbled creases toward a barren rock plain and a knife-edged shelf.Beyondtheshelf,fingernailcrescentsofdunesmarchedtowardthehorizonwith
hereandthereinthedistanceadullsmudge,adarkerblotchtotellofsomethingnot sand.Rockoutcroppings, perhaps. In the heat-addled air, Paul couldn’t besure.“Arethereanyplantsdownthere?”Paulasked.“Some,”Kynessaid.“Thislatitude’slife-zonehasmostlywhatwecallminor
water stealers—adapted to raiding each other for moisture, gobbling up thetrace-dew.Somepartsofthedesertteemwithlife.Butallofithaslearnedhowtosurviveundertheserigors.Ifyougetcaughtdownthere,youimitatethatlifeoryoudie.”“Youmeanstealwaterfromeachother?”Paulasked.Theideaoutragedhim,
andhisvoicebetrayedhisemotion.“It’sdone,”Kynessaid,“butthatwasn’tpreciselymymeaning.Yousee,my
climatedemandsaspecialattitude towardwater.Youareawareofwaterat alltimes.Youwastenothingthatcontainsmoisture.”AndtheDukethought:“...myclimate!”“Comearoundtwodegreesmoresoutherly,myLord,”Kynessaid.“There’sa
blowcomingupfromthewest.”TheDukenodded.Hehadseenthebillowingoftandustthere.Hebankedthe
‘thopteraround,notingthewaytheescort’swingsreflectedmilkyorangefromthedust-refractedlightastheyturnedtokeeppacewithhim.“Thisshouldclearthestorm’sedge,”Kynessaid.“Thatsandmustbedangerousifyouflyintoit,”Paulsaid.“Willitreallycut
thestrongestmetals?”“At this altitude, it’snot sandbutdust,”Kynes said. “Thedanger is lackof
visibility,turbulence,cloggedintakes.”“We’llseeactualspiceminingtoday?”Paulasked.“Verylikely,”Kynessaid.Paulsatback.Hehadusedthequestionsandhyperawarenesstodowhathis
mothercalled“registering”theperson.HehadKynesnow—toneofvoice,eachdetailoffaceandgesture.Anunnaturalfoldingof the leftsleeveontheman’srobetoldofaknifeinanarmsheath.Thewaistbulgedstrangely.Itwassaidthatdesertmenworeabeltedsashintowhichtheytuckedsmallnecessities.Perhapsthebulgescamefromsuchasash—certainlynotfromaconcealedshieldbelt.AcopperpinengravedwiththelikenessofahareclaspedtheneckofKynes’robe.Anothersmallerpinwithsimilarlikenesshungatthecornerofthehoodwhichwasthrownbackoverhisshoulders.Halleck twisted in the seat beside Paul, reached back into the rear
compartmentandbroughtouthisbaliset.KyneslookedaroundasHallecktunedtheinstrument,thenreturnedhisattentiontotheircourse.“Whatwouldyouliketohear,youngMaster?”Halleckasked.“Youchoose,Gurney,”Paulsaid.Halleckbenthisearclosetothesoundingboard,strummedachordandsang
softly:
“Ourfathersatemannainthedesert,Intheburningplaceswherewhirlwindscame.Lord,saveusfromthathorribleland!Saveus...oh-h-h-h,saveusFromthedryandthirstyland.”
Kynesglancedat theDuke,said:“Youdotravelwithalightcomplementofguards,myLord.Areallofthemsuchmenofmanytalents?”“Gurney?”TheDukechuckled.“Gurney’soneofakind.I likehimwithme
forhiseyes.Hiseyesmissverylittle.”Theplanetologistfrowned.Withoutmissingabeatinhistune,Halleckinterposed:
“ForIamlikeanowlofthedesert,o!Aiyah!amlikeanowlofthedes-ert!”
TheDukereacheddown,broughtupamicrophonefromtheinstrumentpanel,thumbedittolife,said:“LeadertoEscortGemma.Flyingobjectatnineo’clock,SectorB.Doyouidentifyit?”“It’smerelyabird,”Kynessaid,andadded:“Youhavesharpeyes.”The panel speaker crackled, then: “Escort Gemma. Object examined under
fullamplification.It’salargebird.”Paul looked in the indicated direction, saw the distant speck: a dot of
intermittentmotion,andrealizedhowkeyeduphisfathermustbe.Everysensewasatfullalert.“I’dnotrealizedtherewerebirdsthatlargethisfarintothedesert,”theDuke
said.“That’s likely an eagle,” Kynes said. “Many creatures have adapted to this
place.”The ornithopter swept over a bare rock plain. Paul looked down from their
twothousandmeters’altitude,sawthewrinkledshadowoftheircraftandescort.Thelandbeneathseemedflat,butshadowwrinklessaidotherwise.
“Hasanyoneeverwalkedoutofthedesert?”theDukeasked.Halleck’smusicstopped.Heleanedforwardtocatchtheanswer.“Notfromthedeepdesert,”Kynessaid.“Menhavewalkedoutofthesecond
zone several times.They’ve survivedbycrossing the rockareaswherewormsseldomgo.”ThetimbreofKynes’voiceheldPaul’sattention.Hefelthissensecomealert
thewaytheyweretrainedtodo.“Ah-h,theworms,”theDukesaid.“Imustseeonesometime.”“You may see one today,” Kynes said. “Wherever there is spice, there are
worms.”“Always?”Halleckasked.“Always.”“Istherearelationshipbetweenwormandspice?”theDukeasked.Kynes turnedandPaul saw thepursed lipsas themanspoke.“Theydefend
spicesands.Eachwormhasa—territory.As to thespice...whoknows?Wormspecimens we’ve examined lead us to suspect complicated chemicalinterchangeswithinthem.Wefindtracesofhydrochloricacidintheducts,morecomplicatedacidformselsewhere.I’llgiveyoumymonographonthesubject.”“Andashield’snodefense?”theDukeasked.“Shields!”Kynessneered.“Activateashieldwithin thewormzoneandyou
seal your fate.Worms ignore territory lines, come from far around to attack ashield.Nomanwearingashieldhaseversurvivedsuchattack.”“Howarewormstaken,then?”“Highvoltageelectricalshockappliedseparatelytoeachringsegmentisthe
onlyknownwayofkillingandpreservinganentireworm,”Kynessaid.“Theycanbestunnedandshatteredbyexplosives,buteachringsegmenthasalifeofitsown.Barringatomics,Iknowofnoexplosivepowerfulenoughtodestroyalargewormentirely.They’reincrediblytough.”“Whyhasn’taneffortbeenmadetowipethemout?”Paulasked.“Tooexpensive,”Kynessaid.“Toomuchareatocover.”Paul leaned back in his corner.His truthsense, awareness of tone shadings,
toldhimthatKyneswaslyingandtellinghalf-truths.Andhethought:Ifthere’sarelationship between spice and worms, killing the worms would destroy thespice.“Noonewillhavetowalkoutofthedesertsoon,”theDukesaid.“Tripthese
littletransmittersatournecksandrescueisonitsway.Allourworkerswillbewearingthembeforelong.We’resettingupaspecialrescueservice.”
“Verycommendable,”Kynessaid.“Yourtonesaysyoudon’tagree,”theDukesaid.“Agree?Ofcourse Iagree,but itwon’tbemuchuse.Staticelectricity from
sandstormsmasksoutmanysignals.Transmittersshortout.They’vebeentriedherebefore,youknow.Arrakisistoughonequipment.Andifaworm’shuntingyouthere’snotmuchtime.Frequently,youhavenomorethanfifteenortwentyminutes.”“Whatwouldyouadvise?”theDukeasked.“Youaskmyadvice?”“Asplanetologist,yes.”“You’dfollowmyadvice?”“IfIfounditsensible.”“Verywell,myLord.Nevertravelalone.”TheDuketurnedhisattentionfromthecontrols.“That’sall?”“That’sall.Nevertravelalone.”“Whatifyou’reseparatedbyastormandforceddown?”Halleckasked.“Isn’t
thereanythingyoucoulddo?”“Anythingcoversmuchterritory,”Kynessaid.“Whatwouldyoudo?”Paulasked.Kynesturnedahardstareattheboy,broughthisattentionbacktotheDuke.
“I’dremembertoprotecttheintegrityofmystillsuit.IfIwereoutsidethewormzoneorinrock,I’dstaywiththeship.IfIweredowninopensand,I’dgetawayfromtheshipasfastasIcould.Aboutathousandmeterswouldbefarenough.ThenI’dhidebeneathmyrobe.Awormwouldget theship,but itmightmissme.”“Thenwhat?”Halleckasked.Kynesshrugged.“Waitforthewormtoleave.”“That’sall?”Paulasked.“Whenthewormhasgone,onemaytrytowalkout,”Kynessaid.“Youmust
walksoftly,avoiddrumsands,tidaldustbasins—headforthenearestrockzone.Therearemanysuchzones.Youmightmakeit.”“Drumsand?”Halleckasked.“A condition of sand compaction,” Kynes said. “The slightest step sets it
drumming.Wormsalwayscometothat.”“Andatidaldustbasin?”theDukeasked.“Certain depressions in the desert have filled with dust over the centuries.
Somearesovasttheyhavecurrentsandtides.Allwillswallowtheunwarywho
stepintothem.”Hallecksatback,resumedstrummingthebaliset.Presently,hesang:
“Wildbeastsofthedesertdohuntthere,Waitingfortheinnocentstopass.Oh-h-h,temptnotthegodsofthedesert,Lestyouseekalonelyepitaph.Theperilsofthe—”
Hebrokeoff,leanedforward.“Dustcloudahead,Sire.”“Iseeit,Gurney.”“That’swhatweseek,”Kynessaid.Paulstretchedupintheseattopeerahead,sawarollingyellowcloudlowon
thedesertsurfacesomethirtykilometersahead.“One of your factory crawlers,” Kynes said. “It’s on the surface and that
meansit’sonspice.Thecloudisventedsandbeingexpelledafterthespicehasbeencentrifugallyremoved.There’snoothercloudquitelikeit.”“Aircraftoverit,”theDukesaid.“I see two... three... four spotters,” Kynes said. “They’re watching for
wormsign.”“Wormsign?”theDukeasked.“Asandwavemovingtowardthecrawler.They’llhaveseismicprobesonthe
surface, too.Worms sometimes travel too deep for thewave to show.”Kynesswunghisgazearoundthesky.“Shouldbeacarryallwingaround,butIdon’tseeit.”“Thewormalwayscomes,eh?”Halleckasked.“Always.”Paul leaned forward, touchedKynes’ shoulder. “Howbig an areadoes each
wormstakeout?”Kynesfrowned.Thechildkeptaskingadultquestions.“Thatdependsonthesizeoftheworm.”“What’sthevariation?”theDukeasked.“Bigonesmaycontrolthreeorfourhundredsquarekilometers.Smallones—”
Hebrokeoffas theDukekickedon the jetbrakes.Theshipbuckedas its tailpods whispered to silence. Stub wings elongated, cupped the air. The craftbecameafull‘thopterastheDukebankedit,holdingthewingstoagentlebeat,pointingwithhislefthandofftotheeastbeyondthefactorycrawler.“Isthatwormsign?”
KynesleanedacrosstheDuketopeerintothedistance.PaulandHalleckwerecrowded together, looking in thesamedirection,and
Paulnotedthattheirescort,caughtbythesuddenmaneuver,hadsurgedahead,but nowwas curving back. The factory crawler lay ahead of them, still somethreekilometersaway.WheretheDukepointed,crescentdunetracksspreadshadowripplestoward
thehorizonand,runningthroughthemasalevellinestretchingintothedistance,cameanelongatedmount-in-motion—acrestingofsand.ItremindedPaulofthewayabigfishdisturbedthewaterwhenswimmingjustunderthesurface.“Worm,” Kynes said. “Big one.” He leaned back, grabbed the microphone
from the panel, punched out a new frequency selection. Glancing at the gridchartonrollersovertheirheads,hespokeintothemicrophone:“CallingcrawleratDeltaAjaxniner.Wormsignwarning.CrawleratDeltaAjaxniner.Wormsignwarning.Acknowledge,please.”Hewaited.Thepanelspeakeremittedstaticcrackles,thenavoice:“WhocallsDeltaAjax
niner?Over.”“Theyseemprettycalmaboutit,”Hallecksaid.Kynes spoke into the microphone: “Unlisted flight—north and east of you
aboutthreekilometers.Wormsignisoninterceptcourse,yourposition,estimatedcontacttwenty-fiveminutes.”Another voice rumbled from the speaker: “This isSpotterControl. Sighting
confirmed. Stand by for contact fix.” There was a pause, then: “Contact intwenty-sixminutesminus. That was a sharp estimate.Who’s on that unlistedflight?Over.”HalleckhadhisharnessoffandsurgedforwardbetweenKynesandtheDuke.
“Isthistheregularworkingfrequency,Kynes?”“Yes.Why?”“Who’dbelistening?”“Justtheworkcrewsinthisarea.Cutsdowninterference.”Again,thespeakercrackled,then:“ThisisDeltaAjaxniner.Whogetsbonus
creditforthatspot?Over.”HalleckglancedattheDuke.Kynes said: “There’s a bonus based on spice load for whoever gives first
wormwarning.Theywanttoknow—”“Tellthemwhohadfirstsightofthatworm,”Hallecksaid.TheDukenodded.Kyneshesitated,thenliftedthemicrophone:“SpottercredittotheDukeLeto
Atreides.TheDukeLetoAtreides.Over.”Thevoicefromthespeakerwasflatandpartlydistortedbyaburstofstatic:
“Wereadandthankyou.”“Now, tell them to divide the bonus among themselves,” Halleck ordered.
“Tellthemit’stheDuke’swish.”Kynes took a deep breath, then: “It’s the Duke’s wish that you divide the
bonusamongyourcrew.Doyouread?Over.”“Acknowledgedandthankyou,”thespeakersaid.TheDukesaid:“IforgottomentionthatGurneyisalsoverytalentedinpublic
relations.”KynesturnedapuzzledfrownonHalleck.“This lets themen know theirDuke is concerned for their safety,”Halleck
said. “Wordwill get around. Itwason an areaworking frequency—not likelyHarkonnenagentsheard.”Heglancedoutattheiraircover.“Andwe’reaprettystrongforce.Itwasagoodrisk.”TheDukebanked theircraft toward thesandclouderuptingfromthefactory
crawler.“Whathappensnow?”“There’sacarryallwingsomewhereclose,”Kynessaid.“It’llcomeinandlift
offthecrawler.”“Whatifthecarryall’swrecked?”Halleckasked.“Some equipment is lost,” Kynes said. “Get in close over the crawler, my
Lord;you’llfindthisinteresting.”The Duke scowled, busied himself with the controls as they came into
turbulentairoverthecrawler.Paullookeddown,sawsandstillspewingoutofthemetalandplasticmonster
beneaththem.It lookedlikeagreat tanandbluebeetlewithmanywidetracksextendingon arms around it.He sawagiant inverted funnel snout poked intodarksandinfrontofit.“Richspicebedbythecolor,”Kynessaid.“They’llcontinueworkinguntilthe
lastminute.”TheDukefedmorepowertothewings,stiffenedthemforasteeperdescentas
he settled lower in a circling glide above the crawler. A glance left and rightshowedhiscoverholdingaltitudeandcirclingoverhead.Paulstudiedtheyellowcloudbelchingfromthecrawler’spipevents,looked
outoverthedesertattheapproachingwormtrack.“Shouldn’twebehearingthemcallinthecarryall?”Halleckasked.“Theyusuallyhavethewingonadifferentfrequency,”Kynessaid.
“Shouldn’ttheyhavetwocarryallsstandingbyforeverycrawler?”theDukeasked. “There should be twenty-six men on that machine down there, not tomentioncostofequipment.”Kynessaid:“Youdon’thaveenoughex—”Hebrokeoffasthespeakereruptedwithanangryvoice:“Anyofyouseethe
wing?Heisn’tanswering.”Agarbleofnoise crackled from the speaker, drowned in an abruptoverride
signal,thensilenceandthefirstvoice:“Reportbythenumbers!Over.”“ThisisSpotterControl.LastIsaw,thewingwasprettyhighandcirclingoff
northwest.Idon’tseehimnow.Over.”“Spotterone:negative.Over.”“Spottertwo:negative.Over.”“Spotterthree:negative.Over.”Silence.TheDuke looked down. His own craft’s shadowwas just passing over the
crawler.“Onlyfourspotters,isthatright?”“Correct,”Kynessaid.“There are five in our party,” theDuke said. “Our ships are larger.We can
crowdinthreeextraeach.Theirspottersoughttobeabletoliftofftwoeach.”Pauldidthementalarithmetic,said:“That’sthreeshort.”“Whydon’ttheyhavetwocarryallstoeachcrawler?”barkedtheDuke.“Youdon’thaveenoughextraequipment,”Kynessaid.“Allthemorereasonweshouldprotectwhatwehave!”“Wherecouldthatcarryallgo?”Halleckasked.“Could’vebeenforceddownsomewhereoutofsight,”Kynessaid.The Duke grabbed the microphone, hesitated with thumb poised over its
switch.“Howcouldtheylosesightofacarryall?”“Theykeeptheirattentiononthegroundlookingforwormsign,”Kynessaid.The Duke thumbed the switch, spoke into the microphone. “This is your
Duke.WearecomingdowntotakeoffDeltaAjaxniner’screw.Allspottersareordered to comply. Spotterswill land on the east side.Wewill take thewest.Over.”Hereacheddown,punchedouthisowncommandfrequency,repeatedtheorderforhisownaircover,handedthemicrophonebacktoKynes.Kynes returned to the working frequency and a voice blasted from the
speaker: “... almost a full loadof spice!Wehavealmost a full load!Wecan’tleavethatforadamnedworm!Over.”“Damnthespice!” theDukebarked.Hegrabbedbackthemicrophone,said:
“Wecanalwaysgetmorespice.Thereareseatsinourshipsforallbutthreeofyou.Drawstrawsordecideanywayyoulikewho’stogo.Butyou’regoing,andthat’sanorder!”HeslammedthemicrophonebackintoKynes’hands,muttered:“Sorry,”asKynesshookaninjuredfinger.“Howmuchtime?”Paulasked.“Nineminutes,”Kynessaid.TheDuke said: “This ship hasmore power than the others. If we took off
underjetwiththree-quarterwings,wecouldcrowdinanadditionalman.”“Thatsand’ssoft,”Kynessaid.“Withfourextramenaboardonajettakeoff,wecouldsnapthewings,Sire,”
Hallecksaid.“Not on this ship,” the Duke said. He hauled back on the controls as the
’thopterglidedinbesidethecrawler.Thewingstippedup,brakedthe’thoptertoaskiddingstopwithintwentymetersofthefactory.The crawler was silent now, no sand spouting from its vents. Only a faint
mechanical rumble issuedfromit,becomingmoreaudibleas theDukeopenedhisdoor.Immediately,theirnostrilswereassailedbytheodorofcinnamon—heavyand
pungent.Withaloudflapping,thespotteraircraftglideddowntothesandontheother
sideofthecrawler.TheDuke’sownescortswoopedintolandinlinewithhim.Paul,lookingoutatthefactory,sawhowallthe’thoptersweredwarfedbyit
—gnatsbesideawarriorbeetle.“Gurney, you andPaul tossout that rear seat,” theDuke said.Hemanually
cranked the wings out to three-quarters, set their angle, checked the jet podcontrols.“Whythedevilaren’ttheycomingoutofthatmachine?”“They’re hoping the carryallwill show up,”Kynes said. “They still have a
fewminutes.”Heglancedofftotheeast.All turned to look thesamedirection,seeingnosignof theworm,but there
wasaheavy,chargedfeelingofanxietyintheair.TheDuke took themicrophone, punched for his command frequency, said:
“Twoofyoutossoutyourshieldgenerators.Bythenumbers.Youcancarryonemoremanthatway.We’renotleavinganymenforthatmonster.”Hekeyedbacktotheworkingfrequency,barked:“Allright,youinDeltaAjaxniner!Out!Now!Thisisacommandfromyour
Duke!OnthedoubleorI’llcutthatcrawlerapartwithalasgun!”Ahatchsnappedopennearthefrontofthefactory,anotherattherear,another
atthetop.Mencametumblingout,slidingandscramblingdowntothesand.Atallmaninapatchedworkingrobewasthelasttoemerge.Hejumpeddowntoatrackandthentothesand.TheDukehungthemicrophoneonthepanel,swungoutontothewingstep,
shouted:“Twomeneachintoyourspotters.”Themaninthepatchedrobebegantollingoffpairsofhiscrew,pushingthem
towardthecraftwaitingontheotherside.“Four over here!” the Duke shouted. “Four into that ship back there!” He
jabbeda fingeratanescort ’thopterdirectlybehindhim.Theguardswere justwrestlingtheshieldgeneratoroutofit.“Andfourintothatshipoverthere!”Hepointedtotheotherescortthathadsheditsshieldgenerator.“Threeeachintotheothers!Run,yousanddogs!”The tallman finished counting off his crew, came slogging across the sand
followedbythreeofhiscompanions.“Iheartheworm,butIcan’tseeit,”Kynessaid.Theothershearditthen—anabrasiveslithering,distantandgrowinglouder.“Damnsloppywaytooperate,”theDukemuttered.Aircraftbeganflappingoffthesandaroundthem.ItremindedtheDukeofa
time in his home planet’s jungles, a sudden emergence into a clearing, andcarrionbirdsliftingawayfromthecarcassofawildox.Thespiceworkerssloggedup to thesideof the’thopter,startedclimbing in
behindtheDuke.Halleckhelped,draggingthemintotherear.“Inyougo,boys!”hesnapped.“Onthedouble!”Paul,crowdedintoacornerbysweatingmen,smelledtheperspirationoffear,
sawthat twoof themenhadpoorneckadjustmentsontheirstillsuits.Hefiledtheinformationinhismemoryforfutureaction.Hisfatherwouldhavetoordertighterstillsuitdiscipline.Mentendedtobecomesloppyifyoudidn’twatchsuchthings.Thelastmancamegaspingintotherear,said,“Theworm!It’salmostonus!
Blastoff!”The Duke slid into his seat, frowning, said: “We still have almost three
minutesontheoriginalcontactestimate.Isthatright,Kynes?”Heshuthisdoor,checkedit.“Almostexactly,myLord,”Kynessaid,andhethought:Acoolone,thisduke.“Allsecurehere,Sire,”Hallecksaid.The Duke nodded, watched the last of his escort take off. He adjusted the
igniter,glancedoncemoreatwingsandinstruments,punchedthejetsequence.
Thetake-offpressedtheDukeandKynesdeepintotheirseats,compressedthepeople in the rear. Kynes watched the way the Duke handled the controls—gently, surely. The ’thopter was fully airborne now, and theDuke studied hisinstruments,glancedleftandrightathiswings.“She’sveryheavy,Sire,”Hallecksaid.“Wellwithin the tolerances of this ship,” theDuke said. “You didn’t really
thinkI’driskthiscargo,didyou,Gurney?”Halleckgrinned,said:“Notabitofit,Sire.”TheDukebankedhiscraftinalongeasycurve—climbingoverthecrawler.Paul,crushedintoacornerbesideawindow,stareddownatthesilentmachine
onthesand.Thewormsignhadbrokenoffaboutfourhundredmetersfromthecrawler.Andnow,thereappearedtobeturbulenceinthesandaroundthefactory.“The worm is now beneath the crawler,” Kynes said. “You are about to
witnessathingfewhaveseen.”Flecksofdustshadowed thesandaround thecrawlernow.Thebigmachine
begantotipdowntotheright.Agiganticsandwhirlpoolbeganformingtheretotherightof thecrawler. Itmovedfasterandfaster.Sandanddust filled theairnowforhundredsofmetersaround.Thentheysawit!Awidehole emerged from the sand.Sunlight flashed fromglisteningwhite
spokeswithinit.Thehole’sdiameterwasatleasttwicethelengthofthecrawler,Paulestimated.Hewatchedasthemachineslidintothatopeninginabillowofdustandsand.Theholepulledback.“Gods,whatamonster!”mutteredamanbesidePaul.“Gotallourfloggin’spice!”growledanother.“Someoneisgoingtopayforthis,”theDukesaid.“Ipromiseyouthat.”By the very flatness of his father’s voice, Paul sensed the deep anger. He
foundthathesharedit.Thiswascriminalwaste!Inthesilencethatfollowed,theyheardKynes.“Bless theMaker andHiswater,”Kynesmurmured. “Bless the coming and
goingofHim.MayHispassagecleansetheworld.MayHekeeptheworldforHispeople.”“What’sthatyou’resaying?”theDukeasked.ButKynesremainedsilent.Paulglancedat themencrowdedaroundhim.Theywerestaringfearfullyat
thebackofKynes’head.Oneofthemwhispered:“Liet.”Kynesturned,scowling.Themansankback,abashed.
Anotherof therescuedmenbegancoughing—dryandrasping.Presently,hegasped:“Cursethishellhole!”ThetallDunemanwhohadcomelastoutofthecrawlersaid:“Beyoustill,
Coss.You butworsen your cough.”He stirred among themen until he couldlook through them at the back of theDuke’s head. “You be theDuke Leto, Iwarrant,”hesaid.“It’stoyouwegivethanksforourlives.Wewerereadytoenditthereuntilyoucamealong.”“Quiet,man,andlettheDukeflyhisship,”Halleckmuttered.PaulglancedatHalleck.He,too,hadseenthetensionwrinklesatthecorner
ofhisfather’sjaw.OnewalkedsoftlywhentheDukewasinarage.Letobeganeasinghis’thopteroutofitsgreatbankingcircle,stoppedatanew
sign ofmovement on the sand.Thewormhadwithdrawn into the depths andnow,nearwherethecrawlerhadbeen,twofigurescouldbeseenmovingnorthaway from the sand depression. They appeared to glide over the surfacewithhardlyaliftingofdusttomarktheirpassage.“Who’sthatdownthere?”theDukebarked.“TwoJohnnieswhocamealongfortheride,Scor,”saidthetallDuneman.“Whywasn’tsomethingsaidaboutthem?”“Itwasthechancetheytook,Soor,”theDunemansaid.“My Lord,” said Kynes, “these men know it’s of little use to do anything
aboutmentrappedonthedesertinwormcountry.”“We’llsendashipfrombaseforthem!”theDukesnapped.“As you wish, my Lord,” Kynes said. “But likely when the ship gets here
there’llbenoonetorescue.”“We’llsendaship,anyway,”theDukesaid.“Theywererightbesidewhere thewormcameup,”Paulsaid.“How’d they
escape?”“Thesidesoftheholecaveinandmakethedistancesdeceptive,”Kynessaid.“Youwastefuelhere,Sire,”Halleckventured.“Aye,Gurney.”TheDukebroughthiscraft around toward theShieldWall.Hisescort came
downfromcirclingstations,tookuppositionsaboveandonbothsides.PaulthoughtaboutwhattheDunemanandKyneshadsaid.Hesensedhalf-
truths,outrightlies.Themenonthesandhadglidedacrossthesurfacesosurely,movinginawayobviouslycalculatedtokeepfromluringthewormbackoutofitsdepths.Fremen! Paul thought.Who else would be so sure on the sand? Who else
mightbeleftoutofyourworriesasamatterofcourse—becausetheyareinnodanger?Theyknowhowtolivehere!Theyknowhowtooutwittheworm!“WhatwereFremendoingonthatcrawler?”Paulasked.Kyneswhirled.The tallDuneman turnedwideeyesonPaul—bluewithinbluewithinblue.
“Whobethislad?”heasked.HalleckmovedtoplacehimselfbetweenthemanandPaul,said:“ThisisPaul
Atreides,theducalheir.”“WhysayshetherewereFremenonourrumbler?”themanasked.“Theyfitthedescription,”Paulsaid.Kynessnorted.“Youcan’ttellFremenjustbylookingatthem!”Helookedat
theDuneman.“You.Whowerethosemen?”“Friendsofoneoftheothers,”theDunemansaid.“Justfriendsfromavillage
whowantedtoseethespicesands.”Kynesturnedaway.“Fremen!”But hewas remembering thewords of the legend:“TheLisanal-Gaib shall
seethroughallsubterfuge.”“Theybedeadnow,mostlikely,youngSoor,”theDunemansaid.“Weshould
notspeakunkindlyonthem.”ButPaulheardthefalsehoodintheirvoices,feltthemenacethathadbrought
Halleckinstinctivelyintoguardingposition.Paulspokedryly:“Aterribleplaceforthemtodie.”Withoutturning,Kynessaid:“WhenGodhathordainedacreaturetodieina
particularplace,Hecauseththatcreature’swantstodirecthimtothatplace.”LetoturnedahardstareatKynes.And Kynes, returning the stare, found himself troubled by a fact he had
observedhere:ThisDukewasconcernedmoreover themen thanhewasoverthespice.Heriskedhisownlifeandthatofhissontosavethemen.Hepassedoffthelossofaspicecrawlerwithagesture.Thethreattomen’sliveshadhimina rage. A leader such as that would command fanatic loyalty. He would bedifficulttodefeat.Againsthisownwillandallpreviousjudgments,Kynesadmittedtohimself:I
likethisDuke.
Greatnessisatransitoryexperience.Itisneverconsistent.Itdependsinpartuponthe myth-making imagination of humankind. The person who experiencesgreatness must have a feeling for the myth he is in. He must reflect what isprojecteduponhim.Andhemusthaveastrongsenseofthesardonic.Thisiswhatuncoupleshimfrombeliefinhisownpretensions.Thesardonicisallthatpermitshim tomovewithin himself.Without this quality, even occasional greatnesswilldestroyaman.
—from“CollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
IN THE dining hall of the Arrakeen great house, suspensor lamps had beenlighted against the early dark. They cast their yellow glows upward onto theblack bull’s head with its bloody horns, and onto the darkly glistening oilpaintingoftheOldDuke.Beneaththesetalismans,whitelinenshonearoundtheburnishedreflectionsof
the Atreides silver, which had been placed in precise arrangements along thegreat table—little archipelagos of service waiting beside crystal glasses, eachsettingsquaredoffbeforeaheavywoodenchair.Theclassiccentralchandelierremained unlighted, and its chain twisted upward into shadows where themechanismofthepoison-snooperhadbeenconcealed.Pausinginthedoorwaytoinspectthearrangements, theDukethoughtabout
thepoison-snooperandwhatitsignifiedinhissociety.All of a pattern, he thought. You canplumbus by our language-the precise
and delicate delineations for ways to administer treacherous death. Willsomeone trychaumurky tonight—poison in thedrink?Orwill itbechaumas—poisoninthefood?Heshookhishead.Besideeachplateonthelongtablestoodaflagonofwater.Therewasenough
wateralong the table, theDukeestimated, tokeepapoorArrakeen family formorethanayear.Flanking thedoorway inwhichhestoodwerebroad lavingbasinsofornate
yellowandgreentile.Eachbasinhaditsrackoftowels.Itwasthecustom,thehousekeeper had explained, for guests as they entered to dip their handsceremoniously intoabasin,slopseveralcupsofwateronto thefloor,dry theirhandsonatowelandflingthetowelintothegrowingpuddleatthedoor.Afterthedinner,beggarsgatheredoutsidetogetthewatersqueezingsfromthetowels.
HowtypicalofaHarkonnenfief,theDukethought.Everydegradationofthespirit that can be conceived. He took a deep breath, feeling rage tighten hisstomach.“Thecustomstopshere!”hemuttered.Hesawaservingwoman—oneof theoldandgnarledones thehousekeeper
hadrecommended—hoveringatthedoorwayfromthekitchenacrossfromhim.TheDukesignaledwithupraisedhand.Shemovedoutoftheshadows,scurriedaroundthetabletowardhim,andhenotedtheleatheryface,theblue-within-blueeyes.“MyLordwishes?”Shekeptherheadbowed,eyesshielded.Hegestured.“Havethesebasinsandtowelsremoved.”“But...NobleBorn....”Shelookedup,mouthgaping.“Iknowthecustom!”hebarked.“Takethesebasinstothefrontdoor.While
we’reeatinganduntilwe’vefinished,eachbeggarwhocallsmayhaveafullcupofwater.Understood?”Herleatheryfacedisplayedatwistingofemotions:dismay,anger....Withsuddeninsight,Letorealizedthatshemusthaveplannedtosellthewater
squeezings from the foot-trampled towels, wringing a few coppers from thewretcheswhocametothedoor.Perhapsthatalsowasacustom.Hisfaceclouded,andhegrowled:“I’mpostingaguardtoseethatmyorders
arecarriedouttotheletter.”Hewhirled,strodebackdownthepassagetotheGreatHall.Memoriesrolled
inhismind like the toothlessmutteringsof oldwomen.He rememberedopenwater and waves—days of grass instead of sand—dazed summers that hadwhippedpasthimlikewindstormleaves.Allgone.I’m getting old, he thought. I’ve felt the cold hand ofmymortality. And in
what?Anoldwoman’sgreed.IntheGreatHall,theLadyJessicawasthecenterofamixedgroupstanding
infrontofthefireplace.Anopenblazecrackledthere,castingflickersoforangelight onto jewels and laces and costly fabrics. He recognized in the group astillsuitmanufacturerdownfromCarthag,anelectronicsequipmentimporter,awatershipper whose summer mansion was near his polar-cap factory, arepresentative of the Guild Bank (lean and remote, that one), a dealer inreplacement parts for spice mining equipment, a thin and hard-faced womanwhose escort service for off-planet visitors reputedly operated as cover forvarioussmuggling,spying,andblackmailoperations.
Mostofthewomeninthehallseemedcastfromaspecifictype—decorative,preciselyturnedout,anoddminglingofuntouchablesensuousness.Even without her position as hostess, Jessica would have dominated the
group, he thought. Shewore no jewelry andhad chosenwarmcolors—a longdressalmost theshadeof theopenblaze,andanearth-brownbandaroundherbronzedhair.Herealizedshehaddonethistotaunthimsubtly,areproofagainsthisrecent
poseofcoldness.Shewaswellawarethathelikedherbestintheseshades—thathesawherasarustlingofwarmcolors.Nearby,moreanoutflankerthanamemberofthegroup,stoodDuncanIdaho
in glittering dress uniform, flat face unreadable, the curling black hair neatlycombed.HehadbeensummonedbackfromtheFremenandhadhisordersfromHawat—“Underpretextofguardingher, youwill keep theLadyJessicaunderconstantsurveillance.”TheDukeglancedaroundtheroom.TherewasPaulinthecornersurroundedbyafawninggroupoftheyounger
Arrakeenrichece,and,aloofamongthem,threeofficersoftheHouseTroop.TheDuketookparticularnoteoftheyoungwomen.Whatacatchaducalheirwouldmake.ButPaulwastreatingallequallywithanairofreservednobility.He’llwear the titlewell, theDuke thought,and realizedwithasuddenchill
thatthiswasanotherdeaththought.Paulsawhisfatherinthedoorway,avoidedhiseyes.Helookedaroundatthe
clusterings of guests, the jeweled hands clutching drinks (and the unobtrusiveinspectionswithtinyremote-castsnoopers).Seeingallthechatteringfaces,Paulwas suddenly repelled by them. They were cheap masks locked on festeringthoughts—voicesgabblingtodrownouttheloudsilenceineverybreast.I’minasourmood,hethought,andwonderedwhatGurneywouldsaytothat.Heknewhismood’ssource.Hehadn’twantedtoattendthisfunction,buthis
father had been firm. “You have a place—a position to uphold. You’re oldenoughtodothis.You’realmostaman.”Paulsawhisfatheremergefromthedoorway,inspecttheroom,thencrossto
thegrouparoundtheLadyJessica.AsLetoapproachedJessica’sgroup,thewater-shipperwasasking:“Isittrue
theDukewillputinweathercontrol?”From behind the man, the Duke said: “We haven’t gone that far in our
thinking,sir.”The man turned, exposing a bland round face, darkly tanned. “Ah-h, the
Duke,”hesaid.“Wemissedyou.”LetoglancedatJessica.“Athingneededdoing.”Hereturnedhisattentionto
thewater-shipper,explainedwhathehadorderedforthelavingbasins,adding:“AsfarasI’mconcerned,theoldcustomendsnow.”“Isthisaducalorder,m’Lord?”themanasked.“I leave that to your own... ah ... conscience,” the Duke said. He turned,
notingKynescomeuptothegroup.Oneofthewomensaid:“Ithinkit’saverygenerousgesture—givingwaterto
the—”Someoneshushedher.The Duke looked at Kynes, noting that the planetologist wore an old-style
darkbrownuniformwithepauletsoftheImperialCivilServantandatinygoldteardropofrankathiscollar.Thewater-shipperaskedinanangryvoice:“DoestheDukeimplycriticismof
ourcustom?”“Thiscustomhasbeenchanged,”Letosaid.HenoddedtoKynes,markedthe
frownonJessica’sface,thought:Afrowndoesnotbecomeher,butit’llincreaserumorsoffrictionbetweenus.“With the Duke’s permission,” the water-shipper said, “I’d like to inquire
furtheraboutcustoms.”Letoheardthesuddenoilytoneintheman’svoice,notedthewatchfulsilence
in this group, the way heads were beginning to turn toward them around theroom.“Isn’titalmosttimefordinner?”Jessicaasked.“Butourguesthas somequestions,”Leto said.Andhe lookedat thewater-
shipper, seeing a round-faced man with large eyes and thick lips, recallingHawat’s memorandum: “... and this watershipper is a man to watch—LingarBewt,rememberthename.TheHarkonnensusedhimbutneverfullycontrolledhim.”“Watercustomsare so interesting,”Bewtsaid,and therewasa smileonhis
face.“I’mcuriouswhatyouintendabouttheconservatoryattachedtothishouse.Doyouintendtocontinueflauntingitinthepeople’sfaces...m’Lord?”Leto held anger in check, staring at the man. Thoughts raced through his
mind.Ithadtakenbraverytochallengehiminhisownducalcastle,especiallysince they nowhadBewt’s signature over a contract of allegiance.The actionhadtaken,also,aknowledgeofpersonalpower.Waterwas,indeed,powerhere.Ifwaterfacilitiesweremined,forinstance,readytobedestroyedatasignal....Theman looked capable of such a thing.Destruction ofwater facilitiesmight
welldestroyArrakis.ThatcouldwellhavebeentheclubthisBewtheldovertheHarkonnens.“My Lord, the Duke, and I have other plans for our conservatory,” Jessica
said.ShesmiledatLeto.“Weintendtokeepit,certainly,butonlytoholdit intrust for the people of Arrakis. It is our dream that someday the climate ofArrakismaybechangedsufficientlytogrowsuchplantsanywhereintheopen.”Blessher!Letothought.Letourwater-shipperchewonthat.“Your interest inwaterandweathercontrol isobvious,” theDukesaid.“I’d
advise you to diversify your holdings. One day, water will not be a preciouscommodityonArrakis.”And he thought:Hawat must redouble his efforts at infiltrating this Bewt’s
organization.Andwemuststartonstand-bywaterfacilitiesatonce.Nomanisgoingtoholdaclubovermyhead!Bewtnodded,thesmilestillonhisface.“Acommendabledream,myLord.”
Hewithdrewapace.Leto’sattentionwascaughtby theexpressiononKynes’ face.Themanwas
staringatJessica.Heappearedtransfigured—likeamaninlove...orcaughtinareligioustrance.Kynes’ thoughtswereoverwhelmedat lastby thewordsofprophecy:“And
theyshallshareyourmostpreciousdream.”HespokedirectlytoJessica:“Doyoubringtheshorteningoftheway?”“Ah, Dr. Kynes,” the water-shipper said. “You’ve come in from tramping
aroundwithyourmobsofFremen.Howgraciousofyou.”KynespassedanunreadableglanceacrossBewt,said:“Itissaidinthedesert
that possession of water in great amount can inflict a man with fatalcarelessness.”“They have many strange sayings in the desert,” Bewt said, but his voice
betrayeduneasiness.JessicacrossedtoLeto,slippedherhandunderhisarmtogainamomentin
whichtocalmherself.Kyneshadsaid:“...theshorteningoftheway.”Intheoldtongue, the phrase translated as “Kwisatz Haderach.” The planetologist’s oddquestion seemed to have gone unnoticed by the others, and now Kynes wasbendingoveroneoftheconsortwomen,listeningtoalow-voicedcoquetry.KwisatzHaderach,Jessicathought.DidourMissionariaProtectivaplantthat
legendhere,too?ThethoughtfannedhersecrethopeforPaul.HecouldbetheKwisatzHaderach.Hecouldbe.TheGuildBank representative had fallen into conversationwith thewater-
shipper, and Bewt’s voice lifted above the renewed hum of conversations:“ManypeoplehavesoughttochangeArrakis.”The Duke saw how the words seemed to pierce Kynes, jerking the
planetologistuprightandawayfromtheflirtingwoman.Intothesuddensilence,ahousetrooper inuniformofafootmanclearedhis
throatbehindLeto,said:“Dinnerisserved,myLord.”TheDukedirectedaquestioningglancedownatJessica.“Thecustomhereisforhostandhostesstofollowtheirgueststotable,”she
said,andsmiled:“Shallwechangethatone,too,myLord?”Hespokecoldly:“Thatseemsagoodlycustom.Weshallletitstandfornow.”TheillusionthatIsuspectheroftreacherymustbemaintained,hethought.He
glancedattheguestsfilingpastthem.Whoamongyoubelievesthislie?Jessica,sensinghisremoteness,wonderedatitasshehaddonefrequentlythe
pastweek.Heactslikeamanstrugglingwithhimself,shethought.IsitbecauseImovedsoswiftlysettingupthisdinnerparty?Yet,heknowshowimportantitisthatwebegintomixourofficersandmenwiththelocalsonasocialplane.Weare fatherandmother surrogate to themall.Nothing impresses that factmorefirmlythanthissortofsocialsharing.Leto,watchingtheguestsfilepast,recalledwhatThufirHawathadsaidwhen
informedoftheaffair:“Sire!Iforbidit!”Agrim smile touched theDuke’smouth.What a scene that had been.And
when theDuke had remained adamant about attending the dinner,Hawat hadshakenhishead.“Ihavebadfeelingsabout this,myLord,”he’dsaid.“Thingsmove tooswiftlyonArrakis.That’snot like theHarkonnens.Not like thematall.”Paul passed his father escorting a young woman half a head taller than
himself. He shot a sour glance at his father, nodded at something the youngwomansaid.“Her fathermanufactures stillsuits,” Jessica said. “I’m told that only a fool
wouldbecaughtinthedeepdesertwearingoneoftheman’ssuits.”“Who’s theman with the scarred face ahead of Paul?” the Duke asked. “I
don’tplacehim.”“Alateaddition to the list,”shewhispered.“Gurneyarrangedthe invitation.
Smuggler.”“Gurneyarranged?”“Atmyrequest.ItwasclearedwithHawat,althoughtIthoughtHawatwasa
little stiff about it. The smuggler’s called Tuek, Esmar Tuek. He’s a power
amonghiskind.Theyallknowhimhere.He’sdinedatmanyofthehouses.”“Whyishehere?”“Everyoneherewill ask that question,” she said. “Tuekwill sowdoubt and
suspicion just by his presence.He’ll also serve notice that you’re prepared tobackupyourordersagainstgraft—byenforcementfromthesmugglers’endaswell.ThiswasthepointHawatappearedtolike.”“I’mnotsureIlikeit.”Henoddedtoapassingcouple,sawonlyafewoftheir
guestsremainedtoprecedethem.“Whydidn’tyouinvitesomeFremen?”“There’sKynes,”shesaid.“Yes,there’sKynes,”hesaid.“Haveyouarrangedanyotherlittlesurprisesfor
me?”Heledherintostepbehindtheprocession.“Allelseismostconventional,”shesaid.And she thought:Mydarling, can’t you see that this smuggler controls fast
ships,thathecanbebribed?Wemusthaveawayout,adoorofescapefromArrakisifallelsefailsushere.Astheyemergedintothedininghall,shedisengagedherarm,allowedLetoto
seather.Hestrodetohisendofthetable.Afootmanheldhischairforhim.Theothers settled with a swishing of fabrics, a scraping of chairs, but the Dukeremained standing.He gave a hand signal, and the house troopers in footmanuniformaroundthetablesteppedback,standingatattention.Uneasysilencesettledovertheroom.Jessica, looking down the length of the table, saw a faint trembling at the
cornersofLeto’smouth,notedthedarkflushofangeronhischeeks.Whathasangeredhim?sheaskedherself.Surelynotmyinvitationtothesmuggler.“Somequestionmychangingofthelavingbasincustom,”Letosaid.“Thisis
mywayoftellingyouthatmanythingswillchange.”Embarrassedsilencesettledoverthetable.Theythinkhimdrunk,Jessicathought.Leto lifted his water flagon, held it aloft where the suspensor lights shot
beamsof reflectionoff it. “As aChevalier of the Imperium, then,”he said, “Igiveyouatoast.”Theothersgraspedtheirflagons,alleyesfocusedontheDuke.Inthesudden
stillness, a suspensor lightdrifted slightly inanerrantbreeze from the servingkitchenhallway.ShadowsplayedacrosstheDuke’shawkfeatures.“HereIamandhereIremain!”hebarked.Therewasanabortivemovementof flagons towardmouths—stoppedas the
Dukeremainedwitharmupraised.“Mytoastisoneofthosemaximssodearto
ourhearts:‘Businessmakesprogress!Fortunepasseseverywhere!’”Hesippedhiswater.Theothersjoinedhim.Questioningglancespassedamongthem.“Gurney!”theDukecalled.FromanalcoveatLeto’sendof the roomcameHalleck’svoice. “Here,my
Lord.”“Giveusatune,Gurney.”A minor chord from the baliset floated out of the alcove. Servants began
puttingplatesof foodon the tableat theDuke’sgesture releasing them—roastdesert hare in sauce cepeda, aplomage sirian, chukka under glass, coffeewithmelange (a richcinnamonodor from the spicewaftedacross the table), a truepot-a-oieservedwithsparklingCaladanwine.Still,theDukeremainedstanding.As the guests waited, their attention torn between the dishes placed before
themand thestandingDuke,Letosaid:“Inolden times, itwas thedutyof thehosttoentertainhisguestswithhisowntalents.”Hisknucklesturnedwhite,sofiercelydidhegriphiswaterflagon.“Icannotsing,butIgiveyouthewordsofGurney’ssong.Consideritanothertoast—atoasttoallwho’vediedbringingustothisstation.”Anuncomfortablestirringsoundedaroundthetable.Jessicaloweredhergaze,glancedatthepeopleseatednearesther—therewas
theround-facedwater-shipperandhiswoman,thepaleandaustereGuildBankrepresentative(heseemedawhistlefacedscarecrowwithhiseyesfixedonLeto),theruggedandscar-facedTuek,hisblue-within-blueeyesdowncast.“Review,friends—troopslongpastreview,”theDukeintoned.“Alltofatea
weightofpainsanddollars.Theirspiritswearoursilvercollars.Review,friends—troops longpast review:Each adot of timewithout pretenseor guile.Withthempassesthelureoffortune.Review,friends—troopslongpastreview.Whenourtimeendsonitsrictussmile,we’llpassthelureoffortune.”TheDukeallowedhisvoicetotrailoffonthelastline,tookadeepdrinkfrom
hiswater flagon, slammed itbackonto the table.Water sloppedover thebrimontothelinen.Theothersdrankinembarrassedsilence.Again, theDuke liftedhiswater flagon,and this timeemptied its remaining
halfontothefloor,knowingthattheothersaroundthetablemustdothesame.Jessicawasfirsttofollowhisexample.Therewasa frozenmomentbefore theothersbeganemptying their flagons.
JessicasawhowPaul,seatednearhisfather,wasstudyingthereactionsaroundhim. She found herself also fascinated bywhat her guests’ actions revealed—especially among the women. This was clean, potable water, not somethingalreadycastawayinasoppingtowel.Reluctancetojustdiscarditexposeditselfintremblinghands,delayedreactions,nervouslaughter...andviolentobedienceto the necessity.Onewomandroppedher flagon, looked the otherway as hermalecompanionrecoveredit.Kynes,though,caughtherattentionmostsharply.Theplanetologisthesitated,
thenemptiedhisflagonintoacontainerbeneathhisjacket.HesmiledatJessicaashecaughtherwatchinghim,raisedtheemptyflagontoherinasilenttoast.Heappearedcompletelyunembarrassedbyhisaction.Halleck’smusicstillwaftedover theroom,but ithadcomeoutof itsminor
key,liltingandlivelynowasthoughheweretryingtoliftthemood.“Letthedinnercommence,”theDukesaid,andsankintohischair.He’sangryanduncertain,Jessicathought.Thelossofthatfactorycrawlerhit
himmoredeeplythanitshouldhave.Itmustbesomethingmorethanthatloss.Heactslikeadesperateman.Sheliftedherfork,hopinginthemotiontohideherownsuddenbitterness.Whynot?Heisdesperate.Slowlyatfirst,thenwithincreasinganimation,thedinnergotunderway.The
stillsuitmanufacturercomplimentedJessicaonherchefandwine.“WebroughtbothfromCaladan,”shesaid.“Superb!” he said, tasting the chukka. “Simply superb! And not a hint of
melangeinit.Onegetssotiredofthespiceineverything.”TheGuildBankrepresentativelookedacrossatKynes.“Iunderstand,Doctor
Kynes,thatanotherfactorycrawlerhasbeenlosttoaworm.”“Newstravelsfast,”theDukesaid.“Thenit’strue?”thebankerasked,shiftinghisattentiontoLeto.“Ofcourse,it’strue!”theDukesnapped.“Theblastedcarry-alldisappeared.It
shouldn’tbepossibleforanythingthatbigtodisappear!”“Whenthewormcame,therewasnothingtorecoverthecrawler,”Kynessaid.“Itshouldnotbepossible!”theDukerepeated.“Noonesawthecarryallleave?”thebankerasked.“Spotters customarily keep their eyes on the sand,” Kynes said. “They’re
primarilyinterestedinwormsign.Acarryall’scomplementusuallyisfourmen—twopilotsandtwojourneymenattachers.Ifone—oreventwoofthiscrewwereinthepayoftheDuke’sfoes—”“Ah-h-h, Isee,” thebankersaid.“Andyou,asJudgeof theChange,doyou
challengethis?”“Ishallhavetoconsidermypositioncarefully,”Kynessaid,“andIcertainly
willnotdiscuss it at table.”Andhe thought:Thatpale skeletonofaman!HeknowsthisisthekindofinfractionIwasinstructedtoignore.Thebankersmiled,returnedhisattentiontohisfood.Jessica sat remembering a lecture from herBeneGesserit school days. The
subject had been espionage and counter-espionage. A plump, happy-facedReverendMotherhadbeenthelecturer,herjollyvoicecontrastingweirdlywiththesubjectmatter.A thing tonoteaboutanyespionageand/orcounter-espionageschool is the
similarbasicreactionpatternofall itsgraduates.Anyencloseddisciplinesetsits stamp, its pattern, upon its students.Thatpattern is susceptible toanalysisandprediction.Now, motivational patterns are going to be similar among all espionage
agents.Thatistosay:therewillbecertaintypesofmotivationthataresimilardespitedifferingschoolsoropposedaims.Youwill study firsthow toseparatethiselementforyouranalysis—inthebeginning,throughinterrogationpatternsthat betray the inner orientation of the interrogators; secondly, by closeobservation of language-thought orientation of those under analysis. You willfinditfairlysimpletodeterminetherootlanguagesofyoursubjects,ofcourse,boththroughvoiceinflectionandspeechpattern.Now,sittingattablewithhersonandherDukeandtheirguests,hearingthat
Guild Bank representative, Jessica felt a chill of realization: the man was aHarkonnenagent.Hehad theGiediPrime speechpattern—subtlymasked,butexposedtohertrainedawarenessasthoughhehadannouncedhimself.Does thismean theGuild itselfhas takensidesagainstHouseAtreides?she
askedherself.Thethoughtshockedher,andshemaskedheremotionbycallingforanewdish,allthewhilelisteningforthemantobetrayhispurpose.Hewillshift the conversationnext to something seemingly innocent, butwith ominousovertones,shetoldherself.It’shispattern.Thebankerswallowed,tookasipofwine,smiledatsomethingsaidtohimby
thewomanonhis right.Heseemed to listen foramoment toamandown thetablewhowasexplainingtotheDukethatnativeArrakeenplantshadnothorns.“Ienjoywatching theflightsofbirdsonArrakis,” thebankersaid,directing
hiswordsat Jessica.“Allofourbirds,ofcourse,arecarrion-eaters,andmanyexistwithoutwater,havingbecomeblood-drinkers.”Thestillsuitmanufacterer’sdaughter,seatedbetweenPaulandhisfatheratthe
otherendofthetable,twistedherprettyfaceintoafrown,said:“Oh,Soo-Soo,yousaythemostdisgustingthings.”Thebankersmiled.“TheycallmeSoo-Soobecause I’mfinancialadviser to
theWater PeddlersUnion.”And, as Jessica continued to look at himwithoutcomment,headded:“Becauseofthewater-sellers’cry—‘Soo-SooSook!’”Andheimitatedthecallwithsuchaccuracythatmanyaroundthetablelaughed.Jessicaheardtheboastfultoneofvoice,butnotedmostthattheyoungwoman
hadspokenoncue—asetpiece.Shehadproducedtheexcuseforthebankertosay what he had said. She glanced at Lingar Bewt. The water magnate wasscowling, concentrating on his dinner. It came to Jessica that the banker hadsaid:“I,too,controlthatultimatesourceofpoweronArrakis—water.”Paulhadmarked thefalseness inhisdinnercompanion’svoice,sawthathis
motherwasfollowingtheconversationwithBeneGesseritintensity.Onimpulse,hedecidedtoplaythefoil,drawtheexchangeout.Headdressedhimselftothebanker.“Doyoumean,sir,thatthesebirdsarecannibals?”“That’sanoddquestion,youngMaster,” thebanker said. “Imerely said the
birdsdrinkblood.Itdoesn’thavetobethebloodoftheirownkind,doesit?”“Itwasnotanoddquestion,”Paul said,andJessicanoted thebrittle riposte
qualityofher trainingexposed inhisvoice. “Most educatedpeopleknow thattheworstpotentialcompetitionforanyyoungorganismcancomefromitsownkind.”Hedeliberatelyforkedabiteoffoodfromhiscompanion’splate,ate it.“Theyareeatingfromthesamebowl.Theyhavethesamebasicrequirements.”Thebankerstiffened,scowledattheDuke.“Donotmaketheerrorofconsideringmysonachild,”theDukesaid.Andhe
smiled.Jessica glanced around the table, noted that Bewt had brightened, that both
Kynesandthesmuggler,Tuek,weregrinning.“It’s a rule of ecology,” Kynes said, “that the young Master appears to
understandquitewell.Thestrugglebetweenlifeelementsisthestruggleforthefreeenergyofasystem.Blood’sanefficientenergysource.”The banker put down his fork, spoke in an angry voice: “It’s said that the
Fremenscumdrinkthebloodoftheirdead.”Kynesshookhishead,spokeinalecturingtone:“Nottheblood,sir.Butallof
aman’swater, ultimately, belongs to his people—to his tribe. It’s a necessitywhen you live near theGreat Flat.Allwater’s precious there, and the humanbody is composed of some seventy per cent water by weight. A dead man,
surely,nolongerrequiresthatwater.”The banker put both hands against the table beside his plate, and Jessica
thoughthewasgoingtopushhimselfback,leaveinarage.Kynes looked at Jessica. “Forgiveme,myLady, for elaboratingon such an
ugly subject at table, but you were being told falsehood and it neededclarifying.”“You’veassociatedsolongwithFrementhatyou’velostallsensibilities,”the
bankerrasped.Kynes looked at him calmly, studied the pale, trembling face. “Are you
challengingme,sir?”The banker froze. He swallowed, spoke stiffly: “Of course not. I’d not so
insultourhostandhostess.”Jessicaheardthefearintheman’svoice,sawitinhisface,inhisbreathing,in
thepulseofaveinathistemple.ThemanwasterrifiedofKynes!“Our host and hostess are quite capable of deciding for themselves when
they’ve been insulted,” Kynes said. “They’re brave people who understanddefense of honor.We allmay attest to their courage by the fact that they arehere...now...onArrakis.”JessicasawthatLetowasenjoyingthis.Mostoftheotherswerenot.People
allaroundthetablesatpoisedforflight,handsoutofsightunderthetable.Twonotable exceptions were Bewt, who was openly smiling at the banker’sdiscomfiture,andthesmuggler,Tuek,whoappearedtobewatchingKynesforacue.JessicasawthatPaulwaslookingatKynesinadmiration.“Well?”Kynessaid.“I meant no offense,” the banker muttered. “If offense was taken, please
acceptmyapologies.”“Freely given, freely accepted,” Kynes said. He smiled at Jessica, resumed
eatingasthoughnothinghadhappened.Jessicasawthatthesmuggler,too,hadrelaxed.Shemarkedthis:themanhad
showneveryaspectofanaidereadytoleaptoKynes’assistance.ThereexistedanaccordofsomesortbetweenKynesandTuek.Letotoyedwithafork,lookedspeculativelyatKynes.Theecologist’smanner
indicatedachangeinattitudetowardtheHouseofAtreides.Kyneshadseemedcolderontheirtripoverthedesert.Jessicasignaledforanothercourseoffoodanddrink.Servantsappearedwith
languesdelapinsdegarenne—redwineandasauceofmushroom-yeastontheside.
Slowly,thedinnerconversationresumed,butJessicaheardtheagitationinit,thebrittlequality, saw that thebanker ate in sullen silence.Kyneswouldhavekilled himwithout hesitating, she thought.And she realized that therewas anoffhandattitudetowardkillinginKynes’manner.Hewasacasualkiller,andsheguessedthatthiswasaFremenquality.Jessica turned to the stillsuit manufacturer on her left, said: “I findmyself
continuallyamazedbytheimportanceofwateronArrakis.”“Veryimportant,”heagreed.“Whatisthisdish?It’sdelicious.”“Tonguesofwildrabbitinaspecialsauce,”shesaid.“Averyoldrecipe.”“Imusthavethatrecipe,”themansaid.Shenodded.“I’llseethatyougetit.”Kynes looked at Jessica, said: “The newcomer to Arrakis frequently
underestimatestheimportanceofwaterhere.Youaredealing,yousee,withtheLawoftheMinimum.”She heard the testing quality in his voice, said, “Growth is limited by that
necessitywhichispresentintheleastamount.And,naturally,theleastfavorableconditioncontrolsthegrowthrate.”“It’s rare to find members of a Great House aware of planetological
problems,” Kynes said. “Water is the least favorable condition for life onArrakis.And remember that growth itself can produce unfavorable conditionsunlesstreatedwithextremecare.”JessicasensedahiddenmessageinKynes’words,butknewshewasmissing
it.“Growth,”shesaid.“DoyoumeanArrakiscanhaveanorderlycycleofwatertosustainhumanlifeundermorefavorableconditions?”“Impossible!”thewatermagnatebarked.JessicaturnedherattentiontoBewt.“Impossible?”“Impossible on Arrakis,” he said. “Don’t listen to this dreamer. All the
laboratoryevidenceisagainsthim.”KyneslookedatBewt,andJessicanotedthattheotherconversationsaround
thetablehadstoppedwhilepeopleconcentratedonthisnewinterchange.“Laboratory evidence tends to blind us to a very simple fact,” Kynes said.
“Thatfactisthis:wearedealingherewithmattersthatoriginatedandexistout-of-doorswhereplantsandanimalscarryontheirnormalexistence.”“Normal!”Bewtsnorted.“NothingaboutArrakisisnormal!”“Quite the contrary,” Kynes said. “Certain harmonies could be set up here
along self-sustaining lines. You merely have to understand the limits of theplanetandthepressuresuponit.”
“It’llneverbedone,”Bewtsaid.The Duke came to a sudden realization, placing the point where Kynes’
attitude had changed—it had been when Jessica had spoken of holding theconservatoryplantsintrustforArrakis.“Whatwouldittaketosetuptheself-sustainingsystem,DoctorKynes?”Leto
asked.“IfwecangetthreepercentofthegreenplantelementonArrakisinvolvedin
forming carbon compounds as foodstuffs, we’ve started the cyclic system,”Kynessaid.“Water’s theonlyproblem?” theDukeasked.HesensedKynes’excitement,
felthimselfcaughtupinit.“Waterovershadowstheotherproblems,”Kynessaid.“Thisplanethasmuch
oxygenwithoutitsusualconcomitants—widespreadplantlifeandlargesourcesof free carbon dioxide from such phenomena as volcanoes. There are unusualchemicalinterchangesoverlargesurfaceareashere.”“Doyouhavepilotprojects?”theDukeasked.“We’vehada longtimeinwhich tobuildup theTansleyEffect—small-unit
experiments on an amateur basis from which my science may now draw itsworkingfacts,”Kynessaid.“Thereisn’tenoughwater,”Bewtsaid.“Therejustisn’tenoughwater.”“MasterBewtisanexpertonwater,”Kynessaid.Hesmiled, turnedbackto
hisdinner.TheDukegesturedsharplydownwithhisrighthand,barked:“No!Iwantan
answer!Isthereenoughwater,DoctorKynes?”Kynesstaredathisplate.Jessicawatchedtheplayofemotiononhisface.Hemaskshimselfwell,she
thought,butshehadhimregisterednowandreadthatheregrettedhiswords.“Isthereenoughwater!”theDukedemanded.“There...maybe,”Kynessaid.He’sfakinguncertainty!Jessicathought.With his deeper truthsense, Paul caught the underlying motive, had to use
everyounceofhistrainingtomaskhisexcitement.Thereisenoughwater!ButKynesdoesn’twishittobeknown.“Ourplanetologisthasmanyinterestingdreams,”Bewtsaid.“Hedreamswith
theFremen—ofpropheciesandmessiahs.”Chucklessoundedatoddplacesaround the table.Jessicamarked them—the
smuggler, thestillsuitmanufacturer’sdaughter,DuncanIdaho, thewomanwith
themysteriousescortservice.Tensionsareoddlydistributedheretonight,Jessicathought.There’stoomuch
goingonofwhichI’mnotaware.I’llhavetodevelopnewinformationsources.TheDukepassedhisgaze fromKynes toBewt to Jessica.He felt oddly let
down,asthoughsomethingvitalhadpassedhimhere.“Maybe,”hemuttered.Kynesspokequickly:“Perhapsweshoulddiscussthisanothertime,myLord.
Therearesomany—”TheplanetologistbrokeoffasauniformedAtreidestrooperhurriedinthrough
the service door,was passedby the guard and rushed to theDuke’s side.Themanbent,whisperingintoLeto’sear.JessicarecognizedthecapsignofHawat’scorps,foughtdownuneasiness.She
addressed herself to the stillsuit manufacturer’s feminine companion—a tiny,dark-hairedwomanwithadollface,atouchofepicanthicfoldtotheeyes.“You’vehardlytouchedyourdinner,mydear,”Jessicasaid.“MayIorderyou
something?”Thewomanlookedatthestillsuitmanufacturerbeforeanswering,then:“I’m
notveryhungry.”Abruptly, the Duke stood up beside his trooper, spoke in a harsh tone of
command:“Stayseated,everyone.Youwillhavetoforgiveme,butamatterhasarisenthatrequiresmypersonalattention.”Hesteppedaside.“Paul,takeoverashostforme,ifyouplease.”Paulstood,wantingtoaskwhyhisfatherhadtoleave,knowinghehadtoplay
thiswiththegrandmanner.Hemovedaroundtohisfather’schair,satdowninit.TheDuketurnedtothealcovewhereHallecksat,said:“Gurney,pleasetake
Paul’splaceat table.Wemustn’thaveanoddnumberhere.Whenthedinner’sover,ImaywantyoutobringPaultothefieldC.P.Waitformycall.”Halleck emerged from the alcove in dress uniform, his lumpy ugliness
seeming out of place in the glittering finery.He leaned his baliset against thewall,crossedtothechairPaulhadoccupied,satdown.“There’snoneedforalarm,”theDukesaid,“butImustaskthatnooneleave
untilourhouseguardsaysit’ssafe.Youwillbeperfectlysecureaslongasyouremainhere,andwe’llhavethislittletroubleclearedupveryshortly.”Paul caught the code words in his father’s message—guard—safe—secure-
shortly.Theproblemwassecurity,notviolence.Hesawthathismotherhadreadthesamemessage.Theybothrelaxed.The Duke gave a short nod, wheeled and strode through the service door
followedbyhistrooper.
Paul said: “Please go on with your dinner. I believe Doctor Kynes wasdiscussingwater.”“Maywediscussitanothertime?”Kynesasked.”“Byallmeans,”Paulsaid.AndJessicanotedwithprideherson’sdignity,thematuresenseofassurance.Thebankerpickeduphiswaterflagon,gesturedwithitatBewt.“Noneofus
here can surpass Master Lingar Bewt in flowery phrases. One might almostassumeheaspiredtoGreatHousestatus.Come,MasterBewt,leadusinatoast.Perhapsyou’veadollopofwisdomfortheboywhomustbetreatedlikeaman.”Jessica clenched her right hand into a fist beneath the table. She saw a
handsignalpassfromHalleck toIdaho,sawthehouse troopersalongthewallsmoveintopositionsofmaximumguard.Bewtcastavenomousglareatthebanker.PaulglancedatHalleck,tookinthedefensivepositionsofhisguards,looked
at the banker until the man lowered the water flagon. He said: “Once, onCaladan,Isawthebodyofadrownedfishermanrecovered.He—”“Drowned?”Itwasthestillsuitmanufacturer’sdaughter.Paulhesitated,then:“Yes.Immersedinwateruntildead.Drowned.”“Whataninterestingwaytodie,”shemurmured.Paul’s smile became brittle. He returned his attention to the banker. “The
interesting thing about this man was the wounds on his shoulders—made byanotherfisherman’sclaw-boots.Thisfishermanwasoneofseveralinaboat—acraftfortravelingonwater—thatfoundered...sankbeneaththewater.Anotherfishermanhelpingrecoverthebodysaidhe’dseenmarkslikethisman’swoundsseveraltimes.Theymeantanotherdrowningfishermanhadtriedtostandonthispoorfellow’sshouldersintheattempttoreachuptothesurface—toreachair.”“Whyisthisinteresting?”thebankerasked.“Because of an observation made by my father at the time. He said the
drowningmanwhoclimbsonyourshoulderstosavehimselfisunderstandable—exceptwhenyouseeithappeninthedrawingroom.”Paulhesitatedjustlongenoughforthebankertoseethepointcoming,then:“And,Ishouldadd,exceptwhenyouseeitatthedinnertable.”Asuddenstillnessenfoldedtheroom.Thatwasrash, Jessica thought.Thisbankermighthaveenoughrank tocall
mysonout.ShesawthatIdahowaspoisedforinstantaction.TheHousetrooperswerealert.GurneyHalleckhadhiseyesonthemenoppositehim.“Ho-ho-ho-o-o-o!” It was the smuggler, Tuek, head thrown back laughing
withcompleteabandon.Nervoussmilesappearedaroundthetable.Bewtwasgrinning.Thebankerhadpushedhischairback,wasglaringatPaul.Kynessaid:“OnebaitsanAtreidesathisownrisk.”“IsitAtreidescustomtoinsulttheirguests?”thebankerdemanded.Before Paul could answer, Jessica leaned forward, said: “Sir!” And she
thought:Wemust learn thisHarkonnen creature’s game. Is he here to try forPaul?Doeshehavehelp?“Mysondisplaysageneralgarmentandyouclaimit’scuttoyourfit?”Jessica
asked.“Whata fascinating revelation.”Sheslidahanddown toher leg to thecrysknifeshehadfastenedinacalf-sheath.ThebankerturnedhisglareonJessica.EyesshiftedawayfromPaulandshe
saw him ease himself back from the table, freeing himself for action.He hadfocusedonthecodeword:garment.“Prepareforviolence.”Kynes directed a speculative look at Jessica, gave a subtle hand signal to
Tuek.Thesmugglerlurchedtohisfeet,liftedhisflagon.“I’llgiveyouatoast,”he
said.“ToyoungPaulAtreides,stillaladbyhislooks,butamanbyhisactions.”Whydotheyintrude?Jessicaaskedherself.ThebankerstarednowatKynes,andJessicasawterrorreturntotheagent’s
face.Peoplebeganrespondingallaroundthetable.WhereKynes leads, people follow, Jessica thought.He has told us he sides
withPaul.What’sthesecretofhispower?Itcan’tbebecausehe’sJudgeoftheChange.That’stemporary.Andcertainlynotbecausehe’sacivilservant.Sheremovedherhandfromthecrysknifehilt,liftedherflagontoKynes,who
respondedinkind.Only Paul and the banker—(Soo-Soo! What an idiotic nickname! Jessica
thought.)—remained empty-handed. The banker’s attention stayed fixed onKynes.Paulstaredathisplate.Iwashandlingitcorrectly,Paulthought.Whydotheyinterfere?Heglanced
covertly at the male guests nearest him. Prepare for violence? From whom?Certainlynotfromthatbankerfellow.Halleck stirred, spokeas though tonoone inparticular,directinghiswords
overtheheadsoftheguestsacrossfromhim:“Inoursociety,peopleshouldn’tbe quick to take offense. It’s frequently suicidal.” He looked at the stillsuit
manufacturer’sdaughterbesidehim.“Don’tyouthinkso,miss?”“Oh,yes.Yes. IndeedIdo,”shesaid.“There’s toomuchviolence. Itmakes
mesick.Andlotsoftimesnooffenseismeant,butpeopledieanyway.Itdoesn’tmakesense.”“Indeeditdoesn’t,”Hallecksaid.Jessicasawthenearperfectionof thegirl’sact,realized:Thatempty-headed
littlefemaleisnotanempty-headedlittlefemale.ShesawthenthepatternofthethreatandunderstoodthatHalleck,too,haddetectedit.TheyhadplannedtolurePaulwithsex.Jessicarelaxed.Hersonhadprobablybeenthefirsttoseeit—histraininghadn’toverlookedthatobviousgambit.Kynesspoketothebanker:“Isn’tanotherapologyinorder?”The banker turned a sickly grin toward Jessica, said: “MyLady, I fear I’ve
overindulged in your wines. You serve potent drink at table, and I’m notaccustomedtoit.”Jessica heard the venom beneath his tone, spoke sweetly: “When strangers
meet,greatallowanceshouldbemadefordifferencesofcustomandtraining.”“Thankyou,myLady,”hesaid.The dark-haired companion of the stillsuit manufacturer leaned toward
Jessica,said:“TheDukespokeofourbeingsecurehere.Idohopethatdoesn’tmeanmorefighting.”Shewasdirectedtoleadtheconversationthisway,Jessicathought.“Likelythiswillproveunimportant,”Jessicasaid.“Butthere’ssomuchdetail
requiring the Duke’s personal attention in these times. As long as enmitycontinuesbetweenAtreidesandHarkonnenwecannotbetoocareful.TheDukehasswornkanly.HewillleavenoHarkonnenagentaliveonArrakis,ofcourse.”SheglancedattheGuildBankagent.“AndtheConventions,naturally,supporthiminthis.”SheshiftedherattentiontoKynes.“Isthisnotso,Dr.Kynes?”“Indeeditis,”Kynessaid.The stillsuitmanufacturer pulled his companion gently back. She looked at
him,said:“Idobelieve I’lleat somethingnow. I’d likesomeof thatbirddishyouservedearlier.”Jessicasignalledaservant,turnedtothebanker:“Andyou,sir,werespeaking
of birds earlier and of their habits. I find so many interesting things aboutArrakis. Tell me, where is the spice found? Do the hunters go deep into thedesert?”“Oh, no, my Lady,” he said. “Very little’s known of the deep desert. And
almostnothingofthesouthernregions.”
“There’satalethatagreatMotherLodeofspiceistobefoundinthesouthernreaches,”Kynessaid,“butIsuspectitwasanimaginativeinventionmadesolelyforpurposesofasong.Somedaringspicehuntersdo,onoccasion,penetrateintothe edge of the central belt, but that’s extremely dangerous—navigation isuncertain, stormsare frequent.Casualties increasedramatically the fartheryouoperatefromShieldWallbases.Ithasn’tbeenfoundprofitabletoventuretoofarsouth.Perhapsifwehadaweathersatellite....”Bewtlookedup,spokearoundamouthfuloffood:“It’ssaidtheFrementravel
there,thattheygoanywhereandhavehuntedoutsoaksandsip-wellseveninthesouthernlatitudes.”“Soaksandsip-wells?”Jessicaasked.Kynes spoke quickly: “Wild rumors, my Lady. These are known on other
planets, not onArrakis.A soak is a placewherewater seeps to the surfaceornearenoughtothesurfacetobefoundbydiggingaccordingtocertainsigns.Asip-wellisaformofsoakwhereapersondrawswaterthroughastraw...soitissaid.”There’sdeceptioninhiswords,Jessicathought.Whyishelying?Paulwondered.“Howveryinteresting,”Jessicasaid.Andshethought.“Itissaid....”Whata
curious speech mannerism they have here. If they only knew what it revealsabouttheirdependenceonsuperstitions.“I’veheardyouhaveasaying,”Paulsaid,“thatpolishcomesfromthecities,
wisdomfromthedesert.”“TherearemanysayingsonArrakis,”Kynessaid.Before Jessica could frame a new question, a servant bent over her with a
note.Sheopenedit,sawtheDuke’shandwritingandcodesigns,scannedit.“You’ll all be delighted to know,” she said, “that our Duke sends his
reassurances.Thematterwhichcalledhimawayhasbeensettled.Themissingcarryallhasbeenfound.AHarkonnenagentinthecrewoverpoweredtheothersandflewthemachinetoasmugglers’base,hopingtosellitthere.Bothmanandmachinewereturnedovertoourforces.”ShenoddedtoTuek.Thesmugglernoddedback.Jessicarefoldedthenote,tuckeditintohersleeve.“I’mglad it didn’t come toopenbattle,” thebanker said. “Thepeoplehave
suchhopestheAtreideswillbringpeaceandprosperity.”“Especiallyprosperity,”Bewtsaid.“Shallwehaveourdessertnow?”Jessicaasked.“I’vehadourchefpreparea
Caladansweet:pongiriceinsaucedolsa.”“Itsoundswonderful,”thestillsuitmanufacturersaid.“Woulditbepossibleto
gettherecipe?”“Anyrecipeyoudesire,”Jessicasaid,registeringthemanforlatermentionto
Hawat. The stillsuit manufacturer was a fearful little climber and could bebought.Small talk resumed around her: “Such a lovely fabric....” “He is having a
settingmadetomatchthejewel....”“Wemighttryforaproductionincreasenextquarter....”Jessicastareddownatherplate,thinkingofthecodedpartofLeto’smessage:
TheHarkonnens tried toget inashipmentof lasguns.Wecaptured them.Thismaymeanthey’vesucceededwithothershipments.Itcertainlymeanstheydon’tplacemuchstoreinshields.Takeappropriateprecautions.Jessica focused her mind on lasguns, wondering. The white-hot beams of
disruptivelightcouldcutthroughanyknownsubstance,providedthatsubstancewas not shielded. The fact that feedback from a shield would explode bothlasgun and shield did not bother the Harkonnens. Why? A lasgun-shieldexplosionwasadangerousvariable,couldbemorepowerfulthanatomics,couldkillonlythegunnerandhisshieldedtarget.Theunknownsherefilledherwithuneasiness.Paulsaid:“Ineverdoubtedwe’dfindthecarryall.Oncemyfathermovesto
solve a problem, he solves it. This is a fact theHarkonnens are beginning todiscover.”He’s boasting, Jessica thought. He shouldn’t boast. No person who’ll be
sleeping farbelowground level thisnightasaprecautionagainst lasgunshastherighttoboast.
“Thereisnoescape—wepayfortheviolenceofourancestors.”—from“TheCollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
JESSICAHEARDthedisturbanceinthegreathall,turnedonthelightbesideherbed.Theclocktherehadnotbeenproperlyadjustedtolocaltime,andshehadtosubtracttwenty-oneminutestodeterminethatitwasabout2A.M.Thedisturbancewasloudandincoherent.IsthistheHarkonnenattack?shewondered.Sheslippedoutofbed,checkedthescreenmonitorstoseewhereherfamily
was. The screen showed Paul asleep in the deep cellar room they’d hastilyconvertedtoabedroomforhim.Thenoiseobviouslywasn’tpenetratingtohisquarters.TherewasnooneintheDuke’sroom,hisbedwasunrumpled.WashestillatthefieldC.P.?Therewerenoscreensyettothefrontofthehouse.Jessicastoodinthemiddleofherroom,listening.There was one shouting, incoherent voice. She heard someone call for Dr.
Yueh. Jessica found a robe, pulled it over her shoulders, pushed her feet intoslippers,strappedthecrysknifetoherleg.Again,avoicecalledoutforYueh.Jessicabeltedtherobearoundher,steppedintothehallway.Thenthethought
struckher:WhatifLeto’shurt?The hall seemed to stretch out forever under her running feet. She turned
throughthearchattheend,dashedpastthedininghallanddownthepassagetotheGreatHall,findingtheplacebrightlylighted,allthewallsuspensorsglowingatmaximum.Toher rightnear the frontentry, shesaw twohouseguardsholdingDuncan
Idahobetweenthem.Hisheadlolledforward,andtherewasanabrupt,pantingsilencetothescene.OneofthehouseguardsspokeaccusinglytoIdaho:“Youseewhatyoudid?
YouwoketheLadyJessica.”The great draperies billowed behind the men, showing that the front door
remainedopen.TherewasnosignoftheDukeorYueh.MapesstoodtoonesidestaringcoldlyatIdaho.Sheworealongbrownrobewithserpentinedesignatthehem.Herfeetwerepushedintounlaceddesertboots.
“SoIwoke theLadyJessica,” Idahomuttered.He liftedhis face toward theceiling,bellowed:“Myswordwasfirs’bloodedonGrumman!”GreatMother!He’sdrunk!Jessicathought.Idaho’sdark,roundfacewasdrawnintoafrown.Hishair,curlinglikethefur
ofablackgoat,wasplasteredwithdirt.A jagged rent inhis tunicexposedanexpanseofthedressshirthehadwornatthedinnerpartyearlier.Jessicacrossedtohim.One of the guards nodded to herwithout releasing his hold on Idaho. “We
didn’tknowwhat todowithhim,myLady.Hewascreatingadisturbanceoutfront,refusingtocomeinside.Wewereafraidlocalsmightcomealongandseehim.Thatwouldn’tdoatall.Giveusabadnamehere.”“Wherehashebeen?”Jessicaasked.“Heescortedoneoftheyoungladieshomefromthedinner,myLady.Hawat’s
orders.”“Whichyounglady?”“One of the escort wenches. You understand, my Lady?” He glanced at
Mapes, lowered his voice. “They’re always calling on Idaho for specialsurveillanceoftheladies.”AndJessicathought:Sotheyare.Butwhyishedrunk?She frowned, turned to Mapes. “Mapes, bring a stimulant. I’d suggest
caffeine.Perhapsthere’ssomeofthespicecoffeeleft.”Mapes shrugged, headed for the kitchen. Her unlaced desert boots slap-
slappedagainstthestonefloor.Idaho swung his unsteady head around to peer at an angle toward Jessica.
“Killedmore’nthreehunner’menf‘rtheDuke,”hemuttered.“Whadduhwannaknowiswhy’mmere?Can’t liveunner th’groun’here.Can’t liveonnagroun’here.Wha’kinnaplaceis’iss,huh?”Asound from the sidehall entrycaught Jessica’s attention.She turned, saw
Yuehcrossing to them,hismedicalkit swinging inhis lefthand.Hewas fullydressed, looked pale, exhausted. The diamond tattoo stood out sharply on hisforehead.“Th’gooddocker!”Idahoshouted.“Whad’reyou,Doc?Splint‘n’pillman?”
HeturnedblearilytowardJessica.“Makin’uhdamnfooluhm’self,huh?”Jessica frowned, remained silent, wondering:Why would Idaho get drunk?
Washedrugged?“Toomuchspicebeer,”Idahosaid,attemptingtostraighten.Mapesreturnedwithasteamingcupinherhands,stoppeduncertainlybehind
Yueh.ShelookedatJessica,whoshookherhead.Yueh put his kit on the floor, nodded greeting to Jessica, said: “Spice beer,
eh?”“Bes’damnstuffevertas‘ed,”Idahosaid.Hetriedtopullhimselftoattention.
“Myswordwasfirs’bloodedonGrumman!KilledaHarkon...Harkon...killed’imf’rth’Duke.”Yueh turned, lookedat thecup inMapes’hand. “What is that?” “Caffeine,”
Jessicasaid.Yueh took thecup,held it toward Idaho.“Drink this, lad.”“Don’twan’any
moret’drink.”“Drinkit,Isay!”Idaho’sheadwobbledtowardYueh,andhestumbledonestepahead,dragging
theguardswithhim.“I’malmighdyfedupwithpleasin’th’’MperialUniverse,Doc.Jus’once,we’regonnadoth’thingmyway.”“Afteryoudrinkthis,”Yuehsaid.“It’sjustcaffeine.”“‘Sprolly likeall res’uh thisplace!Damn’ sun ’stoobrighd.Nothin’hasuh
righdcolor.Ever’thing’swrongor....”“Well,it’snighttimenow,”Yuehsaid.Hespokereasonably.“Drinkthislikea
goodlad.It’llmakeyoufeelbetter.”“Don’wannafeelbedder!”“Wecan’targuewithhimallnight,”Jessicasaid.Andshethought:Thiscalls
forshocktreatment.“There’snoreasonforyoutostay,myLady,”Yuehsaid.“Icantakecareof
this.”Jessicashookherhead.Shesteppedforward,slappedIdahosharplyacrossthe
cheek.Hestumbledbackwithhisguards,glaringather.“ThisisnowaytoactinyourDuke’shome,”shesaid.Shesnatchedthecup
fromYueh’shands,spillingpartofit,thrustthecuptowardIdaho.“Nowdrinkthis!That’sanorder!”Idaho jerked himself upright, scowling down at her.He spoke slowly,with
carefulandpreciseenunciation:“Idonottakeordersfromadamn’Harkonnenspy.”Yuehstiffened,whirledtofaceJessica.Herfacehadgonepale,butshewasnodding.Itallbecamecleartoher—the
broken stems ofmeaning she had seen inwords and actions around her thesepast fewdays could nowbe translated. She foundherself in the grip of anger
almost too great to contain. It took the most profound of her Bene Gesserittraining toquietherpulseandsmoothherbreathing.Even thenshecould feeltheblazeflickering.TheywerealwayscallingonIdahoforsurveillanceoftheladies!SheshotaglanceatYueh.Thedoctorloweredhiseyes.“Youknewthis?”shedemanded.“I...heardrumors,myLady.ButIdidn’twanttoaddtoyourburdens.”“Hawat!”shesnapped.“IwantThufirHawatbroughttomeimmediately!”“But,myLady....”“Immediately!”Ithas tobeHawat, she thought.Suspicionsuchas thiscouldcome fromno
othersourcewithoutbeingdiscardedimmediately.Idaho shook his head, mumbled. “Chuck th’ whole damn thing.” Jessica
lookeddownatthecupinherhand,abruptlydasheditscontentsacrossIdaho’sface.“Lockhiminoneoftheguestroomsoftheeastwing,”sheordered.“Lethimsleepitoff.”The two guards stared at her unhappily.One ventured: “Perhapswe should
takehimsomeplaceelse,m’Lady.Wecould....”“He’ssupposedtobehere!”Jessicasnapped.“Hehasajobtodohere.”Her
voicedrippedbitterness.“He’ssogoodatwatchingtheladies.”Theguardswallowed.“DoyouknowwheretheDukeis?”shedemanded.“He’satthecommandpost,myLady.”“IsHawatwithhim?”“Hawat’sinthecity,myLady.”“YouwillbringHawat tomeatonce,” Jessicasaid.“Iwillbe inmysitting
roomwhenhearrives.”“But,myLady....”“Ifnecessary,IwillcalltheDuke,”shesaid.“Ihopeitwillnotbenecessary.I
wouldnotwanttodisturbhimwiththis.”“Yes,myLady.”Jessicathrust theemptycupintoMapes’hands,met thequestioningstareof
theblue-within-blueeyes.“Youmayreturntobed,Mapes.”“You’resureyou’llnotneedme?”Jessicasmiledgrimly.“I’msure.”“Perhaps this could wait until tomorrow,” Yueh said. “I could give you a
sedativeand....”
“Youwill return toyourquarters and leaveme tohandle thismyway,” shesaid.Shepattedhisarmtotakethestingoutofhercommand.“Thisistheonlyway.”Abruptly, head high, she turned and stalked off through the house to her
rooms. Cold walls... passages... a familiar door.... She jerked the door open,strode in, and slammed itbehindher. Jessica stood thereglaringat the shield-blanked windows of her sitting room. Hawat! Could he be the one theHarkonnensbought?Weshallsee.Jessicacrossedtothedeep,old-fashionedarmchairwithanembroideredcover
of schlag skin, moved the chair into position to command the door. She wassuddenlyveryconsciousofthecrysknifeinitssheathonherleg.Sheremovedthe sheath and strapped it to her arm, tested the drop of it. Once more, sheglancedaroundtheroom,placingeverythingprecisely inhermindagainstanyemergency:thechaisenearthecorner,thestraightchairsalongthewall,thetwolowtables,herstand-mountedzitherbesidethedoortoherbedroom.Paleroselightglowedfromthesuspensorlamps.Shedimmedthem,satdown
in thearmchair,patting theupholstery,appreciating thechair’s regalheavinessforthisoccasion.Now, let him come, she thought.We shall see what we shall see. And she
prepared herself in the Bene Gesserit fashion for the wait, accumulatingpatience,savingherstrength.Soonerthanshehadexpected,arapsoundedatthedoorandHawatenteredat
hercommand.Shewatchedhimwithoutmovingfromthechair,seeingthecracklingsenseof
drug-induced energy in his movements, seeing the fatigue beneath. Hawat’srheumy old eyes glittered. His leathery skin appeared faintly yellow in theroom’slight,andtherewasawide,wetstainonthesleeveofhisknifearm.Shesmelledbloodthere.Jessica gestured to oneof the straight-backed chairs, said: “Bring that chair
andsitfacingme.”Hawatbowed,obeyed.ThatdrunkenfoolofanIdaho!hethought.Hestudied
Jessica’sface,wonderinghowhecouldsavethissituation.“It’slongpasttimetocleartheairbetweenus,”Jessicasaid.“WhattroublesmyLady?”Hesatdown,placedhandsonknees.“Don’t play coy with me!” she snapped. “If Yueh didn’t tell you why I
summonedyou,thenoneofyourspiesinmyhouseholddid.Shallwebeatleastthathonestwitheachother?”
“Asyouwish,myLady.”“First, you will answer me one question,” she said. “Are you now a
Harkonnenagent?”Hawatsurgedhalfoutofhischair,hisfacedarkwithfury,demanding:“You
dareinsultmeso?”“Sitdown,”shesaid.“Youinsultedmeso.”Slowly,hesankbackintothechair.And Jessica, reading the signs of this face that she knew so well, allowed
herselfadeepbreath.Itisn’tHawat.“Now I know you remain loyal to my Duke,” she said. “I’m prepared,
therefore,toforgiveyouraffronttome.”“Istheresomethingtoforgive?”Jessica scowled,wondering: Shall I play my trump? Shall I tell him of the
Duke’s daughter I’ve carried within me these few weeks? No... Leto himselfdoesn’tknow.Thiswouldonlycomplicatehislife,diverthiminatimewhenhemustconcentrateonoursurvival.Thereisyettimetousethis.“A Truthsayer would solve this,” she said, “but we have no Truthsayer
qualifiedbytheHighBoard.”“Asyousay.We’venoTruthsayer.”“Isthereatraitoramongus?”sheasked.“I’vestudiedourpeoplewithgreat
care.Whocoulditbe?NotGurney.CertainlynotDuncan.Theirlieutenantsarenot strategically enough placed to consider. It’s not you, Thufir. It cannot bePaul.Iknowit’snotme.Dr.Yueh,then?ShallIcallhiminandputhimtothetest?”“You know that’s an empty gesture,”Hawat said. “He’s conditioned by the
HighCollege.ThatIknowforcertain.”“NottomentionthathiswifewasaBeneGesseritslainbytheHarkonnens,”
Jessicasaid.“Sothat’swhathappenedtoher,”Hawatsaid.“Haven’t you heard the hate in his voice when he speaks the Harkonnen
name?”“YouknowIdon’thavetheear,”Hawatsaid.“Whatbroughtthisbasesuspiciononme?”sheasked.Hawatfrowned.“MyLadyputsherservantinanimpossibleposition.Myfirst
loyaltyistotheDuke.”“I’mpreparedtoforgivemuchbecauseofthatloyalty,”shesaid.“AndagainImustask:Istheresomethingtoforgive?”
“Stalemate?”sheasked.Heshrugged.“Letusdiscusssomethingelseforaminute,then,”shesaid.“DuncanIdaho,
theadmirable fightingmanwhoseabilitiesatguardingand surveillanceare soesteemed.Tonight,heoverindulgedinsomethingcalledspicebeer.Ihearreportsthat others among our people have been stupefied by this concoction. Is thattrue?”“Youhaveyourreports,myLady.”“SoIdo.Don’tyouseethisdrinkingasasymptom,Thufir?”“MyLadyspeaksriddles.”“ApplyyourMentat abilities to it!” she snapped. “What’s the problemwith
Duncanandtheothers?Icantellyouinfourwords—theyhavenohome.”Hejabbedafingeratthefloor.“Arrakis,that’stheirhome.”“Arrakisisanunknown!Caladanwastheirhome,butwe’veuprootedthem.
Theyhavenohome.AndtheyfeartheDuke’sfailingthem.”Hestiffened.“Suchtalkfromoneofthemenwouldbecausefor—”“Oh,stopthat,Thufir.Isitdefeatistortreacherousforadoctortodiagnosea
diseasecorrectly?Myonlyintentionistocurethedisease.”“TheDukegivesmechargeoversuchmatters.”“ButyouunderstandIhaveacertainnaturalconcernovertheprogressofthis
disease,”shesaid.“Andperhapsyou’llgrantIhavecertainabilitiesalongtheselines.”Will I have to shock him sererely? she wondered. He needs shaking up—
somethingtobreakhimfromroutine.“There could be many interpretations for your concern,” Hawat said. He
shrugged.“Thenyou’vealreadyconvictedme?”“Ofcoursenot,myLady.ButIcannotaffordtotakeanychances,thesituation
beingwhatitis.”“Athreattomysongotpastyourighthereinthishouse,”shesaid.“Whotook
thatchance?”Hisfacedarkened.“IofferedmyresignationtotheDuke.”“Didyouofferyourresignationtome...ortoPaul?”Nowhewasopenlyangry,betrayingitinquicknessofbreathing,indilationof
nostrils,asteadystare.Shesawapulsebeatingathistemple.“I’mtheDuke’sman,”hesaid,bitingoffthewords.“Thereisnotraitor,”shesaid.“Thethreat’ssomethingelse.Perhapsithasto
do with the lasguns. Perhaps they’ll risk secreting a few lasguns with timingmechanismsaimedathouseshields.Perhapsthey’ll....”“Andwhocouldtellaftertheblastiftheexplosionwasn’tatomic?”heasked.
“No, my Lady. They’ll not risk anything that illegal. Radiation lingers. Theevidenceishardtoerase.No.They’llobservemostoftheforms.Ithastobeatraitor.”“You’retheDuke’sman,”shesneered.“Wouldyoudestroyhimintheeffort
tosavehim?”Hetookadeepbreath,then:“Ifyou’reinnocent,you’llhavemymostabject
apologies.”“Look at you now,Thufir,” she said. “Humans live bestwhen each has his
ownplace,wheneachknowswherehebelongsintheschemeofthings.Destroytheplace anddestroy theperson.You and I,Thufir, of all thosewho love theDuke,aremostideallysituatedtodestroytheother’splace.CouldInotwhispersuspicions about you into the Duke’s ear at night? When would he be mostsusceptibletosuchwhispering,Thufir?MustIdrawitforyoumoreclearly?”“Youthreatenme?”hegrowled.“Indeednot. Imerelypointout toyou that someone isattackingus through
thebasicarrangementofourlives.It’sclever,diabolical.Iproposetonegatethisattackbysoorderingourlivesthatthere’llbenochinksforsuchbarbstoenter.”“Youaccusemeofwhisperingbaselesssuspicions?”“Baseless,yes.”“You’dmeetthiswithyourownwhispers?”“Yourlifeiscompoundedofwhispers,notmine,Thufir.”“Thenyouquestionmyabilities?”Shesighed.“Thufir,Iwantyoutoexamineyourownemotionalinvolvement
inthis.Thenaturalhuman’sananimalwithout logic.Yourprojectionsof logicontoallaffairsisunnatural,butsufferedtocontinueforitsusefulness.You’retheembodimentoflogic—aMentat.Yet,yourproblemsolutionsareconceptsthat,inaveryrealsense,areprojectedoutsideyourself,theretobestudiedandrolledaround,examinedfromallsides.”“Youthinknowtoteachmemytrade?”heasked,andhedidnottrytohide
thedisdaininhisvoice.“Anythingoutsideyourself, thisyoucanseeandapplyyourlogictoit,”she
said. “But it’s a human trait thatwhenwe encounter personal problems, thosethingsmostdeeplypersonalare themostdifficult tobringout forour logic toscan.Wetendtoflounderaround,blamingeverythingbuttheactual,deep-seated
thingthat’sreallychewingonus.”“You’re deliberately attempting to undermine my faith in my abilities as a
Mentat,” he rasped. “Were I to find one of our people attempting thus tosabotageanyotherweaponinourarsenal,Ishouldnothesitatetodenounceanddestroyhim.”“The finest Mentats have a healthy respect for the error factor in their
computations,”shesaid.“I’veneversaidotherwise!”“Thenapplyyourselftothesesymptomswe’vebothseen:drunkennessamong
themen, quarrels—theygossip and exchangewild rumors aboutArrakis; theyignorethemostsimple—”“Idleness, nomore,” he said. “Don’t try to divertmy attention by trying to
makeasimplematterappearmysterious.”Shestaredathim,thinkingoftheDuke’smenrubbingtheirwoestogetherin
thebarracksuntilyoucouldalmostsmellthechargethere,likeburntinsulation.They’re becoming like themen of the pre-Guild legend, she thought:Like themen of the lost star-searcher, Ampoliros-sick at their guns—foreverseeking,foreverpreparedandforeverunready.“Why have you never made full use of my abilities in your service to the
Duke?”sheasked.“Doyoufeararivalforyourposition?”Heglaredather,theoldeyesblazing.“Iknowsomeofthetrainingtheygive
youBeneGesserit....”Hebrokeoff,scowling.“Goahead,sayit,”shesaid.“BeneGesseritwitches.”“Iknowsomethingof thereal trainingtheygiveyou,”hesaid.“I’veseenit
comeoutinPaul.I’mnotfooledbywhatyourschoolstellthepublic:youexistonlytoserve.”Theshockmustbesevereandhe’salmostreadyforit,shethought.“YoulistenrespectfullytomeinCouncil,”shesaid,“yetyouseldomheedmy
advice.Why?”“Idon’ttrustyourBeneGesseritmotives,”hesaid.“Youmaythinkyoucan
lookthroughaman;youmaythinkyoucanmakeamandoexactlywhatyou—”“Youpoorfool,Thufir!”sheraged.Hescowled,pushinghimselfbackinthechair.“Whateverrumorsyou’veheardaboutourschools,”shesaid,“thetruthisfar
greater.IfIwishedtodestroytheDuke...oryou,oranyotherpersonwithinmyreach,youcouldnotstopme.”Andshethought:WhydoIletpridedrivesuchwordsoutofme?Thisisnot
thewayIwastrained.ThisisnothowImustshockhim.Hawat slipped a hand beneath his tunic where he kept a tiny projector of
poisondarts.Shewearsnoshield,he thought. Is this justabragshemakes?Icouldslayhernow...but,ah-h-h-h,theconsequencesifI’mwrong.Jessica saw the gesture toward his pocket, said: “Let us pray violence shall
neverbenecessarybetweenus.”“Aworthyprayer,”heagreed.“Meanwhile,thesicknessspreadsamongus,”shesaid.“Imustaskyouagain:
Isn’t itmorereasonabletosupposetheHarkonnenshaveplantedthissuspiciontopitthetwoofusagainsteachother?”“Weappearto’vereturnedtostalemate,”hesaid.Shesighed,thinking:He’salmostreadyforit.“TheDuke and I are father andmother surrogates to our people,” she said.
“Theposition—”“Hehasn’tmarriedyou,”Hawatsaid.Sheforcedherselftocalmness,thinking:Agoodriposte,that.“Buthe’llnotmarryanyoneelse,”shesaid.“NotaslongasIlive.Andweare
surrogates,asI’vesaid.Tobreakupthisnaturalorderinouraffairs,todisturb,disrupt, and confuse us—which target offers itself most enticingly to theHarkonnens?”He sensed the direction she was taking, and his brows drew down in a
loweringscowl.“TheDuke?”sheasked.“Attractivetarget,yes,butnoonewiththepossible
exception of Paul is better guarded.Me? I tempt them, surely, but theymustknow theBeneGesseritmakedifficult targets.And there’s abetter target, onewhosedutiescreate,necessarily,amonstrousblindspot.Onetowhomsuspicionis as natural as breathing. One who builds his entire life on innuendo andmystery.”Shedartedherrighthandtowardhim.“You!”Hawatstartedtoleapfromhischair.“Ihavenotdismissedyou,Thufir!”sheflared.The oldMentat almost fell back into the chair, so quickly did his muscles
betrayhim.Shesmiledwithoutmirth.“Nowyouknowsomethingoftherealtrainingtheygiveus,”shesaid.Hawat tried to swallow in a dry throat. Her command had been regal,
peremptory—utteredinatoneandmannerhehadfoundcompletelyirresistible.His body had obeyed her before he could think about it. Nothing could have
preventedhis response—not logic, notpassionate anger... nothing.Todowhatshe had done spoke of a sensitive, intimate knowledge of the person thuscommanded,adepthofcontrolhehadnotdreamedpossible.“Ihavesaidtoyoubeforethatweshouldunderstandeachother,”shesaid.“I
meantyoushouldunderstandme.Ialreadyunderstandyou.AndItellyounowthatyourloyaltytotheDukeisallthatguaranteesyoursafetywithme.”Hestaredather,wethislipswithhistongue.“IfIdesiredapuppet,theDukewouldmarryme,”shesaid.“Hemighteven
thinkhediditofhisownfreewill.”Hawat loweredhishead, lookedupward throughhis sparse lashes.Only the
mostrigidcontrolkepthimfromcallingtheguard.Control...andthesuspicionnowthatwomanmightnotpermitit.Hisskincrawledwiththememoryofhowshe had controlled him. In themoment of hesitation, she could have drawn aweaponandkilledhim!Does every human have this blind spot? he wondered. Can any of us be
ordered into action before he can resist? The idea staggered him.Who couldstopapersonwithsuchpower?“You’ve glimpsed the fist within the Bene Gesserit glove,” she said. “Few
glimpseitandlive.AndwhatIdidwasarelativelysimplethingforus.You’venotseenmyentirearsenal.Thinkonthat.”“Whyaren’tyououtdestroyingtheDuke’senemies?”heasked.“Whatwouldyouhavemedestroy?”sheasked.“Wouldyouhavememakea
weaklingofourDuke,havehimforeverleaningonme?”“But,withsuchpower....”“Power’satwo-edgedsword,Thufir,”shesaid.“Youthink:‘Howeasyforher
toshapeahumantool tothrust intoanenemy’svitals.’True,Thufir;evenintoyour vitals.Yet,whatwould I accomplish? If enoughof usBeneGesserit didthis,wouldn’titmakeallBeneGesseritsuspect?Wedon’twantthat,Thufir.Wedonotwishtodestroyourselves.”Shenodded.“Wetrulyexistonlytoserve.”“Icannotansweryou,”hesaid.“YouknowIcannotanswer.”“You’ll say nothing aboutwhat has happened here to anyone,” she said. “I
knowyou,Thufir.”“MyLady....”Againtheoldmantriedtoswallowinadrythroat.Andhethought:Shehasgreatpowers,yes.Butwouldthesenotmakeheran
evenmoreformidabletoolfortheHarkonnens?“TheDukecouldbedestroyedasquicklybyhisfriendsasbyhisenemies,”
shesaid.“Itrustnowyou’llgettothebottomofthissuspicionandremoveit.”
“Ifitprovesbaseless,”hesaid.“If,”shesneered.“If,”hesaid.“Youaretenacious,”shesaid.“Cautious,”hesaid,“andawareoftheerrorfactor.”“ThenI’llposeanotherquestionforyou:Whatdoesitmeantoyouthatyou
stand before another human, that you are bound and helpless and the otherhumanholdsaknifeatyour throat—yet thisotherhumanrefrainsfromkillingyou,freesyoufromyourbondsandgivesyoutheknifetouseasyouwill?”Sheliftedherselfoutofthechair,turnedherbackonhim.“Youmaygonow,
Thufir.”The old Mentat arose, hesitated, hand creeping toward the deadly weapon
beneath his tunic.Hewas reminded of the bull ring and of theDuke’s father(who’dbeenbrave,nomatterwhathisotherfailings)andonedayofthecorridalongago:Thefierceblackbeasthadstoodthere,headbowed,immobilizedandconfused. The Old Duke had turned his back on the horns, cape thrownflamboyantlyoveronearm,whilecheersraineddownfromthestands.Iamthebullandshethematador,Hawatthought.Hewithdrewhishandfrom
theweapon,glancedatthesweatglisteninginhisemptypalm.Andheknewthatwhateverthefactsprovedtobeintheend,hewouldnever
forget this moment nor lose this sense of supreme admiration for the LadyJessica.Quietly,heturnedandlefttheroom.Jessica lowered her gaze from the reflection in the windows, turned, and
staredatthecloseddoor.“Nowwe’llseesomeproperaction,”shewhispered.
Doyouwrestlewithdreams?Doyoucontendwithshadows?Doyoumoveinakindofsleep?Timehasslippedaway.Yourlifeisstolen.Youtarriedwithtrifles,Victimofyourfolly.
—DirgeforJamisontheFuneralPlain,from“SongsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
LETOSTOODinthefoyerofhishouse,studyinganotebythelightofasinglesuspensor lamp.Dawnwasyet a fewhours away, andhe felt his tiredness.AFremenmessengerhadbroughtthenotetotheouterguardjustnowastheDukearrivedfromhiscommandpost.Thenoteread:“Acolumnofsmokebyday,apillaroffirebynight.”Therewasnosignature.Whatdoesitmean?hewondered.Themessengerhadgonewithoutwaitingforananswerandbeforehecould
bequestioned.Hehadslippedintothenightlikesomesmokyshadow.Letopushedthepaperintoatunicpocket,thinkingtoshowittoHawatlater.
He brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, took a sighing breath. Theantifatiguepillswerebeginningtowearthin.Ithadbeenalongtwodayssincethedinnerpartyandlongerthanthatsincehehadslept.Ontopofallthemilitaryproblems,there’dbeenthedisquietingsessionwith
Hawat,thereportonhismeetingwithJessica.ShouldIwakenJessica?hewondered.There’snoreasontoplaythesecrecy
gamewithheranylonger.Oristhere?BlastanddamnthatDuncanIdaho!Heshookhishead.No,notDuncan.IwaswrongnottotakeJessicaintomy
confidencefromthefirst.Imustdoitnow,beforemoredamageisdone.Thedecisionmadehimfeelbetter,andhehurriedfromthefoyerthroughthe
GreatHallanddownthepassagestowardthefamilywing.Attheturnwherethepassagessplittotheservicearea,hepaused.Astrange
mewlingcamefromsomewheredowntheservicepassage.Letoputhislefthandtotheswitchonhisshieldbelt,slippedhiskindjalintohisrighthand.Theknifeconveyed a sense of reassurance. That strange sound had sent a chill throughhim.Softly, the Duke moved down the service passage, cursing the inadequate
illumination. The smallest of suspensors had been spaced about eight meters
apart along here and tuned to their dimmest level. The dark stone wallsswallowedthelight.Adullblobstretchingacrossthefloorappearedoutofthegloomahead.Letohesitated, almost activatedhis shield, but refrainedbecause thatwould
limithismovements,hishearing...andbecausethecapturedshipmentoflasgunshadlefthimfilledwithdoubts.Silently, hemoved toward the grey blob, saw that itwas a human figure, a
manfacedownonthestone.Letoturnedhimoverwithafoot,knifepoised,bentcloseinthedimlighttoseetheface.Itwasthesmuggler,Tuek,awetstaindownhischest.Thedeadeyesstaredwithemptydarkness.Leto touched thestain—warm.Howcouldthismanbedeadhere?Letoaskedhimself.Whokilledhim?Themewlingsoundwaslouderhere.Itcamefromaheadanddowntheside
passage to thecentral roomwhere theyhad installed themainshieldgeneratorforthehouse.Handonbeltswitch,kindjalpoised,theDukeskirtedthebody,slippeddown
thepassageandpeeredaroundthecornertowardtheshieldgeneratorroom.Anothergreybloblaystretchedonthefloorafewpacesaway,andhesawat
once this was the source of the noise. The shape crawled toward him withpainfulslowness,gasping,mumbling.Letostilledhissuddenconstrictionoffear,darteddownthepassage,crouched
beside the crawling figure. It was Mapes, the Fremen housekeeper, her hairtumbled around her face, clothing disarrayed. A dull shininess of dark stainspread from her back along her side. He touched her shoulder and she liftedherselfonherelbows,head tippedup topeerathim, theeyesblack-shadowedemptiness.“S‘you,”shegasped.“Killed...guard...sent...get...Tuek...escape...m’Lady
...you...you...here...no....”Shefloppedforward,herheadthumpingagainstthestone.Leto felt for pulse at the temples. Therewas none.He looked at the stain:
she’dbeenstabbedin theback.Who?Hismindraced.Didshemeansomeonehadkilledaguard?AndTuek—hadJessicasentforhim?Why?Hestartedtostandup.Asixthsensewarnedhim.Heflashedahandtoward
the shield switch—too late.A numbing shock slammed his arm aside.He feltpain there, saw a dart protruding from the sleeve, sensed paralysis spreadingfromituphisarm.Ittookanagonizingefforttolifthisheadandlookdownthepassage.
Yuehstoodintheopendoorofthegeneratorroom.Hisfacereflectedyellowfromthelightofasingle,brightersuspensorabovethedoor.Therewasstillnessfromtheroombehindhim—nosoundofgenerators.Yueh!Letothought.He’ssabotagedthehousegenerators!We’rewideopen!Yuehbeganwalkingtowardhim,pocketingadartgun.Leto found he could still speak, gasped: “Yueh! How?” Then the paralysis
reachedhislegsandheslidtothefloorwithhisbackproppedagainstthestonewall.Yueh’sfacecarriedalookofsadnessashebentover,touchedLeto’sforehead.
TheDukefoundhecouldfeelthetouch,butitwasremote...dull.“Thedrugonthedartisselective,”Yuehsaid.“Youcanspeak,butI’dadvise
against it.”Heglanceddownthehall,andagainbentoverLeto,pulledout thedart,tosseditaside.ThesoundofthedartclatteringonthestoneswasfaintanddistanttotheDuke’sears.Itcan’tbeYueh,Letothought.He’sconditioned.“How?”Letowhispered.“I’m sorry, my dear Duke, but there are things which will make greater
demands than this.”He touched the diamond tattooonhis forehead. “I find itverystrange,myself—anoverrideonmypyreticconscience—butIwishtokillaman.Yes,Iactuallywishit.Iwillstopatnothingtodoit.”He looked down at the Duke. “Oh, not you, my dear Duke. The Baron
Harkonnen.IwishtokilltheBaron.”“Bar...onHar....”“Bequiet,please,mypoorDuke.Youhaven’tmuchtime.ThatpegtoothIput
in your mouth after the tumble at Narcal—that tooth must be replaced. In amoment, I’ll render you unconscious and replace that tooth.” He opened hishand, stared at something in it. “An exact duplicate, its core shaped mostexquisitelylikeanerve.It’llescapetheusualdetectors,evenafastscanning.Butifyoubitedownhardonit,thecovercrushes.Then,whenyouexpelyourbreathsharply,youfilltheairaroundyouwithapoisongas—mostdeadly.”Leto stared up at Yueh, seeingmadness in theman’s eyes, the perspiration
alongbrowandchin.“Youweredeadanyway,mypoorDuke,”Yuehsaid.“Butyouwillgetclose
totheBaronbeforeyoudie.He’llbelieveyou’restupefiedbydrugsbeyondanydyingeffort toattackhim.Andyouwillbedrugged—and tied.Butattackcantake strange forms. And you will remember the tooth. The tooth, Duke LetoAtreides.Youwillrememberthetooth.”
TheolddoctorleanedcloserandcloseruntilhisfaceanddroopingmustachedominatedLeto’snarrowingvision.“Thetooth,”Yuehmuttered.“Why?”Letowhispered.Yueh lowered himself to one knee beside the Duke. “I made a shaitan’s
bargain with the Baron. And I must be certain he has fulfilled his half of it.WhenIseehim,I’llknow.WhenIlookattheBaron,thenIwillknow.ButI’llneverenterhispresencewithouttheprice.You’retheprice,mypoorDuke.AndI’llknowwhenIseehim.MypoorWannataughtmemanythings,andoneistoseecertaintyoftruthwhenthestressisgreat.Icannotdoitalways,butwhenIseetheBaron—then,Iwillknow.”Leto tried to look down at the tooth in Yueh’s hand. He felt this was
happeninginanightmare—itcouldnotbe.Yueh’s purple lips turned up in a grimace. “I’ll not get close enough to the
Baron,orI’ddothismyself.No.I’llbedetainedatasafedistance.Butyou...ah,now!You,mylovelyweapon!He’llwantyouclosetohim—togloatoveryou,toboastalittle.”LetofoundhimselfalmosthypnotizedbyamuscleontheleftsideofYueh’s
jaw.Themuscletwistedwhenthemanspoke.Yuehleanedcloser.“Andyou,mygoodDuke,mypreciousDuke,youmust
rememberthistooth.”Hehelditupbetweenthumbandforefinger.“Itwillbeallthatremainstoyou.”Leto’smouthmovedwithoutsound,then:“Refuse.”“Ah-h,no!Youmustn’trefuse.Because,inreturnforthissmallservice,I’m
doingathingforyou.Iwillsaveyoursonandyourwoman.Noothercandoit.TheycanberemovedtoaplacewherenoHarkonnencanreachthem.”“How...save...them?”Letowhispered.“By making it appear they’re dead, by secreting them among people who
drawknifeathearingtheHarkonnenname,whohate theHarkonnenssomuchthey’llburnachairinwhichaHarkonnenhassat,saltthegroundoverwhichaHarkonnenhaswalked.”HetouchedLeto’sjaw.“Canyoufeelanythinginyourjaw?”The Duke found that he could not answer. He sensed distant tugging, saw
Yueh’shandcomeupwiththeducalsignetring.“ForPaul,”Yueh said. “You’ll beunconsciouspresently.Good-by,mypoor
Duke.Whennextwemeetwe’llhavenotimeforconversation.”Cool remoteness spread upward from Leto’s jaw, across his cheeks. The
shadowyhallnarrowedtoapinpointwithYueh’spurplelipscenteredinit.“Rememberthetooth!”Yuehhissed.“Thetooth!”
Thereshouldbeascienceofdiscontent.Peopleneedhardtimesandoppressiontodeveloppsychicmuscles.
—from“CollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
JESSICAAWOKEin thedark, feelingpremonition in thestillnessaroundher.Shecouldnotunderstandwhyhermindandbodyfeltsosluggish.Skinraspingsoffearranalonghernerves.Shethoughtofsittingupandturningonalight,butsomethingstayedthedecision.Hermouthfelt...strange.Lump-lump-lump-lump!Itwasadullsound,directionlessinthedark.Somewhere.The waiting moment was packed with time, with rustling needlestick
movements.Shebegan to feelherbody,grewawareofbindingsonwrists andankles, a
gag in hermouth. Shewas on her side, hands tied behind her. She tested thebindings, realized they were krimskell fiber, would only claw tighter as shepulled.Andnow,sheremembered.Therehadbeenmovementinthedarknessofherbedroom,somethingwetand
pungentslappedagainstherface,fillinghermouth,handsgraspingforher.Shehad gasped—one indrawn breath—sensing the narcotic in the wetness.Consciousnesshadreceded,sinkingherintoablackbinofterror.Ithascome,shethought.HowsimpleitwastosubduetheBeneGesserit.Allit
tookwastreachery.Hawatwasright.Sheforcedherselfnottopullonherbindings.Thisisnotmybedroom,shethought.They’vetakenmesomeplaceelse.Slowly,shemarshaledtheinnercalmness.Shegrewawareofthesmellofherownstalesweatwithitschemicalinfusion
offear.WhereisPaul?sheaskedherself.Myson—whathavetheydonetohim?Calmness.Sheforcedherselftoit,usingtheancientroutines.Butterrorremainedsonear.Leto?Whereareyou,Leto?She sensed a diminishing in the dark. It began with shadows. Dimensions
separated,becamenewthornsofawareness.White.Alineunderadoor.I’monthefloor.Peoplewalking.Shesenseditthroughthefloor.Jessica squeezedback thememoryof terror. Imust remain calm, alert, and
prepared.Imaygetonlyonechance.Again,sheforcedtheinnercalmness.The ungainly thumping of her heartbeats evened, shaping out time. She
countedback.Iwasunconsciousaboutanhour.Sheclosedhereyes,focusedherawarenessontotheapproachingfootsteps.Fourpeople.Shecountedthedifferencesintheirsteps.ImustpretendI’mstillunconscious.Sherelaxedagainstthecoldfloor,testing
her body’s readiness, heard a door open, sensed increased light through hereyelids.Feetapproached:someonestandingoverher.“Youareawake,”rumbledabassovoice.“Donotpretend.”Sheopenedhereyes.TheBaronVladimirHarkonnenstoodoverher.Aroundthem,sherecognized
thecellarroomwherePaulhadslept,sawhiscotatoneside—empty.Suspensorlampswerebrought inbyguards, distributednear theopendoor.Therewas aglareoflightinthehallwaybeyondthathurthereyes.She looked up at the Baron. He wore a yellow cape that bulged over his
portablesuspensors.Thefatcheeksweretwocherubicmoundsbeneathspider-blackeyes.“Thedrugwastimed,”herumbled.“Weknewtotheminutewhenyou’dbe
comingoutofit.”Howcouldthatbe?shewondered.They’dhavetoknowmyexactweight,my
metabolism,my....Yueh!“Suchapityyoumustremaingagged,”theBaronsaid.“Wecouldhavesuch
aninterestingconversation.”Yueh’stheonlyoneitcouldbe,shethought.How?TheBaronglancedbehindhimatthedoor.“Comein,Piter.”ShehadneverbeforeseenthemanwhoenteredtostandbesidetheBaron,but
the face was known—and the man: Piter de Vries, the Mentat-Assassin. Shestudied him—hawk features, blue-ink eyes that suggested he was a native ofArrakis,butsubtletiesofmovementandstancetoldherhewasnot.Andhisfleshwas too well firmed with water. He was tall, though slender, and somethingabouthimsuggestedeffeminacy.
“Such a pity we cannot have our conversation,my dear Lady Jessica,” theBaronsaid.“However, I’mawareofyourabilities.”Heglancedat theMentat.“Isn’tthattrue,Piter?”“Asyousay,Baron,”themansaid.Thevoicewas tenor. It touchedher spinewithawashofcoldness.Shehad
neverheardsuchachillvoice.ToonewiththeBeneGesserittraining,thevoicescreamed:Killer!“IhaveasurpriseforPiter,”theBaronsaid.“Hethinkshehascomehereto
collecthisreward—you,LadyJessica.ButIwishtodemonstrateathing:thathedoesnotreallywantyou.”“Youplaywithme,Baron?”Piterasked,andhesmiled.Seeing that smile, Jessica wondered that the Baron did not leap to defend
himself from this Piter. Then she corrected herself. TheBaron could not readthatsmile.HedidnothavetheTraining.“Inmanyways, Piter is quite naive,” theBaron said. “He doesn’t admit to
himselfwhatadeadlycreatureyouare,LadyJessica.I’dshowhim,butit’dbeafoolishrisk.”TheBaronsmiledatPiter,whosefacehadbecomeawaitingmask.“IknowwhatPiterreallywants.Piterwantspower.”“YoupromisedIcouldhaveher,”Pitersaid.Thetenorvoicehadlostsomeof
itscoldreserve.Jessica heard the clue-tones in the man’s voice, allowed herself an inward
shudder.HowcouldtheBaronhavemadesuchananimaloutofaMentat?“Igiveyouachoice,Piter,”theBaronsaid.“Whatchoice?”TheBaronsnappedfatfingers.“ThiswomanandexilefromtheImperium,or
theDuchyofAtreidesonArrakistoruleasyouseefitinmyname.”JessicawatchedtheBaron’sspidereyesstudyPiter.“YoucouldbeDukehereinallbutname,”theBaronsaid.Is my Leto dead, then? Jessica asked herself. She felt a silent wail begin
somewhereinhermind.TheBaronkepthisattentionontheMentat.“Understandyourself,Piter.You
wantherbecauseshewasaDuke’swoman,asymbolofhispower—beautiful,useful,exquisitely trained forher role.Butanentireduchy,Piter!That’smorethan a symbol; that’s the reality.With it you could have many women... andmore.”“YoudonotjokewithPiter?”TheBaronturnedwiththatdancinglightnessthesuspensorsgavehim.“Joke?
I?Remember—Iamgivinguptheboy.Youheardwhatthetraitorsaidaboutthelad’straining.Theyarealike,thismotherandson—deadly.”TheBaronsmiled.“Imust go now. Iwill send in the guard I’ve reserved for thismoment.He’sstonedeaf.Hisorderswillbetoconveyyouonthefirstlegofyourjourneyintoexile.Hewill subdue thiswoman ifhe seeshergaincontrolofyou.He’llnotpermityoutountiehergaguntilyou’reoffArrakis.Ifyouchoosenottoleave...hehasotherorders.”“Youdon’thavetoleave,”Pitersaid.“I’vechosen.”“Ah, hah!” the Baron chortled. “Such quick decision can mean only one
thing.”“Iwilltaketheduchy,”Pitersaid.AndJessicathought:Doesn’tPiterknowtheBaron’slyingtohim?But—how
couldheknow?He’satwistedMentat.TheBaronglanceddownatJessica.“IsitnotwonderfulthatIknowPiterso
well?IwageredwithmyMasteratArmsthatthiswouldbePiter’schoice.Hah!Well,Ileavenow.Thisismuchbetter.Ah-h,muchbetter.Youunderstand,LadyJessica?Ihadnorancortowardyou.It’sanecessity.Muchbetterthisway.Yes.And I’ve not actually ordered you destroyed. When it’s asked of me whathappenedtoyou,Icanshrugitoffinalltruth.”“Youleaveittomethen?”Piterasked.“The guard I send youwill take your orders,” theBaron said. “Whatever’s
done I leave to you.”He stared at Piter. “Yes. Therewill be no blood onmyhandshere.It’syourdecision.Yes.Iknownothingofit.YouwillwaituntilI’vegonebeforedoingwhateveryoumustdo.Yes.Well...ah,yes.Yes.Good.”Hefears thequestioningofaTruthsayer,Jessica thought.Who?Ah-h-h, the
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen, of course! If he knows he must face herquestions,thentheEmperorisinonthisforsure.Ah-h-h-h,mypoorLeto.With one last glance at Jessica, the Baron turned, went out the door. She
followed him with her eyes, thinking: It’s as the Reverend Mother warned—toopotentanadversary.TwoHarkonnen troopersentered.Another,his facea scaredmask, followed
andstoodinthedoorwaywithdrawnlasgun.Thedeafone, Jessica thought,studying thescarredface.TheBaronknowsI
couldusetheVoiceonanyotherman.Scarface looked at Piter. “We’ve the boy on a litter outside.What are your
orders?”PiterspoketoJessica.“I’dthoughtofbindingyoubyathreatheldoveryour
son,butIbegintoseethatwouldnothaveworked.Iletemotioncloudreason.BadpolicyforaMentat.”Helookedatthefirstpairoftroopers,turningsothedeafonecouldreadhislips:“Takethemintothedesertasthetraitorsuggestedfortheboy.Hisplanisagoodone.Thewormswilldestroyallevidence.Theirbodiesmustneverbefound.”“Youdon’twishtodispatchthemyourself?”Scarfaceasked.Hereadslips,Jessicathought.“IfollowmyBaron’sexample,”Pitersaid.“Takethemwherethetraitorsaid.”JessicaheardtheharshMentatcontrolinPiter’svoice,thought:He,too,fears
theTruthsayer.Pitershrugged,turned,andwentthroughthedoorway.Hehesitatedthere,and
Jessicathoughthemightturnbackforalastlookather,buthewentoutwithoutturning.“Me, Iwouldn’t like the thought of facing that Truthsayer after this night’s
work,”Scarfacesaid.“You ain’t likely ever to run into that oldwitch,” one of the other troopers
said.HewentaroundtoJessica’shead,bentoverher.”Itain’tgettingourworkdonestandingaroundherechattering.Takeherfeetand—”“Why‘n’twekill’emhere?”Scarfaceasked.“Toomessy,”thefirstonesaid.“Unlessyouwantstostrangle‘em.Me,Ilikes
anicestraightforwardjob.Drop’emonthedesertlikethattraitorsaid,cut’emonce or twice, leave the evidence for the worms. Nothing to clean upafterwards.”“Yeah...well,Iguessyou’reright,”Scarfacesaid.Jessicalistenedtothem,watching,registering.ButthegagblockedherVoice,
andtherewasthedeafonetoconsider.Scarface holstered his lasgun, took her feet. They lifted her like a sack of
grain, maneuvered her through the door and dumped her onto a suspensor-buoyed litterwith another bound figure.As they turned her, fitting her to thelitter,shesawhercompanion’sface—Paul!Hewasbound,butnotgagged.Hisface was no more than ten centimeters from hers, eyes closed, his breathingeven.Ishedrugged?shewondered.The troopers lifted the litter, andPaul’s eyesopened the smallest fraction—
darkslitsstaringather.Hemustn’ttrytheVoice!sheprayed.Thedeafguard!Paul’seyesclosed.
Hehadbeenpracticing theawareness-breathing,calminghismind, listeningtotheircaptors.Thedeafoneposedaproblem,butPaulcontainedhisdespair.Themind-calmingBeneGesserit regimenhismotherhad taughthimkepthimpoised,readytoexpandanyopportunity.Paul allowed himself another slit-eyed inspection of hismother’s face. She
appearedunharmed.Gagged,though.Hewonderedwhocould’vecapturedher.Hisowncaptivitywasplainenough
—tobedwithacapsuleprescribedbyYueh,awaking tofindhimselfboundtothis litter. Perhaps a similar thing had befallen her. Logic said the traitorwasYueh,butheheldfinaldecisioninabeyance.Therewasnounderstandingit—aSukdoctoratraitor.Thelitter tippedslightlyas theHarkonnentroopersmaneuveredit througha
doorway intostarlitnight.Asuspensor-buoyraspedagainst thedoorway.Thentheywereonsand,feetgratinginit.A’thopterwingloomedoverhead,blottingthestars.Thelittersettledtotheground.Paul’seyesadjusted to the faint light.Herecognized thedeaf trooperas the
manwhoopenedthe’thopterdoor,peeredinsideatthegreengloomilluminatedbytheinstrumentpanel.“Thisthe’thopterwe’resupposedtouse?”heasked,andturnedtowatchhis
companion’slips.“It’stheonethetraitorsaidwasfixedfordesertwork,”theothersaid.Scarfacenodded.“But—it’soneofthemlittleliaisonjobs.Ain’troominthere
formore’ntheman’twoofus.”“Two’senough,”saidthelitter-bearer,movingupcloseandpresentinghislips
forreading.“Wecantakecareofitfromhereon,Kinet.”“TheBaronhe toldmetomakesurewhathappenedto themtwo,”Scarface
said.“Whatyou soworriedabout?”askedanother trooper frombehind the litter-
bearer.“SheisaBeneGesseritwitch,”thedeafonesaid.“Theyhavepowers.”“Ah-h-h....”Thelitter-bearermadethesignofthefistathisear.“Oneofthem,
eh?Knowwhatchamean.”The trooperbehindhimgrunted. “She’llbewormmeat soonenough.Don’t
supposeevenaBeneGesseritwitchhaspowersoveroneofthembigworms.Eh,Czigo?”Henudgedthelitter-bearer.“Yee-up,” the litter-bearer said. He returned to the litter, took Jessica’s
shoulders. “C’mon,Kinet. You can go along if youwants tomake surewhat
happens.”“Itisniceofyoutoinviteme,Czigo,”Scarfacesaid.Jessica feltherself lifted, thewingshadowspinning—stars.Shewaspushed
intotherearofthe’thopter,herkrimskellfiberbindingsexamined,andshewasstrappeddown.Paulwasjammedinbesideher,strappedsecurely,andshenotedhisbondsweresimplerope.Scarface, the deaf one they calledKinet, took his place in front. The litter-
bearer,theonetheycalledCzigo,camearoundandtooktheotherfrontseat.Kinet closedhisdoor,bent to thecontrols.The ’thopter tookoff in awing-
tuckedsurge,headedsouthovertheShieldWall.Czigotappedhiscompanion’sshoulder,said:“Whyn’tyouturnaroundandkeepaneyeonthemtwo?”“Sureyouknowthewaytogo?”KinetwatchedCzigo’slips.“Ilistenedtothetraitorsame’syou.”Kinet swiveledhis seat. Jessica saw theglint of starlight on a lasgun in his
hand.The ’thopter’s light-walled interior seemed to collect illumination ashereyesadjusted,buttheguard’sscarredfaceremaineddim.Jessicatestedherseatbelt,founditloose.Shefeltroughnessinthestrapagainstherleftarm,realizedthestraphadbeenalmostsevered,wouldsnapatasuddenjerk.Hassomeonebeenat this’thopter,preparingit forus? shewondered.Who?
Slowly,shetwistedherboundfeetclearofPaul’s.“Suredoseemashame towasteagood-lookingwoman like this,”Scarface
said.“Youeverhaveanyhighborntypes?”Heturnedtolookatthepilot.“BeneGesseritain’tallhighborn,”thepilotsaid.“Buttheyalllooksheighty.”Hecanseemeplainenough,Jessicathought.Shebroughtherboundlegsup
ontotheseat,curledintoasinuousball,staringatScarface.“Real pretty, she is,”Kinet said.Hewet his lipswith his tongue. “Sure do
seemashame.”HelookedatCzigo.“YouthinkingwhatIthinkyou’rethinking?”thepilotasked.“Who’dbetoknow?”theguardasked.“Afterwards....”Heshrugged.“Ijust
neverhadmenohighborns.Mightnevergetachancelikethisoneagain.”“Youlayahandonmymother....”Paulgrated.HeglaredatScarface.“Hey!”thepilotlaughed.“Cub’sgotabark.Ain’tgotnobite,though.”AndJessicathought:Paul’spitchinghisvoicetoohigh.Itmaywork,though.Theyflewoninsilence.These poor fools, Jessica thought, studying her guards and reviewing the
Baron’swords.They’llbekilledassoonastheyreportsuccessontheirmission.
TheBaronwantsnowitnesses.The’thopterbankedoverthesouthernrimoftheShieldWall,andJessicasaw
amoonshadowedexpanseofsandbeneaththem.“Thisoughtabefarenough,”thepilotsaid.“Thetraitorsaidtoput’emonthe
sandanywhereneartheShieldWall.”Hedippedthecrafttowardthedunesinalong,fallingstoop,broughtitupstifflyoverthedesertsurface.Jessica sawPaul begin taking the rhythmic breaths of the calming exercise.
Heclosedhiseyes,openedthem.Jessicastared,helpless toaidhim.Hehasn’tmasteredtheVoiceyet,shethought,ifhefails....The’thopter touchedsandwithasoft lurch,andJessica, lookingnorthback
acrosstheShieldWall,sawashadowofwingssettleoutofsightupthere.Someone’sfollowingus!shethought.Who?Then:Theones theBaronset to
watchthispair.Andthere’llbewatchersforthewatchers,too.Czigoshutoffhiswingrotors.Silencefloodedinuponthem.Jessicaturnedherhead.ShecouldseeoutthewindowbeyondScarfaceadim
glowof light froma risingmoon,a frosted rimof rock rising from thedesert.Sandblastridgesstreakeditssides.Paulclearedhisthroat.Thepilotsaid:“Now,Kinet?”“Idunno,Czigo.”Czigoturned,said:“Ah-h-h,look.”HereachedoutforJessica’sskirt.“Removehergag,”Paulcommanded.Jessica felt the words rolling in the air. The tone, the timbre excellent—
imperative, very sharp. A slightly lower pitch would have been better, but itcouldstillfallwithinthisman’sspectrum.CzigoshiftedhishanduptothebandaroundJessica’smouth,slippedtheknot
onthegag.“Stopthat!”Kinetordered.“Ah,shutyourtrap,”Czigosaid.“Herhands’retied.”Hefreedtheknotand
thebindingdropped.HiseyesglitteredashestudiedJessica.Kinetputahandonthepilot’sarm.“Look,Czigo,noneedto....”Jessica twisted her neck, spat out the gag. She pitched her voice in low,
intimate tones.“Gentlemen!Noneed to fightoverme.”At thesame time, shewrithedsinuouslyforKinet’sbenefit.Shesawthemgrowtense,knowingthatinthisinstanttheywereconvincedof
theneedtofightoverher.Theirdisagreementrequirednootherreason.Intheirminds,theywerefightingoverher.
SheheldherfacehighintheinstrumentglowtobesureKinetwouldreadherlips, said: “Youmustn’t disagree.” They drew farther apart, glancedwarily ateachother.“Isanywomanworthfightingover?”sheasked.Byutteringthewords,bybeingthere,shemadeherselfinfinitelyworththeir
fighting.Paul clamped his lips tightly closed, forced himself to be silent. There had
been the one chance for him to succeed with the Voice. Now—everythingdependedonhismotherwhoseexperiencewentsofarbeyondhisown.“Yeah,”Scarfacesaid.“Noneedtofightover....”His hand flashed toward thepilot’s neck.Theblowwasmet by a splashof
metalthatcaughtthearmandinthesamemotionslammedintoKinet’schest.Scarfacegroaned,saggedbackwardagainsthisdoor.“ThoughtIwassomedummydidn’tknowthattrick,”Czigosaid.Hebrought
backhishand,revealingtheknife.Itglitteredinreflectedmoonlight.“Nowforthecub,”hesaidandleanedtowardPaul.“Noneedforthat,”Jessicamurmured.Czigohesitated.“Wouldn’tyou ratherhavemecooperative?”Jessicaasked.“Give theboya
chance.”Herlipcurledinasneer.“Littleenoughchancehe’dhaveoutthereinthat sand. Give him that and....” She smiled. “You could find yourself wellrewarded.”Czigoglancedleft,right,returnedhisattentiontoJessica.“I’veheardmewhat
can happen to a man in this desert,” he said. “Boy might find the knife akindness.”“IsitsomuchIask?”Jessicapleaded.“You’retryingtotrickme,”Czigomuttered.“Idon’twanttoseemysondie,”Jessicasaid.“Isthatatrick?”Czigomoved back, elbowed the door latch.He grabbed Paul, dragged him
acrosstheseat,pushedhimhalfoutthedoorandheldtheknifeposed.“What’lly’do,cub,ifIcuty’rbonds?”“He’llleavehereimmediatelyandheadforthoserocks,”Jessicasaid.“Isthatwhaty’lldo,cub?”Czigoasked.Paul’svoicewasproperlysurly.“Yes.”Theknifemoveddown,slashedthebindingsofhislegs.Paulfeltthehandon
hisbacktohurlhimdownontothesand,feignedalurchagainstthedoorframeforpurchase,turnedasthoughtocatchhimself,lashedoutwithhisrightfoot.Thetoewasaimedwithaprecisionthatdidcredittohislongyearsoftraining,
asthoughallofthattrainingfocusedonthisinstant.Almosteverymuscleofhisbodycooperated in theplacementof it.The tip struck the softpartofCzigo’sabdomen justbelow thesternum,slammedupwardwith terrible forceover theliverandthroughthediaphragmtocrushtherightventricleoftheman’sheart.Withonegurglingscream, theguard jerkedbackwardacross theseats.Paul,
unabletousehishands,continuedhistumbleontothesand,landingwitharollthattookuptheforceandbroughthimbacktohisfeetinonemotion.Hedoveback into the cabin, found the knife and held it in his teethwhile hismothersawedherbonds.Shetookthebladeandfreedhishands.“Icould’vehandledhim,”shesaid.“He’dhavehadtocutmybindings.That
wasafoolishrisk.”“Isawtheopeningandusedit,”hesaid.Sheheardtheharshcontrolinhisvoice,said:“Yueh’shousesignisscrawled
ontheceilingofthiscabin.”Helookedup,sawthecurlingsymbol.“Get out and let us study this craft,” she said. “There’s a bundle under the
pilot’sseat.Ifeltitwhenwegotin.”“Bomb?”“Doubtit.There’ssomethingpeculiarhere.”Paul leapedout to thesandandJessica followed.She turned, reachedunder
the seat for the strange bundle, seeing Czigo’s feet close to her face, feelingdampness on the bundle as she removed it, realizing the dampness was thepilot’sblood.Wasteofmoisture,shethought,knowingthatthiswasArrakeenthinking.Paul stared around them, saw the rock scarp lifting out of the desert like a
beachrisingfromthesea,wind-carvedpalisadesbeyond.Heturnedbackashismotherliftedthebundlefromthe‘thopter,sawherstareacrossthedunestowardtheShieldWall.Helookedtoseewhatdrewherattention,sawanother’thopterswoopingtowardthem,realizedthey’dnothavetimetoclearthebodiesoutofthis’thopterandescape.“Run,Paul!”Jessicashouted.“It’sHarkonnens!”
Arrakis teaches the attitude of the knife—chopping off what’s incomplete andsaying:“Now,it’scompletebecauseit’sendedhere.”
—from“CollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
AMANinHarkonnenuniformskiddedtoastopattheendofthehall,staredinat Yueh, taking in at a single glance Mapes’ body, the sprawled form of theDuke,Yuehstandingthere.Themanheldalasguninhisrighthand.Therewasacasual air of brutality about him, a sense of toughness and poise that sent ashiverthroughYueh.Sardaukar,Yueh thought.ABasharby the lookofhim.Probablyoneof the
Emperor’sownsentheretokeepaneyeonthings.Nomatterwhattheuniform,there’snodisguisingthem.“You’reYueh,”themansaid.HelookedspeculativelyattheSukSchoolring
ontheDoctor’shair,staredonceatthediamondtattooandthenmetYueh’seyes.“IamYueh,”theDoctorsaid.“Youcan relax,Yueh,” themansaid.“Whenyoudropped thehouseshields
wecamerightin.Everything’sundercontrolhere.IsthistheDuke?”“ThisistheDuke.”“Dead?”“Merelyunconscious.Isuggestyoutiehim.”“Didyoudofortheseothers?”HeglancedbackdownthehallwhereMapes’
bodylay.“More’sthepity,”Yuehmuttered.“Pity!”theSardaukarsneered.Headvanced,lookeddownatLeto.“Sothat’s
thegreatRedDuke.”If Ihaddoubtsaboutwhat thisman is, thatwouldend them,Yueh thought.
OnlytheEmperorcallstheAtreidestheRedDukes.TheSardaukarreacheddown,cuttheredhawkinsigniafromLeto’suniform.
“Littlesouvenir,”hesaid.“Where’stheducalsignetring?”“Hedoesn’thaveitonhim,”Yuehsaid.“Icanseethat!”theSardaukarsnapped.Yuehstiffened,swallowed.Iftheypressme,bringinaTruthsayer,they’llfind
outaboutthering,aboutthe’thopterIprepared—allwillfail.“Sometimes theDukesent theringwithamessengerassurety thatanorder
camedirectlyfromhim,”Yuehsaid.“Mustbedamnedtrustedmessengers,”theSardaukarmuttered.“Aren’tyougoingtotiehim?”Yuehventured.“Howlong’llhebeunconscious?”“Twohoursorso.Iwasn’tasprecisewithhisdosageasIwasforthewoman
andboy.”TheSardaukarspurnedtheDukewithhistoe.“Thiswasnothingtofeareven
whenawake.Whenwillthewomanandboyawaken?”“Abouttenminutes.”“Sosoon?”“IwastoldtheBaronwouldarriveimmediatelybehindhismen.”“So he will. You’ll wait outside, Yueh.” He shot a hard glance at Yueh.
“Now!”YuehglancedatLeto.“Whatabout....”“He’llbedeliveredtotheBaronallproperlytrussedlikearoastfortheoven.”
Again,theSardaukarlookedatthediamondtattooonYueh’sforehead.“You’reknown; you’ll be safe enough in the halls.We’ve nomore time for chit-chat,traitor.Iheartheotherscoming.”Traitor, Yueh thought. He lowered his gaze, pressed past the Sardaukar,
knowing this as a foretaste of how history would remember him: Yueh thetraitor.Hepassedmorebodiesonhiswaytothefrontentranceandglancedatthem,
fearful that one might be Paul or Jessica. All were house troopers or woreHarkonnenuniform.Harkonnen guards came alert, staring at him as he emerged from the front
entrance into flame-lighted night. The palms along the road had been fired toilluminatethehouse.Blacksmokefromtheflammablesusedtoignitethetreespouredupwardthroughorangeflames.“It’sthetraitor,”someonesaid.“TheBaronwillwanttoseeyousoon,”anothersaid.Imustgettothe’thopter,Yuehthought.ImustputtheducalsignetwherePaul
willfindit.Andfearstruckhim:IfIdahosuspectsmeorgrowsimpatient-ifhedoesn’twaitandgoexactlywhereItoldhim—JessicaandPaulwillnotbesavedfromthecarnage.I’llbedeniedeventhesmallestrelieffrommyact.TheHarkonnenguardreleasedhisarm,said“Waitoverthereoutoftheway.”Abruptly,Yuehsawhimselfascastawayinthisplaceofdestruction,spared
nothing,givennotthesmallestpity.Idahomustnotfail!
Anotherguardbumpedintohim,barked:“Stayoutoftheway,you!”Even when they’ve profited by me they despise me. Yueh thought. He
straightenedhimselfashewaspushedaside,regainedsomeofhisdignity.“WaitfortheBaron!”aguardofficersnarled.Yuehnodded,walkedwithcontrolledcasualnessalongthefrontofthehouse,
turnedthecornerintoshadowsoutofsightoftheburningpalms.Quickly,everystepbetrayinghisanxiety,Yuehmadefortherearyardbeneaththeconservatorywhere the ’thopterwaited—thecraft theyhadplaced there to carry awayPaulandhismother.Aguardstoodattheopenreardoorofthehouse,hisattentionfocusedonthe
lightedhallandmenbangingthroughthere,searchingfromroomtoroom.Howconfidenttheywere!Yuehhuggedtheshadows,workedhiswayaroundthe’thopter,easedopenthe
door on the side away from the guard. He felt under the front seats for theFremkithehadhiddenthere,liftedaflapandslippedintheducalsignet.Hefeltthecrinklingof thespicepaper there, thenotehehadwritten,pressed theringintothepaper.Heremovedhishand,resealedthepack.Softly,Yuehclosedthe’thopterdoor,workedhiswaybacktothecornerofthe
houseandaroundtowardtheflamingtrees.Now,itisdone,hethought.Once more, he emerged into the light of the blazing palms. He pulled his
cloak around him, stared at the flames.Soon I will know. Soon I will see theBaronandIwillknow.AndtheBaron—hewillencounterasmalltooth.
There isa legend that the instant theDukeLetoAtreidesdiedameteor streakedacrosstheskiesabovehisancestralpalaceonCaladan.
—thePrincessIrulan:“IntroductiontoaChild’sHistoryofMuad’Dib”
THEBARONVladimirHarkonnenstoodataviewportofthegroundedlighterhewasusingasacommandpost.Outtheporthesawtheflame-lightednightofArrakeen. His attention focused on the distant Shield Wall where his secretweaponwasdoingitswork.Explosiveartillery.ThegunsnibbledatthecaveswheretheDuke’sfightingmenhadretreatedfor
a last-ditchstand.Slowlymeasuredbitesoforangeglare, showersof rockanddustinthebriefillumination—andtheDuke’smenwerebeingsealedofftodiebystarvation,caughtlikeanimalsintheirburrows.The Baron could feel the distant chomping—a drumbeat carried to him
throughtheship’smetal:broomp...broomp.Then:BROOMP-BROOMP!Whowouldthinkofrevivingartilleryinthisdayofshields?Thethoughtwasa
chuckleinhismind.ButitwaspredictabletheDuke’smenwouldrunforthosecaves.AndtheEmperorwillappreciatemyclevernessinpreservingthelivesofourmutualforce.Headjustedoneofthelittlesuspensorsthatguardedhisfatbodyagainstthe
pullofgravity.Asmilecreasedhismouth,pulledatthelinesofhisjowls.ApitytowastesuchfightingmenastheDuke’s,hethought.Hesmiledmore
broadly, laughingathimself.Pityshouldbecruel!Henodded.Failurewas,bydefinition,expendable.Thewholeuniversesatthere,opentothemanwhocouldmaketherightdecisions.Theuncertainrabbitshadtobeexposed,madetorunfortheirburrows.Elsehowcouldyoucontrolthemandbreedthem?Hepicturedhis fighting men as bees routing the rabbits. And he thought: The day humssweetlywhenyouhaveenoughbeesworkingforyou.A door opened behind him. The Baron studied the reflection in the night-
blackenedviewportbeforeturning.Piter de Vries advanced into the chamber followed by Umman Kudu, the
captainof theBaron’spersonalguard.Therewasamotionofmenjustoutsidethedoor,themuttonfacesofhisguard,theirexpressionscarefullysheeplikeinhispresence.
TheBaronturned.Pitertouchedfingertoforelockinhismockingsalute.“Goodnews,m’Lord.
TheSardaukarhavebroughtintheDuke.”“Ofcoursetheyhave,”theBaronrumbled.He studied the sombermaskof villainy onPiter’s effeminate face.And the
eyes:thoseshadedslitsofbluestblue-in-blue.Soon I must remove him, the Baron thought.He has almost outlasted his
usefulness, almost reached the point of positive danger to my person. First,though,hemustmakethepeopleofArrakishatehim.Then—theywillwelcomemydarlingFeyd-Rauthaasasavior.TheBaronshiftedhisattentiontotheguardcaptain—UmmanKudu:scissors-
line of jaw muscles, chin like a boot toe—a man to be trusted because thecaptain’sviceswereknown.“First,whereisthetraitorwhogavemetheDuke?”theBaronasked.“Imust
givethetraitorhisreward.”Piterturnedononetoe,motionedtotheguardoutside.Abitofblackmovement thereandYuehwalked through.Hismotionswere
stiffandstringy.Themustachedroopedbesidehispurplelips.Onlytheoldeyesseemedalive.Yuehcametoastopthreepacesintotheroom,obeyingamotionfromPiter,andstoodtherestaringacrosstheopenspaceattheBaron.“Ah-h-h,Dr.Yueh.”“M’LordHarkonnen.”“You’vegivenustheDuke,Ihear.”“Myhalfofthebargain,m’Lord.”TheBaronlookedatPiter.Piternodded.TheBaronlookedbackatYueh.“Theletterofthebargain,eh?AndI....”He
spatthewordsout:“WhatwasItodoinreturn?”“Yourememberquitewell,m’LordHarkonnen.”AndYuehallowedhimselftothinknow,hearingtheloudsilenceofclocksin
hismind.Hehad seen the subtlebetrayals in theBaron’smanner.Wannawasindeeddead—gonefarbeyondtheirreach.Otherwise,there’dstillbeaholdontheweakdoctor.TheBaron’smannershowedtherewasnohold;itwasended.“DoI?”theBaronasked.“YoupromisedtodelivermyWannafromheragony.”The Baron nodded. “Oh, yes. Now, I remember. So I did. That was my
promise.ThatwashowwebenttheImperialConditioning.Youcouldn’tendure
seeing your Bene Gesserit witch grovel in Piter’s pain amplifiers. Well, theBaronVladimirHarkonnen alwayskeepshis promises. I toldyou I’d free herfromtheagonyandpermityoutojoinher.Sobeit.”HewavedahandatPiter.Piter’sblueeyestookaglazedlook.Hismovementwascatlikeinitssudden
fluidity.TheknifeinhishandglistenedlikeaclawasitflashedintoYueh’sback.Theoldmanstiffened,nevertakinghisattentionfromtheBaron.“Sojoinher!”theBaronspat.Yueh stood, swaying. His lips moved with careful precision, and his voice
cameinoddlymeasuredcadence:“You...think...you...de...feated...me.You...think...I...did...not...know...what...I...bought...for...my...Wanna.”Hetoppled.Nobendingorsoftening.Itwaslikeatreefalling.“Sojoinher,”theBaronrepeated.Buthiswordswerelikeaweakecho.Yuehhadfilledhimwithasenseofforeboding.Hewhippedhisattentionto
Piter,watchedthemanwipethebladeonascrapofcloth,watchedthecreamylookofsatisfactionintheblueeyes.Sothat’showhekillsbyhisownhand,theBaronthought.It’swelltoknow.“HedidgiveustheDuke?”theBaronasked.“Ofacertainty,myLord,”Pitersaid.“Thengethiminhere!”Piterglancedattheguardcaptain,whowhirledtoobey.TheBaronlookeddownatYueh.Fromthewaythemanhadfallen,youcould
suspectoakinhiminsteadofbones.“I never could bringmyself to trust a traitor,” theBaron said. “Not even a
traitorIcreated.”He glanced at the night-shrouded viewport. That black bag of stillness out
therewashis,theBaronknew.TherewasnomorecrumpofartilleryagainsttheShieldWallcaves;theburrowtrapsweresealedoff.Quitesuddenly,theBaron’smind could conceive of nothing more beautiful than that utter emptiness ofblack.Unless itwerewhiteon theblack.Platedwhite on theblack.Porcelainwhite.Buttherewasstillthefeelingofdoubt.What had the old fool of a doctormeant?Of course, he’d probably known
what would happen to him in the end. But that bit about thinking he’d beendefeated:“Youthinkyoudefeatedme.”Whathadhemeant?The Duke Leto Atreides came through the door. His arms were bound in
chains, theeaglefacestreakedwithdirt.Hisuniformwas tornwheresomeone
hadrippedoffhisinsignia.Thereweretattersathiswaistwheretheshieldbelthadbeenremovedwithoutfirstfreeingtheuniformties.TheDuke’seyesheldaglazed,insanelook.“Wel-l-l-l,”theBaronsaid.Hehesitated,drawinginadeepbreath.Heknew
hehad spoken too loudly.Thismoment, long-envisioned, had lost someof itssavor.Damnthatcurseddoctorthroughalleternity!“I believe the goodDuke is drugged,” Piter said. “That’s howYueh caught
himforus.”PiterturnedtotheDuke.“Aren’tyoudrugged,mydearDuke?”Thevoicewasfaraway.Letocouldfeelthechains, theacheofmuscles,his
crackedlips,hisburningcheeks,thedrytasteofthirstwhisperingitsgritinhismouth.Butsoundsweredull,hiddenbyacottonyblanket.Andhesawonlydimshapesthroughtheblanket.“Whatofthewomanandtheboy,Piter?”theBaronasked.“Anywordyet?”Piter’stonguedartedoverhislips.“You’veheardsomething!”theBaronsnapped.“What?”Piterglancedattheguardcaptain,backtotheBaron.“Themenwhoweresent
todothejob,my’Lord—they’ve...ah...been...ah...found.”“Well,theyreporteverythingsatisfactory?”“They’redead,m’Lord.”“Ofcoursetheyare!WhatIwanttoknowis—”“Theyweredeadwhenfound,m’Lord.”TheBaron’sfacewentlivid.“Andthewomanandboy?”“Nosign,m’Lord,buttherewasaworm.Itcamewhilethescenewasbeing
investigated.Perhapsit’saswewished—anaccident.Possibly—”“Wedonotdealinpossibilities,Piter.Whatofthemissing’thopter?Doesthat
suggestanythingtomyMentat?”“OneoftheDuke’smenobviouslyescapedinit,m’Lord.Killedourpilotand
escaped.”“WhichoftheDuke’smen?”“Itwasa clean, silentkilling,m’Lord.Hawat,perhaps,or thatHalleckone.
PossiblyIdaho.Oranytoplieutenant.”“Possibilities,”theBaronmuttered.Heglancedattheswaying,druggedfigure
oftheDuke.“Thesituationisinhand,m’Lord,”Pitersaid.“No,itisn’t!Whereisthatstupidplanetologist?WhereisthismanKynes?”“We’vewordwheretofindhimandhe’sbeensentfor,m’Lord.”
“I don’t like the way the Emperor’s servant is helping us,” the Baronmuttered.They were words through a cottony blanket, but some of them burned in
Leto’smind.Womanandboy—nosign. Paul and Jessicahad escaped.And thefateofHawat,Halleck,andIdahoremainedanunknown.Therewasstillhope.“Whereistheducalsignetring?”theBarondemanded.“Hisfingerisbare.”“The Sardaukar say it was not on him when he was taken, my Lord,” the
guardcaptainsaid.“Youkilled thedoctor too soon,” theBaronsaid. “Thatwasamistake.You
should’vewarnedme, Piter. Youmoved too precipitately for the good of ourenterprise.”Hescowled.“Possibilities!”The thought hung like a sine wave in Leto’s mind:Paul and Jessica have
escaped! And there was something else in his memory: a bargain. He couldamostrememberit.Thetooth!Herememberedpartofitnow:apillofpoisongasshapedintoafalsetooth.Someonehadtoldhimtorememberthetooth.Thetoothwasinhismouth.He
couldfeelitsshapewithhistongue.Allhehadtodowasbitesharplyonit.Notyet!ThesomeonehadtoldhimtowaituntilhewasneartheBaron.Whohadtold
him?Hecouldn’tremember.“Howlongwillheremaindruggedlikethis?”theBaronasked.“Perhapsanotherhour,m’Lord.”“Perhaps,” the Baron muttered. Again, he turned to the night-blackened
window.“Iamhungry.”That’stheBaron,thatfuzzygrayshapethere,Letothought.Theshapedanced
back and forth, swaying with the movement of the room. And the roomexpanded and contracted. It grewbrighter and darker. It folded into blacknessandfaded.TimebecameasequenceoflayersfortheDuke.Hedriftedupthroughthem.I
mustwait.Therewasatable.Letosawthetablequiteclearly.Andagross,fatmanonthe
othersideof thetable, theremainsofameal infrontofhim.Letofelthimselfsittinginachairacrossfromthefatman,feltthechains,thestrapsthatheldhistinglingbodyinthechair.Hewasawaretherehadbeenapassageoftime,butitslengthescapedhim.“Ibelievehe’scomingaround,Baron.”
Asilkyvoice,thatone.ThatwasPiter.“SoIsee,Piter.”Arumblingbasso:theBaron.Letosensedincreasingdefinitioninhissurroundings.Thechairbeneathhim
tookonfirmness,thebindingsweresharper.AndhesawtheBaronclearlynow.Letowatchedthemovementsoftheman’s
hands: compulsive touchings—the edge of a plate, the handle of a spoon, afingertracingthefoldofajowl.Letowatchedthemovinghand,fascinatedbyit.“Youcanhearme,DukeLeto,”theBaronsaid.“Iknowyoucanhearme.We
wanttoknowfromyouwheretofindyourconcubineandthechildyousiredonher.”NosignescapedLeto,but thewordswereawashofcalmness throughhim.
It’strue,then:theydon’thavePaulandJessica.“This is not a child’s gamewe play,” theBaron rumbled. “Youmust know
that.”He leaned toward Leto, studying the face. It pained theBaron that thiscouldnotbehandledprivately,justbetweenthetwoofthem.Tohaveothersseeroyaltyinsuchstraits—itsetabadprecedent.Leto could feel strength returning.And now, thememory of the false tooth
stoodoutinhismindlikeasteepleinaflatlandscape.Thenerve-shapedcapsulewithin that tooth—the poison gas—he remembered who had put the deadlyweaponinhismouth.Yueh.Drug-foggedmemoryofseeingalimpcorpsedraggedpasthiminthisroom
hunglikeavaporinLeto’smind.HeknewithadbeenYueh.“Doyouhearthatnoise,DukeLeto?”theBaronasked.Letogrewconsciousofafrogsound,theburredmewlingofsomeone’sagony.“We caught one of yourmen disguised as a Fremen,” theBaron said. “We
penetratedthedisguisequiteeasily:theeyes,youknow.Heinsistshewassentamong the Fremen to spy on them. I’ve lived for a time on this planet, chercousin.Onedoesnotspyonthoseraggedscumofthedesert.Tellme,didyoubuytheirhelp?Didyousendyourwomanandsontothem?”Leto felt fear tighten his chest. If Yueh sent them to the desert fold ... the
searchwon’tstopuntilthey’refound.“Come,come,”theBaronsaid.“Wedon’thavemuchtimeandpainisquick.
Pleasedon’tbringittothis,mydearDuke.”TheBaronlookedupatPiterwhostoodatLeto’sshoulder.“Piterdoesn’thaveallhis toolshere,but I’msurehe
couldimprovise.”“Improvisationissometimesthebest,Baron.”Thatsilky,insinuatingvoice!Letohearditathisear.“Youhadanemergencyplan,”theBaronsaid.“Wherehaveyourwomanand
theboybeensent?”HelookedatLeto’shand.“Yourringismissing.Doestheboyhaveit?”TheBaronlookedup,staredintoLeto’seyes.“Youdon’tanswer,”hesaid.“WillyouforcemetodoathingIdonotwantto
do?Piterwillusesimple,directmethods.Iagreethey’resometimesthebest,butit’snotgoodthatyoushouldbesubjectedtosuchthings.”“Hottallowontheback,perhaps,orontheeyelids,”Pitersaid.“Perhapson
other portions of the body. It’s especially effective when the subject doesn’tknowwhere the tallowwill fall next. It’s a goodmethod and there’s a sort ofbeautyinthepatternofpus-whiteblistersonnakedskin,eh,Baron?”“Exquisite,”theBaronsaid,andhisvoicesoundedsour.Those touching fingers!Letowatched the fathands, theglittering jewelson
baby-fathands—theircompulsivewandering.The sounds of agony coming through the door behind him gnawed at the
Duke’snerves.Whoisittheycaught?hewondered.CouldithavebeenIdaho?“Believeme,chercousin,”theBaronsaid.“Idonotwantittocometothis.”“Youthinkofnervecouriersracingtosummonhelpthatcannotcome,”Piter
said.“There’sanartistryinthis,youknow.”“You’re a superb artist,” theBaron growled. “Now, have the decency to be
silent.”LetosuddenlyrecalledathingGurneyHalleckhadsaidonce,seeingapicture
oftheBaron:“‘AndIstooduponthesandoftheseaandsawabeastriseupoutofthesea...anduponhisheadsthenameofblasphemy.’”“Wewastetime,Baron,”Pitersaid.“Perhaps.”TheBaronnodded.“Youknow,mydearLeto,you’lltellusintheendwhere
theyare.There’salevelofpainthat’llbuyyou.”He’smostlikelycorrect,Letothought.Wereifnotforthetooth...andthefact
thatItrulydon’tknowwheretheyare.The Baron picked up a sliver of meat, pressed the morsel into his mouth,
chewedslowly,swallowed.Wemusttryanewtack,hethought.“Observethisprizepersonwhodenieshe’sforhire,”theBaronsaid.“Observe
him,Piter.”
AndtheBaronthought:Yes!Seehimthere,thismanwhobelieveshecannotbebought.Seehimdetainedtherebyamillionsharesofhimselfsoldindribblesevery second of his life! If you took him up now and shook him, he’d rattleinside.Emptied!Soldout!Whatdifferencehowhediesnow?Thefrogsoundsinthebackgroundstopped.The Baron saw Umman Kudu, the guard captain, appear in the doorway
across the room, shake his head. The captive hadn’t produced the neededinformation. Another failure. Time to quit stalling with this fool Duke, thisstupidsoftfoolwhodidn’trealizehowmuchhelltherewassonearhim—onlyanerve’sthicknessaway.This thought calmed the Baron, overcoming his reluctance to have a royal
personsubjecttopain.Hesawhimselfsuddenlyasasurgeonexercisingendlesssupplescissordissections—cuttingawaythemasksfromfools,exposingthehellbeneath.Rabbits,allofthem!Andhowtheycoweredwhentheysawthecarnivore!Letostaredacrossthetable,wonderingwhyhewaited.Thetoothwouldendit
all quickly. Still—it had been good, much of this life. He found himselfrememberinganantennakiteupdangling in the shell-blueskyofCaladan,andPaul laughingwith joy at the sight of it.And he remembered sunrise here onArrakis—coloredstrataoftheShieldWallmellowedbydusthaze.“Toobad,”theBaronmuttered.Hepushedhimselfbackfromthetable,stood
uplightlyinhissuspensorsandhesitated,seeingachangecomeovertheDuke.Hesawthemandrawinadeepbreath,thejawlinestiffen,therippleofamusclethereastheDukeclampedhismouthshut.Howhefearsme!theBaronthought.Shocked by fear that the Baronmight escape him, Leto bit sharply on the
capsule tooth, felt itbreak.Heopenedhismouth,expelled thebitingvaporhecouldtasteasitformedonhistongue.TheBarongrewsmaller,afigureseeninatighteningtunnel.Letoheardagaspbesidehisear—thesilky-voicedone:Piter.Itgothim,too!“Piter!What’swrong?”Therumblingvoicewasfaraway.Leto sensedmemories rolling in his mind—the old toothless mutterings of
hags.Theroom,thetable,theBaron,apairofterrifiedeyes—bluewithinblue,theeyes—allcompressedaroundhiminruinedsymmetry.Therewasamanwithaboot-toechin,atoymanfalling.Thetoymanhada
brokennoseslantedtotheleft:anoffbeatmetronomecaughtforeveratthestartofanupwardstroke.Letoheardthecrashofcrockery—sodistant—aroaringinhisears.Hismindwasabinwithoutend,catchingeverything.Everything thathadeverbeen:everyshout,everywhisper,every...silence.Onethoughtremainedtohim.Letosawitinformlesslightonraysofblack:
Theday the fleshshapesandthe flesh thedayshapes.The thoughtstruckhimwithasenseoffullnessheknewhecouldneverexplain.Silence.The Baron stood with his back against his private door, his own bolt hole
behindthetable.Hehadslammeditonaroomfullofdeadmen.Hissensestookinguardsswarmingaroundhim.DidIbreatheit?heaskedhimself.Whateveritwasinthere,diditgetme,too?Sounds returned tohim ... and reason.Heheardsomeoneshoutingorders—
gasmasks...keepadoorclosed...getblowersgoing.The others fell quickly, he thought. I’m still standing. I’m still breathing.
Mercilesshell!Thatwasclose!He could analyze it now. His shield had been activated, set low but still
enoughtoslowmolecularinterchangeacrossthefieldbarrier.Andhehadbeenpushinghimselfawayfromthetable...thatandPiter’sshockedgaspwhichhadbroughttheguardcaptaindartingforwardintohisowndoom.Chanceandthewarninginadyingman’sgasp—thesehadsavedhim.TheBaronfeltnogratitudetoPiter.Thefoolhadgothimselfkilled.Andthat
stupidguardcaptain!He’d saidhe scopedeveryonebeforebringing them intotheBaron’spresence!HowhaditbeenpossiblefortheDuke...?Nowarning.Notevenfromthepoisonsnooperoverthetable—untilitwastoolate.How?Well, no matter now, the Baron thought, his mind firming. The next guard
captainwillbeginbyfindinganswerstothesequestions.Hegrewawareofmoreactivitydownthehall—aroundthecornerattheother
doortothatroomofdeath.TheBaronpushedhimselfawayfromhisowndoor,studiedthelackeysaroundhim.Theystoodtherestaring,silent,waitingfortheBaron’sreaction.WouldtheBaronbeangry?And theBaronrealizedonlya fewsecondshadpassedsincehis flight from
thatterribleroom.Some of the guards hadweapons leveled at the door. Somewere directing
theirferocitytowardtheemptyhallthatstretchedawaytowardthenoisesaroundthecornertotheirright.
Amancamestridingaroundthatcorner,gasmaskdanglingbyitsstrapsathisneck,hiseyesintentontheoverheadpoisonsnoopersthatlinedthiscorridor.Hewas yellow-haired, flat of facewith green eyes. Crisp lines radiated from histhick-lippedmouth.Helookedlikesomewatercreaturemisplacedamongthosewhowalkedtheland.TheBaron stared at the approachingman, recalling the name:Nefud. Iakin
Nefud. Guard corporal. Nefud was addicted to semuta, the drug-musiccombination that played itself in the deepest consciousness. A useful item ofinformation,that.Themanstoppedinfrontof theBaron,saluted.“Corridor’sclear,m’Lord. I
was outsidewatching and saw that itmust be poison gas. Ventilators in yourroomwere pulling air in from these corridors.”He glanced up at the snooperovertheBaron’shead.“Noneofthestuffescaped.Wehavetheroomcleanedoutnow.Whatareyourorders?”TheBaronrecognizedtheman’svoice—theonewho’dbeenshoutingorders.
Efficient,thiscorporal,hethought.“They’realldeadinthere?”theBaronasked.“Yes,m’Lord.”Well,wemustadjust,theBaronthought.“First,”hesaid,“letmecongratulateyou,Nefud.You’re thenewcaptainof
myguard.AndIhopeyou’lltaketoheartthelessontobelearnedfromthefateofyourpredecessor.”TheBaronwatched the awareness grow in his newly promoted guardsman.
Nefudknewhe’dneveragainbewithouthissemuta.Nefudnodded.“MyLordknowsI’lldevotemyselfentirelytohissafety.”“Yes.Well,tobusiness.IsuspecttheDukehadsomethinginhismouth.You
willfindoutwhatthatsomethingwas,howitwasused,whohelpedhimputitthere.You’lltakeeveryprecaution—”Hebrokeoff,hischainof thoughtshatteredbyadisturbance in thecorridor
behindhim—guards at thedoor to the lift from the lower levelsof the frigatetryingtoholdbackatallcolonelbasharwhohadjustemergedfromthelift.TheBaron couldn’t place the colonel bashar’s face: thinwithmouth like a
slashinleather,twininkspotsforeyes.“Getyourhandsoffme,youpackofcarrion-eaters!”themanroared,andhe
dashedtheguardsaside.Ah-h-h,oneoftheSardaukar,theBaronthought.ThecolonelbasharcamestridingtowardtheBaron,whoseeyeswenttoslits
ofapprehension.TheSardaukarofficersfilledhimwithunease.TheyallseemedtolooklikerelativesoftheDuke... thelateDuke.AndtheirmannerswiththeBaron!ThecolonelbasharplantedhimselfhalfapaceinfrontoftheBaron,handson
hips.Theguardhoveredbehindhimintwitchinguncertainty.TheBaronnotedtheabsenceofsalute,thedisdainintheSardaukar’smanner,
and his unease grew. There was only the one legion of them locally—tenbrigades—reinforcingtheHarkonnenlegions,buttheBarondidnotfoolhimself.That one legion was perfectly capable of turning on the Harkonnens andovercomingthem.“Tell your men they are not to prevent me from seeing you, Baron,” the
Sardaukar growled. “My men brought you the Atreides Duke before I coulddiscusshisfatewithyou.Wewilldiscussitnow.”Imustnotlosefacebeforemymen,theBaronthought.“So?”Itwasacoldlycontrolledword,andtheBaronfeltproudofit.“MyEmperorhas chargedme tomakecertainhis royal cousindies cleanly
withoutagony,”thecolonelbasharsaid.“Suchwere the Imperial orders tome,” theBaron lied. “Did you think I’d
disobey?”“I’mtoreport tomyEmperorwhatIseewithmyowneyes,” theSardaukar
said.“The Duke’s already dead,” the Baron snapped, and he waved a hand to
dismissthefellow.ThecolonelbasharremainedplantedfacingtheBaron.Notbyflickerofeye
ormuscledidheacknowledgehehadbeendismissed.“How?”hegrowled.Really!theBaronthought.Thisistoomuch.“Byhisownhand,ifyoumustknow,”theBaronsaid.“Hetookpoison.”“Iwillseethebodynow,”thecolonelBasharsaid.The Baron raised his gaze to the ceiling in feigned exasperation while his
thoughtsraced.Damnation!Thissharp-eyedSardaukarwillseetheroombeforeathing’sbeenchanged!“Now,”theSardaukargrowled.“I’llseeitwithmyowneyes.”Therewasnopreventingit,theBaronrealized.TheSardaukarwouldseeall.
He’dknow theDukehadkilledHarkonnenmen ... that theBaronmost likelyhadescapedbyanarrowmargin.Therewastheevidenceofthedinnerremnantsonthetable,andthedeadDukeacrossfromitwithdestructionaroundhim.Nopreventingitatall.
“I’llnotbeputoff,”thecolonelbasharsnarled.“You’renotbeingputoff,”theBaronsaid,andhestaredintotheSardaukar’s
obsidian eyes. “I hidenothing frommyEmperor.”Henodded toNefud. “Thecolonelbasharistoseeeverything,atonce.Takehiminbythedoorwhereyoustood,Nefud.”“Thisway,sir,”Nefudsaid.Slowly,insolently,theSardaukarmovedaroundtheBaron,shoulderedaway
throughtheguardsmen.Insufferable, theBaron thought.Now, theEmperorwill knowhow I slipped
up.He’llrecognizeitasasignofweakness.AnditwasagonizingtorealizethattheEmperorandhisSardaukarwerealike
in their disdain for weakness. The Baron chewed at his lower lip, consolinghimselfthattheEmperor,atleast,hadnotlearnedoftheAtreidesraidonGiediPrime,thedestructionoftheHarkonnenspicestoresthere.DamnthatslipperyDuke!The Baron watched the retreating backs—the arrogant Sardaukar and the
stocky,efficientNefud.Wemustadjust,theBaronthought.I’llhavetoputRabbanoverthisdamnable
planetoncemore.Withoutrestraint. ImustspendmyownHarkonnenbloodtoputArrakisintoaproperconditionforacceptingFeyd-Rautha.DamnthatPiter!HewouldgethimselfkilledbeforeIwasthroughwithhim.TheBaronsighed.AndImustsendatoncetoTleielaxforanewMentat.Theyundoubtedlyhave
thenewonereadyformebynow.Oneoftheguardsmenbesidehimcoughed.TheBaronturnedtowardtheman.“Iamhungry.”“Yes,m’Lord.”“AndIwishtobedivertedwhileyou’reclearingoutthatroomandstudying
itssecretsforme,”theBaronrumbled.Theguardsmanloweredhiseyes.“Whatdiversiondoesm’Lordwish?”“I’ll be in my sleeping chambers,” the Baron said. “Bring me that young
fellowwe bought onGamont, the onewith the lovely eyes.Drug himwell. Idon’tfeellikewrestling.”“Yes,m’Lord.”TheBaronturnedaway,beganmovingwithhisbouncing,suspensor-buoyed
pacetowardhischambers.Yes,hethought.Theonewiththelovelyeyes,theonewholookssomuchliketheyoungPaulAtreides.
OSeasofCaladan,OpeopleofDukeLeto—CitadelofLetofallen,Fallenforever...
—from“SongsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
PAULFELT that all his past, every experience before this night, had becomesandcurlinginanhourglass.Hesatnearhismotherhugginghiskneeswithinasmallfabricandplastichutment—aastilltent—thathadcome,liketheFremenclothingtheynowwore,fromthepackleftinthe’thopter.Therewasnodoubt inPaul’smindwhohadput theFremkit there,whohad
directedthecourseofthe’thoptercarryingthemcaptive.Yueh.ThetraitordoctorhadsentthemdirectlyintothehandsofDuncanIdaho.Paulstaredoutthetransparentendofthestilltentatthemoonshadowedrocks
thatringedthisplacewhereIdahohadhiddenthem.HidinglikeachildwhenI’mnowtheDuke,Paulthought.Hefeltthethought
gallhim,butcouldnotdenythewisdominwhattheydid.Somethinghadhappenedtohisawarenessthisnight—hesawwithsharpened
clarityeverycircumstanceandoccurrencearoundhim.Hefeltunabletostoptheinflowofdataorthecoldprecisionwithwhicheachnewitemwasaddedtohisknowledge and the computationwas centered in his awareness. ItwasMentatpowerandmore.Paul thought back to the moment of impotent rage as the strange ‘thopter
divedout of the night onto them, stooping like a giant hawk above the desertwithwindscreamingthroughitswings.ThethinginPaul’smindhadhappenedthen. The ’thopter had skidded and slewed across a sand ridge toward therunning figures—his mother and himself. Paul remembered how the smell ofburned sulfur from abrasion of ’thopter skids against sand had drifted acrossthem.Hismother,heknew,had turned,expected tomeeta lasgun in thehandsof
Harkonnen mercenaries, and had recognized Duncan Idaho leaning out the’thopter’sopendoorshouting:“Hurry!There’swormsignsouthofyou!”ButPaulhadknownasheturnedwhopilotedthe’thopter.Anaccumulationof
minutiaeinthewayitwasflown,thedashofthelanding—cluessosmalleven
his mother hadn’t detected them—had told Paul precisely who sat at thosecontrols.Across the stilltent fromPaul, Jessica stirred, said: “There can be only one
explanation. The Harkonnens held Yueh’s wife. He hated the Harkonnens! Icannotbewrongaboutthat.Youreadhisnote.Butwhyhashesavedusfromthecarnage?”She is only now seeing it and that poorly, Paul thought.The thoughtwas a
shock.Hehadknownthisfactasaby-the-waythingwhilereadingthenotethathadaccompaniedtheducalsignetinthepack.“Donottrytoforgiveme,”Yuehhadwritten.“Idonotwantyourforgiveness.
Ialreadyhaveenoughburdens.What Ihavedonewasdonewithoutmaliceorhope of another’s understanding. It ismy own tahaddi al-burhan,my ultimatetest.IgiveyoutheAtreidesducalsignetastokenthatIwritetruly.Bythetimeyoureadthis,DukeLetowillbedead.Takeconsolationfrommyassurancethathedidnotdiealone,thatonewehateaboveallothersdiedwithhim.”Ithadnotbeenaddressedorsigned,butthere’dbeennomistakingthefamiliar
scrawl—Yueh’s.Remembering the letter,Paul re-experienced thedistressof thatmoment—a
thingsharpandstrangethatseemedtohappenoutsidehisnewmentalalertness.Hehadreadthathisfatherwasdead,knownthetruthofthewords,buthadfeltthemasnomorethananotherdatumtobeenteredinhismindandused.Ilovedmyfather,Paulthought,andknewthisfortruth.Ishouldmournhim.I
shouldfeelsomething.Buthefeltnothingexcept:Here’sanimportantfact.Itwasonewithalltheotherfacts.All the while his mind was adding sense impressions, extrapolating,
computing.Halleck’swordscamebacktoPaul:“Mood’sathingforcattleorformaking
love.Youfightwhenthenecessityarises,nomatteryourmood.”Perhapsthat’sit,Paulthought.I’llmournmyfatherlater...whenthere’stime.Buthefeltnoletupinthecoldprecisionofhisbeing.Hesensedthathisnew
awareness was only a beginning, that it was growing. The sense of terriblepurpose he’d first experienced in his ordeal with the ReverendMother GaiusHelenMohiampervadedhim.Hisrighthand—thehandofrememberedpain—tingledandthrobbed.IsthiswhatitistobetheirKwisatzHaderach?hewondered.“For awhile, I thoughtHawathad failedus again,” Jessica said. “I thought
perhapsYuehwasn’taSukdoctor.”“Hewaseverythingwethoughthim...andmore,”Paulsaid.Andhethought:
Whyisshesoslowseeingthesethings?Hesaid,“IfIdahodoesn’tgetthroughtoKynes,we’llbe—”“He’snotouronlyhope,”shesaid.“Suchwasnotmysuggestion,”hesaid.Sheheardthesteelinhisvoice,thesenseofcommand,andstaredacrossthe
greydarknessofthestilltentathim.Paulwasasilhouetteagainstmoon-frostedrocksseenthroughthetent’stransparentend.“Others among your father’s men will have escaped,” she said. “We must
regatherthem,find—”“We will depend upon ourselves,” he said. “Our immediate concern is our
familyatomics.WemustgetthembeforetheHarkonnenscansearchthemout.”“Notlikelythey’llbefound,”shesaid,“thewaytheywerehidden.”“Itmustnotbelefttochance.”Andshethought:Blackmailwiththefamilyatomicsasathreattotheplanet
anditsspice—that’swhathehasinmind.Butallhecanhopeforthenisescapeintorenegadeanonymity.Hismother’swordshadprovokedanothertrainofthoughtinPaul—aduke’s
concernforallthepeoplethey’dlostthisnight.PeoplearethetruestrengthofaGreatHouse,Paul thought.AndherememberedHawat’swords:“Partingwithpeopleisasadness;aplaceisonlyaplace.”“They’re usingSardaukar,” Jessica said. “Wemustwait until the Sardaukar
havebeenwithdrawn.”“They think us caught between the desert and the Sardaukar,” Paul said.
“They intend that there be noAtreides survivors—total extermination.Do notcountonanyofourpeopleescaping.”“They cannot go on indefinitely risking exposure of the Emperor’s part in
this.”“Can’tthey?”“Someofourpeopleareboundtoescape.”“Arethey?”Jessica turned away, frightened of the bitter strength in her son’s voice,
hearingthepreciseassessmentofchances.Shesensedthathismindhadleapedaheadofher,thatitnowsawmoreinsomerespectsthanshedid.Shehadhelpedtraintheintelligencewhichdidthis,butnowshefoundherselffearfulofit.Herthoughtsturned,seekingtowardthelostsanctuaryofherDuke,andtearsburned
hereyes.Thisisthewayithadtobe,Leto,shethought.“Atimeofloveandatimeof
grief.”Sherestedherhandonherabdomen,awarenessfocusedontheembryothere.IhavetheAtreidesdaughterIwasorderedtoproduce,but theReverendMotherwaswrong:adaughterwouldn’thavesavedmyLeto.Thischildisonlylifereachingforthefutureinthemidstofdeath.Iconceivedoutofinstinctandnotoutofobedience.“Trythecommuninetreceiveragain,”Paulsaid.Themindgoesonworkingnomatterhowwetrytoholditback,shethought.Jessica found the tinyreceiver Idahohad left for them,flipped itsswitch.A
green light glowed on the instrument’s face. Tinny screeching came from itsspeaker. She reduced the volume, hunted across the bands. A voice speakingAtreidesbattlelanguagecameintothetent.“...backandregroupat theridge.FedorreportsnosurvivorsinCarthagand
theGuildBankhasbeensacked.”Carthag!Jessicathought.ThatwasaHarkonnenhotbed.“They’re Sardaukar,” the voice said. “Watch out for Sardaukar in Atreides
uniforms.They’re....”Aroaringfilledthespeaker,thensilence.“Trytheotherbands,”Paulsaid.“Doyourealizewhatthatmeans?”Jessicaasked.“Iexpectedit.TheywanttheGuildtoblameusfordestructionoftheirbank.
WiththeGuildagainstus,we’retrappedonArrakis.Trytheotherbands.”Sheweighed hiswords: I expected it.What had happened to him? Slowly,
Jessica returned to the instrument. As she moved the bandslide, they caughtglimpsesofviolence in the fewvoices callingout inAtreidesbattle language:“...fallback....”“...trytoregroupat....”“...trappedinacaveat....”And there was no mistaking the victorious exultation in the Harkonnen
gibberish that poured from the other bands. Sharp commands, battle reports.Therewasn’tenoughofitforJessicatoregisterandbreakthelanguage,butthetonewasobvious.Harkonnenvictory.Paul shook the pack beside him, hearing the two literjons of water gurgle
there.Hetookadeepbreath,lookedupthroughthetransparentendofthetentatthe rockescarpmentoutlinedagainst the stars.His lefthand felt the sphincter-sealofthetent’sentrance.“It’llbedawnsoon,”hesaid.“WecanwaitthroughthedayforIdaho,butnotthroughanothernight.Inthedesert,youmusttravelby
nightandrestinshadethroughtheday.”Remembered lore insinuated itself into Jessica’smind:Without a stillsuit, a
mansitting in shadeon thedesertneeds five litersofwateraday tomaintainbodyweight.Shefelttheslick-softskinofthestillsuitagainstherbody,thinkinghowtheirlivesdependedonthesegarments.“Ifweleavehere,Idahocan’tfindus,”shesaid.“Therearewaystomakeanymantalk,”hesaid.“IfIdahohasn’treturnedby
dawn,wemustconsiderthepossibilityhehasbeencaptured.Howlongdoyouthinkhecouldholdout?”Thequestionrequirednoanswer,andshesatinsilence.Paulliftedthesealonthepack,pulledoutatinymicromanualwithglowtab
and magnifier. Green and orange letters leaped up at him from the pages:“literjons, stilltent, energy caps, recaths, sandsnork, binoculars, stillsuit repkit,baradye pistol, sinkchart, filt-plugs, paracompass, maker hooks, thumpers,Fremkit,firepillar....”Somanythingsforsurvivalonthedesert.Presently,heputthemanualasideonthetentfloor.“Wherecanwepossiblygo?”Jessicaasked.“Myfatherspokeofdesertpower,”Paulsaid.“TheHarkonnenscannot rule
thisplanetwithout it.They’veneverruled thisplanet,norshall they.NotevenwithtenthousandlegionsofSardaukar.”“Paul,youcan’tthinkthat—”“We’veall theevidenceinourhands,”hesaid.“Righthereinthis tent—the
tentitself,thispackanditscontents,thesestillsuits.WeknowtheGuildwantsaprohibitivepriceforweathersatellites.Weknowthat—”“What’ve weather satellites to do with it?” she asked. “They couldn’t
possibly....”Shebrokeoff.Paul sensed thehyperalertnessofhismind readingher reactions,computing
onminutiae.“Youseeitnow,”hesaid.“Satelliteswatchtheterrainbelow.Therearethingsinthedeepdesertthatwillnotbearfrequentinspection.”“You’resuggestingtheGuilditselfcontrolsthisplanet?”Shewassoslow.“No!”hesaid.“TheFremen!They’repayingtheGuildforprivacy,payingin
a coin that’s freely available to anyonewith desert power-spice. This ismorethanasecond-approximationanswer;it’sthestraight-linecomputation.Dependonit.”“Paul,”Jessicasaid,“you’renotaMentatyet;youcan’tknowforsurehow
—”“I’llneverbeaMentat,”hesaid.“I’msomethingelse...afreak.”“Paul!Howcanyousaysuch—”“Leavemealone!”Heturnedawayfromher,lookingoutintothenight.Whycan’tImourn?he
wondered.Hefeltthateveryfiberofhisbeingcravedthisrelease,butitwouldbedeniedhimforever.Jessicahadneverheardsuchdistressinherson’svoice.Shewantedtoreach
outtohim,holdhim,comforthim,helphim—butshesensedtherewasnothingshecoulddo.Hehadtosolvethisproblembyhimself.TheglowingtaboftheFremkitmanualbetweenthemonthetentfloorcaught
hereye.Sheliftedit,glancedattheflyleaf,reading:“Manualof‘TheFriendlyDesert,’theplacefulloflife.HerearetheayatandburhanofLife.Believe,andal-Latshallneverburnyou.”It reads like theAzharBook, she thought, recallingher studies of theGreat
Secrets.HasaManipulatorofReligionsbeenonArrakis?Paul lifted the paracompass from the pack, returned it, said: “Think of all
thesespecial-applicationFremenmachines.Theyshowunrivaledsophistication.Admitit.Theculturethatmadethesethingsbetraysdepthsnoonesuspected.”Hesitating,stillworriedbytheharshnessinhisvoice,Jessicareturnedtothe
book, studied an illustrated constellation from the Arrakeen sky: “Muad’Dib:TheMouse,”andnotedthatthetailpointednorth.Paulstared into the tent’sdarknessat thedimlydiscernedmovementsofhis
mother revealed by the manual’s glowtab. Now is the time to carry out myfather’swish,hethought.Imustgiveherhismessagenowwhileshehastimeforgrief. Grief would inconvenience us later. And he found himself shocked bypreciselogic.“Mother,”hesaid.“Yes?”Sheheard thechange inhisvoice, feltcoldness inherentrailsat thesound.
Neverhadsheheardsuchharshcontrol.“Myfatherisdead,”hesaid.She searchedwithin herself for the coupling of fact and fact and fact—the
Bene Gesserit way of assessing data—and it came to her: the sensation ofterrifyingloss.Jessicanodded,unabletospeak.“Myfatherchargedmeonce,”Paulsaid,“togiveyouamessageifanything
happenedtohim.Hefearedyoumightbelievehedistrustedyou.”Thatuselesssuspicion,shethought.“Hewantedyou toknowheneversuspectedyou,”Paulsaid,andexplained
the deception, adding: “He wanted you to know he always trusted youcompletely,alwayslovedyouandcherishedyou.Hesaidhewouldsoonerhavemistrusted himself and he had but one regret—that he never made you hisDuchess.”Shebrushedthetearscoursingdownhercheeks,thought:Whatastupidwaste
ofthebody’swater!Butsheknewthisthoughtforwhatitwas—theattempttoretreatfromgriefintoanger.Leto,myLeto,shethought.Whatterriblethingswedotothosewelove!Withaviolentmotion,sheextinguishedthelittlemanual’sglowtab.Sobsshookher.Paulheardhismother’sgriefandfelttheemptinesswithinhimself.Ihaveno
grief,hethought.Why?Why?Hefelttheinabilitytogrieveasaterribleflaw.“Atimetogetandtimetolose,”Jessicathought,quotingtoherselffromthe
O.C.Bible.“Atimetokeepandatimetocastaway;atimeforloveandatimetohate;atimeofwarandatimeofpeace.”Paul’smindhadgoneoninitschillingprecision.Hesawtheavenuesaheadof
them on this hostile planet. Without even the safety valve of dreaming, hefocused his prescient awareness, seeing it as a computation of most probablefutures, but with something more, an edge of mystery—as though his minddippedintosometimelessstratumandsampledthewindsofthefuture.Abruptly, as though he had found a necessary key, Paul’s mind climbed
anothernotchinawareness.Hefelthimselfclingingtothisnewlevel,clutchingat a precarious hold and peering about. It was as though he existed within aglobewithavenuesradiatingawayinalldirections...yetthisonlyapproximatedthesensation.Herememberedonceseeingagauzekerchiefblowinginthewindandnowhe
sensed the future as though it twisted across some surface as undulant andimpermanentasthatofthewindblownkerchief.Hesawpeople.Hefelttheheatandcoldofuncountedprobabilities.Heknewnamesandplaces,experiencedemotionswithoutnumber,reviewed
dataofinnumerableunexploredcrannies.Therewastimetoprobeandtestandtaste,butnotimetoshape.The thingwas a spectrum of possibilities from themost remote past to the
mostremotefuture—fromthemostprobabletothemostimprobable.Hesawhisowndeathincountlessways.Hesawnewplanets,newcultures.People.People.Hesawtheminsuchswarmstheycouldnotbelisted,yethismindcatalogued
them.EventheGuildsmen.Andhethought:TheGuild-there’dbeawayforus,mystrangenessaccepted
as a familiar thing of high value, always with an assured supply of the now-necessaryspice.Buttheideaoflivingouthislifeinthemind-groping-ahead-through-possible-
futuresthatguidedhurtlingspaceshipsappalledhim.Itwasaway,though.Andinmeetingthepossiblefuture thatcontainedGuildsmenherecognizedhisownstrangeness.Ihaveanotherkindofsight.Iseeanotherkindofterrain:theavailablepaths.Theawarenessconveyedbothreassuranceandalarm—somanyplacesonthat
otherkindofterraindippedorturnedoutofhissight.As swiftly as it had come, the sensation slipped away from him, and he
realizedtheentireexperiencehadtakenthespaceofaheartbeat.Yet, his own personal awareness had been turned over, illuminated in a
terrifyingway.Hestaredaroundhim.Night still covered the stilltent within its rock-enclosed hideaway. His
mother’sgriefcouldstillbeheard.His own lack of grief could still be felt ... that hollow place somewhere
separatedfromhismind,whichwenton in itssteadypace—dealingwithdata,evaluating,computing,submittinganswersinsomethingliketheMentatway.Andnowhesawthathehadawealthofdatafewsuchmindseverbeforehad
encompassed.But thismade theemptyplacewithinhimnoeasier tobear.Hefeltthatsomethingmustshatter.Itwasasthoughaclockworkcontrolforabombhadbeensettotickingwithinhim.Itwentonaboutitsbusinessnomatterwhathewanted. It recordedminuscule shadings of difference aroundhim—a slightchange in moisture, a fractional fall in temperature, the progress of an insectacrosstheirstilltentroof,thesolemnapproachofdawninthestarlightedpatchofskyhecouldseeoutthetent’stransparentend.Theemptinesswasunbearable.Knowinghowtheclockworkhadbeensetin
motionmadenodifference.Hecouldlooktohisownpastandseethestartofit—the training, the sharpeningof talents, the refinedpressures of sophisticated
disciplines,evenexposuretotheO.C.Bibleatacriticalmoment ...and, lastly,the heavy intake of spice. And he could look ahead—the most terrifyingdirection—toseewhereitallpointed.I’mamonster!hethought.Afreak!“No,”hesaid.Then:“No.No!NO!”Hefoundthathewaspoundingthetentfloorwithhisfists.(Theimplacable
part of him recorded this as an interesting emotional datum and fed it intocomputation.)“Paul!”Hismotherwasbesidehim,holdinghishands,herfaceagrayblobpeeringat
him.“Paul,what’swrong?”“You!”hesaid.“I’mhere,Paul,”shesaid.“It’sallright.”“Whathaveyoudonetome?”hedemanded.Inaburstofclarity,shesensedsomeoftherootsinthequestion,said:“Igave
birthtoyou.”It was, from instinct as much as her own subtle knowledge, the precisely
correctanswertocalmhim.Hefeltherhandsholdinghim,focusedonthedimoutlineofherface.(Certaingenetracesinherfacialstructurewerenotedinthenew way by his onflowing mind, the clues added to other data, and a final-summationanswerputforward.)“Letgoofme,”hesaid.She heard the iron in his voice, obeyed. “Do you want to tell me what’s
wrong,Paul?”“Didyouknowwhatyouweredoingwhenyoutrainedme?”heasked.There’snomorechildhoodinhisvoice,she thought.Andshesaid:“Ihoped
thethinganyparenthopes—thatyou’dbe...superior,different.”“Different?”Sheheardthebitternessinhistone,said:“Paul,I—”“You didn’t want a son!” he said. “You wanted a Kwisatz Haderach! You
wantedamaleBeneGesserit!”Sherecoiledfromhisbitterness.“ButPaul....”“Didyoueverconsultmyfatherinthis?”Shespokegentlyoutof thefreshnessofhergrief:“Whateveryouare,Paul,
theheredityisasmuchyourfatherasme.”“But not the training,” he said. “Not the things that... awakened ... the
sleeper.”
“Sleeper?”“It’shere.”Heputahandtohisheadandthentohisbreast.“Inme.Itgoeson
andonandonandor.and—”“Paul!”Shehadheardthehysteriaedginghisvoice.“Listentome,”hesaid.“YouwantedtheReverendMothertohearaboutmy
dreams:Youlisteninherplacenow.I’vejusthadawakingdream.Doyouknowwhy?”“Youmustcalmyourself,”shesaid.“Ifthere’s—”“Thespice,”hesaid.“It’s ineverythinghere—theair, thesoil, thefood, the
geriatricspice.It’sliketheTruthsayerdrug.It’sapoison!”Shestiffened.Hisvoice loweredandherepeated:“Apoison—sosubtle,so insidious ... so
irreversible. It won’t even kill you unless you stop taking it. We can’t leaveArrakisunlesswetakepartofArrakiswithus.”Theterrifyingpresenceofhisvoicebrookednodispute.“You and the spice,” Paul said. “The spice changes anyone who gets this
muchofit,butthankstoyou,Icouldbringthechangetoconsciousness.Idon’tgettoleaveitintheunconsciouswhereitsdisturbancecanbeblankedout.Icanseeit.”“Paul,you—”“Iseeit!”herepeated.Sheheardmadnessinhisvoice,didn’tknowwhattodo.But he spoke again, and she heard the iron control return to him: “We’re
trappedhere.”We’retrappedhere,sheagreed.Andsheacceptedthetruthofhiswords.NopressureoftheBeneGesserit,no
trickeryorartificecouldprythemcompletelyfreefromArrakis: thespicewasaddictive.Herbodyhadknownthefactlongbeforehermindawakenedtoit.So herewe live out our lives, she thought,on this hell-planet. The place is
prepared for us, ifwe can evade theHarkonnens.And there’s no doubt ofmycourse: a broodmare preserving an important bloodline for the BeneGesseritPlan.“Imusttellyouaboutmywakingdream,”Paulsaid.(Nowtherewasfuryin
hisvoice.)“TobesureyouacceptwhatIsay,I’lltellyoufirstIknowyou’llbearadaughter,mysister,hereonArrakis.”Jessica placed her hands against the tent floor, pressed back against the
curving fabricwall to still a pang of fear. She knew her pregnancy could notshowyet.OnlyherownBeneGesserittraininghadallowedhertoreadthefirstfaintsignalsofherbody,toknowoftheembryoonlyafewweeksold.“Onlytoserve,”Jessicawhispered,clingingtotheBeneGesseritmotto.“We
existonlytoserve.”“We’ll findahomeamongtheFremen,”Paulsaid,“whereyourMissionaria
Protectivahasboughtusabolthole.”They’vepreparedawayjorusinthedesert,Jessicatoldherself.Buthowcan
he know of the Missionaria Protectiva? She found it increasingly difficult tosubdueherterrorattheoverpoweringstrangenessinPaul.Hestudiedthedarkshadowofher,seeingherfearandeveryreactionwithhis
new awareness as though shewere outlined in blinding light. A beginning ofcompassionforhercreptoverhim.“The things that can happen here, I cannot begin to tell you,” he said. “I
cannot even begin to tell myself, although I’ve seen them. This sense of thefuture—Iseemtohavenocontroloverit.Thethingjusthappens.Theimmediatefuture—say, a year—I can see some of that... a road as broad as our CentralAvenueonCaladan.SomeplacesIdon’tsee...shadowedplaces...asthoughitwentbehindahill”(andagainhethoughtofthesurfaceofablowingkerchief)andtherearebranchings....”He fell silent asmemory of that seeing filled him.No prescient dream, no
experienceofhislifehadquitepreparedhimforthetotalitywithwhichtheveilshadbeenrippedawaytorevealnakedtime.Recalling the experience, he recognized his own terrible purpose —the
pressure of his life spreading outward like an expanding bubble ... timeretreatingbeforeit....Jessicafoundthetent’sglowtabcontrol,activatedit.Dimgreenlightdrovebacktheshadows,easingherfear.ShelookedatPaul’s
face,hiseyes—theinwardstare.Andsheknewwhereshehadseensuchalookbefore: pictured in records of disasters—on the faces of children whoexperienced starvation or terrible injury. The eyes were like pits, mouth astraightline,cheeksindrawn.It’s the look of terrible awareness, she thought, of someone forced to the
knowledgeofhisownmortality.Hewas,indeed,nolongerachild.Theunderlyingimportofhiswordsbegantotakeoverinhermind,pushing
allelseaside.Paulcouldseeahead,awayofescapeforthem.
“There’sawaytoevadetheHarkonnens,”shesaid.“TheHarkonnens!”hesneered.“Putthosetwistedhumansoutofyourmind.”
Hestaredathismother,studyingthelinesofherfaceinthelightoftheglowtab.Thelinesbetrayedher.Shesaid:“Youshouldn’trefertopeopleashumanswithout—”“Don’tbesosureyouknowwheretodrawtheline,”hesaid.“Wecarryour
pastwithus.And,mothermine,there’sathingyoudon’tknowandshould—weareHarkonnens.”Herminddidaterrifyingthing:itblankedoutasthoughitneededtoshutoff
all sensation. But Paul’s voice went on at that implacable pace, dragging herwithit.“Whennextyoufindamirror,studyyourface—studyminenow.Thetraces
arethereifyoudon’tblindyourself.Lookatmyhands,thesetofmybones.Andifnoneofthisconvincesyou,thentakemywordforit.I’vewalkedthefuture,I’ve looked at a record, I’ve seen a place, I have all the data. We’reHarkonnens.”“A ... renegade branch of the family,” she said. “That’s it, isn’t it? Some
Harkonnencousinwho—”“You’retheBaron’sowndaughter,”hesaid,andwatchedthewayshepressed
herhandstohermouth.“TheBaronsampledmanypleasuresinhisyouth,andoncepermittedhimselftobeseduced.ButitwasforthegeneticpurposesoftheBeneGesserit,byoneofyou.”Thewayhesaidyoustruckherlikeaslap.Butitsethermindtoworkingand
she could not deny his words. So many blank ends of meaning in her pastreachedoutnowandlinked.ThedaughtertheBeneGesseritwanted—itwasn’ttoendtheoldAtreides-Harkonnenfeud,but tofixsomegeneticfactor in theirlines.What?Shegropedforananswer.As though he saw inside her mind, Paul said: “They thought they were
reaching forme.But I’m notwhat they expected, and I’ve arrived beforemytime.Andtheydon’tknowit.”Jessicapressedherhandstohermouth.GreatMother!He’stheKwisatzHaderach!She felt exposed andnakedbefore him, realizing then that he sawherwith
eyesfromwhichlittlecouldbehidden.Andthat,sheknew,wasthebasisofherfear.“You’re thinking I’m theKwisatzHaderach,” he said. “Put that out of your
mind.I’msomethingunexpected.”
Imustgetwordouttooneoftheschools,shethought.Thematingindexmayshowwhathashappened.“Theywon’tlearnaboutmeuntilit’stoolate,”hesaid.She sought to divert him, lowered her hands and said: “We’ll find a place
amongtheFremen?”“TheFremenhaveasayingtheycredittoShai-hulud,OldFatherEternity,”he
said.“Theysay:‘Bepreparedtoappreciatewhatyoumeet.’”Andhethought:Yes,mothermine-amongtheFremen.You’llacquiretheblue
eyesandacallusbesideyourlovelynosefromthefiltertubetoyourstillsuit...andyou’llbearmysister:St.AliaoftheKnife.“Ifyou’renottheKwisatzHaderach,”Jessicasaid,“what—”“Youcouldn’tpossiblyknow,”hesaid.“Youwon’tbelieveituntilyouseeit.”Andhethought:I’maseed.He suddenly saw how fertilewas the ground intowhich he had fallen, and
withthisrealization,theterriblepurposefilledhim,creepingthroughtheemptyplacewithin,threateningtochokehimwithgrief.Hehadseentwomainbranchingsalongthewayahead—inoneheconfronted
aneviloldBaronandsaid:“Hello,Grandfather.”The thoughtof thatpathandwhatlayalongitsickenedhim.The other path held long patches of grey obscurity except for peaks of
violence. He had seen a warrior religion there, a fire spreading across theuniversewiththeAtreidesgreenandblackbannerwavingattheheadoffanaticlegionsdrunkonspice liquor.GurneyHalleckanda fewothersofhis father’smen—apitiful few—were among them, allmarked by the hawk symbol fromtheshrineofhisfather’sskull.“I can’t go that way,” he muttered. “That’s what the old witches of your
schoolsreallywant.”“Idon’tunderstandyou,Paul,”hismothersaid.He remained silent, thinking like the seed he was, thinking with the race
consciousnesshehadfirstexperiencedasterriblepurpose.Hefoundthathenolonger could hate the BeneGesserit or the Emperor or even theHarkonnens.They were all caught up in the need of their race to renew its scatteredinheritance, to cross and mingle and infuse their bloodlines in a great newpooling of genes.And the race knewonly one sureway for this—the ancientway,thetriedandcertainwaythatrolledovereverythinginitspath:jihad.Surely,Icannotchoosethatway,hethought.But he saw again in hismind’s eye the shrine of his father’s skull and the
violencewiththegreenandblackbannerwavinginitsmidst.Jessica cleared her throat,worried by his silence. “Then ... the Fremenwill
giveussanctuary?”He looked up, staring across the green-lighted tent at the inbred, patrician
lines of her face. “Yes,” he said. “That’s one of theways.”He nodded. “Yes.They’llcallme...Muad‘Dib,‘TheOneWhoPointstheWay.’Yes...that’swhatthey’llcallme.”Andheclosedhiseyes, thinking:Now,my jather, Icanmournyou.Andhe
feltthetearscoursingdownhischeeks.
BookTwo
MUAD‘DIB
Whenmyfather,thePadishahEmperor,heardofDukeLeto’sdeathandthemannerofit,hewentintosucharageaswehadneverbeforeseen.HeblamedmymotherandthecompactforcedonhimtoplaceaBeneGesseritonthethrone.HeblamedtheGuildandtheeviloldBaron.Heblamedeveryoneinsight,notexceptingevenme,forhesaidIwasawitchlikealltheothers.AndwhenIsoughttocomforthim,sayingitwasdoneaccordingtoanolderlawofself-preservationtowhicheventhemostancientrulersgaveallegiance,hesneeredatmeandaskedifI thoughthimaweakling.IsawthenthathehadbeenarousedtothispassionnotbyconcernoverthedeadDukebutbywhatthatdeathimpliedforallroyalty.AsIlookbackonit,Ithinktheremayhavebeensomeprescienceinmyfather,too,foritiscertain thathislineandMuad’Dib’ssharedcommonancestry.
—“InMyFather’sHouse,”bythePrincessIrulan
“NowHARKONNENshallkillHarkonnen,”Paulwhispered.He had awakened shortly before nightfall, sitting up in the sealed and
darkenedstilltent.Ashespoke,heheardthevaguestirringsofhismotherwhereshesleptagainstthetent’soppositewall.Paul glanced at the proximity detector on the floor, studying the dials
illuminatedintheblacknessbyphosphortubes.“It should be night soon,” his mother said. “Why don’t you lift the tent
shades?”Paulrealizedthenthatherbreathinghadbeendifferentforsometime,thatshe
hadlainsilentinthedarknessuntilcertainhewasawake.“Liftingtheshadeswouldn’thelp,”hesaid.“There’sbeenastorm.Thetent’s
coveredbysand.I’lldigusoutsoon.”“NosignofDuncanyet?”“None.”Paul rubbed absently at the ducal signet on his thumb, and a sudden rage
againsttheverysubstanceofthisplanetwhichhadhelpedkillhisfathersethimtrembling.“Iheardthestormbegin,”Jessicasaid.The undemanding emptiness of herwords helped restore some of his calm.
Hismindfocusedon thestormashehadseen itbegin through the transparentendoftheirstilltent—colddribblesofsandcrossingthebasin,thenrunnelsandtailsfurrowingthesky.Hehadlookeduptoarockspire,seenitchangeshapeunder the blast, becoming a low, Cheddar-colored wedge. Sand funneled into
theirbasinhadshadowedtheskywithdullcurry,thenblottedoutalllightasthetentwascovered.Tent bows had creaked once as they accepted the pressure, then—silence
broken only by the dim bellows wheezing of their sand snorkel pumping airfromthesurface.“Trythereceiveragain,”Jessicasaid.“Nouse,”hesaid.Hefoundhisstillsuit’swatertubeinitsclipathisneck,drewawarmswallow
intohismouth,andhethoughtthatherehetrulybegananArrakeenexistence—living on reclaimed moisture from his own breath and body. It was flat andtastelesswater,butitsoothedhisthroat.JessicaheardPauldrinking,felt theslicknessofherownstillsuitclingingto
her body, but she refused to accept her thirst. To accept it would requireawakening fully into the terriblenecessities ofArrakiswhere theymust guardeven fractional traces of moisture, hoarding the few drops in the tent’scatchpockets,begrudgingabreathwastedontheopenair.Somucheasiertodriftbackdownintosleep.Buttherehadbeenadreaminthisday’ssleep,andsheshiveredatmemoryof
it. She had held dreaming hands beneath sandflow where a name had beenwritten:DukeLetoAtreides.Thenamehadblurredwith the sand and shehadmovedtorestoreit,butthefirstletterfilledbeforethelastwasbegun.Thesandwouldnotstop.Herdreambecamewailing: louderandlouder.Thatridiculouswailing—part
ofhermindhadrealizedthesoundwasherownvoiceasatinychild,littlemorethanababy.Awomannotquitevisibletomemorywasgoingaway.My unknownmother, Jessica thought. The Bene Gesserit who bore me and
gavemetotheSistersbecausethat’swhatshewascommandedtodo.WasshegladtoridherselfofaHarkonnenchild?“Theplacetohitthemisinthespice,”Paulsaid.Howcanhethinkofattackatatimelikethis?sheaskedherself.“Anentireplanetfullofspice,”shesaid.“Howcanyouhitthemthere?”Sheheardhimstirring,thesoundoftheirpackbeingdraggedacrossthetent
floor.“It was sea power and air power on Caladan,” he said. “Here, it’s desert
power.TheFremenarethekey.”His voice came from the vicinity of the tent’s sphincter.HerBeneGesserit
trainingsensedinhistoneanunresolvedbitternesstowardher.
AllhislifehehasbeentrainedtohateHarkonnens,shethought.Now,hefindsheisHarkonnen...becauseofme.Howlittleheknowsme!IwasmyDuke’sonlywoman. I accepted his life and his values even to defying my Bene Gesseritorders.Thetent’sglowtabcamealightunderPaul’shand,filledthedomedareawith
greenradiance.Paulcrouchedatthesphincter,hisstillsuithoodadjustedfortheopendesert—foreheadcapped,mouthfilterinplace,noseplugsadjusted.Onlyhisdarkeyeswerevisible: anarrowbandof face that turnedonce towardherandaway.“Secureyourselffortheopen,”hesaid,andhisvoicewasblurredbehindthe
filter.Jessica pulled the filter across hermouth, began adjusting her hood as she
watchedPaulbreakthetentseal.Sandraspedasheopenedthesphincterandaburredfizzleofgrainsraninto
thetentbeforehecouldimmobilizeitwithastaticcompactiontool.Aholegrewin the sandwall as the tool realigned the grains. He slipped out and her earsfollowedhisprogresstothesurface.What will we find out there? she wondered. Harkonnen troops and the
Sardaukar, thosearedangerswecanexpect.Butwhatof thedangerswedon’tknow?She thoughtof thecompaction tool and theother strange instruments in the
pack. Each of these tools suddenly stood in hermind as a sign ofmysteriousdangers.Shefeltthenahotbreezefromsurfacesandtouchhercheekswheretheywere
exposedabovethefilter.“Passupthepack.”ItwasPaul’svoice,lowandguarded.Shemoved toobey,heard thewater literjonsgurgle as she shoved thepack
acrossthefloor.Shepeeredupward,sawPaulframedagainststars.“Here,”hesaidandreacheddown,pulledthepacktothesurface.Now she saw only the circle of stars. They were like the luminous tips of
weapons aimed down at her.A shower ofmeteors crossed her patch of night.Themeteorsseemedtoherlikeawarning,liketigerstripes,likeluminousgraveslatsclabberingherblood.Andshefeltthechillofthepriceontheirheads.“Hurryup,”Paulsaid.“Iwanttocollapsethetent.”Ashowerofsandfromthesurfacebrushedherlefthand.Howmuchsandwill
thehandhold?sheaskedherself.“ShallIhelpyou?”Paulasked.
“No.”She swallowed in a dry throat, slipped into thehole, felt static-packed sand
raspunderherhands.Paulreacheddown,tookherarm.Shestoodbesidehimonasmoothpatchofstarlitdesert,staredaround.Sandalmostbrimmedtheirbasin,leavingonlyadimlipofsurroundingrock.Sheprobedthefartherdarknesswithhertrainedsenses.Noiseofsmallanimals.Birds.Afallofdislodgedsandandfaintcreaturesoundswithinit.Paulcollapsingtheirtent,recoveringitupthehole.Starlight displaced just enough of the night to charge each shadow with
menace.Shelookedatpatchesofblackness.Blackisablindremembering,shethought.Youlistenforpacksounds,forthe
cries of thosewho hunted your ancestors in a past so ancient only yourmostprimitivecellsremember.Theearssee.Thenostrilssee.Presently, Paul stood beside her, said: “Duncan told me that if he was
captured,hecouldholdout...thislong.Wemustleaveherenow.”Heshoulderedthepack,crossedtotheshallowlipofthebasin,climbedtoaledgethatlookeddownonopendesert.Jessicafollowedautomatically,notinghowshenowlivedinherson’sorbit.For now is my grief heavier than the sands of the seas, she thought. This
worldhasemptiedmeofallbuttheoldestpurpose:tomorrow’slife.I livenowformyyoungDukeandthedaughteryettobe.ShefeltthesanddragherfeetassheclimbedtoPaul’sside.Helookednorthacrossalineofrocks,studyingadistantescarpment.Thefarawayrockprofilewaslikeanancientbattleshipoftheseasoutlinedby
stars. The long swish of it lifted on an invisible wave with syllables ofboomerangantennae,funnelsarcingback,api-shapedupthrustingatthestern.Anorangeglare burst above the silhouette and a line of brilliant purple cut
downwardtowardtheglare.Anotherlineofpurple!Andanotherupthrustingorangeglare!Itwas like an ancient naval battle, remembered shellfire, and the sight held
themstaring.“Pillarsoffire,”Paulwhispered.Aringofredeyesliftedoverthedistantrock.Linesofpurplelacedthesky.“Jetflaresandlasguns,”Jessicasaid.
Thedust-reddenedfirstmoonofArrakisliftedabovethehorizontotheirleftandtheysawastormtrailthere—aribbonofmovementoverthedesert.“It must be Harkonnen ’thopters hunting us,” Paul said. “The way they’re
cuttingupthedesert...it’sasthoughtheyweremakingcertaintheystampedoutwhatever’sthere...thewayyou’dstampoutanestofinsects.”“OranestofAtreides,”Jessicasaid.“Wemustseekcover,”Paulsaid.“We’llheadsouthandkeeptotherocks.If
they caught us in the open....”He turned, adjusting the pack to his shoulders.“They’rekillinganythingthatmoves.”He tookone step along the ledge and, in that instant, heard the lowhiss of
glidingaircraft,sawthedarkshapesofornithoptersabovethem.
Myfatheroncetoldmethatrespectforthetruthcomesclosetobeingthebasisforallmorality.“Somethingcannotemergefromnothing,”hesaid.Thisisprofoundthinkingifyouunderstandhowunstable“thetruth”canbe.
—fromConversationswithMuad’Dib“bythePrincessIrulan
“I’VEALWAYSpridedmyselfonseeingthingsthewaytheytrulyare,”ThufirHawatsaid.“That’sthecurseofbeingaMentat.Youcan’tstopanalyzingyourdata.”The leathered old face appeared composed in the predawn dimness as he
spoke.Hissapho-stainedlipsweredrawnintoastraightlinewithradialcreasesspreadingupward.A robed man squatted silently on sand across from Hawat, apparently
unmovedbythewords.The two crouched beneath a rock overhang that looked down on a wide,
shallowsink.Dawnwasspreadingovertheshatteredoutlineofcliffsacrossthebasin,touchingeverythingwithpink.Itwascoldundertheoverhang,adryandpenetrating chill left over from the night. There had been a warm wind justbeforedawn,butnowitwascold.Hawatcouldhearteethchatteringbehindhimamongthefewtroopersremaininginhisforce.ThemansquattingacrossfromHawatwasaFremenwhohadcomeacrossthe
sink in the first lightof falsedawn, skitteringover the sand,blending into thedunes,hismovementsbarelydiscernible.TheFremenextendedafingertothesandbetweenthem,drewafigurethere.
It looked like a bowl with an arrow spilling out of it. “There are manyHarkonnenpatrols,”hesaid.Heliftedhisfinger,pointedupwardacrossthecliffsthatHawatandhismenhaddescended.Hawatnodded.Manypatrols.Yes.Butstillhedidnotknowwhat thisFremenwantedand thisrankled.Mentat
trainingwassupposedtogiveamanthepowertoseemotives.This had been the worst night of Hawat’s life. He had been at Tsimpo, a
garrison village, buffer outpost for the former capital city, Carthag, when thereports of attack began arriving. At first, he’d thought: It’s a raid. TheHarkonnensaretesting.
Butreportfollowedreport—fasterandfaster.TwolegionslandedatCarthag.Fivelegions—fiftybrigades!—attackingtheDuke’smainbaseatArrakeen.AlegionatArsunt.TwobattlegroupsatSplinteredRock.Then the reports became more detailed—there were Imperial Sardaukar
amongtheattackers—possiblytwolegionsofthem.Anditbecameclearthattheinvadersknewpreciselywhichweightofarmstosendwhere.Precisely!SuperbIntelligence.Hawat’sshockedfuryhadmounteduntilitthreatenedthesmoothfunctioning
ofhisMentatcapabilities.Thesizeoftheattackstruckhismindlikeaphysicalblow.Now,hidingbeneathabitofdesertrock,henoddedtohimself,pulledhistorn
andslashedtunicaroundhimasthoughwardingoffthecoldshadows.Thesizeoftheattack.He had always expected their enemy to hire an occasional lighter from the
Guild for probing raids. That was an ordinary enough gambit in this kind ofHouse-to-Housewarfare. Lighters landed and took off onArrakis regularly totransport the spice for House Atreides. Hawat had taken precautions againstrandomraidsbyfalsespice lighters.Forafullattack they’dexpectednomorethantenbrigades.But there were more than two thousand ships down on Arrakis at the last
count—not just lighters, but frigates, scouts,monitors, crushers, troop-carriers,dump-boxes....Morethanahundredbrigades—tenlegions!TheentirespiceincomeofArrakisforfiftyyearsmightjustcoverthecostof
suchaventure.Itmight.IunderestimatedwhattheBaronwaswillingtospendinattackingus,Hawat
thought.IfailedmyDuke.Thentherewasthematterofthetraitor.Iwilllivelongenoughtoseeherstrangled!hethought.Ishould’vekilledthat
BeneGesseritwitchwhenIhadthechance.Therewasnodoubtinhismindwhohadbetrayedthem—theLadyJessica.Shefittedallthefactsavailable.“YourmanGurneyHalleckandpartofhis forcearesafewithoursmuggler
friends,”theFremensaid.“Good.”
SoGurneywillgetoffthishellplanet.We’renotallgone.Hawat glancedback at thehuddle of hismen.Hehad started thenight just
pastwiththreehundredofhisfinest.Ofthose,aneventwentyremainedandhalfofthemwerewounded.Someofthemsleptnow,standingup,leaningagainsttherock,sprawledonthesandbeneaththerock.Theirlast’thopter,theonethey’dbeenusingasaground-effectmachinetocarrytheirwounded,hadgivenoutjustbeforedawn.Theyhadcutitupwithlasgunsandhiddenthepieces,thenworkedtheirwaydownintothishidingplaceattheedgeofthebasin.Hawathadonlyaroughideaoftheirlocation—sometwohundredkilometers
southeastofArrakeen.Themain traveledwaysbetween theShieldWallsietchcommunitiesweresomewheresouthofthem.TheFremenacrossfromHawatthrewbackhishoodandstillsuitcaptoreveal
sandy hair and beard. The hair was combed straight back from a high, thinforehead. He had the unreadable total blue eyes of the spice diet. Beard andmustachewerestainedatonesideofthemouth,hishairmattedtherebypressureoftheloopingcatchtubefromhisnoseplugs.Themanremovedhisplugs,readjustedthem.Herubbedatascarbesidehis
nose.“If you cross the sink here this night,” the Fremen said, “youmust not use
shields.Thereisabreakinthewall....”Heturnedonhisheels,pointedsouth.“...there,anditisopensanddowntotheerg.Shieldswillattracta....”Hehesitated.“... worm. They don’t often come in here, but a shield will bring one everytime.”He saidworm,Hawat thought.Hewas going to say something else.What?
Andwhatdoeshewantofus?Hawatsighed.Hecouldnotrecalleverbeforebeingthistired.Itwasamusclewearinessthat
energypillswereunabletoease.ThosedamnableSardaukar!With a self-accusing bitterness, he faced the thought of the soldier-fanatics
andtheImperial treacherytheyrepresented.HisownMentatassessmentofthedatatoldhimhowlittlechancehehadevertopresentevidenceofthistreacherybeforetheHighCounciloftheLandsraadwherejusticemightbedone.“Doyouwishtogotothesmugglers?”theFremenasked.“Isitpossible?”“Thewayislong.”“Fremendon’tliketosayno,”Idahohadtoldhimonce.
Hawat said: “You haven’t yet told me whether your people can help mywounded.”“Theyarewounded.”Thesamedamnedanswereverytime!“Weknowthey’rewounded!”Hawatsnapped.“That’snotthe—”“Peace, friend,” the Fremen cautioned. “What do your wounded say? Are
therethoseamongthemwhocanseethewaterneedofyourtribe?”“Wehaven’ttalkedaboutwater,”Hawatsaid.“We—”“Icanunderstandyourreluctance,”theFremensaid.“Theyareyourfriends,
yourtribesmen.Doyouhavewater?”“Notenough.”TheFremengesturedtoHawat’stunic,theskinexposedbeneathit.“Youwere
caughtin-sietch,withoutyoursuits.Youmustmakeawaterdecision,friend.”“Canwehireyourhelp?”TheFremenshrugged.“Youhavenowater.”Heglancedatthegroupbehind
Hawat.“Howmanyofyourwoundedwouldyouspend?”Hawat fell silent, staring at the man. He could see as a Mentat that their
communicationwasoutofphase.Word-soundswerenotbeinglinkeduphereinthenormalmanner.“I am Thufir Hawat,” he said. “I can speak for my Duke. I will make
promissory commitment now for your help. I wish a limited form of help,preservingmyforcelongenoughonlytokillatraitorwhothinksherselfbeyondvengeance.”Youwishoursidinginavendetta?”“ThevendettaI’llhandlemyself. Iwish tobefreedofresponsibilityformy
woundedthatImaygetaboutit.”TheFremenscowled.“Howcanyouberesponsibleforyourwounded?They
aretheirownresponsibility.Thewater’satissue,ThufirHawat.Wouldyouhavemetakethatdecisionawayfromyou?”Themanputahandtoaweaponconcealedbeneathhisrobe.Hawattensed,wondering:Istherebetrayalhere?“Whatdoyoufear?”theFremendemanded.These people and their disconcerting directness! Hawat spoke cautiously.
“There’sapriceonmyhead.”“Ah-h-h-h.”TheFremenremovedhishandfromhisweapon.“Youthinkwe
have theByzantine corruption.You don’t know us. TheHarkonnens have notwaterenoughtobuythesmallestchildamongus.”
ButtheyhadthepriceofGuildpassageformorethantwothousandfightingships,Hawatthought.Andthesizeofthatpricestillstaggeredhim.“WebothfightHarkonnens,”Hawatsaid.“Shouldwenotsharetheproblems
andwaysofmeetingthebattleissue?”“Wearesharing,” theFremensaid.“IhaveseenyoufightHarkonnens.You
aregood.There’vebeentimesI’dhaveappreciatedyourarmbesideme.”“Saywheremyarmmayhelpyou,”Hawatsaid.“Whoknows?”theFremenasked.“ThereareHarkonnenforceseverywhere.
Butyoustillhavenotmadethewaterdecisionorputittoyourwounded.”I must be cautious, Hawat told himself. There’s a thing here that’s not
understood.Hesaid:“Willyoushowmeyourway,theArrakeenway?”“Stranger-thinking,” theFremen said, and therewas a sneer in his tone.He
pointed to thenorthwestacross theclifftop.“Wewatchedyoucomeacross thesandlastnight.”Heloweredhisarm.“Youkeepyourforceontheslip-faceofthedunes.Bad.Youhavenostillsuits,nowater.Youwillnotlastlong.”“ThewaysofArrakisdon’tcomeeasily,”Hawatsaid.“Truth.Butwe’vekilledHarkonnens.”“Whatdoyoudowithyourownwounded?”Hawatdemanded.“Doesamannotknowwhenhe isworthsaving?” theFremenasked.“Your
woundedknowyouhavenowater.”Hetiltedhishead, lookingsidewaysupatHawat.“Thisisclearlyatimeforwaterdecision.Bothwoundedandunwoundedmustlooktothetribe’sfuture.”Thetribe’sfuture,Hawatthought.ThetribeofAtreides.There’ssenseinthat.
Heforcedhimselftothequestionhehadbeenavoiding.“HaveyouwordofmyDukeorhisson?”UnreadableblueeyesstaredupwardintoHawat’s.“Word?”“Theirfate!”Hawatsnapped.“Fateisthesameforeveryone,”theFremensaid.“YourDuke,itissaid,has
methisfate.AstotheLisanal-Gaib,hisson,thatisinLiet’shands.Liethasnotsaid.”Iknewtheanswerwithoutasking,Hawatthought.Heglancedbackathismen.Theywereallawakenow.Theyhadheard.They
werestaringoutacross thesand, therealization in theirexpressions: therewasnoreturningtoCaladanforthem,andnowArrakiswaslost.HawatturnedbacktotheFremen.“HaveyouheardofDuncanIdaho?”“Hewas in the great housewhen the shieldwent down,” the Fremen said.
“ThisI’veheard...nomore.”ShedroppedtheshieldandletintheHarkonnens,hethought.Iwas theone
whosatwithmyback toadoor.Howcouldshedo thiswhen itmeant turningalsoagainstherownson?But...whoknowshowaBeneGesseritwitchthinks...ifyoucancallitthinking?Hawattriedtoswallowinadrythroat.“Whenwillyouhearabouttheboy?”“WeknowlittleofwhathappensinArrakeen,”theFremensaid.Heshrugged.
“Whoknows?”“Youhavewaysoffindingout?”“Perhaps.”TheFremen rubbedat the scarbesidehisnose. “Tellme,Thufir
Hawat,doyouhaveknowledgeofthebigweaponstheHarkonnensused?”The artillery, Hawat thought bitterly.Who could have guessed they’d use
artilleryinthisdayofshields?“Yourefertotheartillerytheyusedtotrapourpeopleinthecaves,”hesaid.
“I’ve...theoreticalknowledgeofsuchexplosiveweapons.”“Anymanwho retreats intoacavewhichhasonlyoneopeningdeserves to
die,”theFremensaid.“Whydoyouaskabouttheseweapons?”“Lietwishesit.”Isthatwhathewantsfromus?Hawatwondered.Hesaid:“Didyoucomehere
seekinginformationaboutthebigguns?”“Lietwishedtoseeoneoftheweaponsforhimself.”“Thenyoushouldjustgotakeone,”Hawatsneered.“Yes,” theFremensaid.“Wetookone.Wehave ithiddenwhereStilgarcan
studyitforLietandwhereLietcanseeitforhimselfifhewishes.ButIdoubthe’llwantto:theweaponisnotaverygoodone.PoordesignforArrakis.”“You...tookone?”Hawatasked.“Itwasagoodfight,”theFremensaid.“Welostonlytwomenandspilledthe
waterfrommorethanahundredoftheirs.”There were Sardaukar at every gun, Hawat thought. This desert madman
speakscasuallyoflosingonlytwomenagainstSardaukar!“Wewouldnothave lost the twoexcept for thoseothers fightingbeside the
Harkonnens,”theFremensaid.“Someofthosearegoodfighters.”OneofHawat’smen limped forward, lookeddownat the squattingFremen.
“AreyoutalkingaboutSardaukar?”“He’stalkingaboutSardaukar,”Hawatsaid.“Sardaukar!”theFremensaid,andthereappearedtobegleeinhisvoice.“Ah-
h-h, so that’swhat they are!Thiswas a good night indeed. Sardaukar.Whichlegion?Doyouknow?”“We...don’tknow,”Hawatsaid.“Sardaukar,” theFremenmused.“Yet theywearHarkonnenclothing. Is that
notstrange?”“The Emperor does not wish it known he fights against a Great House,”
Hawatsaid.“ButyouknowtheyareSardaukar.”“WhoamI?”Hawataskedbitterly.“YouareThufirHawat,”themansaidmatter-of-factly.“Well,wewouldhave
learned it in time.We’vesent threeof themcaptive tobequestionedbyLiet’smen.”Hawat’s aide spoke slowly, disbelief in every word: “You ... captured
Sardaukar?”“Onlythreeofthem,”theFremensaid.“Theyfoughtwell.”Ifonlywe’dhadthetimetolinkupwiththeseFremen,Hawatthought.Itwas
a sour lament in hismind. If onlywe could’ve trained them and armed them.GreatMother,whatafightingforcewe’dhavehad!“Perhaps you delay because of worry over the Lisan al-Gaib,” the Fremen
said. “If he is truly the Lisan al-Gaib, harm cannot touch him. Do not spendthoughtsonamatterwhichhasnotbeenproved.”“Iservethe ...Lisanal-Gaib,”Hawatsaid.“Hiswelfare ismyconcern.I’ve
pledgedmyselftothis.”“Youarepledgedtohiswater?”Hawatglancedathisaide,whowas still staringat theFremen, returnedhis
attentiontothesquattingfigure.“Tohiswater,yes.”“YouwishtoreturntoArrakeen,totheplaceofhiswater?”“To...yes,totheplaceofhiswater.”“Whydidyounotsayatfirst itwasawatermatter?”TheFremenstoodup,
seatedhisnoseplugsfirmly.Hawatmotionedwithhisheadforhisaidetoreturntotheothers.Withatired
shrug,themanobeyed.Hawatheardalow-voicedconversationariseamongthemen.TheFremensaid:“Thereisalwaysawaytowater.”BehindHawat,amancursed.Hawat’saidecalled:“Thufir!Arkiejustdied.”TheFremenputafisttohisear.“Thebondofwater!It’sasign!”Hestaredat
Hawat.“Wehaveaplacenearbyforacceptingthewater.ShallIcallmymen?”
The aide returned to Hawat’s side, said: “Thufir, a couple of the men leftwivesinArrakeen.They’re...well,youknowhowitisatatimelikethis.”The Fremen still held his fist to his ear. “Is it the bond of water, Thufir
Hawat?”hedemanded.Hawat’smindwasracing.HesensednowthedirectionoftheFremen’swords,
but feared the reaction of the tired men under the rock overhang when theyunderstoodit.“Thebondofwater,”Hawatsaid.“Letourtribesbejoined,”theFremensaid,andheloweredhisfist.As though that were the signal, fourmen slid and dropped down from the
rocksabovethem.Theydartedbackundertheoverhang,rolledthedeadmanina looserobe, liftedhimandbeganrunningwithhimalongthecliffwall to theright.Spurtsofdustliftedaroundtheirrunningfeet.ItwasoverbeforeHawat’stiredmencouldgathertheirwits.Thegroupwith
thebodyhanginglikeasackinitsenfoldingrobewasgonearoundaturninthecliff.OneofHawat’smenshouted:“WheretheygoingwithArkie?Hewas—”“They’retakinghimto...buryhim,”Hawatsaid.“Fremendon’tburytheirdead!”themanbarked.“Don’tyoutryanytrickson
us,Thufir.Weknowwhattheydo.Arkiewasoneof—”“ParadiseweresureforamanwhodiedintheserviceofLisanal-Gaib,”the
Fremensaid.“IfitistheLisanal-Gaibyouserve,asyouhavesaidit,whyraisemourningcries?Thememoryofonewhodiedinthisfashionwillliveaslongasthememoryofmanendures.”ButHawat’smenadvanced, angry lookson their faces.Onehad captured a
lasgun.Hestartedtodrawit.“Stoprightwhereyouare!”Hawatbarked.Hefoughtdownthesickfatigue
thatgrippedhismuscles.“Thesepeoplerespectourdead.Customsdiffer,butthemeaning’sthesame.”“They’regoingtorenderArkiedownforhiswater,”themanwiththelasgun
snarled.“Isitthatyourmenwishtoattendtheceremony?”theFremenasked.Hedoesn’tevenseetheproblem,Hawat thought.Thenaïvetéof theFremen
wasfrightening.“They’reconcernedforarespectedcomrade,”Hawatsaid.“Wewilltreatyourcomradewiththesamereverencewetreatourown,”the
Fremensaid.“Thisisthebondofwater.Weknowtherites.Aman’sfleshishis
own;thewaterbelongstothetribe.”Hawatspokequicklyasthemanwiththelasgunadvancedanotherstep.“Will
younowhelpourwounded?”“Onedoesnotquestionthebond,”theFremensaid.“Wewilldoforyouwhat
a tribe does for its own. First, we must get all of you suited and see to thenecessities.”Themanwiththelasgunhesitated.Hawat’saidesaid:“ArewebuyinghelpwithArkie’s...water?”“Notbuying,”Hawatsaid.“We’vejoinedthesepeople.”“Customsdiffer,”oneofhismenmuttered.Hawatbegantorelax.“Andthey’llhelpusgettoArrakeen?”“Wewill killHarkonnens,” the Fremen said.He grinned. “AndSardaukar.”
Hesteppedbackward,cuppedhishandsbesidehisearsandtippedhisheadback,listening. Presently, he lowered his hands, said: “An aircraft comes. Concealyourselvesbeneaththerockandremainmotionless.”AtagesturefromHawat,hismenobeyed.TheFremen tookHawat’s arm, pressed himbackwith the others. “Wewill
fight in the time of fighting,” the man said. He reached beneath his robes,broughtoutasmallcage,liftedacreaturefromit.Hawatrecognizedatinybat.ThebatturneditsheadandHawatsawitsblue-
within-blueeyes.The Fremen stroked the bat, soothing it, crooning to it. He bent over the
animal’s head, allowed a drop of saliva to fall from his tongue into the bat’supturned mouth. The bat stretched its wings, but remained on the Fremen’sopened hand. The man took a tiny tube, held it beside the bat’s head andchatteredintothetube;then,liftingthecreaturehigh,hethrewitupward.Thebatswoopedawaybesidethecliffandwaslosttosight.The Fremen folded the cage, thrust it beneath his robe. Again, he bent his
head, listening. “They quarter the high country,” he said. “One wonders whotheyseekupthere.”“It’sknownthatweretreatedinthisdirection,”Hawatsaid.“Oneshouldneverpresumeoneisthesoleobjectofahunt,”theFremensaid.
“Watchtheothersideofthebasin.Youwillseeathing.”Timepassed.SomeofHawat’smenstirred,whispering.“Remainsilentasfrightenedanimals,”theFremenhissed.
Hawat discernedmovement near the opposite cliff—flitting blurs of tan ontan.“My little friend carried his message,” the Fremen said. “He is a good
messenger—dayornight.I’llbeunhappytolosethatone.”Themovementacrossthesinkfadedaway.Ontheentirefourtofivekilometer
expanseofsandnothingremainedbutthegrowingpressureoftheday’sheat—blurredcolumnsofrisingair.“Bemostsilentnow,”theFremenwhispered.Afileofploddingfiguresemergedfromabreakintheoppositecliff,headed
directlyacrossthesink.ToHawat,theyappearedtobeFremen,butacuriouslyineptband.Hecountedsixmenmakingheavygoingofitoverthedunes.A “thwok-thwok” of ornithopter wings sounded high to the right behind
Hawat’s group. The craft came over the cliff wall above them—an Atreides‘thopter with Harkonnen battle colors splashed on it. The ’thopter swoopedtowardthemencrossingthesink.Thegrouptherestoppedonadunecrest,waved.The ‘thopter circledonceover them in a tight curve, cameback for a dust-
shrouded landing in frontof theFremen.Fivemenswarmed from the ’thopterandHawat saw thedust-repellent shimmeringof shieldsand, in theirmotions,thehardcompetenceofSardaukar.“Aiihh!Theyuse their stupidshields,” theFremenbesideHawathissed.He
glancedtowardtheopensouthwallofthesink.“TheyareSardaukar,”Hawatwhispered.“Good.”TheSardaukarapproachedthewaitinggroupofFremeninanenclosinghalf-
circle.Sunglintedonbladesheldready.TheFremenstoodinacompactgroup,apparentlyindifferent.Abruptly,thesandaroundthetwogroupssproutedFremen.Theywereatthe
ornithopter, then in it.Where the twogroupshadmetat thedunecrest,adustcloudpartlyobscuredviolentmotion.Presently,dustsettled.OnlyFremenremainedstanding.“They left only threemen in their ’thopter,” theFremenbesideHawat said.
“Thatwasfortunate.Idon’tbelievewehadtodamagethecraftintakingit.”BehindHawat,oneofhismenwhispered:“ThosewereSardaukar!”“Didyounoticehowwelltheyfought?”theFremenasked.Hawat took a deep breath.He smelled the burned dust around him, felt the
heat, thedryness. In a voice tomatch that dryness, he said: “Yes, they fought
well,indeed.”Thecaptured’thoptertookoffwithalurchingflapofwings,angledupwardto
thesouthinasteep,wing-tuckedclimb.SotheseFremencanhandle’thopters,too,Hawatthought.Onthedistantdune,aFremenwavedasquareofgreencloth:once...twice.“Morecome!”theFremenbesideHawatbarked.“Beready.I’dhopedtohave
usawaywithoutmoreinconvenience.”Inconvenience!Hawatthought.Hesaw twomore ’thopters swooping fromhigh in thewestontoanareaof
sand suddenly devoid of visible Fremen. Only eight splotches of blue—thebodies of the Sardaukar in Harkonnen uniforms—remained at the scene ofviolence.Another’thopterglidedinoverthecliffwallaboveHawat.Hedrewinasharp
breath as he saw it—a big troop-carrier. It flew with the slow, spread-wingheavinessofafullload—likeagiantbirdcomingtoitsnest.In the distance, the purple finger of a lasgun beam flicked from one of the
diving’thopters.Itlacedacrossthesand,raisingasharptrailofdust.“Thecowards!”theFremenbesideHawatrasped.Thetroopcarriersettledtowardthepatchofblue-cladbodies.Itswingscrept
outtofullreach,beganthecuppingactionofaquickstop.Hawat’s attention was caught by a flash of sun on metal to the south, a
‘thopterplummetingthereinapowerdive,wingsfoldedflatagainstitssides,itsjetsagolden flareagainst thedark silveredgrayof the sky. Itplunged likeanarrow toward the troop carrier which was unshielded because of the lasgunactivityaroundit.Straightintothecarrierthediving’thopterplunged.Aflamingroarshookthebasin.Rockstumbledfromthecliffwallsallaround.
A geyser of red-orange shot skyward from the sandwhere the carrier and itscompanion’thoptershadbeen—everythingtherecaughtintheflame.ItwastheFremenwhotookoff in thatcaptured’thopter,Hawatthought.He
deliberatelysacrificedhimselftogetthatcarrier.GreatMother!WhataretheseFremen?“A reasonable exchange,” said the Fremen beside Hawat. “There must’ve
been three hundredmen in that carrier. Now, wemust see to their water andmakeplanstogetanotheraircraft.”Hestartedtostepoutoftheirrock-shadowedconcealment.Arainofblueuniformscameoverthecliffwallinfrontofhim,fallinginlow-
suspensorslowness.Intheflashinginstant,Hawathadtimetoseethattheywere
Sardaukar, hard faces set in battle frenzy, that theywere unshielded and eachcarriedaknifeinonehand,astunnerintheother.AthrownknifecaughtHawat’sFremencompanioninthethroat,hurlinghim
backward, twisting face down. Hawat had only time to draw his own knifebeforeblacknessofastunnerprojectilefelledhim.
Muad‘DibcouldindeedseetheFuture,butyoumustunderstandthelimitsofthispower.Thinkofsight.Youhaveeyes,yetcannotseewithoutlight.Ifyouareonthefloorofavalley,youcannotseebeyondyourvalley.Justso,Muad’Dibcouldnotalways choose to look across the mysterious terrain. He tells us that a singleobscuredecisionofprophecy,perhapsthechoiceofonewordoveranother,couldchangetheentireaspectofthefuture.Hetellsus“Thevisionoftimeisbroad,butwhenyoupassthroughit,timebecomesanarrowdoor.”Andalways,hefoughtthetemptation to choose a clear, safe course,warning “That path leads ever downintostagnation.”
—from“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
As THE ornithopters glided out of the night above them, Paul grabbed hismother’sarm,snapped:“Don’tmove!”Thenhesawtheleadcraftinthemoonlight,thewayitswingscuppedtobrake
forlanding,therecklessdashofthehandsatthecontrols.“It’sIdaho,”hebreathed.The craft and its companions settled into the basin like a covey of birds
comingtonest.Idahowasoutofhis’thopterandrunningtowardthembeforethedust settled.Two figures inFremen robes followedhim.Paul recognized one:thetall,sandy-beardedKynes.“Thisway!”Kynescalledandheveeredleft.Behind Kynes, other Fremen were throwing fabric covers over their
ornithopters.Thecraftbecamearowofshallowdunes.IdahoskiddedtoastopinfrontofPaul,saluted.“M’Lord,theFremenhavea
temporaryhidingplacenearbywherewe—”“Whataboutthatbackthere?”Paulpointed to theviolenceabove thedistantcliff—the jetflares, thepurple
beamsoflasgunslacingthedesert.A rare smile touched Idaho’s round, placid face. “M’Lord ... Sire, I’ve left
themalittlesur—”Glaringwhite light filled the desert—bright as a sun, etching their shadows
ontotherockflooroftheledge.Inonesweepingmotion,IdahohadPaul’sarminonehand,Jessica’sshoulderintheother,hurlingthemdownofftheledgeintothe basin. They sprawled together in the sand as the roar of an explosionthunderedoverthem.Itsshockwavetumbledchipsofftherockledgetheyhadvacated.
Idahosatup,brushedsandfromhimself.“Notthefamilyatomics!”Jessicasaid.“Ithought—”“Youplantedashieldbackthere,”Paulsaid.“Abigoneturnedtofullforce,”Idahosaid.“Alasgunbeamtoucheditand....”
Heshrugged.“Subatomicfusion,”Jessicasaid.“That’sadangerousweapon.”“Not weapon, m’Lady, defense. That scum will think twice before using
lasgunsanothertime.”TheFremen from theornithopters stoppedabove them.Onecalled ina low
voice:“Weshouldgetundercover,friends.”PaulgottohisfeetasIdahohelpedJessicaup.“Thatblastwillattractconsiderableattention,Sire,”Idahosaid.Sire,Paulthought.Theword had such a strange soundwhen directed at him. Sire had always
beenhisfather.He felt himself touched briefly by his powers of prescience, seeing himself
infected by thewild race consciousness that wasmoving the human universetoward chaos.Thevision left him shaken, andhe allowed Idaho to guidehimalong theedgeof thebasin toa rockprojection.Fremen therewereopeningawaydownintothesandwiththeircompactiontools.“MayItakeyourpack,Sire?”Idahoasked.“It’snotheavy,Duncan,”Paulsaid.“Youhavenobodyshield,”Idahosaid.“Doyouwishmine?”Heglancedat
thedistantcliff.“Notlikelythere’llbeanymorelasgunactivityabout.”“Keepyourshield,Duncan.Yourrightarmisshieldenoughforme.”Jessicasawthewaythepraise tookeffect,howIdahomovedcloser toPaul,
andshethought:Suchasurehandmysonhaswithhispeople.TheFremenremovedarockplugthatopenedapassagedownintothenative
basementcomplexofthedesert.Acamouflagecoverwasriggedfortheopening.“Thisway,” one of the Fremen said, and he led themdown rock steps into
darkness.Behind them, the cover blotted out themoonlight.A dim green glow came
aliveahead,revealingthestepsandrockwalls,aturntotheleft.RobedFremenwereallaroundthemnow,pressingdownward.Theyroundedthecorner,foundanotherdown-slantingpassage.Itopenedintoaroughcavechamber.Kynesstoodbeforethem,jubbahoodthrownback.Theneckofhisstill-suit
glisteninginthegreenlight.Hislonghairandbeardweremussed.Theblueeyes
withoutwhiteswereadarknessunderheavybrows.In themomentofencounter,Kyneswonderedathimself:Whyam Ihelping
these people? It’s themost dangerous thing I’ve ever done. It could doommewiththem.ThenhelookedsquarelyatPaul,seeingtheboywhohadtakenonthemantle
ofmanhood,maskinggrief,suppressingallexceptthepositionthatnowmustbeassumed—thedukedom.AndKynesrealizedinthatmomentthedukedomstillexistedandsolelybecauseof thisyouth—and thiswasnota thing tobe takenlightly.Jessicaglancedoncearound thechamber, registering it onher senses in the
BeneGesseritway—alaboratory,acivilplacefullofanglesandsquaresintheancientmanner.“ThisisoneoftheImperialEcologicalTestingStationsmyfatherwantedas
advancebases,”Paulsaid.Hisfatherwanted!Kynesthought.And againKyneswondered at himself.Am I foolish to aid these fugitives?
WhyamIdoingit?It’dbesoeasytotakethemnow,tobuytheHarkonnentrustwiththem.Paul followed his mother’s example, gestalting the room, seeing the
workbenchdownone side, thewalls of featureless rock. Instruments lined thebench—dials glowing, wire gridex planes with fluting glass emerging fromthem.Anozonesmellpermeatedtheplace.SomeoftheFremenmovedonaroundaconcealingangleinthechamberand
newsoundsstarted there—machinecoughs, thewhinniesofspinningbeltsandmultidrives.Paul looked to the end of the room, saw cageswith small animals in them
stackedagainstthewall.“You’ve recognized this place correctly,”Kynes said. “Forwhatwould you
usesuchaplace,PaulAtreides?”“Tomakethisplanetafitplaceforhumans,”Paulsaid.Perhapsthat’swhyIhelpthem,Kynesthought.Themachine sounds abruptly hummed away to silence. Into this void there
cameathinanimalsqueakfromthecages.Itwascutoffabruptlyasthoughinembarrassment.Paul returned his attention to the cages, saw that the animals were brown-
wingedbats.Anautomaticfeederextendedfromthesidewallacrossthecages.A Fremen emerged from the hidden area of the chamber, spoke to Kynes:
“Liet,thefield-generatorequipmentisnotworking.Iamunabletomaskusfromproximitydetectors.”“Canyourepairit?”Kynesasked.“Notquickly.Theparts....”Themanshrugged.“Yes,”Kynessaid.“Thenwe’lldowithoutmachinery.Getahandpumpfor
airouttothesurface.”“Immediately.”Themanhurriedaway.KynesturnedbacktoPaul.“Yougaveagoodanswer.”Jessica marked the easy rumble of the man’s voice. It was a royal voice,
accustomedtocommand.AndshehadnotmissedthereferencetohimasLiet.LietwastheFremenalterego,theotherfaceofthetameplanetologist.“We’remostgratefulforyourhelp,DoctorKynes,”shesaid.“Mm-m-m, we’ll see,” Kynes said. He nodded to one of his men. “Spice
coffeeinmyquarters,Shamir.”“Atonce,Liet,”themansaid.Kynes indicated anarchedopening in the sidewall of the chamber. “If you
please?”Jessicaallowedherselfaregalnodbeforeaccepting.ShesawPaulgiveahand
signaltoIdaho,tellinghimtomountguardhere.The passage, two paces deep, opened through a heavy door into a square
officelightedbygoldenglowglobes.Jessicapassedherhandacrossthedoorassheentered,wasstartledtoidentifyplasteel.Paul stepped three paces into the room, dropped his pack to the floor. He
heardthedoorclosebehindhim,studiedtheplace—abouteightmeterstoaside,walls of natural rock, curry-colored, broken by metal filing cabinets on theirright.A lowdeskwithmilkglass topshot fullofyellowbubblesoccupied theroom’scenter.Foursuspensorchairsringedthedesk.KynesmovedaroundPaul,heldachairforJessica.Shesatdown,notingthe
wayhersonexaminedtheroom.Paul remained standing foranothereyeblink.A faint anomaly in the room’s
air currents told him there was a secret exit to their right behind the filingcabinets.“Willyousitdown,PaulAtreides?”Kynesasked.How carefully he avoids my title, Paul thought. But he accepted the chair,
remainedsilentwhileKynessatdown.“YousensethatArrakiscouldbeaparadise,”Kynessaid.“Yet,asyousee,the
Imperiumsendshereonlyitstrainedhatchetmen,itsseekersafterthespice!”
Paulhelduphisthumbwithitsducalsignet.“Doyouseethisring?”“Yes.”“Doyouknowitssignificance?”Jessicaturnedsharplytostareatherson.“Your father lies dead in the ruins of Arrakeen,” Kynes said. “You are
technicallytheDuke.”“I’masoldieroftheImperium,”Paulsaid,“technicallyahatchetman.”Kynesfacedarkened.“EvenwiththeEmperor’sSardaukarstandingoveryour
father’sbody?”“TheSardaukar are one thing, the legal source ofmy authority is another,”
Paulsaid.“Arrakishasitsownwayofdeterminingwhowearsthemantleofauthority,”
Kynessaid.And Jessica, turningback to look at him, thought:There’s steel in thisman
thatnoonehastakenthetemperoutof...andwe’veneedofsteel.Paul’sdoingadangerousthing.Paulsaid:“TheSardaukaronArrakisareameasureofhowmuchourbeloved
Emperorfearedmyfather.Now,IwillgivethePadishahEmperorreasonstofearthe—”“Lad,”Kynessaid,“therearethingsyoudon’t—”“YouwilladdressmeasSireorMyLord,”Paulsaid.Gently,Jessicathought.Kynes stared at Paul, and Jessica noted the glint of admiration in the
planetologist’sface,thetouchofhumorthere.“Sire,”Kynessaid.“IamanembarrassmenttotheEmperor,”Paulsaid.“Iamanembarrassment
toallwhowoulddivideArrakisas theirspoil.AsI live, Ishallcontinue tobesuchanembarrassmentthatIstickintheirthroatsandchokethemtodeath!”“Words,”Kynessaid.Paulstaredathim.Presently,Paulsaid:“Youhavea legendof theLisanal-
Gaibhere,theVoicefromtheOuterWorld,theonewhowillleadtheFrementoparadise.Yourmenhave—”“Superstition!”Kynessaid.“Perhaps,” Paul agreed. “Yet perhaps not. Superstitions sometimes have
strangerootsandstrangerbranchings.”“Youhaveaplan,”Kynessaid.“Thismuchisobvious...Sire.”“Could your Fremen providemewith proof positive that the Sardaukar are
hereinHarkonnenuniform?”“Quitelikely.”“TheEmperorwillputaHarkonnenbackinpowerhere,”Paulsaid.“Perhaps
evenBeastRabban.Lethim.Oncehehasinvolvedhimselfbeyondescapinghisguilt,lettheEmperorfacethepossibilityofaBillofParticularslaidbeforetheLandsraad.Lethimanswertherewhere—”“Paul!”Jessicasaid.“Granted that the Landsraad High Council accepts your case,” Kynes said,
“therecouldbeonlyoneoutcome:generalwarfarebetween the ImperiumandtheGreatHouses.”“Chaos,”Jessicasaid.“But I’d present my case to the Emperor,” Paul said, “and give him an
alternativetochaos.”Jessicaspokeinadrytone:“Blackmail?”“Oneofthetoolsofstatecraft,asyou’vesaidyourself,”Paulsaid,andJessica
heardthebitternessinhisvoice.“TheEmperorhasnosons,onlydaughters.”“You’daimforthethrone?”Jessicaasked.“TheEmperorwillnotriskhavingtheImperiumshatteredbytotalwar,”Paul
said.“Planetsblasted,disordereverywhere—he’llnotriskthat.”“Thisisadesperategambleyoupropose,”Kynessaid.“WhatdotheGreatHousesof theLandsraadfearmost?”Paulasked.“They
fearmostwhatishappeninghererightnowonArrakis—theSardaukarpickingthemoff onebyone.That’swhy there is aLandsraad.This is theglueof theGreatConvention.OnlyinuniondotheymatchtheImperialforces.”“Butthey’re—”“This is what they fear,” Paul said. “Arrakis would become a rallying cry.
Eachofthemwouldseehimselfinmyfather—cutoutoftheherdandkilled.”KynesspoketoJessica:“Wouldhisplanwork?”“I’mnoMentat,”Jessicasaid.“ButyouareBeneGesserit.”She shot a probing stare at him, said: “His plan has good points and bad
points...asanyplanwouldatthisstage.Aplandependsasmuchuponexecutionasitdoesuponconcept.”“ ‘Law is the ultimate science,’ ” Paul quoted. “Thus it reads above the
Emperor’sdoor.Iproposetoshowhimlaw.”“AndI’mnotsureIcould trust thepersonwhoconceived thisplan,”Kynes
said.“Arrakishasitsownplanthatwe—”
“From the throne,” Paul said, “I couldmake a paradise ofArrakiswith thewaveofahand.ThisisthecoinIofferforyoursupport.”Kynesstiffened.“Myloyalty’snotforsale,Sire.”Paul stared across the desk at him, meeting the cold glare of those blue-
within-blue eyes, studying the bearded face, the commanding appearance. AharshsmiletouchedPaul’slipsandhesaid:“Wellspoken.Iapologize.”Kynes met Paul’s stare and, presently, said: “No Harkonnen ever admitted
error.Perhapsyou’renotlikethem,Atreides.”“Itcouldbeafaultintheireducation,”Paulsaid.“Yousayyou’renotforsale,
but IbelieveI’ve thecoinyou’llaccept.Foryour loyalty Ioffermy loyalty toyou...totally.”My son has theAtreides sincerity, Jessica thought.Hehas that tremendous,
almostnaïvehonor—andwhatapowerfulforcethattrulyis.ShesawthatPaul’swordshadshakenKynes.“Thisisnonsense,”Kynessaid.“You’rejustaboyand—”“I’m the Duke,” Paul said. “I’m an Atreides. NoAtreides has ever broken
suchabond.”Kynesswallowed.“WhenIsaytotally,”Paulsaid,“Imeanwithoutreservation.Iwouldgivemy
lifeforyou.”“Sire!”Kynessaid,andthewordwastornfromhim,butJessicasawthathe
wasnotnowspeakingtoaboyoffifteen,buttoaman,toasuperior.NowKynesmeanttheword.In thismomenthe’dgivehis life forPaul,shethought.Howdo theAtreides
accomplishthisthingsoquickly,soeasily?“Iknowyoumeanthis,”Kynessaid.“YettheHarkon—”The door behind Paul slammed open.Hewhirled to see reeling violence—
shouting,theclashofsteel,wax-imagefacesgrimacinginthepassage.Withhismotherbesidehim,Paulleapedforthedoor,seeingIdahoblocking
thepassage,hisblood-pittedeyestherevisiblethroughashieldblur,clawhandsbeyondhim,arcsofsteelchoppingfutilelyat theshield.Therewastheorangefire-mouthofastunnerrepelledbytheshield.Idaho’sbladeswerethroughitall,flick-flicking,reddrippingfromthem.ThenKyneswasbesidePaulandtheythrewtheirweightagainstthedoor.Paul had one last glimpse of Idaho standing against a swarmofHarkonnen
uniforms—his jerking, controlled staggers, the black goat hair with a redblossom of death in it. Then the door was closed and there came a snick as
Kynesthrewthebolts.“Iappearto’vedecided,”Kynessaid.“Someonedetectedyourmachinerybefore itwasshutdown,”Paulsaid.He
pulledhismotherawayfromthedoor,metthedespairinhereyes.“Ishould’vesuspectedtroublewhenthecoffeefailedtoarrive,”Kynessaid.“You’veaboltholeoutofhere,”Paulsaid.“Shallweuseit?”Kynes took a deep breath, said: “This door should hold for at least twenty
minutesagainstallbutalasgun.”“They’llnotusealasgunforfearwe’veshieldsonthisside,”Paulsaid.“ThosewereSardaukarinHarkonnenuniform,”Jessicawhispered.Theycouldhearpoundingonthedoornow,rhythmicblows.Kynesindicatedthecabinetsagainsttheright-handwall,said:“Thisway.”He
crossedtothefirstcabinet,openedadrawer,manipulatedahandlewithinit.Theentirewallofcabinetsswungopentoexposetheblackmouthofatunnel.“Thisdooralsoisplasteel,”Kynessaid.“Youwerewellprepared,”Jessicasaid.“We lived under the Harkonnens for eighty years,” Kynes said. He herded
themintothedarkness,closedthedoor.Inthesuddenblackness,Jessicasawaluminousarrowontheflooraheadof
her.Kynes’ voice came from behind them: “We’ll separate here. This wall is
tougher. It’ll stand for at least anhour.Follow thearrows like thatoneon thefloor. They’ll be extinguished by your passage. They lead through a maze toanother exit where I’ve secreted a ‘thopter. There’s a storm across the deserttonight.Youronlyhopeistorunforthatstorm,diveintothetopofit,ridewithit.Mypeoplehavedonethisinstealing’thopters.Ifyoustayhighinthestormyou’llsurvive.”“Whatofyou?”Paulasked.“I’ll try to escape another way. If I’m captured ... well, I’m still Imperial
Planetologist.IcansayIwasyourcaptive.”Running like cowards, Paul thought.But how else can I live to avenge my
father?Heturnedtofacethedoor.Jessicaheardhimmove,said“Duncan’sdead,Paul.Yousawthewound.You
candonothingforhim.”“I’lltakefullpaymentforthemalloneday,”Paulsaid.“Notunlessyouhurrynow,”Kynessaid.Paulfelttheman’shandonhisshoulder.
“Wherewillwemeet,Kynes?”Paulasked.“I’llsendFremensearchingforyou.Thestorm’spathisknown.Hurrynow,
andtheGreatMothergiveyouspeedandluck.”Theyheardhimgo,ascramblingintheblackness.JessicafoundPaul’shand,pulledhimgently.“Wemustnotgetseparated,”she
said.“Yes.”Hefollowedheracross thefirstarrow,seeing itgoblackas they touched it.
Anotherarrowbeckonedahead.Theycrossedit,sawitextinguishitself,sawanotherarrowahead.Theywererunningnow.Plans within plans within plans within plans, Jessica thought. Have we
becomepartofsomeoneelse’splannow?Thearrowsledthemaroundturnings,pastsideopeningsonlydimlysensedin
thefaintluminescence.Theirwayslanteddownwardforatime,thenup,everup.They came finally to steps, rounded a corner and were brought short by aglowingwallwithadarkhandlevisibleinitscenter.Paulpressedthehandle.Thewallswungawayfromthem.Light flared to reveala rock-hewncavern
withanornithoptersquattinginitscenter.Aflatgraywallwithadoorsignonitloomedbeyondtheaircraft.“WheredidKynesgo?”Jessicaasked.“Hedidwhatanygoodguerrilla leaderwould,”Paulsaid.“Heseparatedus
into two parties and arranged that he couldn’t reveal where we are if he’scaptured.Hewon’treallyknow.”Pauldrewherintotheroom,notinghowtheirfeetkickedupdustonthefloor.“Noone’sbeenhereforalongtime,”hesaid.“HeseemedconfidenttheFremencouldfindus,”shesaid.“Isharethatconfidence.”Paul releasedherhand,crossed to theornithopter’s leftdoor,opened it, and
secured his pack in the rear. “This ship’s proximity masked,” he said.“Instrumentpanelhasremotedoorcontrol,lightcontrol.EightyyearsundertheHarkonnenstaughtthemtobethorough.”Jessicaleanedagainstthecraft’sotherside,catchingherbreath.“The Harkonnens will have a covering force over this area,” she said.
“They’re not stupid.” She considered her direction sense, pointed right. “Thestormwesawisthatway.”
Paulnodded, fighting an abrupt reluctance tomove.Heknew its cause, butfoundnohelpintheknowledge.Somewherethisnighthehadpassedadecision-nexusintothedeepunknown.Heknewthetime-areasurroundingthem,butthehere-and-nowexistedasaplaceofmystery.Itwasasthoughhehadseenhimselffromadistancegooutofsightdownintoavalley.Ofthecountlesspathsupoutofthatvalley,somemightcarryaPaulAtreidesbackintosight,butmanywouldnot.“Thelongerwewaitthebetterpreparedthey’llbe,”Jessicasaid.“Getinandstrapyourselfdown,”hesaid.Hejoinedherintheornithopter,stillwrestlingwiththethoughtthatthiswas
blind ground, unseen in any prescient vision. And he realized with an abruptsense of shock that he had been giving more and more reliance to prescientmemoryandithadweakenedhimforthisparticularemergency.“If you rely only on your eyes, your other senses weaken.” It was a Bene
Gesseritaxiom.Hetookittohimselfnow,promisingneveragaintofallintothattrap...ifhelivedthroughthis.Paulfastenedhissafetyharness,sawthathismotherwassecure,checkedthe
aircraft. The wings were at full spread-rest, their delicate metal interleavingsextended.Hetouchedtheretractorbar,watchedthewingsshortenforjet-boosttake-off the way Gurney Halleck had taught him. The starter switch movedeasily. Dials on the instrument panel came alive as the jetpods were armed.Turbinesbegantheirlowhissing.“Ready?”heasked.“Yes.”Hetouchedtheremotecontrolforlights.Darknessblanketedthem.Hishandwas a shadowagainst the luminousdials as he tripped the remote
doorcontrol.Gratingsoundedaheadofthem.Acascadeofsandswishedawaytosilence.AdustybreezetouchedPaul’scheeks.Heclosedhisdoor,feelingthesuddenpressure.Awidepatchofdust-blurredstarsframedinangulardarknessappearedwhere
thedoor-wallhadbeen.Starlightdefineda shelfbeyond, a suggestionof sandripples.Pauldepressed theglowingaction-sequence switchonhispanel.Thewings
snappedbackanddown,hurlingthe’thopteroutofitsnest.Powersurgedfromthejetpodsasthewingslockedintoliftattitude.Jessicaletherhandsridelightlyonthedualcontrols,feelingthesurenessof
herson’smovements.Shewasfrightened,yetexhilarated.Now,Paul’strainingisouronlyhope,shethought.Hisyouthandswiftness.Paul fedmorepower to the jetpods.The ’thopterbanked, sinking them into
theirseatsasadarkwall liftedagainst thestarsahead.Hegave thecraftmorewing,more power.Another burst of liftingwingbeats and they cameout overrocks,silver-frostedanglesandoutcroppingsinthestarlight.Thedust-reddenedsecondmoonshoweditselfabovethehorizontotheirright,definingtheribbontrailofthestorm.Paul’s handsdancedover the controls.Wings snicked in to beetle stubs.G-
forcepulledattheirfleshasthecraftcamearoundinatightbank.“Jetflaresbehindus!”Jessicasaid.“Isawthem.”Heslammedthepowerarmforward.Their ’thopter leaped like a frightened animal, surged southwest toward the
storm and the great curve of desert. In the near distance, Paul saw scatteredshadows tellingwhere the line of rocks ended, the basement complex sinkingbeneath the dunes. Beyond stretched moonlit fingernail shadows—dunesdiminishingoneintoanother.And above the horizon climbed the flat immensity of the storm like awall
againstthestars.Somethingjarredthe’thopter.“Shellburst!”Jessicagasped.“They’reusingsomekindofprojectileweapon.”ShesawasuddenanimalgrinonPaul’sface.“Theyseemtobeavoidingtheir
lasguns,”hesaid.“Butwe’venoshields!”“Dotheyknowthat?”Againthe’thoptershuddered.Paul twisted to peer back. “Only one of them appears to be fast enough to
keepupwithus.”Hereturnedhisattentiontotheircourse,watchingthestormwallgrowhighin
frontofthem.Itloomedlikeatangiblesolid.“Projectile launchers, rockets, all the ancient weaponry—that’s one thing
we’llgivetheFremen,”Paulwhispered.“Thestorm,”Jessicasaid.“Hadn’tyoubetterturn?”“Whatabouttheshipbehindus?”“He’spullingup.”“Now!”
Paulstubbedthewings,bankedhardleftintothedeceptivelyslowboilingofthestormwall,felthischeekspullintheG-force.They appeared to glide into a slow clouding of dust that grew heavier and
heavieruntilitblottedoutthedesertandthemoon.Theaircraftbecamealong,horizontal whisper of darkness lighted only by the green luminosity of theinstrumentpanel.ThroughJessica’smindflashedallthewarningsaboutsuchstorms—thatthey
cutmetal likebutter,etchedfleshtoboneandateawaythebones.Shefelt thebuffeting of dust-blanketedwind. It twisted them as Paul fought the controls.Shesawhimchopthepower,felttheshipbuck.Themetalaroundthemhissedandtrembled.“Sand!”Jessicashouted.Shesawthenegativeshakeofhisheadinthelightfromthepanel.“Notmuch
sandthishigh.”Butshecouldfeelthemsinkingdeeperintothemaelstrom.Paul sent the wings to their full soaring length, heard them creak with the
strain.Hekepthiseyesfixedontheinstruments,glidingbyinstinct,fightingforaltitude.Thesoundoftheirpassagediminished.The’thopterbeganrollingoff totheleft.Paulfocusedontheglowingglobe
withintheattitudecurve,foughthiscraftbacktolevelflight.Jessicahadtheeeriefeelingthattheywerestandingstill,thatallmotionwas
external.Avaguetanflowingagainstthewindows,arumblinghissremindedherofthepowersaroundthem.Winds to sevenoreighthundredkilometersanhour, she thought.Adrenalin
edginessgnawedather.Imustnotfear,shetoldherself,mouthingthewordsoftheBeneGesseritlitany.Fearisthemind-killer.Slowlyherlongyearsoftrainingprevailed.Calmnessreturned.“We have the tiger by the tail,” Paul whispered. “We can’t go down, can’t
land...andIdon’tthinkIcanliftusoutofthis.We’llhavetorideitout.”Calmnessdrainedoutofher. Jessica felt her teeth chattering, clamped them
together.ThensheheardPaul’svoice,lowandcontrolled,recitingthelitany:“Fearisthemind-killer.Fearisthelittledeaththatbringstotalobliteration.I
willfacemyfear.Iwillpermitittopassovermeandthroughme.AndwhenithasgonepastmeIwillturntoseefear’spath.Wherethefearhasgonetherewillbenothing.OnlyIwillremain.”
Whatdoyoudespise?Bythisareyoutrulyknown.—from“ManualofMuad‘Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
“THEY ARE dead, Baron,” said Iakin Nefud, the guard captain. “Both thewomanandtheboyarecertainlydead.”TheBaronVladimirHarkonnensatup in thesleepsuspensorsofhisprivate
quarters. Beyond these quarters and enclosing him like a multishelled eggstretched the space frigate he had grounded on Arrakis. Here in his quarters,though,theship’sharshmetalwasdisguisedwithdraperies,withfabricpaddingsandrareartobjects.“Itisacertainty,”theguardcaptainsaid.“Theyaredead.”TheBaronshiftedhisgrossbodyin thesuspensors, focusedhisattentionon
anebalinestatueofaleapingboyinanicheacrosstheroom.Sleepfadedfromhim. He straightened the padded suspensor beneath the fat folds of his neck,stared across the single glowglobe of his bedchamber to the doorway whereCaptainNefudstoodblockedbythepentashield.“They’recertainlydead,Baron,”themanrepeated.TheBaronnotedthetraceofsemutadullnessinNefud’seyes.Itwasobvious
themanhadbeendeepwithin thedrug’s rapturewhenhe received this report,andhadstoppedonlytotaketheantidotebeforerushinghere.“Ihaveafullreport,”Nefudsaid.Lethimsweatalittle, theBaronthought.Onemustalwayskeepthetoolsof
statecraftsharpandready.Powerandfear—sharpandready.“Haveyouseentheirbodies?”theBaronrumbled.Nefudhesitated.“Well?”“M‘Lord ... they were seen to dive into a sandstorm... winds over eight
hundred kilometers.Nothing survives such a storm,m’Lord.Nothing!One ofourowncraftwasdestroyedinthepursuit.”TheBaronstaredatNefud,notingthenervoustwitchinthescissorslineofthe
man’sjawmuscles,thewaythechinmovedasNefudswallowed.“Youhaveseenthebodies?”theBaronasked.“M’Lord—”“Forwhatpurposedoyoucomehererattlingyourarmor?”theBaronroared.
“Totellmeathingiscertainwhenitisnot?DoyouthinkI’llpraiseyouforsuchstupidity,giveyouanotherpromotion?”Nefud’sfacewentbonepale.Look at the chicken, the Baron thought. I am surrounded by such useless
clods. If I scattered sand before this creature and told him it was grain, he’dpeckatit:“ThemanIdaholedustothem,then?”theBaronasked.“Yes,m’Lord!”Lookhowheblurtsouthisanswer, theBaron thought.Hesaid:“Theywere
attemptingtofleetotheFremen,eh?”“Yes,m’Lord.”“Istheremoretothis...report?”“The Imperial Planetologist, Kynes, is involved, m’Lord. Idaho joined this
Kynes under mysterious circumstances... I might even say suspiciouscircumstances.”“So?”“They...ah,fledtogethertoaplaceinthedesertwhereit’sapparenttheboy
andhismotherwerehiding.Intheexcitementofthechase,severalofourgroupswerecaughtinalasgun-shieldexplosion.”“Howmanydidwelose?”“I’m...ah,notsureyet,m’Lord.”He’slying,theBaronthought.Itmust’vebeenprettybad.“TheImperiallackey,thisKynes,”theBaronsaid.“Hewasplayingadouble
game,eh?”“I’dstakemyreputationonit,m’Lord.”Hisreputation!“Havethemankilled,”theBaronsaid.“M’Lord!KynesistheImperialPlanetologist,HisMajesty’sownserv—”“Makeitlooklikeanaccident,then!”“M’Lord, there were Sardaukar with our forces in the subjugation of this
Fremennest.TheyhaveKynesincustodynow.”“Gethimawayfromthem.SayIwishtoquestionhim.”“Iftheydemur?”“Theywillnotifyouhandleitcorrectly.”Nefudswallowed.“Yes,m’Lord.”“Themanmustdie,”theBaronrumbled.“Hetriedtohelpmyenemies.”Nefudshiftedfromonefoottotheother.
“Well?”“M’Lord, the Sardaukar have... two persons in custody who might be of
interesttoyou.They’vecaughttheDuke’sMasterofAssassins.”“Hawat?ThufirHawat?”“I’veseenthecaptivemyself,m‘Lord.’TisHawat.”“I’dnot’vebelieveditpossible!”“Theysayhewasknockedoutbyastunner,m’Lord.Inthedesertwherehe
couldn’tusehisshield.He’svirtuallyunharmed.Ifwecangetourhandsonhim,he’llprovidegreatsport.”“This is aMentat you speak of,” theBaron growled. “One doesn’twaste a
Mentat. Has he spoken?What does he say of his defeat? Could he know theextentof...butno.”“He has spoken only enough, m’Lord, to reveal his belief that the Lady
Jessicawashisbetrayer.”“Ah-h-h-h-h.”TheBaronsankback,thinking;then:“You’resure?It’stheLadyJessicawho
attractshisanger?”“Hesaiditinmypresence,m’Lord.”“Lethimthinkshe’salive,then.”“But,m’Lord—”“Bequiet. IwishHawat treatedkindly.Hemust be toldnothingof the late
DoctorYueh,histruebetrayer.LetitbesaidthatDoctorYuehdieddefendinghisDuke. In a way, this may even be true.We will, instead, feed his suspicionsagainsttheLadyJessica.”“M‘Lord,Idon’t—”“Theway tocontrolanddirectaMentat,Nefud, is throughhis information.
Falseinformation—falseresults.”“Yes,m’Lord,but...”“IsHawathungry?Thirsty?”“M’Lord,Hawat’sstillinthehandsoftheSardaukar!”“Yes. Indeed, yes. But the Sardaukar will be as anxious to get information
fromHawat as I am. I’venoticeda thingaboutour allies,Nefud.They’renotvery devious... politically. I do believe this is a deliberate thing; the Emperorwantsitthatway.Yes.Idobelieveit.YouwillremindtheSardaukarcommanderofmyrenownatobtaininginformationfromreluctantsubjects.”Nefudlookedunhappy.“Yes,m’Lord.”“Youwill tell theSardaukarcommander that Iwish toquestionbothHawat
and this Kynes at the same time, playing one off against the other. He canunderstandthatmuch,Ithink.”“Yes,m’Lord.”“Andoncewehavetheminourhands....”TheBaronnodded.“M’Lord, the Sardaukar will want an observer with you during any ...
questioning.”“I’msurewecanproduceanemergencytodrawoffanyunwantedobservers,
Nefud.”“Iunderstand,m’Lord.That’swhenKynescanhavehisaccident.”“BothKynesandHawatwillhaveaccidentsthen,Nefud.ButonlyKyneswill
havearealaccident.It’sHawatIwant.Yes.Ah,yes.”Nefudblinked,swallowed.Heappearedabouttoaskaquestion,butremained
silent.“Hawat will be given both food and drink,” the Baron said. “Treated with
kindness,with sympathy. In hiswater youwill administer the residual poisondevelopedbythelatePiterdeVries.AndyouwillseethattheantidotebecomesaregularpartofHawat’sdietfromthispointon...unlessIsayotherwise.”“Theantidote,yes.”Nefudshookhishead.“But—”“Don’tbedense,Nefud.TheDukealmostkilledmewiththatpoison-capsule
tooth.Thegasheexhaled intomypresencedeprivedmeofmymostvaluableMentat,Piter.Ineedareplacement.”“Hawat?”“Hawat.”“But—”“You’regoingtosayHawat’scompletelyloyaltotheAtreides.True,butthe
Atreidesaredead.Wewillwoohim.Hemustbeconvincedhe’snottoblamefortheDuke’sdemise.Itwasall thedoingofthatBeneGesseritwitch.Hehadaninferiormaster,onewhosereasonwascloudedbyemotion.Mentatsadmiretheabilitytocalculatewithoutemotion,Nefud.WewillwootheformidableThufirHawat.”“Woohim.Yes,m’Lord.”“Hawat, unfortunately, had a master whose resources were poor, one who
couldnotelevateaMentattothesublimepeaksofreasoningthatareaMentat’sright.Hawatwillseeacertainelementoftruthinthis.TheDukecouldn’taffordthemost efficient spies to provide hisMentat with the required information.”TheBaronstaredatNefud.“Letusneverdeceiveourselves,Nefud.Thetruthisapowerfulweapon.WeknowhowweoverwhelmedtheAtreides.Hawatknows,
too.Wediditwithwealth.”“Withwealth.Yes,m’Lord.”“WewillwooHawat,”theBaronsaid.“WewillhidehimfromtheSardaukar.
And we will hold in reserve... the withdrawal of the antidote for the poison.There’snowayofremovingtheresidualpoison.And,Nefud,Hawatneedneversuspect.Theantidotewillnotbetrayitselftoapoisonsnooper.Hawatcanscanhisfoodashepleasesanddetectnotraceofpoison.”Nefud’seyesopenedwidewithunderstanding.“The absence of a thing,” the Baron said, “this can be as deadly as the
presence.Theabsenceofair,eh?Theabsenceofwater?Theabsenceofanythingelsewe’readdictedto.”TheBaronnodded.“Youunderstandme,Nefud?”Nefudswallowed.“Yes,m’Lord.”“Thengetbusy.FindtheSardaukarcommanderandsetthingsinmotion.”“Atonce,m’Lord.”Nefudbowed,turned,andhurriedaway.Hawatbymyside! theBaronthought.TheSardaukarwillgivehimtome.If
they suspect anything at all it’s that I wish to destroy the Mentat. And thissuspicion I’ll confirm! The fools! One of the most formidable Mentats in allhistory,aMentattrainedtokill,andthey’lltosshimtomelikesomesillytoytobebroken.Iwillshowthemwhatusecanbemadeofsuchatoy.The Baron reached beneath a drapery beside his suspensor bed, pressed a
buttontosummonhisoldernephew,Rabban.Hesatback,smiling.AndalltheAtreidesdead!Thestupidguardcaptainhadbeenright,ofcourse.Certainly,nothingsurvived
inthepathofasandblaststormonArrakis.Notanornithopter...oritsoccupants.The woman and the boy were dead. The bribes in the right places, theunthinkable expenditure to bring overwhelmingmilitary force down onto oneplanet...all theslyreports tailoredfor theEmperor’searsalone,all thecarefulschemingwerehereatlastcomingtofullfruition.Powerandfear—fearandpower!TheBaroncouldseethepathaheadofhim.Oneday,aHarkonnenwouldbe
Emperor. Not himself, and no spawn of his loins. But a Harkonnen. Not thisRabbanhe’dsummoned,ofcourse.ButRabban’syoungerbrother,youngFeyd-Rautha.TherewasasharpnesstotheboythattheBaronenjoyed...aferocity.A lovely boy, theBaron thought.A year or twomore—say, by the time he’s
seventeen, I’ll know for certain whether he’s the tool that House Harkonnenrequirestogainthethrone.“M’LordBaron.”
ThemanwhostoodoutsidethedoorfieldoftheBaron’sbedchamberwaslowbuilt,grossoffaceandbody,withtheHarkonnenpaternalline’snarrow-seteyesandbulgeofshoulders.Therewasyetsomerigidityinhisfat,butitwasobviousto the eye that he’d come one day to the portable suspensors for carrying hisexcessweight.Amuscle-mindedtank-brain,theBaronthought.NoMentat,mynephew...not
aPiterdeVries, butperhaps somethingmorepreciselydevised for the taskathand.IfIgivehimfreedomtodoit,he’llgrindovereverythinginhispath.Oh,howhe’llbehatedhereonArrakis!“MydearRabban,” theBaron said.He released thedoorfield,butpointedly
kepthisbodyshieldat full strength,knowing that the shimmerof itwouldbevisibleabovethebedsideglowglobe.“Yousummonedme,”Rabbansaid.Hesteppedintotheroom,flickedaglance
pasttheairdisturbanceofthebodyshield,searchedforasuspensorchair,foundnone.“StandcloserwhereIcanseeyoueasily,”theBaronsaid.Rabban advanced another step, thinking that the damnable old man had
deliberatelyremovedallchairs,forcingavisitortostand.“The Atreides are dead,” the Baron said. “The last of them. That’s why I
summonedyouheretoArrakis.Thisplanetisagainyours.”Rabbanblinked.“ButI thoughtyouweregoingtoadvancePiterdeVriesto
the—”“Piter,too,isdead.”“Piter?”“Piter.”TheBaronreactivatedthedoorfield,blankeditagainstallenergypenetration.“Youfinallytiredofhim,eh?”Rabbanasked.Hisvoicefellflatandlifelessintheenergy-blanketedroom.“Iwillsayathingtoyoujustthisonce,”theBaronrumbled.“Youinsinuate
thatIobliteratedPiterasoneobliteratesa trifle.”Hesnappedfatfingers.“Justlikethat,eh?Iamnotsostupid,Nephew.IwilltakeitunkindlyifeveragainyousuggestbywordoractionthatIamsostupid.”FearshowedinthesquintingofRabban’seyes.Heknewwithincertainlimits
how far the oldBaronwould go against family. Seldom to the point of deathunlesstherewereoutrageousprofitorprovocationinit.Butfamilypunishmentscouldbepainful.“Forgiveme,m’LordBaron,”Rabbansaid.He loweredhiseyesasmuch to
hidehisownangerastoshowsubservience.“Youdonotfoolme,Rabban,”theBaronsaid.Rabbankepthiseyeslowered,swallowed.“Imake a point,” theBaron said. “Never obliterate amanunthinkingly, the
wayanentirefiefmightdoitthroughsomedueprocessoflaw.Alwaysdoitforanoverridingpurpose—andknowyourpurpose!”AngerspokeinRabban:“Butyouobliteratedthetraitor,Yueh!Isawhisbody
beingcarriedoutasIarrivedlastnight.”Rabbanstaredathisuncle,suddenlyfrightenedbythesoundofthosewords.ButtheBaronsmiled.“I’mverycarefulaboutdangerousweapons,”hesaid.
“DoctorYuehwas a traitor. He gaveme theDuke.” Strength poured into theBaron’svoice.“IsubornedadoctoroftheSukSchool!TheInnerSchool!Youhear, boy? But that’s a wild sort of weapon to leave lying about. I didn’tobliteratehimcasually.”“DoestheEmperorknowyousubornedaSukdoctor?”This was a penetrating question, the Baron thought.Have I misjudged this
nephew?“TheEmperor doesn’t know it yet,” theBaron said. “But hisSardaukar are
suretoreportittohim.Beforethathappens,though,I’llhavemyownreportinhis hands through CHOAM Company channels. I will explain that I luckilydiscovered a doctor who pretended to the conditioning. A false doctor, youunderstand?SinceeveryoneknowsyoucannotcountertheconditioningofaSukSchool,thiswillbeaccepted.”“Ah-h-h,Isee,”Rabbanmurmured.AndtheBaronthought:Indeed,Ihopeyoudosee.Ihopeyoudoseehowvital
itisthatthisremainsecret.TheBaronsuddenlywonderedathimself.WhydidIdothat?WhydidIboasttothisfoolnephewofmine—thenephewImustuseanddiscard?TheBaronfeltangerathimself.Hefeltbetrayed.“Itmustbekeptsecret,”Rabbansaid.“Iunderstand.”TheBaronsighed.“Igiveyoudifferent instructionsaboutArrakis this time,
Nephew.Whenlastyouruledthisplace,Iheldyouinstrongrein.Thistime,Ihaveonlyonerequirement.”“M’Lord?”“Income.”“Income?”“Haveyouanyidea,Rabban,howmuchwespenttobringsuchmilitaryforce
to bear on theAtreides?Do you have even the first inkling of howmuch the
Guildchargesformilitarytransport?”“Expensive,eh?”“Expensive!”TheBaronshotafatarmtowardRabban.“IfyousqueezeArrakisforevery
centitcangiveusforsixtyyears,you’lljustbarelyrepayus!”Rabbanopenedhismouth,closeditwithoutspeaking.“Expensive,” the Baron sneered. “The damnable Guildmonopoly on space
would’ve ruined us if I hadn’t planned for this expense long ago.You shouldknow,Rabban,thatweboretheentirebruntofit.WeevenpaidfortransportoftheSardaukar.”Andnotforthefirsttime,theBaronwonderedifthereeverwouldcomeaday
whentheGuildmightbecircumvented.Theywereinsidious—bleedingoffjustenoughtokeepthehostfromobjectinguntiltheyhadyouintheirfistwheretheycouldforceyoutopayandpayandpay.Always,theexorbitantdemandsrodeuponmilitaryventures.“Hazardrates,”
theoilyGuildagentsexplained.AndforeveryagentyoumanagedtoinsertasawatchdogintheGuildBankstructure,theyputtwoagentsintoyoursystem.Insufferable!“Incomethen,”Rabbansaid.TheBaronloweredhisarm,madeafist.“Youmustsqueeze.”“AndImaydoanythingIwishaslongasIsqueeze?”“Anything.”“Thecannonsyoubrought,”Rabbansaid.“CouldI—”“I’mremovingthem,”theBaronsaid.“Butyou—”“You won’t need such toys. They were a special innovation and are now
useless.Weneedthemetal.Theycannotgoagainstashield,Rabban.Theyweremerelytheunexpected.ItwaspredictablethattheDuke’smenwouldretreatintocliffcavesonthisabominableplanet.Ourcannonmerelysealedthemin.”“TheFremendon’tuseshields.”“Youmaykeepsomelasgunsifyouwish.”“Yes,m’Lord.AndIhaveafreehand.”“Aslongasyousqueeze.”Rabban’ssmilewasgloating.“Iunderstandperfectly,m’Lord.”“You understand nothing perfectly,” the Baron growled. “Let us have that
clearattheoutset.Whatyoudounderstandishowtocarryoutmyorders.Hasitoccurred to you, nephew, that there are at least five million persons on this
planet?”“Doesm‘LordforgetthatIwashisregent-siridarherebefore?Andifm’Lord
will forgive me, his estimate may be low. It’s difficult to count a populationscatteredamongsinksandpansthewaytheyarehere.AndwhenyouconsidertheFremenof—”“TheFremenaren’tworthconsidering!”“Forgiveme,m’Lord,buttheSardaukarbelieveotherwise.”TheBaronhesitated,staringathisnephew.“Youknowsomething?”“M’Lord had retired when I arrived last night. I ...ah, took the liberty of
contacting some of my lieutenants from... ah, before. They’ve been acting asguidestotheSardaukar.TheyreportthataFremenbandambushedaSardaukarforcesomewheresoutheastofhereandwipeditout.”“WipedoutaSardaukarforce?”“Yes,m’Lord.”“Impossible!”Rabbanshrugged.“FremendefeatingSardaukar,”theBaronsneered.“Irepeatonlywhatwasreportedtome,”Rabbansaid.“ItissaidthisFremen
forcealreadyhadcapturedtheDuke’sredoubtableThufirHawat.”“Ah-h-h-h-h-h.”TheBaronnodded,smiling.“I believe the report,” Rabban said. “You’ve no idea what a problem the
Fremenwere.”“Perhaps,buttheseweren’tFremenyourlieutenantssaw.Theymust’vebeen
AtreidesmentrainedbyHawatanddisguisedasFremen.It’s theonlypossibleanswer.”Again,Rabbanshrugged.“Well, theSardaukarthinktheywereFremen.The
SardaukaralreadyhavelaunchedaprogramtowipeoutallFremen.”“Good!”“But—”“It’llkeeptheSardaukaroccupied.Andwe’llsoonhaveHawat.Iknowit!I
can feel it!Ah, this has been a day!TheSardaukar off hunting a fewuselessdesertbandswhilewegettherealprize!”“M’Lord....” Rabban hesitated, frowning. “I’ve always felt that we
underestimatedtheFremen,bothinnumbersandin—”“Ignore them, boy! They’re rabble. It’s the populous towns, cities, and
villagesthatconcernus.Agreatmanypeoplethere,eh?”
“Agreatmany,m’Lord.”“Theyworryme,Rabban.”“Worryyou?”“Oh...ninetypercentofthemareofnoconcern.Buttherearealwaysafew...
HousesMinorandsoon,peopleofambitionwhomighttryadangerousthing.Ifone of them should get off Arrakis with an unpleasant story about whathappenedhere, I’dbemostdispleased.Haveyouany ideahowdispleased I’dbe?”Rabbanswallowed.“You must take immediate measures to hold a hostage from each House
Minor,” the Baron said. “As far as anyone off Arrakis must learn, this wasstraightforward House-to-House battle. The Sardaukar had no part in it, youunderstand?TheDukewasofferedtheusualquarterandexile,buthediedinanunfortunate accident before he could accept. Hewas about to accept, though.That is the story. And any rumor that there were Sardaukar here, it must belaughedat.”“AstheEmperorwishesit,”Rabbansaid.“AstheEmperorwishesit.”“Whataboutthesmugglers?”“Noonebelievessmugglers,Rabban.Theyaretolerated,butnotbelieved.At
any rate, you’ll be spreading some bribes in that quarter... and taking othermeasureswhichI’msureyoucanthinkof.”“Yes,m’Lord.”“Two things fromArrakis, then, Rabban: income and a merciless fist. You
mustshownomercyhere.Thinkoftheseclodsaswhattheyare—slavesenviousof their masters and waiting only the opportunity to rebel. Not the slightestvestigeofpityormercymustyoushowthem.”“Canoneexterminateanentireplanet?”Rabbanasked.“Exterminate?” Surprise showed in the swift turning of the Baron’s head.
“Whosaidanythingaboutexterminating?”“Well,Ipresumedyouweregoingtobringinnewstockand—”“Isaidsqueeze,Nephew,notexterminate.Don’twastethepopulation,merely
drive them into utter submission. You must be the carnivore, my boy.” Hesmiled, a baby’s expression in the dimple-fat face. “A carnivore never stops.Show no mercy. Never stop. Mercy is a chimera. It can be defeated by thestomachrumblingitshunger,bythethroatcryingitsthirst.Youmustbealwayshungry and thirsty.” The Baron caressed his bulges beneath the suspensors.
“Likeme.”“Isee,m’Lord.”Rabbanswunghisgazeleftandright.“It’sallclearthen,Nephew?”“Exceptforonething,Uncle:theplanetologist,Kynes.”“Ah,yes,Kynes.”“He’s theEmperor’sman,m’Lord.Hecancomeandgoashepleases.And
he’sveryclosetotheFremen...marriedone.”“Kyneswillbedeadbytomorrow’snightfall.”“That’sdangerouswork,Uncle,killinganImperialservant.”“HowdoyouthinkI’vecomethisfarthisquickly?”theBarondemanded.His
voicewas low,chargedwithunspeakableadjectives.“Besides,youneedneverhavefearedKyneswouldleaveArrakis.You’reforgettingthathe’saddictedtothespice.”“Ofcourse!”“Thosewhoknowwilldonothingtoendangertheirsupply,”theBaronsaid.
“Kynescertainlymustknow.”“Iforgot,”Rabbansaid.Theystaredateachotherinsilence.Presently,theBaronsaid:“Incidentally,youwillmakemyownsupplyoneof
yourfirstconcerns.I’vequiteastockpileofprivatestuff,butthatsuicideraidbytheDuke’smengotmostofwhatwe’dstoredforsale.”Rabbannodded.“Yes,m’Lord.”The Baron brightened. “Now, tomorrow morning, you will assemble what
remains of organization here and you’ll say to them: ‘Our Sublime PadishahEmperorhaschargedmetotakepossessionofthisplanetandendalldispute.’”“Iunderstand,m’Lord.”“Thistime,I’msureyoudo.Wewilldiscussitinmoredetailtomorrow.Now,
leavemetofinishmysleep.”TheBarondeactivatedhisdoorfield,watchedhisnephewoutofsight.A tank-brain, the Baron thought. Muscle-minded tank-brain. They will be
bloody pulp here when he’s through with them. Then, when I send in Feyd-Rautha to take the load off them, they’ll cheer their rescuer. Beloved Feyd-Rautha. Benign Feyd-Rautha, the compassionate one who saves them from abeast.Feyd-Rautha,amantofollowanddiefor.Theboywillknowbythattimehow tooppresswith impunity. I’msurehe’s theoneweneed.He’ll learn.Andsuchalovelybody.Reallyalovelyboy.
Attheageoffifteen,hehadalreadylearnedsilence.—from“AChild’sHistoryofMuad‘Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
AsPAULfoughtthe‘thopter’scontrols,hegrewawarethathewassortingouttheinterwovenstormforces,hismorethanMentatawarenesscomputingonthebasis of fractional minutiae. He felt dust fronts, billowings, mixings ofturbulence,anoccasionalvortex.The cabin interior was an angry box lighted by the green radiance of
instrumentdials.Thetanflowofdustoutsideappearedfeatureless,buthisinnersensebegantoseethroughthecurtain.Imustfindtherightvortex,hethought.Foralongtimenowhehadsensedthestorm’spowerdiminishing,butstillit
shookthem.Hewaitedoutanotherturbulence.The vortex began as an abrupt billowing that rattled the entire ship. Paul
defiedallfeartobankthe’thopterleft.Jessicasawthemaneuverontheattitudeglobe.“Paul!”shescreamed.Thevortexturnedthem,twisting,tipping.Itliftedthe’thopterlikeachipona
geyser,spewedthemupandout—awingedspeckwithinacoreofwindingdustlightedbythesecondmoon.Paullookeddown,sawthedust-definedpillarofhotwindthathaddisgorged
them,saw thedyingstorm trailingaway likeadry river into thedesert-moon-graymotiongrowingsmallerandsmallerbelowastheyrodetheupdraft.“We’reoutofit,”Jessicawhispered.Paul turned their craft away from the dust in swooping rhythm while he
scannedthenightsky.“We’vegiventhemtheslip,”hesaid.Jessicafeltherheartpounding.Sheforcedherselftocalmness,lookedatthe
diminishingstorm.Hertimesensesaidtheyhadriddenwithinthatcompoundingofelementalforcesalmostfourhours,butpartofhermindcomputedthepassageasalifetime.Shefeltreborn.Itwas like the litany, she thought.We faced itanddidnot resist.The storm
passedthroughusandaroundus.It’sgone,butweremain.“I don’t like the sound of ourwingmotion,” Paul said. “We suffered some
damageinthere.”Hefeltthegrating,injuredflightthroughhishandsonthecontrols.Theywere
outofthestorm,butstillnotoutintothefullviewofhisprescientvision.Yet,they had escaped, and Paul sensed himself trembling on the verge of arevelation.Heshivered.The sensationwasmagnetic and terrifying, andhe foundhimself caught on
thequestionofwhatcausedthistremblingawareness.Partofit,hefelt,wasthespice-saturateddietofArrakis.Buthe thoughtpartof itcouldbe the litany,asthoughthewordshadapoweroftheirown.“Ishallnotfear...Causeandeffect:hewasalivedespitemalignant forces, andhe felt himself
poisedonabrinkofself-awarenessthatcouldnothavebeenwithoutthelitany’smagic.Words from the Orange Catholic Bible rang through his memory: “What
sensesdowelackthatwecannotseeorhearanotherworldallaroundus?”“There’srockallaround,”Jessicasaid.Paulfocusedonthe’thopter’slaunching,shookhisheadtoclearit.Helooked
wherehismotherpointed,sawupliftingrockshapesblackonthesandaheadandtotheright.Hefeltwindaroundhisankles,astirringofdustinthecabin.Therewasaholesomewhere,moreofthestorm’sdoing.“Better set us down on sand,” Jessica said. “Thewingsmight not take full
brake.”He nodded toward a place ahead where sandblasted ridges lifted into
moonlightabovethedunes.“I’llsetusdownnearthoserocks.Checkyoursafetyharness.”Sheobeyed,thinking:We’vewaterandstillsuits.Ifwecanfindfood,wecan
survivea long timeon thisdesert.Fremenlivehere.What theycandowecando.“Run for those rocks the instant we’re stopped,” Paul said. “I’ll take the
pack.”“Runfor....”Shefellsilent,nodded.“Worms.”“Ourfriends,theworms,”hecorrectedher.“They’llgetthis’thopter.There’ll
benoevidenceofwherewelanded.”Howdirecthisthinking,shethought.Theyglidedlower...lower...Therecamea rushingsenseofmotion to theirpassage—blurredshadowsof
dunes, rocks lifting like islands. The ’thopter touched a dune top with a softlurch,skippedasandvalley,touchedanotherdune.He’skillingourspeedagainstthesand,Jessicathought,andpermittedherself
toadmirehiscompetence.“Braceyourself!”Paulwarned.Hepulledbackonthewingbrakes,gentlyatfirst,thenharderandharder.He
feltthemcuptheair,theiraspectratiodroppingfasterandfaster.Windscreamedthroughthelappedcovertsandprimariesofthewings’leaves.Abruptly,withonlythefaintestlurchofwarning,theleftwing,weakenedby
thestorm,twistedupwardandin,slammingacrossthesideofthe’thopter.Thecraftskiddedacrossadunetop,twistingtotheleft.Ittumbleddowntheoppositefacetoburyitsnoseinthenextduneamidacascadeofsand.Theylaystoppedonthebrokenwingside,therightwingpointingtowardthestars.Paul jerkedoffhis safetyharness,hurledhimselfupwardacrosshismother,
wrenching thedooropen.Sandpoured around them into the cabin, bringing adrysmellofburnedflint.Hegrabbedthepackfromtherear,sawthathismotherwasfreeofherharness.Shesteppedupontothesideoftheright-handseatandoutontothe’thopter’smetalskin.Paulfollowed,draggingthepackbyitsstraps.“Run!”heordered.Hepointedupthedunefaceandbeyonditwheretheycouldseearocktower
undercutbysandblastwinds.Jessica leaped off the ’thopter and ran, scrambling and sliding up the dune.
SheheardPaul’spantingprogressbehind.Theycameoutontoasandridgethatcurvedawaytowardtherocks.“Followtheridge,”Paulordered.“It’llbefaster.”Theysloggedtowardtherocks,sandgrippingtheirfeet.Anewsoundbegantoimpressitselfonthem:amutedwhisper,ahissing,an
abrasiveslithering.“Worm,”Paulsaid.Itgrewlouder.“Faster!”Paulgasped.Thefirstrockshingle, likeabeachslantingfromthesand,laynomorethan
tenmetersaheadwhentheyheardmetalcrunchandshatterbehindthem.Paulshiftedhispacktohisrightarm,holdingitbythestraps.Itslappedhis
sideashe ran.He tookhismother’sarmwithhisotherhand.Theyscrambledontotheliftingrock,upapebble-litteredsurfacethroughatwisted,wind-carvedchannel.Breathcamedryandgaspingintheirthroats.
“Ican’trunanyfarther,”Jessicapanted.Paulstopped,pressedherintoagutofrock,turnedandlookeddownontothe
desert. A mound-in-motion ran parallel to their rock island—moonlit ripples,sand waves, a cresting burrow almost level with Paul’s eyes at a distance ofabout a kilometer. The flattened dunes of its track curved once—a short loopcrossingthepatchofdesertwheretheyhadabandonedtheirwreckedornithopter.Wherethewormhadbeentherewasnosignoftheaircraft.The burrowmoundmoved outward into the desert, coursed back across its
ownpath,questing.“It’sbiggerthanaGuildspaceship,”Paulwhispered.“Iwastoldwormsgrew
largeinthedeepdesert,butIdidn’trealize...howbig.”“NorI,”Jessicabreathed.Again, the thing turned out away from the rocks, sped nowwith a curbing
tracktowardthehorizon.Theylisteneduntilthesoundofitspassagewaslostingentlesandstirringsaroundthem.Paul took a deep breath, looked up at the moon-frosted escarpment, and
quotedfromtheKitabal-Ibar:“Travelbynightandrestinblackshadethroughtheday.”Helookedathismother.“Westillhaveafewhoursofnight.Canyougoon?”“Inamoment.”Paulsteppedoutonto the rockshingle, shouldered thepackandadjusted its
straps.Hestoodamomentwithaparacompassinhishands.“Wheneveryou’reready,”hesaid.Shepushedherself away from the rock, feelingher strength return. “Which
direction?”“Wherethisridgeleads.”Hepointed.“Deepintothedesert,”shesaid.“TheFremendesert,”Paulwhispered.Andhepaused,shakenbytherememberedhighreliefimageryofaprescient
visionhehadexperiencedonCaladan.Hehadseenthisdesert.Butthesetofthevisionhadbeensubtlydifferent,likeanopticalimagethathaddisappearedintohisconsciousness,beenabsorbedbymemory,andnowfailedofperfectregistrywhen projected onto the real scene. The vision appeared to have shifted andapproachedhimfromadifferentanglewhileheremainedmotionless.Idahowaswithusinthevision,heremembered.ButnowIdahoisdead.“Doyouseeawaytogo?”Jessicaasked,mistakinghishesitation.“No,”hesaid,“Butwe’llgoanyway.”
Hesettledhisshouldersmorefirmlyinthepack,struckoutupasand-carvedchannel in the rock. The channel opened onto a moonlit floor of rock withbenchedledgesclimbingawaytothesouth.Paulheadedforthefirstledge,clamberedontoit.Jessicafollowed.Shenotedpresentlyhowtheirpassagebecameamatteroftheimmediateand
particular—thesandpocketsbetweenrockswhere theirstepswereslowed, thewind-carvedridgethatcuttheirhands,theobstructionthatforcedachoice:Gooverorgoaround?Theterrainenforceditsownrhythms.Theyspokeonlywhennecessaryandthenwiththehoarsevoicesoftheirexertion.“Carefulhere—thisledgeisslipperywithsand.”“Watchyoudon’thityourheadagainstthisoverhang.”“Staybelowthisridge;themoon’satourbacksandit’dshowourmovement
toanyoneoutthere.”Paulstoppedinabightofrock,leanedthepackagainstanarrowledge.Jessica leaned beside him, thankful for themoment of rest. She heard Paul
pullingathis stillsuit tube, sippedherownreclaimedwater. It tastedbrackish,andsherememberedthewatersofCaladan—atallfountainenclosingacurveofsky,sucharichnessofmoisturethatithadn’tbeennoticedforitself...onlyforitsshape,oritsreflection,oritssoundasshestoppedbesideit.Tostop,shethought.Torest...trulyrest.It occurred to her thatmercywas the ability to stop, if only for amoment.
Therewasnomercywheretherecouldbenostopping.Paul pushed away from the rock ledge, turned, and climbed over a sloping
surface.Jessicafollowedwithasigh.They sliddownonto awide shelf that led arounda sheer rock face.Again,
theyfellintothedisjointedrhythmofmovementacrossthisbrokenland.Jessicafeltthatthenightwasdominatedbydegreesofsmallnessinsubstances
beneaththeirfeetandhands—bouldersorpeagravelorflakedrockorpeasandorsanditselforgritordustorgossamerpowder.Thepowdercloggednosefiltersandhad tobeblownout.Peasandandpea
gravelrolledonahardsurfaceandcouldspilltheunwary.Rockflakescut.Andtheomnipresentsandpatchesdraggedagainsttheirfeet.Paul stopped abruptly on a rock shelf, steadied hismother as she stumbled
intohim.Hewaspointingleftandshelookedalonghisarmtoseethattheystoodatopa
cliffwith thedesert stretchedout likea staticoceansome twohundredmetersbelow.Itlaytherefullofmoon-silveredwaves—shadowsofanglesthatlapsed
into curves and, in the distance, lifted to the misted gray blur of anotherescarpment.“Opendesert,”shesaid.“Awideplacetocross,”Paulsaid,andhisvoicewasmuffledbythefiltertrap
acrosshisface.Jessicaglancedleftandright—nothingbutsandbelow.Paulstaredstraightaheadacross theopendunes,watchingthemovementof
shadowsinthemoon’spassage.“Aboutthreeorfourkilometersacross,”hesaid.“Worms,”shesaid.“Suretobe.”Shefocusedonherweariness,themuscleachethatdulledhersenses.“Shall
werestandeat?”Paulslippedoutofthepack,satdownandleanedagainstit.Jessicasupported
herselfbyahandonhis shoulderas she sank to the rockbesidehim.She feltPaulturnasshesettledherself,heardhimscrabblinginthepack.“Here,”hesaid.Hishandfeltdryagainsthersashepressedtwoenergycapsulesintoherpalm.Sheswallowedthemwithagrudgingspitofwaterfromherstillsuittube.“Drink all yourwater,” Paul said. “Axiom: the best place to conserve your
water is in your body. It keeps your energy up. You’re stronger. Trust yourstillsuit.”Sheobeyed,drainedhercatchpockets,feelingenergyreturn.Shethoughtthen
howpeacefulitwashereinthismomentoftheirtiredness,andsherecalledoncehearing the minstrel-warrior Gurney Halleck say, “Better a dry morsel andquietnesstherewiththanahousefullofsacrificeandstrife.”JessicarepeatedthewordstoPaul.“ThatwasGurney,”hesaid.She caught the tone of his voice, the way he spoke as of someone dead,
thought:AndwellpoorGurneymightbedead.TheAtreidesforceswereeitherdeadorcaptiveorlostlikethemselvesinthiswaterlessvoid.“Gurney always had the right quotation,” Paul said. “I can hear him now:
‘AndIwillmake the riversdry,andsell the land into thehandof thewicked:andIwillmakethelandwaste,andallthatistherein,bythehandofstrangers.’”Jessicaclosedher eyes, foundherselfmovedclose to tearsby thepathos in
herson’svoice.Presently,Paulsaid:“Howdoyou...feel?”She recognized that his questionwas directed at her pregnancy, said: “Your
sisterwon’tbebornformanymonthsyet.Istillfeel...physicallyadequate.”Andshethought:HowstifflyformalIspeaktomyownson!Then,becauseit
wastheBeneGesseritwaytoseekwithinfortheanswertosuchanoddity,shesearchedand found thesourceofher formality: I’mafraidofmy son; Ifearhisstrangeness;Ifearwhathemayseeaheadofus,whathemaytellme.Paulpulledhishooddownoverhiseyes,listenedtothebug-hustlingsounds
ofthenight.Hislungswerechargedwithhisownsilence.Hisnoseitched.Herubbedit,removedthefilterandgrewconsciousoftherichsmellofcinnamon.“There’smelangespicenearby,”hesaid.AneiderwindfeatheredPaul’scheeks,ruffledthefoldsofhisburnoose.But
thiswindcarriednothreatofstorm;alreadyhecouldsensethedifference.“Dawnsoon,”hesaid.Jessicanodded.“There’sawaytogetsafelyacrossthatopensand,”Paulsaid.“TheFremen
doit.”“Theworms?”“IfweweretoplantathumperfromourFremkitbackintherockshere,”Paul
said.“It’dkeepawormoccupiedforatime.”Sheglancedatthestretchofmoonlighteddesertbetweenthemandtheother
escarpment.“Fourkilometersworthoftime?”“Perhaps.Andifwecrossedtheremakingonlynaturalsounds,thekindthat
don’tattracttheworms....”Paul studied the open desert, questing in his prescientmemory, probing the
mysterious allusions to thumpers andmakerhooks in theFremkitmanual thathad come with their escape pack. He found it odd that all he sensed waspervasive terror at thoughtof theworms.Heknewas though it lay just at theedgeofhisawarenessthatthewormsweretoberespectedandnotfeared...if...if....Heshookhishead.“It’dhavetobesoundswithoutrhythm,”Jessicasaid.“What?Oh.Yes. Ifwebrokeoursteps ... thesand itselfmust shiftdownat
times. Worms can’t investigate every little sound. We should be fully restedbeforewetryit,though.”He looked across at that other rockwall, seeing the passage of time in the
verticalmoonshadowsthere.“It’llbedawnwithinthehour.”“Where’llwespendtheday?”sheasked.Paulturnedleft,pointed.“Thecliffcurvesbacknorthoverthere.Youcansee
by theway it’swind-cut that’s thewindward face.There’llbecrevasses there,deepones.”“Hadwebettergetstarted?”sheasked.Hestood,helpedhertoherfeet.“Areyourestedenoughforaclimbdown?I
wanttogetascloseaspossibletothedesertfloorbeforewecamp.”“Enough.”Shenoddedforhimtoleadtheway.He hesitated, then lifted the pack, settled it onto his shoulders and turned
alongthecliff.If onlywe had suspensors, Jessica thought. It’d be such a simplematter to
jumpdownthere.Butperhapssuspensorsareanotherthingtoavoidintheopendesert.Maybetheyattractthewormsthewayashielddoes.They came to a series of shelves dropping down and, beyond them, saw a
fissurewithitsledgeoutlinedbymoonshadowleadingalongthevestibule.Paul led the way down, moving cautiously but hurrying because it was
obvious the moonlight could not last much longer. They wound down into aworldofdeeperanddeeper shadows.Hintsof rock shapeclimbed to the starsaroundthem.Thefissurenarrowedtosometenmeters’widthat thebrinkofadimgraysandslopethatslanteddownwardintodarkness.“Canwegodown?”Jessicawhispered.“Ithinkso.”Hetestedthesurfacewithonefoot.“Wecanslidedown,”hesaid.“I’llgofirst.Waituntilyouhearmestop.”“Careful,”shesaid.Hesteppedontotheslopeandslidandslippeddownitssoftsurfaceontoan
almostlevelfloorofpackedsand.Theplacewasdeepwithintherockwalls.Therecamethesoundofsandslidingbehindhim.Hetriedtoseeuptheslope
in the darkness, was almost knocked over by the cascade. It trailed away tosilence.“Mother?”hesaid.Therewasnoanswer.“Mother?”He dropped the pack, hurled himself up the slope, scrambling, digging,
throwingsandlikeawildman.“Mother!”hegasped.“Mother,whereareyou?”Another cascade of sand swept down on him, burying him to the hips. He
wrenchedhimselfoutofit.She’sbeencaught in the sandslide,he thought.Buried in it. Imustbe calm
and work this out carefully. She won’t smother immediately. She’ll compose
herself inbindususpension toreduceheroxygenneeds.SheknowsI’lldig forher.IntheBeneGesseritwayshehadtaughthim,Paulstilledthesavagebeating
of his heart, set hismind as a blank slate uponwhich the past fewmomentscouldwritethemselves.Everypartialshiftandtwistoftheslidereplayeditselfinhismenory,movingwithaninteriorstatelinessthatcontrastedwiththefractionalsecondofrealtimerequiredforthetotalrecall.Presently, Paul moved slantwise up the slope, probing cautiously until he
foundthewallofthefissure,anoutcurveofrockthere.Hebegantodig,movingthesandwithcarenottodislodgeanotherslide.Apieceoffabriccameunderhishands.Hefollowedit,foundanarm.Gently,hetracedthearm,exposedherface.“Doyouhearme?”hewhispered.Noanswer.He dug faster, freed her shoulders. Shewas limp beneath his hands, but he
detectedaslowheartbeat.Bindususpension,hetoldhimself.Heclearedthesandawaytoherwaist,drapedherarmsoverhisshouldersand
pulleddownslope,slowlyatfirst,thendraggingherasfastashecould,feelingthesandgivewayabove.Fasterandfasterhepulledher,gaspingwiththeeffort,fightingtokeephisbalance.Hewasoutonthehard-packedfloorofthefissurethen, swinging her to his shoulder and breaking into a staggering run as theentire sandslope came downwith a loud hiss that echoed and wasmagnifiedwithintherockwalls.He stopped at the end of the fissure where it looked out on the desert’s
marchingdunes some thirtymetersbelow.Gently,he loweredher to the sand,utteredthewordtobringheroutofthecatalepsis.Sheawakenedslowly,takingdeeperanddeeperbreaths.“Iknewyou’dfindme,”shewhispered.Helookedbackupthefissure.“ItmighthavebeenkinderifIhadn’t.”“Paul!”“Ilostthepack,”hesaid.“It’sburiedunderahundredtonsofsand...atleast.”“Everything?”“Thesparewater,thestilltent—everythingthatcounts.”Hetouchedapocket.
“I still have the paracompass.” He fumbled at the waist sash. “Knife andbinoculars.Wecangetagoodlookaroundtheplacewherewe’lldie.”Inthatinstant,thesunliftedabovethehorizonsomewheretotheleftbeyond
the end of the fissure. Colors blinked in the sand out on the open desert. A
chorusofbirdsheldforththeirsongsfromhiddenplacesamongtherocks.ButJessicahadeyesonlyforthedespairinPaul’sface.Sheedgedhervoice
withscorn,said:“Isthisthewayyouweretaught?”“Don’t you understand?” he asked. “Everything we need to survive in this
placeisunderthatsand.”“Youfoundme,”shesaid,andnowhervoicewassoft,reasonable.Paulsquattedbackonhisheels.Presently,helookedupthefissureatthenewslope,studyingit,markingthe
loosenessofthesand.“Ifwecouldimmobilizeasmallareaofthatslopeandtheupperfaceofahole
dugintothesand,wemightbeabletoputdownashafttothepack.Watermightdoit,butwedon’thaveenoughwaterfor....”Hebrokeoff,then:“Foam.”Jessica held herself to stillness lest she disturb the hyperfunctioning of his
mind.Paul lookedoutat theopendunes, searchingwithhisnostrilsaswellashis
eyes,findingthedirectionandthencenteringhisattentiononadarkenedpatchofsandbelowthem.“Spice,”hesaid.“Itsessence—highlyalkaline.AndIhavetheparacompass.
Itspowerpackisacid-base.”Jessicasatupstraightagainsttherock.Paul ignored her, leaped to his feet, andwas off down thewind-compacted
surfacethatspilledfromtheendofthefissuretothedesert’sfloor.Shewatchedthewayhewalked,breakinghisstride—step...pause,step-step
...slide...pause...Therewasnorhythmtoitthatmighttellamaraudingwormsomethingnotof
thedesertmovedhere.Paulreachedthespicepatch,shoveledamoundof it intoafoldofhisrobe,
returned to the fissure. He spilled the spice onto the sand in front of Jessica,squatted and began dismantling the paracompass, using the point of his knife.Thecompassfacecameoff.Heremovedhissash,spreadthecompasspartsonit,liftedoutthepowerpack.Thedialmechanismcameoutnext,leavinganemptydishedcompartmentintheinstrument.“You’llneedwater,”Jessicasaid.Paultookthecatchtubefromhisneck,suckedupamouthful,expelleditinto
thedishedcompartment.If this fails, that’s water wasted, Jessica thought. But it won’t matter then,
anyway.
With his knife, Paul cut open the power pack, spilled its crystals into thewater.Theyfoamedslightly,subsided.Jessica’seyescaughtmotionabovethem.Shelookeduptoseealineofhawks
alongtherimofthefissure.Theyperchedtherestaringdownattheopenwater.GreatMother!shethought.Theycansensewaterevenatthatdistance!Paul had the cover back on the paracompass, leaving off the reset button
whichgaveasmallholeintotheliquid.Takingthereworkedinstrumentinonehand,ahandfulofspiceintheother,Paulwentbackupthefissure,studyingthelayoftheslope.Hisrobebillowedgentlywithoutthesashtoholdit.Hewadedpartwayuptheslope,kickingoffthesandrivulets,spurtsofdust.Presently, he stopped, pressed a pinch of the spice into the paracompass,
shooktheinstrumentcase.Greenfoamboiledoutoftheholewheretheresetbuttonhadbeen.Paulaimed
itattheslope,spreadalowdikethere,begankickingawaythesandbeneathit,immobilizingtheopenedfacewithmorefoam.Jessicamovedtoapositionbelowhim,calledout:“MayIhelp?”“Comeupanddig,”hesaid.“We’veaboutthreemeterstogo.It’sgoingtobe
anearthing.”Ashespoke,thefoamstoppedbillowingfromtheinstrument.“Quickly,”Paulsaid.“Notellinghowlongthisfoamwillholdthesand.”JessicascrambledupbesidePaulashesiftedanotherpinchofspiceintothe
hole,shooktheparacompasscase.Again,foamboiledfromit.AsPauldirectedthefoambarrier,Jessicadugwithherhands,hurlingthesand
downtheslope.“Howdeep?”shepanted.“Aboutthreemeters,”hesaid.“AndIcanonlyapproximatetheposition.We
mayhave towiden this hole.”Hemoved a step aside, slipping in loose sand.“Slantyourdiggingbackward.Don’tgostraightdown.”Jessicaobeyed.Slowly,theholewentdown,reachingalevelevenwiththefloorofthebasin
andstillnosignofthepack.Could I havemiscalculated? Paul asked himself. I’m the one that panicked
originallyandcausedthismistake.Hasthatwarpedmyability?He looked at the paracompass. Less than two ounces of the acid infusion
remained.Jessicastraightenedinthehole,rubbedafoam-stainedhandacrosshercheek.
HereyesmetPaul’s.“Theupperface,”Paulsaid.“Gently,now.”Headdedanotherpinchofspice
to the container, sent the foam boiling around Jessica’s hands as she began
cutting a vertical face in the upper slant of the hole.On the second pass, herhands encountered something hard. Slowly, she worked out a length of strapwithaplasticbuckle.“Don’tmoveanymoreofit,”Paulsaidandhisvoicewasalmostawhisper.“We’reoutoffoam.”Jessicaheldthestrapinonehand,lookedupathim.Paul threw the empty paracompass down onto the floor of the basin, said:
“Givemeyourotherhand.Nowlistencarefully.I’mgoingtopullyoutothesideanddownhill.Don’tletgoofthatstrap.Wewon’tgetmuchmorespillfromthetop.Thisslopehasstabilizeditself.AllI’mgoingtoaimforistokeepyourheadfree of the sand. Once that hole’s filled, we can dig you out and pull up thepack.”“Iunderstand,”shesaid.“Ready?”“Ready.”Shetensedherfingersonthestrap.Withonesurge,Paulhadherhalfoutofthehole,holdingherheadupasthe
foam barrier gaveway and sand spilled down.When it had subsided, Jessicaremainedburiedtothewaist,herleftarmandshoulderstillunderthesand,herchinprotectedonafoldofPaul’srobe.Hershoulderachedfromthestrainputonit.“Istillhavethestrap,”shesaid.Slowly, Paul worked his hand into the sand beside her, found the strap.
“Together,”hesaid.“Steadypressure.Wemustn’tbreakit.”Moresandspilleddownastheyworkedthepackup.Whenthestrapcleared
the surface, Paul stopped, freed hismother from the sand. Together then theypulledthepackdownslopeandoutofitstrap.In a few minutes they stood on the floor of the fissure holding the pack
betweenthem.Paullookedathismother.Foamstrainedherface,herrobe.Sandwascaked
toherwherethefoamhaddried.Shelookedasthoughshehadbeenatargetforballsofwet,greensand.“Youlookamess,”hesaid.“You’renotsoprettyyourself,”shesaid.Theystartedtolaugh,thensobered.“Thatshouldn’thavehappened,”Paulsaid.“Iwascareless.”Sheshrugged,feelingcakedsandfallawayfromherrobe.“I’llputupthetent,”hesaid.“Betterslipoffthatrobeandshakeitout.”He
turnedaway,takingthepack.Jessicanodded,suddenlytootiredtoanswer.“There’sanchorholesintherock,”Paulsaid.“Someone’stentedherebefore.”Whynot? she thoughtas shebrushedather robe.Thiswasa likelyplace—
deep in rock walls and facing another cliff some four kilometers away—farenoughabovethedeserttoavoidwormsbutcloseenoughforeasyaccessbeforeacrossing.She turned, seeing that Paul had the tent up, its rib-domed hemisphere
blending with the rock walls of the fissure. Paul stepped past her, lifting hisbinoculars.Headjustedtheirinternalpressurewithaquicktwist,focusedtheoillensesontheothercliff,liftinggoldentaninmorninglightacrossopensand.Jessicawatchedashestudiedthatapocalypticlandscape,hiseyesprobinginto
sandriversandcanyons.“Therearegrowingthingsoverthere,”hesaid.Jessica found the spare binoculars in the pack beside the tent, moved up
besidePaul.“There,”hesaid,holdingthebinocularswithonehandandpointingwiththe
other.Shelookedwherehepointed.“Saguaro,”shesaid.“Scrawnystuff.”“Theremaybepeoplenearby,”Paulsaid.“Thatcouldbetheremainsofabotanicaltestingstation,”shewarned.“Thisisprettyfarsouthintothedesert,”hesaid.Heloweredhisbinoculars,
rubbed beneath his filter baffle, feeling how dry and chapped his lips were,sensingthedustytasteofthirstinhismouth.“ThishasthefeelingofaFremenplace,”hesaid.“ArewecertaintheFremenwillbefriendly?”sheasked.“Kynespromisedtheirhelp.”Butthere’sdesperationinthepeopleofthisdesert,shethought.Ifeltsomeof
itmyselftoday.Desperatepeoplemightkillusforourwater.Sheclosedhereyesand,againstthiswasteland,conjuredinhermindascene
from Caladan. There had been a vacation trip once on Caladan—she and theDukeLeto,beforePaul’sbirth.They’d flownover thesouthern jungles,abovetheweed-wildshoutingleavesandricepaddiesofthedeltas.Andtheyhadseenthe ant lines in the greenery—man-gangs carrying their loads on suspensor-buoyedshoulderpoles.Andintheseareachesthere’dbeenthewhitepetalsoftrimarandhows.
Allofitgone.Jessicaopenedhereyestothedesertstillness,tothemountingwarmthofthe
day.Restlessheatdevilswerebeginning toset theairaquiverouton theopensand.Theotherrockfaceacrossfromthemwaslikeathingseenthroughcheapglass.Aspillofsandspreaditsbriefcurtainacrosstheopenendofthefissure.The
sandhisseddown, loosedbypuffsofmorningbreeze,by thehawks thatwerebeginningtoliftawayfromtheclifftop.Whenthesand-fallwasgone,shestillheardithissing.Itgrewlouder,asoundthatonceheard,wasneverforgotten.“Worm,”Paulwhispered.Itcamefromtheirrightwithanuncaringmajestythatcouldnotbeignored.A
twisting burrow-mound of sand cut through the dunes within their field ofvision.Themoundliftedinfront,dustingawaylikeabowwaveinwater.Thenitwasgone,coursingofftotheleft.Thesounddiminished,died.“I’veseenspacefrigatesthatweresmaller,”Paulwhispered.Shenodded,continuingtostareacrossthedesert.Wherethewormhadpassed
there remained that tantalizing gap. It flowed bitterly endless before them,beckoningbeneathitshorizontalcollapseofskyline.“Whenwe’verested,”Jessicasaid,“weshouldcontinuewithyourlessons.”He suppressed a sudden anger, said: “Mother, don’t you thinkwe could do
without....”“Todayyoupanicked,”shesaid.“Youknowyourmindandbindu-nervature
perhapsbetterthanIdo,butyou’vemuchyettolearnaboutyourbody’sprana-musculature.Thebodydoesthingsofitselfsometimes,Paul,andIcanteachyouaboutthis.Youmustlearntocontroleverymuscle,everyfiberofyourbody.Youneedreviewofthehands.We’llstartwithfingermuscles,palmtendons,andtipsensitivity.”Sheturnedaway.“Come,intothetent,now.”He flexed the fingers of his left hand, watching her crawl through the
sphinctervalve,knowingthathecouldnotdeflectherfromthisdetermination...thathemustagree.Whateverhasbeendonetome,I’vebeenapartytoit,hethought.Reviewofthehand!He looked at his hand.How inadequate it appearedwhenmeasured against
suchcreaturesasthatworm.
Wecame fromCaladan—aparadiseworld forour formof life.ThereexistednoneedonCaladantobuildaphysicalparadiseoraparadiseofthemind—wecouldsee the actuality all around us. And the price we paid was the pricemen havealwayspaidforachievingaparadiseinthislife—wewentsoft,welostouredge.
—from“Muad’Dib:Conversations”bythePrincessIrulan
“SOYOU’REthegreatGurneyHalleck,”themansaid.Halleck stood staring across the round cavern office at the smuggler seated
behindametaldesk.ThemanworeFremenrobesandhadthehalf-tintblueeyesthat toldofoff-planet foods inhisdiet.Theofficeduplicateda space frigate’smaster control center—communications and viewscreens along a thirty-degreearcofwall,remotearmingandfiringbanksadjoining,andthedeskformedasawallprojection—partoftheremainingcurve.“IamStabanTuek,sonofEsmarTuek,”thesmugglersaid.“Thenyou’retheoneIowethanksforthehelpwe’vereceived,”Hallecksaid.“Ah-h-h,gratitude,”thesmugglersaid.“Sitdown.”Aship-typebucketseatemergedfromthewallbesidethescreensandHalleck
sankontoitwithasigh,feelinghisweariness.Hecouldseehisownreflectionnowinadarksurfacebesidethesmugglerandscowledatthelinesoffatigueinhislumpyface.Theinkvinescaralonghisjawwrithedwiththescowl.Halleck turned from his reflection, stared at Tuek. He saw the family
resemblance in the smuggler now—the father’s heavy, overhanging eyebrowsandrockplanesofcheeksandnose.“Yourmen tellme your father is dead, killed by theHarkonnens,”Halleck
said.“BytheHarkonnensorbyatraitoramongyourpeople,”Tueksaid.Anger overcame part of Halleck’s fatigue. He straightened, said: “Can you
namethetraitor?”“Wearenotsure.”“ThufirHawatsuspectedtheLadyJessica.”“Ah-h-h,theBeneGesseritwitch...perhaps.ButHawatisnowaHarkonnen
captive.”“Iheard,”Halleck tookadeepbreath.“Itappearswe’veadealmorekilling
aheadofus.”“Wewilldonothingtoattractattentiontous,”Tueksaid.
Halleckstiffened.“But—”“You and those of yourmenwe’ve saved arewelcome to sanctuary among
us,”Tueksaid.“Youspeakofgratutude.Verywell;workoffyourdebttous.Wecanalwaysusegoodmen.We’lldestroyyououtofhand, though, ifyoumaketheslightestopenmoveagainsttheHarkonnens.”“Buttheykilledyourfather,man!”“Perhaps.Andifso,I’llgiveyoumyfather’sanswertothosewhoactwithout
thinking:‘Astoneisheavyandthesandisweighty;butafool’swrathisheavierthanthemboth.’”“Youmeantodonothingaboutit,then?”Hallecksneered.“Youdidnothearmesaythat.ImerelysayIwillprotectourcontractwiththe
Guild. The Guild requires that we play a circumspect game. There are otherwaysofdestroyingafoe.”“Ah-h-h-h-h.”“Ah,indeed.Ifyou’veamindtoseekoutthewitch,haveatit.ButIwarnyou
thatyou’reprobablytoolate...andwedoubtshe’stheoneyouwant,anyway.”“Hawatmadefewmistakes.”“HeallowedhimselftofallintoHarkonnenhands.”“Youthinkhe’sthetraitor?”Tuek shrugged. “This is academic.We think thewitch is dead.At least the
Harkonnensbelieveit.”“YouseemtoknowagreatdealabouttheHarkonnens.”“Hintsandsuggestions...rumorsandhunches.”“Weareseventy-fourmen,”Hallecksaid.“Ifyouseriouslywishus toenlist
withyou,youmustbelieveourDukeisdead.”“Hisbodyhasbeenseen.”“And the boy, too—youngMaster Paul?”Halleck tried to swallow, found a
lumpinhisthroat.“According to the lastwordwehad,hewas lostwithhismother inadesert
storm.Likelynoteventheirboneswilleverbefound.”“Sothewitchisdeadthen...alldead.”Tueknodded.“AndBeastRabban,sotheysay,willsitoncemoreintheseat
ofpowerhereonDune.”“TheCountRabbanofLankiveil?”“Yes.”IttookHalleckamomenttoputdowntheupsurgeofragethatthreatenedto
overcomehim.Hespokewithpantingbreath:“I’veascoreofmyownagainst
Rabban.Iowehimforthelivesofmyfamily....”Herubbedatthescaralonghisjaw.“...andforthis....”“Onedoes not risk everything to settle a score prematurely,”Tuek said.He
frowned, watching the play of muscles along Halleck’s jaw, the suddenwithdrawalintheman’sshed-liddedeyes.“Iknow...Iknow.”Hallecktookadeepbreath.“YouandyourmencanworkoutyourpassageoffArrakisbyservingwithus.
Therearemanyplacesto—”“Ireleasemymenfromanybondtome;theycanchooseforthemselves.With
Rabbanhere—Istay.”“Inyourmood,I’mnotsurewewantyoutostay.”Halleckstaredatthesmuggler.“Youdoubtmyword?”“No-o-o....”“You’vesavedmefromtheHarkonnens.IgaveloyaltytotheDukeLetofor
nogreaterreason.I’llstayonArrakis—withyou...orwiththeFremen.”“Whetherathoughtisspokenornotitisarealthingandithaspower,”Tuek
said.“Youmight find the linebetween lifeanddeathamong theFremen tobetoosharpandquick.”Halleckclosedhiseyesbriefly,feelingthewearinesssurgeupinhim.“Where
istheLordwholedusthroughthelandofdesertsandofpits?”hemurmured.“Moveslowlyandthedayofyourrevengewillcome,”Tueksaid.“Speedisa
deviceofShaitan.Coolyour sorrow—we’ve thediversions for it; three thingstherearethateasetheheart—water,greengrass,andthebeautyofwoman.”Halleck opened his eyes. “I would prefer the blood of Rabban Harkonnen
flowingaboutmyfeet.”HestaredatTuek.“Youthinkthatdaywillcome?”“I have little to dowith how you’llmeet tomorrow,GurneyHalleck. I can
onlyhelpyoumeettoday.”“ThenI’llacceptthathelpandstayuntilthedayyoutellmetorevengeyour
fatherandalltheotherswho—”“Listentome,fightingman,”Tueksaid.Heleanedforwardoverhisdesk,his
shoulderslevelwithhisears,eyesintent.Thesmuggler’sfacewassuddenlylikeweathered stone. “My father’swater—I’ll buy thatbackmyself,withmyownblade.”HalleckstaredbackatTuek. In thatmoment, thesmugglerremindedhimof
DukeLeto:aleaderofmen,courageous,secureinhisownpositionandhisowncourse.HewasliketheDuke...beforeArrakis.“Doyouwishmybladebesideyou?”Halleckasked.
Tueksatback,relaxed,studyingHallecksilently.“Doyouthinkofmeasfightingman?”Halleckpressed.“You’re theonlyoneof theDuke’s lieutenants toescape,”Tueksaid.“Your
enemywasoverwhelming,yetyourolledwithhim....YoudefeatedhimthewaywedefeatArrakis.”“Eh?”“We liveon sufferancedownhere,GurneyHalleck,”Tuek said. “Arrakis is
ourenemy.”“Oneenemyatatime,isthatit?”“That’sit.”“IsthatthewaytheFremenmakeout?”“Perhaps.”“YousaidImightfindlifewiththeFrementootough.Theyliveinthedesert,
intheopen,isthatwhy?”“WhoknowswheretheFremenlive?Forus,theCentralPlateauisano-man’s
land.ButIwishtotalkmoreabout—”“I’m told that the Guild seldom routes spice lighters in over the desert,”
Hallecksaid.“But thereare rumors thatyoucanseebitsofgreeneryhereandthereifyouknowwheretolook.”“Rumors!”Tueksneered.“Doyouwish tochoosenowbetweenmeand the
Fremen?Wehaveameasureofsecurity,ourownsietchcarvedoutoftherock,ourownhiddenbasins.Welivethelivesofcivilizedmen.TheFremenareafewraggedbandsthatweuseasspice-hunters.”“ButtheycankillHarkonnens.”“Anddoyouwishtoknowtheresult?Evennowtheyarebeinghunteddown
like animals—with lasguns, because they have no shields. They are beingexterminated.Why?BecausetheykilledHarkonnens.”“WasitHarkonnenstheykilled?”Halleckasked.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Haven’tyouheardthattheremay’vebeenSardaukarwiththeHarkonnens?”“Morerumors.”“Butapogrom—thatisn’tliketheHarkonnens.Apogromiswasteful.”“I believe what I see with my own eyes,” Tuek said. “Make your choice,
fightingman.Meor theFremen.Iwillpromiseyousanctuaryandachancetodrawthebloodwebothwant.Besureof that.TheFremenwillofferyouonlythelifeofthehunted.”Halleck hesitated, sensing wisdom and sympathy in Tuek’s words, yet
troubledfornoreasonhecouldexplain.“Trust your ownabilities,”Tuek said. “Whosedecisionsbrought your force
throughthebattle?Yours.Decide.”“Itmustbe,”Hallecksaid.“TheDukeandhissonaredead?”“The Harkonnens believe it.Where such things are concerned, I incline to
trust theHarkonnens.”AgrimsmiletouchedTuek’smouth.“Butit’sabouttheonlytrustIgivethem.”“Thenitmustbe,”Halleckrepeated.Heheldouthisrighthand,palmupand
thumbfoldedflatagainstitinthetraditionalgesture.“Igiveyoumysword.”“Accepted.”“Doyouwishmetopersuademymen?”“You’dletthemmaketheirowndecision?”“They’vefollowedmethisfar,butmostareCaladan-born.Arrakisisn’twhat
theythought it’dbe.Here, they’velosteverythingexcept their lives.I’dprefertheydecidedforthemselvesnow.”“Nowisnotimeforyoutofalter,”Tueksaid.“They’vefollowedyouthisfar.”“Youneedthem,isthatit?”“We can always use experienced fightingmen ... in these timesmore than
ever.”“You’veacceptedmysword.Doyouwishmetopersuadethem?”“Ithinkthey’llfollowyou,GurneyHalleck.”“’Tistobehoped.”“Indeed.”“Imaymakemyowndecisioninthis,then?”“Yourowndecision.”Halleck pushed himself up from the bucket seat, feeling how much of his
reserve strength even that small effort required. “For now, I’ll see to theirquartersandwell-being,”hesaid.“Consultmyquartermaster,”Tueksaid.“Drisqishisname.Tellhimit’smy
wish thatyou receiveeverycourtesy. I’ll joinyoumyselfpresently. I’ve someoff-shipmentsofspicetoseetofirst.”“Fortunepasseseverywhere,”Hallecksaid.“Everywhere,” Tuek said. “A time of upset is a rare opportunity for our
business.”Hallecknodded,heardthefaintsussurationandfelttheairshiftasalockport
swungopenbesidehim.Heturned,duckedthroughitandoutoftheoffice.Hefoundhimselfintheassemblyhallthroughwhichheandhismenhadbeen
ledbyTuek’saides.Itwasa long,fairlynarrowareachewedoutof thenativerock, it’ssmoothsurfacebetraying theuseofcutterayburners for the job.Theceilingstretchedawayhighenoughtocontinuethenaturalsupportingcurveofthe rock and to permit internal air-convection currents. Weapons racks andlockerslinedthewalls.Hallecknotedwitha touchofpride that thoseofhismenstill able to stand
were standing—no relaxation in weariness and defeat for them. Smugglermedics were moving among them tending the wounded. Litter cases wereassembled in one area down to the left, eachwoundedmanwith anAtreidescompanion.TheAtreidestraining—“Wecareforourown!”—itheldlikeacoreofnative
rockinthem,Hallecknoted.Oneofhis lieutenantsstepped forwardcarryingHalleck’snine-stringbaliset
outofitscase.Themansnappedasalute,said:“Sir,themedicsheresaythere’sno hope forMattai. They have no bone and organ banks here—only outpostmedicine.Mattaican’tlast,theysay,andhehasarequestofyou.”“Whatisit?”The lieutenant thrust the baliset forward. “Mattai wants a song to ease his
going, sir.Hesaysyou’llknow theone ...he’sasked itofyouoftenenough.”Thelieutenantswallowed.“It’stheonecalled‘MyWoman,’sir.Ifyou—”“Iknow.”Hallecktookthebaliset,flickedthemultipickoutofitscatchonthe
fingerboard.Hedrewasoftchordfromtheinstrument,foundthatsomeonehadalready tuned it.Therewasaburning inhis eyes,buthedrove thatoutofhisthoughts as he strolled forward, strumming the tune, forcing himself to smilecasually.Several of hismen and a smugglermedicwerebent over oneof the litters.
One of the men began singing softly as Halleck approached, catching thecounter-beatwiththeeaseoflongfamiliarity:
“Mywomanstandsatherwindow,Curvedlines‘gainstsquareglass.Uprais’darms...bent...downfolded.’Gainstsunsetredandgolded—Cometome...Cometome,warmarmsofmylass.Forme...Forme,thewarmarmsofmylass.”
Thesingerstopped,reachedoutabandagedarmandclosedtheeyelidsofthemanonthelitter.Halleck drew a final soft chord from the baliset, thinking: Now we are
seventy-three.
Family lifeof theRoyalCreche isdifficultformanypeople tounderstand,but Ishalltrytogiveyouacapsuleviewofit.Myfatherhadonlyonerealfriend,Ithink.That was Count Hasimir Fenring, the genetic-eunuch and one of the deadliestfightersintheImperium.TheCount,adapperanduglylittleman,broughtanewslave-concubinetomyfatheronedayandIwasdispatchedbymymothertospyontheproceedings.Allofusspiedonmyfatherasamatterofself-protection.Oneoftheslave-concubinespermittedmyfatherundertheBeneGesserit-Guildagreementcouldnot,ofcourse,bearaRoyalSuccessor,buttheintrigueswereconstantandoppressivein their similarity.Webecameadept,mymother and sisters and I, atavoidingsubtleinstrumentsofdeath.Itmayseemadreadfulthingtosay,butI’mnotatallsuremyfatherwasinnocentinalltheseattempts.ARoyalFamilyisnotlikeotherfamilies.Herewasanewslaveconcubine,then,red-hairedlikemyfather,willowyandgraceful.Shehadadancer’smuscles,andhertrainingobviouslyhadincludedneuro-enticement.Myfatherlookedatherforalongtimeassheposturedunclothedbeforehim.Finallyhesaid:“Sheistoobeautiful.Wewillsaveherasagift.”YouhavenoideahowmuchconsternationthisrestraintcreatedintheRoyalCreche.Subtletyandself-controlwere,afterall,themostdeadlythreatstousall.
-“InMyFather’sHouse”bythePrincessIrulan
PAULSTOODoutsidethestilltentinthelateafternoon.Thecrevassewherehehadpitchedtheircamplayindeepshadow.Hestaredoutacrosstheopensandatthedistantcliff,wonderingifheshouldwakenhismother,wholayasleepinthetent.Foldsuponfoldsofdunesspreadbeyondtheirshelter.Awayfromthesetting
sun,thedunesexposedgreasedshadowssoblacktheywerelikebitsofnight.Andtheflatness.His mind searched for something tall in that landscape. But there was no
persuadingtallnessoutofheat-addledairandthathorizon—nobloomorgentlyshakenthingtomarkthepassageofabreeze...onlydunesandthatdistantcliffbeneathaskyofburnishedsilver-blue.What if there isn’t one of the abandoned testing stations across there? he
wondered.WhatiftherearenoFremen,either,andtheplantsweseeareonlyanaccident?Withinthetent,Jessicaawakened, turnedontoherbackandpeeredsidelong
out the transparent end at Paul.He stoodwith his back to her and somethingabouthisstanceremindedherofhis father.Shesensed thewellofgrief risingwithinherandturnedaway.Presentlysheadjustedherstillsuit,refreshedherselfwithwaterfromthetent’s
catchpocket,andslippedouttostandandstretchthesleepfromhermuscles.Paulspokewithoutturning:“Ifindmyselfenjoyingthequiethere.”Howthemindgearsitselfforitsenvironment,shethought.Andsherecalleda
Bene Gesserit axiom: “The mind can go either direction under stress—towardpositiveortowardnegative:onoroff.Thinkofitasaspectrumwhoseextremesareunconsciousnessatthenegativeendandhyperconsciousnessatthepositiveend.Theway themindwill leanunderstress isstrongly influencedbytraining.”“Itcouldbeagoodlifehere,”Paulsaid.She tried to see the desert through his eyes, seeking to encompass all the
rigors this planet accepted as commonplace,wondering at the possible futuresPaul had glimpsed.One could be alone out here, she thought,without fear ofsomeonebehindyou,withoutfearofthehunter.ShesteppedpastPaul,liftedherbinoculars,adjustedtheoillensesandstudied
the escarpment across from them.Yes, saguaro in the arroyos andother spinygrowth...andamattingoflowgrasses,yellow-greenintheshadows.“I’llstrikecamp,”Paulsaid.Jessicanodded,walkedtothefissure’smouthwhereshecouldgetasweepof
the desert, and swung her binoculars to the left.A salt pan glaredwhite therewithablendingofdirtytanatitsedges—afieldofwhiteoutherewherewhitewasdeath.Butthepansaidanotherthing:water.Atsometimewaterhadflowedacross that glaring white. She lowered her binoculars, adjusted her burnoose,listenedforamomenttothesoundofPaul’smovements.The sundipped lower.Shadows stretched across the salt pan.Lines ofwild
color spread over the sunset horizon. Color streamed into a toe of darknesstesting the sand.Coal-colored shadows spread, and the thick collapse of nightblottedthedesert.Stars!Shestaredupat them,sensingPaul’smovementsashecameupbesideher.
The desert night focused upward with a feeling of lift toward the stars. Theweightofthedayreceded.Therecameabriefflurryofbreezeacrossherface.“Thefirstmoonwillbeupsoon,”Paulsaid.“Thepack’sready.I’veplanted
thethumper.”Wecouldbelostforeverinthishellplace,shethought.Andnoonetoknow.Thenightwindspreadsandrunnels thatgratedacrossher face,bringing the
smellofcinnamon:ashowerofodorsinthedark.“Smellthat,”Paulsaid.
“I can smell it even through the filter,” she said. “Riches. But will it buywater?”Shepointedacrossthebasin.“Therearenoartificiallightsacrossthere.”“Fremenwouldbehiddeninasietchbehindthoserocks,”hesaid.Asillofsilverpushedabovethehorizontotheirright:thefirstmoon.Itlifted
intoview, thehandpatternplainon its face.Jessicastudied thewhite-silverofsandexposedinthelight.“I planted the thumper in the deepest part of the crevasse,” Paul said.
“WheneverIlightitscandleit’llgiveusaboutthirtyminutes.”“Thirtyminutes?”“Beforeitstartscalling...a...worm.”“Oh.I’mreadytogo.”He slipped away from her side and she heard his progress back up their
fissure.Thenightisatunnel,shethought,aholeintotomorrow...ifwe’retohavea
tomorrow.Sheshookherhead.WhymustIbesomorbid?Iwastrainedbetterthanthat!Paulreturned,tookupthepack,ledthewaydowntothefirstspreadingdune
wherehestoppedandlistenedashismothercameupbehindhim.Heheardhersoftprogressandthecoldsingle-graindribblesofsound—thedesert’sowncodespellingoutitsmeasureofsafety.“Wemustwalkwithoutrhythm,”Paulsaidandhecalledupmemoryofmen
walkingthesand...bothprescientmemoryandrealmemory.“WatchhowIdoit,”hesaid.“ThisishowFremenwalkthesand.”Hesteppedoutontothewindwardfaceofthedune,followingthecurveofit,
movedwithadraggingpace.Jessicastudiedhisprogressfortensteps,followed,imitatinghim.Shesawthe
senseofit:theymustsoundlikethenaturalshiftingofsand...likethewind.Butmusclesprotestedthisunnatural,brokenpattern:Step...drag...drag...step...step...wait...drag...step...Time stretched out around them. The rock face ahead seemed to grow no
nearer.Theonebehindstilltoweredhigh.“Lump!Lump!Lump!Lump!”Itwasadrummingfromthecliffbehind.“Thethumper,”Paulhissed.Itspoundingcontinuedand the founddifficultyavoiding the rhythmof it in
theirstride.“Lump...lump...lump...lump....”
Theymovedinamoonlitbowlpuncturedbythathollowedthumping.Downandupthroughspillingdunes:step...drag...wait...step....Acrosspeasandthatrolledundertheirfeet:drag...wait...step....Andallthewhiletheirearssearchedforaspecialhissing.The sound, when it came, started so low that their own dragging passage
maskedit.Butitgrew...louderandlouder...outofthewest.“Lump...lump...lump...lump....”drummedthethumper.Thehissingapproachspreadacrossthenightbehindthem.Theyturnedtheir
headsastheywalked,sawthemoundofthecoursingworm.“Keepmoving,”Paulwhispered.“Don’tlookback.”Agratingsoundoffuryexplodedfromtherockshadowstheyhadleft.Itwas
aflailingavalancheofnoise.“Keepmoving,”Paulrepeating.Hesawthattheyhadreachedanunmarkedpointwherethetworockfaces—
theoneaheadandtheonebehind—appearedequallyremote.Andstillbehindthem,thatwhipping,frenziedtearingofrocksdominatedthe
night.They moved on and on and on.... Muscles reached a stage of mechanical
aching that seemed tostretchout indefinitely,butPaul saw that thebeckoningescarpmentaheadofthemhadclimbedhigher.Jessicamovedinavoidofconcentration,awarethatthepressureofherwill
alone kept her walking. Dryness ached in her mouth, but the sounds behinddroveawayallhopeofstoppingforasipfromherstillsuit’scatchpockets.“Lump...lump....”Renewedfrenzyeruptedfromthedistantcliff,drowningoutthethumper.Silence!“Faster,”Paulwhispered.Shenodded,knowinghedidnotseethegesture,butneedingtheactiontotell
herself that it was necessary to demand evenmore frommuscles that alreadywerebeingtaxedtotheirlimits—theunnaturalmovement....Therockfaceofsafetyaheadofthemclimbedintothestars,andPaulsawa
planeofflatsandstretchingoutatthebase.Hesteppedontoit,stumbledinhisfatigue,rightedhimselfwithaninvoluntaryout-thrustingofafoot.Resonantboomingshookthesandaroundthem.Paullurchedsidewaystwosteps.“Boom!Boom!”“Drumsand!”Jessicahissed.
Paulrecoveredhisbalance.Asweepingglancetookinthesandaroundthem,therockescarpmentperhapstwohundredmetersaway.Behindthem,heheardahissing—likethewind,likeariptidewheretherewas
nowater.“Run!”Jessicascreamed.“Paul,run!”Theyran.Drumsoundboomedbeneaththeirfeet.Thentheywereoutofitandintopea
gravel. For a time, the running was a relief to muscles that ached fromunfamiliar,rhythmlessuse.Herewasactionthatcouldbeunderstood.Herewasrhythm.Butsandandgraveldraggedattheirfeet.Andthehissingapproachofthewormwasstormsoundthatgrewaroundthem.Jessicastumbledtoherknees.Allshecouldthinkofwasthefatigueandthe
soundandtheterror.Pauldraggedherup.Theyranon,handinhand.Athinpolejuttedfromthesandaheadofthem.Theypassedit,sawanother.Jessica’smindfailedtoregisteronthepolesuntiltheywerepast.Therewasanother-wind-etchedsurfacethrustupfromacrackinrock.Another.Rock!She felt it through her feet, the shock of unresisting surface, gained new
strengthfromthefirmerfooting.Adeepcrackstretcheditsverticalshadowupwardintothecliffaheadofthem.
Theysprintedforit,crowdedintothenarrowhole.Behindthem,thesoundoftheworm’spassagestopped.JessicaandPaulturned,peeredoutontothedesert.Wherethedunesbegan,perhapsfiftymetersawayatthefootofarockbeach,
a silver-gray curve broached from the desert, sending rivers of sand and dustcascading all around. It lifted higher, resolved into a giant, questingmouth. Itwasaround,blackholewithedgesglisteninginthemoonlight.ThemouthsnakedtowardthenarrowcrackwherePaulandJessicahuddled.
Cinnamonyelledintheirnostrils.Moonlightflashedfromcrystalteeth.Backandforththegreatmouthwove.Paulstilledhisbreathing.Jessicacrouchedstaring.It took intense concentration of herBeneGesserit training to put down the
primalterrors,subduingarace-memoryfearthatthreatenedtofillhermind.
Paulfeltakindofelation.Insomerecentinstant,hehadcrossedatimebarrierinto more unknown territory. He could sense the darkness ahead, nothingrevealedtohisinnereye.Itwasasthoughsomestephehadtakenhadplungedhimintoawell ...or into the troughofawavewhere thefuturewas invisible.Thelandscapehadundergoneaprofoundshifting.Instead of frightening him, the sensation of time-darkness forced a hyper-
acceleration of his other senses. He found himself registering every availableaspect of the thing that lifted from the sand there seeking him. Itsmouthwassome eighty meters in diameter ... crystal teeth with the curved shape ofcrysknives glinting around the rim ... the bellows breath of cinnamon, subtlealdehydes...acids....Thewormblotted out themoonlight as it brushed the rocks above them.A
showerofsmallstonesandsandcascadedintothenarrowhidingplace.Paulcrowdedhismotherfartherback.Cinnamon!Thesmellofitfloodedacrosshim.Whathasthewormtodowiththespice,melange?heaskedhimself.Andhe
remembered Liet-Kynes betraying a veiled reference to some associationbetweenwormandspice.“Barrrroooom!”Itwaslikeapealofdrythundercomingfromfarofftotheirright.Again:“Barrrroooom!”Thewormdrewback onto the sand, lay theremomentarily, its crystal teeth
weavingmoonflashes.“Lump!Lump!Lump!Lump!”Anotherthumper!Paulthought.Againitsoundedofftotheirright.Ashudderpassedthroughtheworm.Itdrewfartherawayintothesand.Only
amoundeduppercurve remained likehalf abellmouth, thecurveof a tunnelrearingabovethedunes.Sandrasped.Thecreaturesank farther, retreating, turning. Itbecameamoundofcresting
sandthatcurvedawaythroughasaddleinthedunes.Paulsteppedoutofthecrack,watchedthesandwaverecedeacrossthewaste
towardthenewthumpersummons.Jessicafollowed,listening:“Lump...lump...lump...lump...lump....”Presentlythesoundstopped.
Paulfoundthetubeintohisstillsuit,sippedatthereclaimedwater.Jessica focused on his action, but hermind felt blankwith fatigue and the
aftermathofterror.“Hasitgoneforsure?”shewhispered.“Somebodycalledit,”Paulsaid.“Fremen.”Shefeltherselfrecovering.“Itwassobig!”“Notasasbigastheonethatgotour’thopter.”“AreyousureitwasFremen?”“Theyusedathumper.”“Whywouldtheyhelpus?”“Maybetheyweren’thelpingus.Maybetheywerejustcallingaworm.”“Why?”Ananswer laypoisedat theedgeofhisawareness,but refused tocome.He
hadavisioninhismindofsomethingtodowiththetelescopingbarbedsticksintheirpacks—the“makerhooks.”“Whywouldtheycallaworm?”Jessicaasked.Abreathoffeartouchedhismind,andheforcedhimselftoturnawayfromhis
mother,tolookupthecliff.“We’dbetterfindawayuptherebeforedaylight.”Hepointed.“Thosepoleswepassed—therearemoreofthem.”She looked, following the line of his hand, saw the poles—wind-scratched
markers—madeout the shadowof a narrow ledge that twisted into a crevassehighabovethem.“Theymarkawayup thecliff,”Paul said.Hesettledhis shoulders into the
pack,crossedtothefootoftheledgeandbegantheclimbupward.Jessicawaitedamoment,resting,restoringherstrength;thenshefollowed.Up they climbed, following the guide poles until the ledge dwindled to a
narrowlipatthemouthofadarkcrevasse.Paul tipped his head to peer into the shadowed place. He could feel the
precarious hold his feet had on the slender ledge, but forced himself to slowcaution.He saw only darknesswithin the crevasse. It stretched away upward,opentothestarsatthetop.Hisearssearched,foundonlysoundshecouldexpect—atinyspillofsand,an insectbrrr, thepatterofasmall runningcreature.Hetestedthedarknessinthecrevassewithonefoot,foundrockbeneathagrittingsurface.Slowly,heinchedaroundthecorner,signaledforhismothertofollow.Hegraspedalooseedgeofherrobe,helpedheraround.Theylookedupwardatstarlightframedbytworocklips.Paulsawhismother
beside him as a cloudy gray movement. “If we could only risk a light,” hewhispered.
“Wehaveothersensesthaneyes,”shesaid.Paul slid a foot forward, shiftedhisweight, andprobedwith theother foot,
metanobstruction.Heliftedhisfoot,foundastep,pulledhimselfupontoit.Hereachedback,felthismother’sarm,tuggedatherrobeforhertofollow.Anotherstep.“Itgoesonuptothetop,Ithink,”hewhispered.Shallowandevensteps,Jessicathought.Man-carvedbeyondadoubt.ShefollowedtheshadowymovementofPaul’sprogress,feelingoutthesteps.
Rockwallsnarroweduntilhershouldersalmostbrushedthem.Thestepsendedinaslitteddefileabouttwentymeterslong,itsfloorlevel,andthisopenedontoashallow,moonlitbasin.Paul stepped out into the rim of the basin, whispered: “What a beautiful
place.”Jessica couldonly stare in silent agreement fromher position a stepbehind
him.In spite of weariness, the irritation of recaths and nose plugs and the
confinementof the stillsuit, in spiteof fear and the achingdesire for rest, thisbasin’sbeautyfilledhersenses,forcinghertostopandadmireit.“Likeafairyland,”Paulwhispered.Jessicanodded.Spreading away in front of her stretched desert growth—bushes, cacti, tiny
clumps of leaves—all trembling in themoonlight. The ringwallswere dark toherleft,moonfrostedonherright.“ThismustbeaFremenplace,”Paulsaid.“Therewouldhavetobepeopleforthismanyplantstosurvive,”sheagreed.
Sheuncappedthetubetoherstillsuit’scatchpockets,sippedatit.Warm,faintlyacridwetness slipped down her throat. Shemarked how it refreshed her. Thetube’scapgratedagainstflakesofsandasshereplacedit.MovementcaughtPaul’sattention—tohisrightanddownonthebasinfloor
curvingoutbeneaththem.Hestareddownthroughsmokebushesandweedsintoawedgedslabsand-surfaceofmoonlightinhabitedbyanup-hop,jump,pop-hopoftinymotion.“Mice!”hehissed.Pop-hop-hop!theywent,intoshadowsandout.Something fell soundlesslypast their eyes into themice.There came a thin
screech,aflappingofwings,andaghostlygraybirdliftedawayacrossthebasinwithasmall,darkshadowinitstalons.
Weneededthatreminder,Jessicathought.Paulcontinuedtostareacrossthebasin.Heinhaled,sensedthesoftlycutting
contraltosmellofsageclimbingthenight.Thepredatorybird—hethoughtofitasthewayofthisdesert.Ithadbroughtastillnesstothebasinsounutteredthattheblue-milkmoonlightcouldalmostbeheardflowingacrosssentinelsaguaroandspikedpaintbush.Therewasalowhummingoflightheremorebasicinitsharmonythananyothermusicinhisuniverse.“We’dbetterfindaplacetopitchthetent,”hesaid.“Tomorrowwecantryto
findtheFremenwho—”“MostintrudershereregretfindingtheFremen!”It was a heavy masculine voice chopping across his words, shattering the
moment.Thevoicecamefromabovethemandtotheirright.“Pleasedonotrun, intruders,” thevoicesaidasPaulmade towithdrawinto
thedefile.“Ifyourunyou’llonlywasteyourbody’swater.”Theywantusforthewaterofourflesh!Jessicathought.Hermusclesoverrode
all fatigue, flowed into maximum readiness without external betrayal. Shepinpointed the location of the voice, thinking:Such stealth! I didn’t hear him.And she realized that the owner of that voice had permitted himself only thesmallsounds,thenaturalsoundsofthedesert.Anothervoicecalled from thebasin’s rim to their left. “Make itquick,Stil.
Gettheirwaterandlet’sbeonourway.We’velittleenoughtimebeforedawn.”Paul,lessconditionedtoemergencyresponsethanhismother,feltchagrinthat
he had stiffened and tried to withdraw, that he had clouded his abilities by amomentarypanic.Heforcedhimselfnowtoobeyherteachings:relax,thanfallintothesemblanceofrelaxation,thenintothearrestedwhipsnapofmusclesthatcanslashinanydirection.Still,hefelttheedgeoffearwithinhimandknewitssource.Thiswasblind
time,nofuturehehadseen...andtheywerecaughtbetweenwildFremenwhoseonlyinterestwasthewatercarriedinthefleshoftwounshieldedbodies.
ThisFremenreligiousadaptation,then,isthesourceofwhatwenowrecognizeas“ThePillarsoftheUniverse,”whoseQizaraTafwidareamongusallwith signsand proofs and prophecy. They bring us the Arrakeen mystical fusion whoseprofoundbeautyistypifiedbythestirringmusicbuiltontheoldforms,butstampedwiththenewawakening.Whohasnotheardandbeendeeplymovedby“TheOldMan’sHymn”?IdrovemyfeetthroughadesertWhosemirageflutteredlikeahost.Voraciousforglory,greedyfordanger,Iroamedthehorizonsofal-Kulab.WatchingtimelevelmountainsInitssearchanditshungerforme.AndIsawthesparrowsswiftlyapproach,Bolder than the onrushingwolf.They spread in the tree ofmyyouth.IheardtheflockinmybranchesAndwascaughtontheirbeaksandclaws!
—from“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
THEMANcrawledacrossadunetop.Hewasamotecaughtintheglareofthenoonsun.Hewasdressedonlyintornremnantsofajubbacloak,hisskinbaretotheheat through the tatters.Thehoodhadbeen ripped from thecloak,but theman had fashioned a turban from a torn strip of cloth. Wisps of sandy hairprotrudedfromit,matchedbyasparsebeardandthickbrows.Beneaththeblue-within-blueeyes, remainsofadarkstainspreaddown tohischeeks.Amatteddepressionacrossmustacheandbeardshowedwhereastillsuittubehadmarkedoutitspathfromnosetocatchpockets.Themanstoppedhalfacrossthedunecrest,armsstretcheddowntheslipface.
Bloodhadclottedonhisbackandonhisarmsandlegs.Patchesofyellow-graysand clung to the wounds. Slowly, he brought his hands under him, pushedhimselftohisfeet,stoodthereswaying.Andeveninthisalmost-randomactionthereremainedatraceofonce-precisemovement.“IamLiet-Kynes,”hesaid,addressinghimselftotheemptyhorizon,andhis
voicewasahoarsecaricatureof thestrengthithadknown.“IamHisImperialMajesty’s Planetologist,” hewhispered, “planetary ecologist for Arrakis. I amstewardofthisland.”Hestumbled,fellsidewaysalongthecrustysurfaceofthewindwardface.His
handsdugfeeblyintothesand.Iamstewardofthissand,hethought.He realized that he was semi-delirious, that he should dig himself into the
sand,findtherelativelycoolunderlayerandcoverhimselfwithit.Buthecouldstill smell the rank, semisweet esthers of a pre-spice pocket somewhereunderneaththissand.Heknewtheperilwithinthisfactmorecertainlythanany
otherFremen.Ifhecouldsmell thepre-spicemass, thatmeantthegassesdeepunderthesandwerenearingexplosivepressure.Hehadtogetawayfromhere.Hishandsmadeweakscrabblingmotionsalongtheduneface.Athoughtspreadacrosshismind—clear,distinct:Therealwealthofaplanet
is in its landscape, how we take part in that basic source of civilization—agriculture.Andhethoughthowstrangeitwasthatthemind,longfixedonasingletrack,
couldnotgetoff that track.TheHarkonnentroopershad lefthimherewithoutwaterorstillsuit,thinkingawormwouldgethimifthedesertdidn’t.Theyhadthoughtitamusingtoleavehimalivetodiebyinchesattheimpersonalhandsofhisplanet.The Harkonnens always did find it difficult to kill Fremen, he thought.We
don’tdieeasily.Ishouldbedeadnow...Iwillbedeadsoon...butIcan’tstopbeinganecologist.“Thehighestfunctionofecologyisunderstandingconsequences.”Thevoiceshockedhimbecauseherecognizeditandknewtheownerofitwas
dead.Itwasthevoiceofhisfatherwhohadbeenplanetologistherebeforehim—hisfatherlongdead,killedinthecave-inatPlasterBasin.“Got yourself into quite a fix here, Son,” his father said. “You should’ve
knowntheconsequencesoftryingtohelpthechildofthatDuke.”I’mdelirious,Kynesthought.The voice seemed to come from his right. Kynes scraped his face through
sand,turningtolookinthatdirection—nothingexceptacurvingstretchofdunedancingwithheatdevilsinthefullglareofthesun.“Themorelifethereiswithinasystem,themorenichesthereareforlife,”his
fathersaid.Andthevoicecamenowfromhisleft,frombehindhim.Whydoeshekeepmovingaround?Kynesaskedhimself.Doesn’thewantme
toseehim?“Lifeimprovesthecapacityoftheenvironmenttosustainlife,”hisfathersaid.
“Lifemakesneedednutrientsmorereadilyavailable.Itbindsmoreenergyintothe system through the tremendous chemical interplay from organism toorganism.”Whydoeshekeepharpingonthesamesubject?Kynesaskedhimself.Iknew
thatbeforeIwasten.Deserthawks,carrion-eatersinthislandasweremostwildcreatures,beganto
circleoverhim.Kynessawashadowpassnearhishand,forcedhisheadfartheraround to look upward. The birds were a blurred patch on silver-blue sky—
distantflecksofsootfloatingabovehim.“Wearegeneralists,”hisfathersaid.“Youcan’tdrawneatlinesaroundplanet-
wideproblems.Planetologyisacut-and-fitscience.”What’s he trying to tellme? Kyneswondered. Is there some consequence I
failedtosee?Hischeekslumpedbackagainstthehotsand,andhesmelledtheburnedrock
odor beneath the pre-spice gasses. From some corner of logic in his mind, athought formed: Those are carrion-eater birds over me. Perhaps some of myFremenwillseethemandcometoinvestigate.“Totheworkingplanetologist,hismostimportanttoolishumanbeings,”his
father said. “You must cultivate ecological literacy among the people. That’swhyI’vecreatedthisentirelynewformofecologicalnotation.”He’srepeatingthingshesaidtomewhenIwasachild,Kynesthought.Hebegantofeelcool,butthatcorneroflogicinhismindtoldhim:Thesunis
overhead.Youhavenostillsuitandyou’rehot; thesunisburningthemoistureoutofyourbody.Hisfingersclawedfeeblyatthesand.Theycouldn’tevenleavemeastillsuit!“Thepresenceofmoistureintheairhelpspreventtoo-rapidevaporationfrom
livingbodies,”hisfathersaid.Whydoeshekeeprepeatingtheobvious?Kyneswondered.He tried to think of moisture in the air—grass covering this dune ... open
watersomewherebeneathhim,alongqanatflowingwithwateropentotheskyexceptintextillustrations.Openwater...irrigationwater...ittookfivethousandcubic meters of water to irrigate one hectare of land per growing season, heremembered.“OurfirstgoalonArrakis,”his fathersaid,“isgrasslandprovinces.Wewill
start with these mutated poverty grasses. When we have moisture locked ingrasslands, we’ll move on to start upland forests, then a few open bodies ofwater—smallatfirst—andsituatedalonglinesofprevailingwindswithwindtrapmoistureprecipitatorsspacedinthelinestorecapturewhatthewindsteals.Wemustcreateatruesirocco—amoistwind—butwewillnevergetawayfromthenecessityforwindtraps.”Always lecturingme,Kynes thought.Whydoesn’t he shut up?Can’t he see
I’mdying?“You will die, too,” his father said, “if you don’t get off the bubble that’s
forming right now deep underneath you. It’s there and you know it. You can
smell the pre-spice gasses. You know the little makers are beginning to losesomeoftheirwaterintothemass.”Thethoughtofthatwaterbeneathhimwasmaddening.Heimagineditnow—
sealed off in strata of porous rock by the leathery half-plant, half-animal littlemakers—and the thin rupture thatwaspouringacool streamofclearest,pure,liquid,soothingwaterinto....Apre-spicemass!He inhaled, smelling the rank sweetness.Theodorwasmuch richer around
himthanithadbeen.Kynespushedhimselftohisknees,heardabirdscreech,thehurriedflapping
ofwings.Thisisspicedesert,hethought.TheremustbeFremenaboutevenintheday
sun.Surelytheycanseethebirdsandwillinvestigate.“Movementacrossthelandscapeisanecessityforanimallife,”hisfathersaid.
“Nomad peoples follow the same necessity. Lines of movement adjust tophysicalneedsforwater, food,minerals.Wemustcontrol thismovementnow,alignitforourpurposes.”“Shutup,oldman,”Kynesmuttered.“WemustdoathingonArrakisneverbeforeattemptedforanentireplanet,”
hisfathersaid.“Wemustusemanasaconstructiveecologicalforce—insertingadapted terraform life: a plant here, an animal there, aman in that place—totransformthewatercycle,tobuildanewkindoflandscape.”“Shutup!”Kynescroaked.“It was lines of movement that gave us the first clue to the relationship
betweenwormsandspice,”hisfathersaid.Aworm,Kynes thoughtwithasurgeofhope.Amaker’s sure tocomewhen
thisbubblebursts.ButIhavenohooks.HowcanImountabigmakerwithouthooks?Hecouldfeelfrustrationsappingwhatlittlestrengthremainedtohim.Water
sonear—onlyahundredmetersorsobeneathhim;awormsuretocome,butnowaytotrapitonthesurfaceanduseit.Kynespitchedforwardontothesand,returningtotheshallowdepressionhis
movementshaddefined.Hefeltsandhotagainsthisleftcheek,butthesensationwasremote.“TheArrakeenenvironmentbuiltitselfintotheevolutionarypatternofnative
lifeforms,”hisfathersaid.“Howstrangethatsofewpeopleeverlookedupfromthespicelongenoughtowonderatthenear-idealnitrogen-oxygen-CO2balance
beingmaintainedhere in theabsenceof largeareasofplantcover.Theenergysphereof theplanet is there toseeandunderstand—arelentlessprocess,butaprocess nonetheless. There is a gap in it? Then something occupies that gap.Science is made up of so many things that appear obvious after they areexplained.Iknewthelittlemakerwasthere,deepinthesand,longbeforeIeversawit.”“Pleasestoplecturingme,Father,”Kyneswhispered.Ahawklandedonthesandnearhisoutstretchedhand.Kynessawitfoldits
wings,tipitsheadtostareathim.Hesummonedtheenergytocroakatit.Thebirdhoppedawaytwosteps,butcontinuedtostareathim.“Men and their works have been a disease on the surface of their planets
beforenow,”hisfathersaid.“Naturetendstocompensatefordiseases,toremoveorencapsulatethem,toincorporatethemintothesysteminherownway.”Thehawklowereditshead,stretcheditswings,refoldedthem.It transferred
itsattentiontohisoutstretchedhand.Kynesfoundthathenolongerhadthestrengthtocroakatit.“ThehistoricalsystemofmutualpillageandextortionstopshereonArrakis,”
hisfathersaid.“Youcannotgoonforeverstealingwhatyouneedwithoutregardto thosewhocomeafter.Thephysicalqualitiesof aplanet arewritten into itseconomicandpoliticalrecord.Wehavetherecordinfrontofusandourcourseisobvious.”Henevercouldstoplecturing,Kynesthought.Lecturing, lecturing, lecturing
—alwayslecturing.ThehawkhoppedonestepclosertoKynes’outstretchedhand,turneditshead
firstonewayandthentheothertostudytheexposedflesh.“Arrakisisaone-cropplanet,”hisfathersaid.“Onecrop.Itsupportsaruling
class that livesas rulingclasseshave lived inall timeswhile,beneath them,asemihumanmass of semislaves exists on the leavings. It’s themasses and theleavings that occupy our attention. These are farmore valuable than has everbeensuspected.”“I’mignoringyou,Father,”Kyneswhispered.“Goaway.”Andhethought:SurelytheremustbesomeofmyFremennear.Theycannot
help but see the birds over me. They will investigate if only to see if there’smoistureavailable.“ThemassesofArrakiswillknowthatwework tomake the landflowwith
water,”hisfathersaid.“Mostofthem,ofcourse,willhaveonlyasemimysticalunderstanding of how we intend to do this. Many, not understanding the
prohibitive mass-ratio problem, may even think we’ll bring water from someotherplanetrichinit.Letthemthinkanythingtheywishaslongastheybelieveinus.”In a minute I’ll get up and tell him what I think of him, Kynes thought.
Standingtherelecturingmewhenheshouldbehelpingme.The bird took another hop closer to Kynes’ outstretched hand. Two more
hawksdrifteddowntothesandbehindit.“Religionand lawamongourmassesmustbeoneand thesame,”his father
said.“Anactofdisobediencemustbeasinandrequirereligiouspenalties.Thiswillhavethedualbenefitofbringingbothgreaterobedienceandgreaterbravery.Wemustdependnotsomuchonthebraveryofindividuals,yousee,asuponthebraveryofawholepopulation.”Where is my population now when I need it most? Kynes thought. He
summonedallhisstrength,movedhishandafinger’swidthtowardthenearesthawk.Ithoppedbackwardamongitscompanionsandallstoodpoisedforflight.“Our timetablewillachieve thestatureofanaturalphenomenon,”his father
said.“Aplanet’slifeisavast,tightlyinterwovenfabric.Vegetationandanimalchangeswillbedeterminedatfirstbytherawphysicalforceswemanipulate.Asthey establish themselves, though, our changes will become controllinginfluencesintheirownright—andwewillhavetodealwiththem,too.Keepinmind, though,thatweneedcontrolonlythreepercentof theenergysurface—only three per cent—to tip the entire structure over into our self-sustainingsystem.”Whyaren’tyouhelpingme?Kyneswondered.Alwaysthesame:whenIneed
youmost,youfailme.Hewantedtoturnhishead,tostareinthedirectionofhisfather’svoice,staretheoldmandown.Musclesrefusedtoanswerhisdemand.Kynessawthehawkmove.Itapproachedhishand,acautiousstepatatime
whileitscompanionswaitedinmockindifference.Thehawkstoppedonlyahopawayfromhishand.AprofoundclarityfilledKynes’mind.Hesawquitesuddenlyapotentialfor
Arrakisthathisfatherhadneverseen.Thepossibilitiesalongthatdifferentpathfloodedthroughhim.“Nomoreterribledisastercouldbefallyourpeoplethanforthemtofallinto
thehandsofaHero,”hisfathersaid.Readingmymind!Kynesthought.Well...lethim.The messages already have been sent to my sietch villages, he thought.
Nothingcanstopthem.IftheDuke’ssonisalivethey’llfindhimandprotecthim
asIhavecommanded.Theymaydiscardthewoman,hismother,butthey’llsavetheboy.Thehawktookonehopthatbroughtitwithinslashingdistanceofhishand.It
tipped itshead toexamine thesupineflesh.Abruptly, it straightened,stretcheditsheadupwardandwithasinglescreech,leapedintotheairandbankedawayoverheadwithitscompanionsbehindit.They’vecome!Kynesthought.MyFremenhavefoundme!Thenheheardthesandrumbling.Every Fremen knew the sound, could distinguish it immediately from the
noisesofwormsorotherdesertlife.Somewherebeneathhim,thepre-spicemasshad accumulated enoughwater and organicmatter from the littlemakers, hadreached the critical stageofwildgrowth.Agiganticbubbleof carbondioxidewas formingdeep in the sand,heavingupward in an enormous“blow”with adustwhirlpoolatitscenter.Itwouldexchangewhathadbeenformeddeepinthesandforwhateverlayonthesurface.Thehawkscircledoverheadscreechingtheirfrustration.Theyknewwhatwas
happening.Anydesertcreaturewouldknow.AndIamadesertcreature,Kynesthought.Youseeme,Father?Iamadesert
creature.He felt the bubble lift him, felt it break and the dustwhirlpool engulf him,
dragginghimdownintocooldarkness.Foramoment,thesensationofcoolnessandthemoisturewereblessedrelief.Then,ashisplanetkilledhim,itoccurredtoKynes that his father and all the other scientistswerewrong, that themostpersistentprinciplesoftheuniversewereaccidentanderror.Eventhehawkscouldappreciatethesefacts.
Prophecy and prescience—How can they be put to the test in the face of theunansweredquestion?Consider:Howmuchisactualpredictionofthe“waveform”(asMuad‘Dibreferredtohisvision-image)andhowmuchistheprophetshapingthe future to fit the prophecy?What of the harmonics inherent in the act ofprophecy?Doestheprophetseethefutureordoesheseealineofweakness,afaultor cleavage that he may shatter with words or decisions as a diamond-cuttershattershisgemwithablowofaknife?
—“PrivateReflectionsonMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
“GETTHEIRwater,”themancallingoutofthenighthadsaid.AndPaulfoughtdown his fear, glanced at his mother. His trained eyes saw her readiness forbattle,thewaitingwhipsnapofhermuscles.“Itwouldberegrettableshouldwehavetodestroyyououtofhand,”thevoice
abovethemsaid.That’stheonewhospoketousfirst,Jessicathought.Thereareatleasttwoof
them—onetoourrightandoneonourleft.“Cignorohrobosasukareshinmangelapchagavasdoimekamavasnabeslas
lelepalhrobas!”Itwasthemantotheirrightcallingoutacrossthebasin.To Paul, the words were gibberish, but out of her Bene Gesserit training,
Jessica recognized the speech. It was Chakobsa, one of the ancient huntinglanguages, and the man above them was saying that perhaps these were thestrangerstheysought.In thesuddensilence that followed thecallingvoice, thehoopwheel faceof
the secondmoon—faintly ivory blue—rolled over the rocks across the basin,brightandpeering.Scrambling sounds came from the rocks—above and to both sides ... dark
motionsinthemoonlight.Manyfiguresflowedthroughtheshadows.Awholetroop!Paulthoughtwithasuddenpang.AtallmaninamottledburnoosesteppedinfrontofJessica.Hismouthbaffle
wasthrownasideforclearspeech,revealingaheavybeardinthesidelightofthemoon,butfaceandeyeswerehiddenintheoverhangofhishood.“Whathavewehere—jinnorhuman?”heasked.When Jessica heard the true-banter in his voice, she allowed herself a faint
hope.Thiswasthevoiceofcommand,thevoicethathadfirstshockedthemwith
itsintrusionfromthenight.“Human,Iwarrant,”themansaid.Jessica sensed rather than saw theknifehidden in a foldof theman’s robe.
ShepermittedherselfonebitterregretthatsheandPaulhadnoshields.“Doyoualsospeak?”themanasked.Jessicaputalltheroyalarroganceathercommandintohermannerandvoice.
Replywasurgent,butshehadnotheardenoughofthismantobecertainshehadaregisteronhiscultureandweaknesses.“Whocomesonuslikecriminalsoutofthenight?”shedemanded.The burnoose-hooded head showed tension in a sudden twist, then slow
relaxationthatrevealedmuch.Themanhadgoodcontrol.Paulshiftedawayfromhismothertoseparatethemastargetsandgiveeachof
themaclearerarenaofaction.The hooded head turned at Paul’s movement, opening a wedge of face to
moonlight. Jessica sawa sharpnose, oneglinting eye—dark, sodark the eye,withoutanywhiteinit—aheavybrownandupturnedmustache.“Alikelycub,”themansaid.“Ifyou’refugitivesfromtheHarkonnens,itmay
beyou’rewelcomeamongus.Whatisit,boy?”The possibilities flashed through Paul’s mind: A trick? A fact? Immediate
decisionwasneeded.“Whyshouldyouwelcomefugitives?”hedemanded.“Achildwhothinksandspeakslikeaman,”thetallmansaid.“Well,now,to
answeryourquestion,myyoungwali, I amonewhodoesnotpay the fai, thewatertribute,totheHarkonnens.ThatiswhyImightwelcomeafugitive.”Heknowswhoweare,Paulthought.There’sconcealmentinhisvoice.“IamStilgar, theFremen,” the tallmansaid.“Does thatspeedyour tongue,
boy?”Itisthesamevoice,Paulthought.AndherememberedtheCouncilwiththis
manseekingthebodyofafriendslainbytheHarkonnens.“Iknowyou,Stilgar,”Paulsaid.“IwaswithmyfatherinCouncilwhenyou
came for thewater of your friend.You took awaywith youmy father’sman,DuncanIdaho—anexchangeoffriends.”“AndIdahoabandonedustoreturntohisDuke,”Stilgarsaid.Jessica heard the shading of disgust in his voice, held herself prepared for
attack.Thevoicefromtherocksabovethemcalled:“Wewastetimehere,Stil.”“ThisistheDuke’sson,”Stilgarbarked.“He’scertainlytheoneLiettoldusto
seek.”“But...achild,Stil.”“TheDukewasamanandthisladusedathumper,”Stilgarsaid.“Thatwasa
bravecrossinghemadeinthepathofshai-hulud.”And Jessica heard him excluding her from his thoughts. Had he already
passedsentence?“Wehaven’ttimeforthetest,”thevoiceabovethemprotested.“YethecouldbetheLisanal-Gaib,”Stilgarsaid.He’slookingforanomen!Jessicathought.“Butthewoman,”thevoiceabovethemsaid.Jessicareadiedherselfanew.Therehadbeendeathinthatvoice.“Yes,thewoman,”Stilgarsaid.“Andherwater.”“Youknow the law,” said the voice from the rocks. “Oneswho cannot live
withthedesert—”“Bequiet,”Stilgarsaid.“Timeschange.”“DidLietcommandthis?”askedthevoicefromtherocks.“Youheardthevoiceofthecielago,Jamis,”Stilgarsaid.“Whydoyoupress
me?”AndJessicathought:Cielago!theclueofthetongueopenedwideavenuesof
understanding:thiswasthelanguageofIlmandFiqh,andcielagomeantbat,asmallflyingmammal.Voiceofthecielago:theyhadreceivedadistransmessagetoseekPaulandherself.“Ibutremindyouofyourduties,friendStilgar,”saidthevoiceabovethem.“Myduty is thestrengthof the tribe,”Stilgar said.“That ismyonlyduty. I
neednoonetoremindmeofit.Thischild-maninterestsme.Heisfull-fleshed.Hehaslivedonmuchwater.Hehaslivedawayfromthefathersun.Hehasnottheeyesoftheibad.Yethedoesnotspeakoractlikeaweaklingofthepans.Nordidhisfather.Howcanthisbe?”“Wecannotstayouthereallnightarguing,”saidthevoicefromtherocks.“If
apatrol—”“Iwillnottellyouagain,Jamis,tobequiet,”Stilgarsaid.Themanabovethemremainedsilent,butJessicaheardhimmoving,crossing
byaleapoveradefileandworkinghiswaydowntothebasinfloorontheirleft.“Thevoiceofthecielagosuggestedthere’dbevaluetousinsavingyoutwo,”
Stilgarsaid.“Icanseepossibilityinthisstrongboy-man:heisyoungandcanlearn.Butwhatofyourself,woman?”HestaredatJessica.Ihavehisvoiceandpatternregisterednow,Jessica thought. Icouldcontrol
himwithaword,buthe’sastrongman...worthmuchmoretousunbluntedandwithfullfreedomofaction.Weshallsee.“Iamthemotherof thisboy,”Jessicasaid.“Inpart,hisstrengthwhichyou
admireistheproductofmytraining.”“Thestrengthofawomancanbeboundless,”Stilgarsaid.“Certainitisina
ReverendMother.AreyouaReverendMother?”Forthemoment,Jessicaputasidetheimplicationsofthequestion,answered
truthfully,“No.”“Areyoutrainedinthewaysofthedesert?”“No,butmanyconsidermytrainingvaluable.”“Wemakeourownjudgmentsonvalue,”Stilgarsaid.“Everymanhastherighttohisownjudgments,”shesaid.“Itiswellthatyouseethereason,”Stilgarsaid.“Wecannotdallyheretotest
you,woman.Doyouunderstand?We’dnotwantyourshadetoplagueus.Iwilltaketheboy-man,yourson,andheshallhavemycountenance,sanctuaryinmytribe.Butforyou,woman—youunderstandthereisnothingpersonalinthis?Itistherule,Istislah,inthegeneralinterest.Isthatnotenough?”Paultookahalf-stepforward.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”StilgarflickedaglanceacrossPaul,butkepthisattentiononJessica.“Unless
you’ve been deep-trained from childhood to live here, you could bringdestructionontoanentiretribe.Itisthelaw,andwecannotcarryuseless....”Jessica’smotion startedas a slumping,deceptive faint to theground. Itwas
the obvious thing for a weak outworlder to do, and the obvious slows anopponent’s reactions. It takes an instant to interpret a known thingwhen thatthing is exposed as something unknown. She shifted as she saw his rightshoulderdroptobringaweaponwithinthefoldsofhisrobetobearonhernewposition.A turn, a slashofherarm,awhirlingofmingled robes, and shewasagainsttherockswiththemanhelplessinfrontofher.Athismother’s firstmovement,Paulbacked twosteps.As sheattacked,he
dove for shadows.A beardedman rose up in his path, half-crouched, lungingforwardwithaweaponinonehand.Paultookthemanbeneaththesternumwithastraight-handjab,sidesteppedandchoppedthebaseofhisneck,relievinghimoftheweaponashefell.Then Paul was into the shadows, scrambling upward among the rocks, the
weapontuckedintohiswaistsash.Hehadrecognizeditinspiteofitsunfamiliarshape—aprojectileweapon,andthatsaidmanythingsaboutthisplace,anothercluethatshieldswerenotusedhere.
Theywill concentrateonmymotherand thatStilgar fellow.Shecanhandlehim.ImustgettoasafevantagepointwhereIcanthreatenthemandgivehertimetoescape.Therecameachorusofsharpspring-clicksfromthebasin.Projectileswhined
off therocksaroundhim.Oneof themflickedhis robe.Hesqueezedaroundacorner in the rocks, found himself in a narrow vertical crack, began inchingupward—hisbackagainstoneside,hisfeetagainsttheother—slowly,assilentlyashecould.The roar of Stilgar’s voice echoed up to him: “Get back, youwormheaded
lice!She’llbreakmyneckifyoucomenear!”Avoiceoutofthebasinsaid:“Theboygotaway,Stil.Whatarewe—”“Ofcoursehegotaway,yousand-brained...Ugh-h-h!Easy,woman!”“Tellthemtostophuntingmyson,”Jessicasaid.“They’vestopped,woman.Hegotawayasyouintendedhimto.Greatgods
below!Whydidn’tyousayyouwereaweirdingwomanandafighter?”“Tellyourmentofallback,”Jessicasaid.“Tellthemtogooutintothebasin
whereIcanseethem...andyou’dbetterbelievethatIknowhowmanyofthemthereare.”And she thought:This is the delicate moment, but if this man is as sharp-
mindedasIthinkhim,wehaveachance.Paulinchedhiswayupward,foundanarrowledgeonwhichhecouldrestand
lookdownintothebasin.Stilgar’svoicecameuptohim.“And if I refuse?Howcanyou ...ugh-h-h!Leavebe,woman!Wemeanno
harmtoyou,now.Greatgods!Ifyoucandothistothestrongestofus,you’reworthtentimesyourweightofwater.”Now,thetestofreason,Jessicathought.Shesaid:“YouaskaftertheLisanal-
Gaib.”“Youcouldbethefolkofthelegend,”hesaid,“butI’llbelievethatwhenit’s
beentested.AllIknownowisthatyoucameherewiththatstupidDukewho....Aiee-e-e!Woman!Icarenotifyoukillme!Hewashonorableandbrave,butitwasstupidtoputhimselfinthewayoftheHarkonnenfist!”Silence.Presently,Jessicasaid:“Hehadnochoice,butwe’llnotargueit.Now,tellthat
manofyoursbehind thebushover there tostop trying tobringhisweapon tobearonme,orI’llridtheuniverseofyouandtakehimnext.”“Youthere!”Stilgarroared.“Doasshesays!”“But,Stil—”
“Doasshesays,youwormfaced,crawling,sand-brainedpieceoflizardturd!DoitorI’llhelpherdismemberyou!Can’tyouseetheworthofthiswoman?”Theman at the bush straightened fromhis partial concealment, loweredhis
weapon.“Hehasobeyed,”Stilgarsaid.“Now,”Jessicasaid,“explainclearlytoyourpeoplewhatitisyouwishofme.
Iwantnoyounghotheadtomakeafoolishmistake.”“Whenwe slip into the villages and townswemustmaskour origin, blend
with the pan and graben folk,” Stilgar said. “We carry no weapons, for thecrysknife is sacred. But you, woman, you have theweirding ability of battle.We’donlyheardofitandmanydoubted,butonecannotdoubtwhatheseeswithhisowneyes.YoumasteredanarmedFremen.Thisisaweaponnosearchcouldexpose.”TherewasastirringinthebasinasStilgar’swordssankhome.“AndifIagreetoteachyouthe...weirdingway?”“Mycountenanceforyouaswellasyourson.”“Howcanwebesureofthetruthinyourpromise?”Stilgar’svoicelostsomeofitssubtleundertoneofreasoning,tookonanedge
ofbitterness.“Outhere,woman,wecarrynopaperforcontracts.Wemakenoevening promises to be broken at dawn.When aman says a thing, that’s thecontract.Asleaderofmypeople,I’veput theminbondtomyword.Teachusthisweirdingway and you have sanctuarywith us as long as youwish.Yourwatershallminglewithourwater.”“CanyouspeakforallFremen?”Jessicaasked.“Intime,thatmaybe.Butonlymybrother,Liet,speaksforallFremen.Here,
Ipromiseonlysecrecy.Mypeoplewillnotspeakofyoutoanyothersietch.TheHarkonnenshavereturnedtoDuneinforceandyourDukeisdead.ItissaidthatyoutwodiedinaMotherstorm.Thehunterdoesnotseekdeadgame.”There’s a safety in that, Jessica thought. But these people have good
communicationsandamessagecouldbesent.“Ipresumetherewasarewardofferedforus,”shesaid.Stilgarremainedsilent,andshecouldalmostseethethoughtsturningoverin
hishead,sensingtheshiftsofhismusclesbeneathherhands.Presently,hesaid:“Iwillsayitoncemore:I’vegiventhetribe’sword-bond.
Mypeople knowyourworth to us now.What could theHarkonnens give us?Ourfreedom?Hah!no,youarethetaqwa,thatwhichbuysusmorethanallthespiceintheHarkonnencoffers.”
“Then I shall teachyoumywayofbattle,” Jessica said, and she sensed theunconsciousritual-intensityofherownwords.“Now,willyoureleaseme?”“Sobe it,” Jessica said.She releasedher holdonhim, stepped aside in full
viewofthebankinthebasin.Thisisthetest-mashed,shethought.ButPaulmustknowaboutthemevenifIdieforhisknowledge.Inthewaitingsilence,Paulinchedforwardtogetabetterviewofwherehis
mother stood.Ashemoved,heheardheavybreathing, suddenlystilled,abovehimin theverticalcrackof the rock,andsenseda faint shadowthereoutlinedagainstthestars.Stilgar’svoicecameupfromthebasin:“You,upthere!Stophuntingtheboy.
He’llcomedownpresently.”The voice of a young boy or a girl sounded from the darkness abovePaul:
“But,Stil,hecan’tbefarfrom—”“Isaidleavehimbe,Chani!Youspawnofalizard!”TherecameawhisperedimprecationfromabovePaulandalowvoice:“Call
mespawnofalizard!”Buttheshadowpulledbackoutofview.Paul returned his attention to the basin, picking out the gray-shadowed
movementofStilgarbesidehismother.“Comein,allofyou,”Stilgarcalled.HeturnedtoJessica.“AndnowI’llask
youhowwemaybecertainyou’ll fulfillyourhalfofourbargain?You’re theone’slivedwithpapersandemptycontractsandsuchas—”“We of the Bene Gesserit don’t break our vows any more than you do,”
Jessicasaid.Therewas a protracted silence, then amultiple hissing of voices: “ABene
Gesseritwitch!”Paulbroughthiscapturedweaponfromhissash,traineditonthedarkfigure
of Stilgar, but the man and his companions remained immobile, staring atJessica.“Itisthelegend,”someonesaid.“Itwas said that the ShadoutMapes gave this report on you,” Stilgar said.
“But a thing so importantmust be tested. If you are theBeneGesserit of thelegendwhosesonwillleadustoparadise....”Heshrugged.Jessicasighed,thinking:SoourMissionariaProtectivaevenplantedreligious
safetyvalvesall throughthishellhole.Ah,well ... it’llhelp,and that’swhat itwasmeanttodo.She said: “The seeress who brought you the legend, she gave it under the
bindingofkaramaandijaz,themiracleandtheinimitabilityoftheprophecy—thisIknow.Doyouwishasign?”His nostrils flared in the moonlight. “We cannot tarry for the rites,” he
whispered.Jessica recalled a chart Kynes had shown her while arranging emergency
escape routes.Howlongago it seemed.Therehadbeenaplacecalled“SietchTabr”onthechartandbesideitthenotation:“Stilgar.”“PerhapswhenwegettoSietchTabr,”shesaid.Therevelationshookhim,andJessicathought:Ifonlyheknewthetrickswe
use!Shemust’vebeengood, thatBeneGesserit of theMissionariaProtectiva.TheseFremenarebeautifullypreparedtobelieveinus.Stilgarshifteduneasily.“Wemustgonow.”Shenodded,lettinghimknowthattheyleftwithherpermission.He looked up at the cliff almost directly at the rock ledge where Paul
crouched.“Youthere,lad:youmaycomedownnow.”HereturnedhisattentiontoJessica,spokewithanapologetictone:“Yoursonmadeanincredibleamountofnoiseclimbing.Hehasmuchtolearnlestheendangerusall,buthe’syoung.”“No doubt we have much to teach each other,” Jessica said. “Meanwhile,
you’dbest see toyour companionout there.Mynoisy sonwas abit rough indisarminghim.”Stilgarwhirled,hishoodflapping.“Where?”“Beyondthosebushes.”Shepointed.Stilgar touched two of hismen. “See to it.”He glanced at his companions,
identifying them. “Jamis is missing.” He turned to Jessica. “Even your cubknowstheweirdingway.”“Andyou’llnoticethatmysonhasn’tstirredfromupthereasyouordered,”
Jessicasaid.The twomenStilgarhadsent returnedsupportinga thirdwhostumbledand
gaspedbetweenthem.Stilgargavethemaflickingglance,returnedhisattentiontoJessica.“Thesonwilltakeonlyyourorders,eh?Good.Heknowsdiscipline.”“Paul,youmaycomedownnow,”Jessicasaid.Paulstoodup,emergingintomoonlightabovehisconcealingcleft,slippedthe
Fremenweaponbackintohissash.Asheturned,anotherfigurearosefromtherockstofacehim.In the moonlight and reflection off gray stone, Paul saw a small figure in
Fremen robes, a shadowed face peering out at him from the hood, and themuzzleofoneoftheprojectileweaponsaimedathimfromafoldofrobe.
“IamChani,daughterofLiet.”Thevoicewaslilting,halffilledwithlaughter.“Iwouldnothavepermittedyoutoharmmycompanions,”shesaid.Paulswallowed.Thefigureinfrontofhimturnedintothemoon’spathandhe
sawanelfinface,blackpitsofeyes.Thefamiliarityofthatface,thefeaturesoutof numberless visions in his earliest prescience, shocked Paul to stillness. Heremembered the angry bravado with which he had once described this face-from-a-dream, telling theReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam:“Iwillmeether.”Andherewastheface,butinnomeetinghehadeverdreamed.“Youwereasnoisyasshai-huludinarage,”shesaid.“Andyoutookthemost
difficultwayuphere.Followme;I’llshowyouaneasierwaydown.”He scrambled out of the cleft, followed the swirling of her robe across a
tumbledlandscape.Shemovedlikeagazelle,dancingover therocks.Paulfelthotbloodinhisface,wasthankfulforthedarkness.Thatgirl!Shewaslikeatouchofdestiny.Hefeltcaughtuponawave,intune
withamotionthatliftedallhisspirits.TheystoodpresentlyamidsttheFremenonthebasinfloor.JessicaturnedawrysmileonPaul,butspoketoStilgar:“Thiswillbeagood
exchangeofteachings.Ihopeyouandyourpeoplefeelnoangeratourviolence.Itseemed...necessary.Youwereaboutto...makeamistake.”“Tosaveonefromamistakeisagiftofparadise,”Stilgarsaid.Hetouchedhis
lipswithhislefthand,liftedtheweaponfromPaul’swaistwiththeother,tossedit to a companion. “You will have your own maula pistol, lad, when you’veearnedit.”Paul started to speak, hesitated, remembering his mother’s teaching:
“Beginningsaresuchdelicatetimes.”“My son has what weapons he needs,” Jessica said. She stared at Stilgar,
forcinghimtothinkofhowPaulhadacquiredthepistol.Stilgarglancedat themanPaulhad subdued—Jamis.Themanstoodatone
side,headlowered,breathingheavily.“Youareadifficultwoman,”Stilgarsaid.Heheldouthislefthandtoacompanion,snappedhisfingers.“Kushtibakkate.”MoreChakobsa,Jessicathought.ThecompanionpressedtwosquaresofgauzeintoStilgar’shand.Stilgarran
them through his fingers, fixed one around Jessica’s neck beneath her hood,fittedtheotheraroundPaul’sneckinthesameway.“Nowyouwearthekerchiefofthebakka,”hesaid.“Ifwebecomeseparated,
youwillberecognizedasbelongingtoStilgar’ssietch.Wewilltalkofweaponsanothertime.”Hemovedoutthroughhisbandnow,inspectingthem,givingPaul’sFremkit
packtooneofhismentocarry.Bakka, Jessica thought, recognizing the religious term: bakka—the weeper.
She sensed how the symbolism of the kerchiefs united this band.Why shouldweepingunitethem?sheaskedherself.StilgarcametotheyounggirlwhohadembarrassedPaul,said:“Chani,take
thechild-manunderyourwing.Keephimoutoftrouble.”ChanitouchedPaul’sarm.“Comealong,child-man.”Paulhidtheangerinhisvoice,said:“MynameisPaul.Itwerewellyou—”“We’llgiveyouaname,manling,”Stilgarsaid,“inthetimeofthemihna,at
thetestofaql.”Thetestofreason, Jessica translated.ThesuddenneedofPaul’sascendancy
overrodeallotherconsideration,andshebarked,“Myson’sbeentestedwiththegomjabbar!”Inthestillnessthatfollowed,sheknewshehadstrucktotheheartofthem.“There’s much we don’t know of each other,” Stilgar said. “But we tarry
overlong.Day-sunmustn’tfindusintheopen.”HecrossedtothemanPaulhadstruckdown,said,“Jamis,canyoutravel?”Agruntansweredhim.“Surprisedme,hedid.’Twasanaccident.Icantravel.”“Noaccident,”Stilgarsaid.“I’llholdyouresponsiblewithChaniforthelad’s
safety,Jamis.Thesepeoplehavemycountenance.”Jessica stared at the man, Jamis. His was the voice that had argued with
Stilgarfromtherocks.Hiswasthevoicewithdeathinit.AndStilgarhadseenfittoreinforcehisorderwiththisJamis.Stilgar flicked a testing glance across the group, motioned two men out.
“LarusandFarrukh,youaretohideourtracks.Seethatweleavenotrace.Extracare—wehave twowithuswho’venotbeen trained.”He turned,handupheldandaimedacrossthebasin.“Insquadlinewithflankers—moveout.WemustbeatCaveoftheRidgesbeforedawn.”JessicafellintostepbesideStilgar,countingheads.TherewerefortyFremen
—she andPaulmade it forty-two.And she thought:They travel as amilitarycompany—eventhegirl,Chani.PaultookaplaceinthelinebehindChani.Hehadputdowntheblackfeeling
atbeingcaughtby thegirl. Inhismindnowwas thememorycalledupbyhismother’s barked reminder: “My son’s been tested with the gom jabbar!” He
foundthathishandtingledwithrememberedpain.“Watchwhereyougo,”Chanihissed.“Donotbrushagainstabush lestyou
leaveathreadtoshowourpassage.”Paulswallowed,nodded.Jessica listened to the sounds of the troop, hearing her own footsteps and
Paul’s, marveling at the way the Fremen moved. They were forty peoplecrossing thebasinwithonly thesoundsnatural to theplace—ghostly feluccas,their robes flitting through the shadows. Their destination was Sietch Tabr—Stilgar’ssietch.She turned the word over in her mind: sietch. It was a Chakobsa word,
unchanged from the old hunting languageout of countless centuries. Sietch: ameetingplaceintimeofdanger.Theprofoundimplicationsofthewordandthelanguage were just beginning to register with her after the tension of theirencounter.“Wemovewell,”Stilgarsaid.“WithShai-hulud’sfavor,we’llreachCaveof
theRidgesbeforedawn.”Jessicanodded,conservingherstrength,sensingthe terriblefatiguesheheld
atbaybyforceofwill...and,sheadmittedit:bytheforceofelation.Hermindfocused on the value of this troop, seeing what was revealed here about theFremenculture.All of them, she thought,an entire culture trained tomilitaryorder.What a
pricelessthingishereforanoutcastDuke!
TheFremenweresupreme in thatquality theancientscalled“spannungsbogen”—which is the self-imposed delay between desire for a thing and the act ofreachingouttograspthatthing.
—from“TheWisdomofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THEY APPROACHED Cave of the Ridges at dawnbreak, moving through asplitinthebasinwallsonarrowtheyhadtoturnsidewaystonegotiateit.JessicasawStilgardetachguardsinthethindawnlight,sawthemforamomentastheybegantheirscramblingclimbupthecliff.Paul turnedhisheadupwardashewalked,seeing the tapestryof thisplanet
cutimcrosssectionwherethenarrowcleftgapedtowardgray-bluesky.Chanipulledathisrobetohurryhim,said:“Quickly.Itisalreadylight.”“Themenwhoclimbedaboveus,wherearetheygoing?”Paulwhispered.“Thefirstdaywatch,”shesaid.“Hurrynow!”Aguardleftoutside,Paulthought.Wise.Butitwould’vebeenwiserstillforus
toapproachthisplaceinseparatebands.Lesschanceoflosingthewholetroop.He paused in the thought, realizing that this was guerrilla thinking, and herememberedhisfather’sfearthattheAtreidesmightbecomeaguerrillahouse.“Faster,”Chaniwhispered.Paulspedhissteps,hearingtheswishofrobesbehind.Andhethoughtofthe
wordsofthesiratfromYueh’stinyO.C.Bible.“Paradiseonmyright,HellonmyleftandtheAngelofDeathbehind.”He
rolledthequotationinhismind.Theyroundedacornerwhere thepassagewidened.Stilgarstoodatoneside
motioningthemintoalowholethatopenedatrightangles.“Quickly!”hehissed.“We’relikerabbitsinacageifapatrolcatchesushere.”Paulbentfortheopening,followedChaniintoacaveilluminatedbythingray
lightfromsomewhereahead.“Youcanstandup,”shesaid.Hestraightened,studiedtheplace:adeepandwideareawithdomedceiling
that curvedaway justoutof aman’shandreach.The troop spreadout throughshadows. Paul saw his mother come up on one side, saw her examine theircompanions.AndhenotedhowshefailedtoblendwiththeFremeneventhoughhergarbwasidentical.Thewayshemoved—suchasenseofpowerandgrace.
“Findaplacetorestandstayoutoftheway,child-man,”Chanisaid.“Here’sfood.” She pressed two leaf-wrapped morsels into his hand. They reeked ofspice.StilgarcameupbehindJessica,calledanordertoagroupontheleft.“Getthe
doorseal in place and see tomoisture security.”He turned to another Fremen:“Lemil,getglowglobes.”HetookJessica’sarm.“Iwishtoshowyousomething,weirdingwoman.”Heledheraroundacurveofrocktowardthelightsource.Jessicafoundherselflookingoutacrossthewidelipofanotheropeningtothe
cave,anopeninghighinacliffwall—lookingoutacrossanotherbasinabouttenor twelvekilometerswide.Thebasinwas shieldedbyhigh rockwalls.Sparseclumpsofplantgrowthwerescatteredaroundit.Asshelookedatthedawn-graybasin,thesunliftedoverthefarescarpment
illuminatingabiscuit-coloredlandscapeofrocksandsand.AndshenotedhowthesunofArrakisappearedtoleapoverthehorizon.It’s because we want to hold it back, she thought.Night is safer than day.
Therecameoverherthenalongingforarainbowinthisplacethatwouldneverseerain. Imustsuppresssuch longings, she thought.They’reaweakness. Inolongercanaffordweaknesses.Stilgar gripped her arm, pointed across the basin. “There! There you see
properDruses.”She looked where he pointed, saw movement: people on the basin floor
scatteringat thedaylight into theshadowsof theoppositecliffwall. Inspiteofthe distance, their movements were plain in the clear air. She lifted herbinoculars frombeneathher robe, focused theoil lenseson thedistantpeople.Kerchiefsflutteredlikeaflightofmulticoloredbutterflies.“That ishome,”Stilgarsaid.“Wewillbe there thisnight.”Hestaredacross
the basin, tugging at his mustache. “My people stayed out overlate working.Thatmeanstherearenopatrolsabout.I’llsignalthemlaterandthey’llprepareforus.”“Yourpeopleshowgooddiscipline,”Jessicasaid.Sheloweredthebinoculars,
sawthatStilgarwaslookingatthem.“Theyobey thepreservationof the tribe,”hesaid.“It is thewaywechoose
amongusforaleader.Theleaderistheonewhoisstrongest,theonewhobringswaterandsecurity.”Heliftedhisattentiontoherface.Shereturnedhisstare,notedthewhitelesseyes,thestainedeyepits,thedust-
rimmed beard andmustache, the line of the catchtube curving down from hisnostrilsintohisstillsuit.
“HaveIcompromisedyourleadershipbybestingyou,Stilgar?”sheasked.“Youdidnotcallmeout,”hesaid.“It’simportantthataleaderkeeptherespectofhistroop,”shesaid.“Isn’taoneofthosesandliceIcannothandle,”Stilgarsaid.“Whenyoubested
me,youbestedusall.Now,theyhopetolearnfromyou...theweirdingway...andsomearecurioustoseeifyouintendtocallmeout.”Sheweighedtheimplications.“Bybestingyouinformalbattle?”Henodded.“I’dadviseyouagainstthisbecausethey’dnotfollowyou.You’re
notofthesand.Theysawthisinournight’spassage.”“Practicalpeople,”shesaid.“Trueenough.”Heglancedatthebasin.“Weknowourneeds.Butnotmany
are thinking deep thoughts now this close to home.We’ve been out overlongarranging todeliverour spicequota to the free traders for the cursedGuild ...maytheirfacesbeforeverblack.”Jessicastoppedintheactofturningawayfromhim,lookedbackupintohis
face.“TheGuild?WhathastheGuildtodowithyourspice?”“It’sLiet’scommand,”Stilgarsaid.“Weknowthereason,but the tasteof it
sours us.We bribe theGuildwith amonstrous payment in spice to keep ourskiesclearof satellitesandsuch thatnonemayspywhatwedo to the faceofArrakis.”Sheweighedoutherwords,rememberingthatPaulhadsaidthismustbethe
reasonArrakeenskieswereclearofsatellites.“AndwhatisityoudotothefaceofArrakisthatmustnotbeseen?”“Wechangeit...slowlybutwithcertainty...tomakeitfitforhumanlife.Our
generationwill not see it, nor our children nor our children’s children nor thegrandchildrenof theirchildren ...but itwillcome.”Hestaredwithveiledeyesoutoverthebasin.“Openwaterandtallgreenplantsandpeoplewalkingfreelywithoutstillsuits.”Sothat’sthedreamofthisLiet-Kynes,shethought.Andshesaid:“Bribesare
dangerous;theyhaveawayofgrowinglargerandlarger.”“Theygrow,”hesaid,“buttheslowwayisthesafeway.”Jessicaturned,lookedoutoverthebasin,tryingtoseeitthewayStilgarwas
seeing it in his imagination. She sawonly the grayedmustard stain of distantrocksandasuddenhazymotionintheskyabovethecliffs.“Ah-h-h-h,”Stilgarsaid.Shethoughtatfirstitmustbeapatrolvehicle,thenrealizeditwasamirage—
another landscape hovering over the desert-sand and a distant wavering of
greeneryandinthemiddledistancealongwormtravelingthesurfacewithwhatlookedlikeFremenrobesflutteringonitsback.Themiragefaded.“Itwouldbebettertoride,”Stilgarsaid,“butwecannotpermitamakerinto
thisbasin.Thus,wemustwalkagaintonight.”Maker—theirwordforworm,shethought.She measured the import of his words, the statement that they could not
permit a worm into this basin. She knewwhat she had seen in themirage—Fremenridingonthebackofagiantworm.Ittookheavycontrolnottobetrayhershockattheimplications.“Wemustbegettingback to theothers,”Stilgar said. “Elsemypeoplemay
suspect I dallywith you. Some already are jealous thatmy hands tasted yourlovelinesswhenwestruggledlastnightinTuonoBasin.”“Thatwillbeenoughofthat!”Jessicasnapped.“Nooffense,”Stilgarsaid,andhisvoicewasmild.“Womenamongusarenot
taken against their will ... and with you....” He shrugged. “... even thatconventionisn’trequired.”“YouwillkeepinmindthatIwasaduke’slady,”shesaid,buthervoicewas
calmer.“Asyouwish,”hesaid.“It’stimetosealoffthisopening,topermitrelaxation
ofstillsuitdiscipline.Mypeopleneedtorestincomfortthisday.Theirfamilieswillgivethemlittlerestonthemorrow.”Silencefellbetweenthem.Jessica stared out into the sunlight. She had heard what she had heard in
Stilgar’svoice—theunspokenofferofmorethanhiscountenance.Didheneedawife?Sherealizedshecouldstepintothatplacewithhim.Itwouldbeonewaytoendconflictovertriballeadership—femaleproperlyalignedwithmale.ButwhatofPaulthen?Whocouldtellyetwhatrulesofparenthoodprevailed
here?Andwhatoftheunborndaughtershehadcarriedthesefewweeks?Whatof a dead Duke’s daughter? And she permitted herself to face fully thesignificance of this other child growingwithin her, to see her ownmotives inpermitting the conception. She knewwhat itwas—she had succumbed to thatprofounddrive sharedby all creatureswhoare facedwithdeath—thedrive toseek immortality through progeny. The fertility drive of the species hadoverpoweredthem.JessicaglancedatStilgar,sawthathewasstudyingher,waiting.Adaughter
bornheretoawomanwedtosuchaoneasthisman—whatwouldbethefateof
suchadaughter?sheaskedherself.Wouldhetrytolimit thenecessitiesthataBeneGesseritmustfollow?Stilgar cleared his throat and revealed then that he understood some of the
questionsinhermind.“Whatisimportantforaleaderisthatwhichmakeshimaleader. It is the needs of his people. If you teachme your powers, theremaycome a day when one of us must challenge the other. I would prefer somealternative.”“Thereareseveralalternatives?”sheasked.“TheSayyadina,”hesaid.“OurReverendMotherisold.”TheirReverendMother!Before she could probe this, he said: “I do not necessarily offer myself as
mate.This isnothingpersonal, foryouarebeautifulanddesirable.But shouldyou become one of my women, that might lead some of my young men tobelievethatI’mtoomuchconcernedwithpleasuresofthefleshandnotenoughconcernedwiththetribe’sneeds.Evennowtheylistentousandwatchus.”Amanwhoweighshisdecisions,whothinksofconsequences,shethought.“There are those amongmy youngmenwho have reached the age ofwild
spirits,”hesaid.“Theymustbeeasedthroughthisperiod.Imustleavenogreatreasonsaroundforthemtochallengeme.BecauseIwouldhavetomaimandkillamongthem.Thisisnotthepropercourseforaleaderifitcanbeavoidedwithhonor.A leader, you see, is oneof the things that distinguishes amob fromapeople.Hemaintainsthelevelofindividuals.Toofewindividuals,andapeoplerevertstoamob.”Hiswords,thedepthoftheirawareness,thefactthathespokeasmuchtoher
astothosewhosecretlylistened,forcedhertoreevaluatehim.Hehasstature,shethought.Wheredidhelearnsuchinnerbalance?“The law thatdemandsour formofchoosinga leader is a just law,”Stilgar
said.“Butitdoesnotfollowthatjusticeisalwaysthethingapeopleneeds.Whatwe trulyneednowis time togrowandprosper, tospreadour forceovermoreland.”Whatishisancestry?shewondered.Whencecomessuchbreeding?Shesaid:
“Stilgar,Iunderestimatedyou.”“Suchwasmysuspicion,”hesaid.“Eachofusapparentlyunderestimatedtheother,”shesaid.“I should likeanend to this,”he said.“I should like friendshipwithyou ...
and trust. I should like that respect for each other which grows in the breastwithoutdemandforthehuddlingsofsex.”
“Iunderstand,”shesaid.“Doyoutrustme?”“Ihearyoursincerity.”“Amongus,”hesaid,“theSayyadina,when theyarenot theformal leaders,
hold a special place of honor. They teach. Theymaintain the strength ofGodhere.”Hetouchedhisbreast.NowImustprobethisReverendMothermystery,shethought.Andshesaid:
“You spoke of your ReverendMother ... and I’ve heardwords of legend andprophecy.”“ItissaidthataBeneGesseritandheroffspringholdthekeytoourfuture,”
hesaid.“DoyoubelieveIamthatone.”Shewatchedhisface,thinking:Theyoungreeddiessoeasily.Beginningsare
timesofsuchgreatperil.“Wedonotknow,”hesaid.Shenodded,thinking:He’sanhonorableman.Hewantsasignfromme,but
he’llnottipfatebytellingmethesign.Jessicaturnedherhead,stareddownintothebasinatthegoldenshadows,the
purpleshadows,thevibrationsofdust-moteairacrossthelipoftheircave.Hermind was filled suddenly with feline prudence. She knew the cant of theMissionariaProtectiva,knewhowtoadaptthetechniquesoflegendandfearandhope to her emergency needs, but she sensedwild changes here ... as thoughsomeone had been in among these Fremen and capitalized on theMissionariaProtectiva’simprint.Stilgarclearedhisthroat.Shesensedhisimpatience,knewthatthedaymovedaheadandmenwaitedto
sealoffthisopening.Thiswasatimeforboldnessonherpart,andsherealizedwhat she needed: some dar al-hikman, some school of translation that wouldgiveher....“Adab,”shewhispered.Her mind felt as though it had rolled over within her. She recognized the
sensationwithaquickeningofpulse.Nothing inall theBeneGesserit trainingcarried such a signal of recognition. It couldbeonly the adab, thedemandingmemory that comesuponyouof itself.Shegaveherselfup to it, allowing thewordstoflowfromher.“Ibnqirtaiba,”shesaid,“asfarasthespotwherethedustends.”Shestretched
outanarmfromherrobe,seeingStilgar’seyesgowide.Sheheardarustlingof
manyrobesinthebackground.“Iseea...Fremenwiththebookofexamples,”she intoned. “He reads to al-Lat, the sunwhomhe defied and subjugated.HereadstotheSadusoftheTrialandthisiswhathereads:
“MineenemiesarelikegreenbladeseatendownThatdidstandinthepathofthetempest.HastthounotseenwhatourLorddid?HesentthepestilenceamongthemThatdidlayschemesagainstus.Theyarelikebirdsscatteredbythehuntsman.TheirschemesarelikepelletsofpoisonThateverymouthrejects.”
Atremblingpassedthroughher.Shedroppedherarm.Back to her from the inner cave’s shadows came a whispered response of
manyvoices:“Theirworkshavebeenoverturned.”“The fireofGodmountover thyheart,” she said.And she thought:Now, it
goesintheproperchannel.“ThefireofGodsetalight,”cametheresponse.Shenodded.“Thineenemiesshallfall,”shesaid.“Bi-lakaifa,”theyanswered.Inthesuddenhush,Stilgarbowedtoher.“Sayyadina,”hesaid.“IftheShai-
huludgrant,thenyoumayyetpasswithintobecomeaReverendMother.”Passwithin,shethought.Anoddwayofputtingit.Buttherestofitfittedinto
thecantwellenough.Andshefeltacynicalbitternessatwhatshehaddone.OurMissionaria Protectiva seldom fails. A place was prepared for us in thiswilderness.Theprayerof the salat has carvedoutourhidingplace.Now ... Imust play thepart ofAuliya, theFriendofGod... Sayyadina to roguepeopleswho’vebeensoheavilyimprintedwithourBeneGesseritsoothsaytheyevencalltheirchiefpriestessesReverendMothers.PaulstoodbesideChaniintheshadowsoftheinnercave.Hecouldstilltaste
themorsel shehad fedhim—bird fleshandgrainboundwithspicehoneyandencasedinaleaf.Intastingithehadrealizedheneverbeforehadeatensuchaconcentrationof spiceessenceand therehadbeenamomentof fear.Heknewwhatthisessencecoulddotohim—thespicechange thatpushedhismindintoprescientawareness.“Bi-lakaifa,”Chaniwhispered.He lookedather,seeing theawewithwhich theFremenappeared toaccept
hismother’swords.OnlythemancalledJamisseemedtostandalooffromtheceremony,holdinghimselfapartwitharmsfoldedacrosshisbreast.“Duyyakhahinmange,”Chaniwhispered.“Duypunrahinmange.Ihavetwo
eyes.Ihavetwofeet.”AndshestaredatPaulwithalookofwonder.Paul tookadeepbreath, trying tostill the tempestwithinhim.Hismother’s
words had locked onto the working of the spice essence, and he had felt hervoiceriseandfallwithinhimliketheshadowsofanopenfire.Throughitall,hehad sensed the edge of cynicism in her—he knew her so well!—but nothingcouldstopthisthingthathadbegunwithamorseloffood.Terriblepurpose!Hesensedit, theraceconsciousnessthathecouldnotescape.Therewasthe
sharpened clarity, the inflow of data, the cold precision of his awareness. Hesank to the floor, sitting with his back against rock, giving himself up to it.Awarenessflowedintothattimelessstratumwherehecouldviewtime,sensingtheavailablepaths,thewindsofthefuture...thewindsofthepast:theone-eyedvisionofthepast,theone-eyedvisionofthepresentandtheone-eyedvisionofthe future—all combined ina trinocularvision thatpermittedhim to see time-become-space.Therewasdanger,hefelt,ofoverrunninghimself,andhehadtoholdontohis
awareness of the present, sensing the blurred deflection of experience, theflowingmoment,thecontinualsolidificationofthat-which-isintotheperpetual-was.In grasping the present, he felt for the first time the massive steadiness of
time’smovement everywhere complicated by shifting currents,waves, surges,andcountersurges,likesurfagainstrockycliffs.Itgavehimanewunderstandingofhisprescience,andhesawthesourceofblindtime,thesourceoferrorinit,withanimmediatesensationoffear.Theprescience,herealized,wasanilluminationthatincorporatedthelimitsof
whatitrevealed—atonceasourceofaccuracyandmeaningfulerror.AkindofHeisenberg indeterminacy intervened: the expenditure of energy that revealedwhathesaw,changedwhathesaw.Andwhathesawwasatimenexuswithinthiscave,aboilingofpossibilities
focused here,wherein themostminute action—thewinkof an eye, a carelessword, a misplaced grain of sand—moved a gigantic lever across the knownuniverse.Hesawviolencewiththeoutcomesubjecttosomanyvariablesthathisslightestmovementcreatedvastshiftingsinthepattern.
Thevisionmadehimwanttofreezeintoimmobility,butthis,too,wasactionwithitsconsequences.Thecountlessconsequences—linesfannedoutfromthiscave,andalongmost
oftheseconsequence-lineshesawhisowndeadbodywithbloodflowingfromagapingknifewound.
Myfather,thePadishahEmperor,was72yetlookednomorethan35theyearheencompassedthedeathofDukeLetoandgaveArrakisbacktotheHarkonnens.HeseldomappearedinpublicwearingotherthanaSardaukaruniformandaBurseg’sblackhelmetwiththeImperiallioningolduponitscrest.Theuniformwasanopenreminderofwherehispowerlay.Hewasnotalwaysthatblatant,though.Whenhewanted,hecouldradiatecharmandsincerity,butIoftenwonderintheselaterdaysif anything about him was as it seemed. I think now he was a man fightingconstantlytoescapethebarsofaninvisiblecage.Youmustrememberthathewasanemperor,father-headofadynastythatreachedbackintothedimmesthistory.Butwe denied him a legal son. Was this not the most terrible defeat a ruler eversuffered? My mother obeyed her Sister Superiors where the Lady Jessicadisobeyed.Whichofthemwasthestronger?Historyalreadyhasanswered.
—“InMyFather’sHouse”bythePrincessIrulan
JESSICAAWAKENEDincavedarkness,sensingthestirofFremenaroundher,smelling theacridstillsuitodor.Her inner timesense toldher itwouldsoonbenightoutside, but the cave remained inblackness, shielded from thedesert bytheplastichoodsthattrappedtheirbodymoisturewithinthisspace.Sherealizedthatshehadpermittedherselftheutterlyrelaxingsleepofgreat
fatigue, and this suggested something of her own unconscious assessment onpersonal security within Stilgar’s troop. She turned in the hammock that hadbeenfashionedofherrobe,slippedherfeettotherockfloorandintoherdesertboots.Imustremembertofastenthebootsslip-fashiontohelpmystillsuit’spumping
action,shethought.Therearesomanythingstoremember.Shecould still taste theirmorningmeal—themorsel ofbird flesh andgrain
boundwithina leafwith spicehoney—and it came toher that theuseof timewas turnedaroundhere:nightwas thedayofactivityanddaywas the timeofrest.Nightconceals;nightissafest.Sheunhookedherrobefromitshammockpegsinarockalcove,fumbledwith
thefabricinthedarkuntilshefoundthetop,slippedintoit.Howtogetamessageout to theBeneGesserit?shewondered.Theywould
havetobetoldofthetwostraysinArrakeensanctuary.Glowglobescamealightfartherintothecave.Shesawpeoplemovingthere,
Paulamongthemalreadydressedandwithhishoodthrownback toreveal theaquilineAtreidesprofile.
Hehadactedsostrangelybeforetheyretired,shethought.Withdrawn.Hewaslikeonecomebackfromthedead,notyetfullyawareofhisreturn,hiseyeshalfshutandglassywiththeinwardstare.Itmadeherthinkofhiswarningaboutthespice-impregnateddiet:addictive.Aretheresideeffects?shewondered.Hesaidithadsomethingtodowithhis
prescientfaculty,buthehasbeenstrangelysilentaboutwhathesees.Stilgar came from shadows to her right, crossed to the group beneath the
glowglobes. She marked how he fingered his beard and the watchful, cat-stalkinglookofhim.Abrupt fear shot through Jessica as her senses awakened to the tensions
visible in the people gathered around Paul—the stiff movements, the ritualpositions.“Theyhavemycountenance!”Stilgarrumbled.JessicarecognizedthemanStilgarconfronted—Jamis!Shesawthentherage
inJamis—thetightsetofhisshoulders.Jamis,themanPaulbested!shethought.“Youknowtherule,Stilgar,”Jamissaid.“Whoknowsitbetter?”Stilgarasked,andsheheardthetoneofplacationin
hisvoice,theattempttosmoothsomethingover.“Ichoosethecombat,”Jamisgrowled.Jessicaspedacrossthecave,graspedStilgar’sarm.“Whatisthis?”sheasked.“Itistheamtalrule,”Stilgarsaid.“Jamisisdemandingtherighttotestyour
partinthelegend.”“Shemustbechampioned,”Jamissaid.“Ifherchampionwins,that’sthetruth
init.Butit’ssaid....”Heglancedacrossthepressofpeople.“...thatshe’dneednochampionfromtheFremen—whichcanmeanonly thatshebringsherownchampion.”He’stalkingofsinglecombatwithPaul!Jessicathought.She released Stilgar’s arm, took a half-step forward. “I’m always my own
champion,”shesaid.“Themeaning’ssimpleenoughfor....”“You’llnot tellusourways!”Jamissnapped.“Notwithoutmoreproof than
I’veseen.Stilgarcould’vetoldyouwhattosaylastmorning.Hecould’vefilledyourmind full of the coddle and you could’ve bird-talked it to us, hoping tomakeafalsewayamongus.”I can take him, Jessica thought, but that might conflict with the way they
interpret the legend. And again she wondered at the way the MissionariaProtectiva’sworkhadbeentwistedonthisplanet.
StilgarlookedatJessica,spokeinalowvoicebutonedesignedtocarrytothecrowd’sfringe.“Jamisisonetoholdagrudge,Sayyadina.Yoursonbestedhimand—”“Itwas an accident!” Jamis roared. “Therewaswitch-force at TuonoBasin
andI’llproveitnow!”“...andI’vebestedhimmyself,”Stilgarcontinued.“Heseeksbythistahaddi
challengetogetbackatmeaswell.There’s toomuchofviolenceinJamisforhimevertomakeagoodleader—toomuchghafla,thedistraction.Hegiveshismouth to the rules and his heart to the sarfa, the turning away. No, he couldnevermakeagoodleader.I’vepreservedhimthislongbecausehe’susefulinafightassuch,butwhenhegetsthiscarvingangeronhimhe’sdangeroustohisownsociety.”“Stilgar-r-r-r!”Jamisrumbled.AndJessica sawwhatStilgarwasdoing, trying toenrage Jamis, to take the
challengeawayfromPaul.Stilgar faced Jamis, and again Jessica heard the soothing in the rumbling
voice.“Jamis,he’sbutaboy.He’s—”“Younamedhimaman,”Jamissaid.“Hismothersayshe’sbeenthroughthe
gomjabbar.He’sfull-fleshedandwithasurfeitofwater.Theoneswhocarriedtheirpacksaythere’sliterjonsofwaterinit.Literjons!Andussippingourcatch-pocketstheinstanttheyshowdew-sparkle.”StilgarglancedatJessica.“Isthistrue?Istherewaterinyourpack?”“Yes.”“Literjonsofit?”“Twoliterjons.”“Whatwasintendedwiththiswealth?”Wealth?shethought.Sheshookherhead,feelingthecoldnessinhisvoice.“Where I was born, water fell from the sky and ran over the land in wide
rivers,”shesaid.“Therewereoceansofitsobroadyoucouldnotseetheothershore.I’venotbeentrainedtoyourwaterdiscipline.Ineverbeforehadtothinkofitthisway.”Asighinggasparosefromthepeoplearoundthem:“Waterfellfromthesky...
itranovertheland.”“Didyouknowthere’rethoseamonguswho’velostfromtheircatch-pockets
byaccidentandwillbeinsoretroublebeforewereachTabrthisnight?”“HowcouldIknow?”Jessicashookherhead.“Ifthey’reinneed,givethem
waterfromourpack.”
“Isthatwhatyouintendedwiththiswealth?”“Iintendedittosavelife,”shesaid.“Thenweacceptyourblessing,Sayyadina.”“You’llnotbuyusoffwithwater,” Jamisgrowled. “Norwillyouangerme
against yourself,Stilgar. I seeyou trying tomakemecall yououtbefore I’veprovedmywords.”Stilgar faced Jamis. “Areyoudetermined to press this fight against a child,
Jamis?”Hisvoicewaslow,venomous.“Shemustbechampioned.”“Eventhoughshehasmycountenance?”“Iinvoketheamtalrule,”Jamissaid.“It’smyright.”Stilgarnodded.“Then,iftheboydoesnotcarveyoudown,you’llanswerto
my knife afterward. And this time I’ll not hold back the blade as I’ve donebefore.”“Youcannotdothisthing,”Jessicasaid.“Paul’sjust—”“Youmustnot interfere,Sayyadina,”Stilgarsaid.“Oh,Iknowyoucan take
meand,therefore,cantakeanyoneamongus,butyoucannotbestusallunited.Thismustbe;itistheamtalrule.”Jessicafellsilent,staringathimin thegreenlightof theglowglobes,seeing
the demoniacal stiffness that had taken over his expression. She shifted herattentiontoJamis,sawthebroodinglooktohisbrowsandthought:Ishould’veseen that before. He broods. He’s the silent kind, one who works himself upinside.Ishould’vebeenprepared.“Ifyouharmmyson,”shesaid,“You’llhavemetomeet.Icallyououtnow.
I’llcarveyouintoajointof—”“Mother.”Paulsteppedforward, touchedhersleeve.“PerhapsifIexplainto
Jamishow—”“Explain!”Jamissneered.Paul fell silent, staring at theman. He felt no fear of him. Jamis appeared
clumsyinhismovementsandhehadfallensoeasilyintheirnightencounteronthesand.ButPaulstillfelt thenexus-boilingofthiscave,stillrememberedtheprescientvisionsofhimselfdeadunderaknife.Therehadbeensofewavenuesofescapeforhiminthatvision....Stilgarsaid:“Sayyadina,youmuststepbacknowwhere—”“Stop calling her Sayyadina!” Jamis said. “That’s yet to be proved. So she
knowstheprayer!What’sthat?Everychildamongusknowsit.”Hehastalkedenough,Jessicathought.I’vethekeytohim.Icouldimmobilize
himwithaword.Shehesitated.ButIcannotstopthemall.“Youwill answer tome then,” Jessica said, and she pitched her voice in a
twistingtonewithalittlewhineinitandacatchattheend.Jamisstaredather,frightvisibleonhisface.“I’ll teach you agony,” she said in the same tone. “Remember that as you
fight.You’llhaveagonysuchaswillmakethegomjabbarahappymemorybycomparison.Youwillwrithewithyourentire—”“Shetriesaspellonme!”Jamisgasped.Heputhisclenchedrightfistbeside
hisear.“Iinvokethesilenceonher!”“Sobeitthen,”Stilgarsaid.HecastawarningglanceatJessica.“Ifyouspeak
again, Sayyadina, we’ll know it’s your witchcraft and you’ll be forfeit.” Henoddedforhertostepback.Jessicafelthandspullingher,helpingherback,andshesensedtheywerenot
unkindly.ShesawPaulbeingseparated from the throng, theelfin-facedChaniwhisperinginhisearasshenoddedtowardJamis.A ring formed within the troop.More glowglobes were brought and all of
themtunedtotheyellowband.Jamissteppedintothering,slippedoutofhisrobeandtossedittosomeonein
thecrowd.Hestoodthereinacloudygrayslicknessofstillsuitthatwaspatchedandmarkedbytucksandgathers.Foramoment,hebentwithhismouthtohisshoulder,drinkingfromacatchpockettube.Presentlyhestraightened,peeledoffanddetachedthesuit,handeditcarefullyintothecrowd.Hestoodwaiting,cladinloin-clothandsometightfabricoverhisfeet,acrysknifeinhisrighthand.Jessicasawthegirl-childChanihelpingPaul,sawherpressacrysknifehandle
intohispalm, sawhimheft it, testing theweight andbalance.And it came toJessicathatPaulhadbeentrainedinpranaandbindu,thenerveandthefiber—thathehadbeentaughtfightinginadeadlyschool,histeachersmenlikeDuncanIdahoandGurneyHalleck,menwhowere legends in theirown lifetimes.Theboy knew the devious ways of the Bene Gesserit and he looked supple andconfident.But he’s only fifteen, she thought. And he has no shield. I must stop this.
Somehow,theremustbeawayto....Shelookedup,sawStilgarwatchingher.“Youcannotstopit,”hesaid.“Youmustnotspeak.”Sheputahandoverhermouth,thinking:I’veplantedfearinJamis’mind.It’ll
slowhimsome...perhaps.IfIcouldonlypray—trulypray.Paulstoodalonenowjustintothering,cladinthefightingtrunkshe’dworn
under his stillsuit. He held a crysknife in his right hand; his feet were bare
against thesand-grittedrock.Idahohadwarnedhimtimeandagain:“When indoubt of your surface, bare feet are best. ”And therewereChani’swords ofinstructionstillinthefrontofhisconsciousness:“Jamisturnstotherightwithhisknifeafteraparry.It’sahabit inhimwe’veallseen.Andhe’llaimfor theeyestocatchablinkinwhichtoslashyou.Andhecanfighteitherhand;lookoutforaknifeshift.”ButstrongestinPaulsothathefeltitwithhisentirebodywastrainingandthe
instinctualreactionmechanismthathadbeenhammeredintohimdayafterday,hourafterhouronthepracticefloor.Gurney Halleck’s words were there to remember: “The good knife fighter
thinksonpointandbladeandshearing-guardsimultaneously.Thepointcanalsocut; thebladecanalsostab;theshearing-guardcanalsotrapyouropponent’sblade.”Paul glanced at the crysknife. There was no shearing-guard; only the slim
roundringofthehandlewithitsraisedlipstoprotectthehand.Andevenso,herealized that he did not know the breaking tension of this blade, did not evenknowifitcouldbebroken.JamisbegansidlingtotherightalongtheedgeoftheringoppositePaul.Paulcrouched,realizingthenthathehadnoshield,butwastrainedtofighting
with its subtle fieldaroundhim, trained to reactondefensewithutmost speedwhile his attack would be timed to the controlled slowness necessary forpenetratingtheenemy’sshield.Inspiteofconstantwarningfromhistrainersnottodependontheshield’smindlessbluntingofattackspeed,heknewthatshield-awarenesswaspartofhim.Jamiscalledoutinritualchallenge:“Maythyknifechipandshatter!”Thisknifewillbreakthen,Paulthought.HecautionedhimselfthatJamisalsowaswithoutshield,butthemanwasn’t
trainedtoitsuse,hadnoshield-fighterinhibitions.Paul stared across the ring at Jamis. The man’s body looked like knotted
whipcordonadriedskeleton.Hiscrysknifeshonemilkyyellowin thelightoftheglowglobes.FearcoursedthroughPaul.Hefeltsuddenlyaloneandnakedstandingindull
yellow lightwithin this ringofpeople.Presciencehad fedhisknowledgewithcountless experiences, hinted at the strongest currents of the future and thestringsofdecisionthatguidedthem,butthiswasthereal-now.Thiswasdeathhangingonaninfinitenumberofminisculemischances.Anything could tip the future here, he realized. Someone coughing in the
troop of watchers, a distraction. A variation in a glowglobe’s brilliance, adeceptiveshadow.I’mafraid,Paultoldhimself.AndhecircledwarilyoppositeJamis, repeatingsilently tohimself theBene
Gesserit litany against fear. “Fear is the mind-killer....” It was a cool bathwashingoverhim.Hefeltmusclesuntiethemselves,becomepoisedandready.“I’llsheathmyknifeinyourblood,”Jamissnarled.Andinthemiddleofthe
lastwordhepounced.Jessicasawthemotion,stifledanoutcry.Where themanstruck therewasonlyemptyair andPaul stoodnowbehind
Jamiswithaclearshotattheexposedback.Now,Paul!Now!Jessicascreameditinhermind.Paul’smotionwasslowly timed,beautifully fluid,butsoslowitgaveJamis
themargintotwistaway,backingandturningtotheright.Paulwithdrew,crouchinglow.“First,youmustfindmyblood,”hesaid.Jessica recognized theshield-fighter timing inherson,and itcameoverher
whata two-edged thing thatwas.Theboy’s reactionswere thoseofyouthandtrained toapeak thesepeoplehadnever seen.But theattackwas trained, too,andconditionedbythenecessitiesofpenetratingashieldbarrier.Ashieldwouldrepeltoofastablow,admitonlytheslowlydeceptivecounter.Itneededcontrolandtrickerytogetthroughashield.DoesPaulseeit?sheaskedherself.Hemust!AgainJamisattacked,ink-darkeyesglaring,hisbodyayellowblurunderthe
glowglobes.AndagainPaulslippedawaytoreturntooslowlyontheattack.Andagain.Andagain.Eachtime,Paul’scounterblowcameaninstantlate.And Jessica saw a thing she hoped Jamis did not see. Paul’s defensive
reactionswereblindinglyfast,buttheymovedeachtimeatthepreciselycorrectangletheywouldtakeifashieldwerehelpingdeflectpartofJamis’blow.“Is your son playing with that poor fool?” Stilgar asked. He waved her to
silencebeforeshecouldrespond.“Sorry;youmustremainsilent.”Now the two figures on the rock floor circled each other: Jamiswith knife
handheldfarforwardandtippedupslightly;Paulcrouchedwithknifeheldlow.Again, Jamispounced, and this timehe twisted to the rightwherePaul had
beendodging.
Insteadoffakingbackandout,Paulmettheman’sknifehandonthepointofhisownblade.Thentheboywasgone,twistingawaytotheleftandthankfulforChani’swarning.Jamis backed into the center of the circle, rubbing his knife hand. Blood
drippedfromtheinjuryforamoment,stopped.Hiseyeswerewideandstaring—twoblue-blackholes—studyingPaulwithanewwarinessinthedulllightoftheglowglobes.“Ah,thatonehurt,”Stilgarmurmured.Paulcrouchedatthereadyand,ashehadbeentrainedtodoafterfirstblood,
calledout:“Doyouyield?”“Hah!”Jamiscried.Anangrymurmurarosefromthetroop.“Hold!”Stilgar called out. “The lad doesn’t knowour rule.”Then, to Paul:
“Therecanbenoyieldinginthetahaddi-challenge.Deathisthetestofit.”JessicasawPaulswallowhard.Andshethought:He’sneverkilledamanlike
this...inthehotbloodofaknifefight.Canhedoit?Paul circled slowly right, forced by Jamis’ movement. The prescient
knowledgeof the time-boilingvariables in this cave cameback toplaguehimnow.Hisnewunderstandingtoldhimtherewere toomanyswiftlycompresseddecisionsinthisfightforanyclearchannelaheadtoshowitself.Variablepiledonvariable—thatwaswhythiscavelayasablurrednexusin
his path. It was like a gigantic rock in the flood, creating maelstroms in thecurrentaroundit.“Haveanendtoit,lad,”Stilgarmuttered.“Don’tplaywithhim.”Paulcreptfartherintothering,relyingonhisownedgeinspeed.Jamisbackednowthat therealizationsweptoverhim—thatthiswasnosoft
offworlderinthetahaddiring,easypreyforaFremencrysknife.Jessica saw the shadowof desperation in theman’s face.Now iswhen he’s
mostdangerous,shethought.Nowhe’sdesperateandcandoanything.Heseesthatthisisnotlikeachildofhisownpeople,butafightingmachinebornandtrainedtoitfrominfancy.NowthefearIplantedinhimhascometobloom.AndshefoundinherselfasenseofpityforJamis—anemotiontemperedby
awarenessoftheimmediateperiltoherson.Jamis could do anything ... any unpredictable thing, she told herself. She
wondered then if Paul had glimpsed this future, if he were reliving thisexperience.Butshesawthewayhersonmoved,thebeadsofperspirationonhisfaceandshoulders,thecarefulwarinessvisibleintheflowofmuscles.Andfor
the first time she sensed, without understanding it, the uncertainty factor inPaul’sgift.Paulpressedthefightnow,circlingbutnotattacking.Hehadseenthefearin
his opponent. Memory of Duncan Idaho’s voice flowed through Paul’sawareness:“When youropponent fears you, then’s themomentwhen yougivethefearitsownrein,giveitthetimetoworkonhim.Letitbecometerror.Theterrifiedman fights himself. Eventually, he attacks in desperation. That is themostdangerousmoment,buttheterrifiedmancanbetrustedusuallytomakeafatalmistake.Youarebeingtrainedheretodetectthesemistakesandusethem.”Thecrowdinthecavernbegantomutter.TheythinkPaul’stoyingwithJamis,Jessicathought.TheythinkPaul’sbeing
needlesslycruel.Butshesensedalsotheundercurrentofcrowdexcitement,theirenjoymentof
thespectacle.AndshecouldseethepressurebuildingupinJamis.ThemomentwhenitbecametoomuchforhimtocontainwasasapparenttoherasitwastoJamis...ortoPaul.Jamisleapedhigh,feintingandstrikingdownwithhisrighthand,butthehand
wasempty.Thecrysknifehadbeenshiftedtohislefthand.Jessicagasped.ButPaulhadbeenwarnedbyChani:“Jamisfightswitheitherhand.”Andthe
depthofhis traininghadtakeninthat trickenpassant.“Keep themindon theknifeandnotonthehandthatholdsit,”GurneyHalleckhadtoldhimtimeandagain.“Theknifeismoredangerousthanthehandandtheknifecanbeineitherhand.”And Paul had seen Jamis’mistake: bad footwork so that it took theman a
heartbeat longer to recover fromhis leap,whichhadbeen intended toconfusePaulandhidetheknifeshift.Except for the lowyellow light of the glowglobes and the inky eyes of the
staring troop, it was similar to a session on the practice floor. Shields didn’tcountwherethebody’sownmovementcouldbeusedagainstit.Paulshiftedhisownknifeinablurredmotion,slippedsidewaysandthrustupwardwhereJamis’chestwasdescending—thenawaytowatchthemancrumble.Jamisfelllikealimprag,facedown,gaspedonceandturnedhisfacetoward
Paul,thenlaystillontherockfloor.Hisdeadeyesstaredoutlikebeadsofdarkglass.“Killingwiththepointlacksartistry,” IdahohadoncetoldPaul,“butdon’t
letthatholdyourhandwhentheopeningpresentsitself.”
Thetrooprushedforward,fillingthering,pushingPaulaside.TheyhidJamisinafrenzyofhuddlingactivity.Presentlyagroupofthemhurriedbackintothedepthsofthecaverncarryingaburdenwrappedinarobe.Andtherewasnobodyontherockfloor.Jessica pressed through toward her son. She felt that she swam in a sea of
robedandstinkingbacks,athrongstrangelysilent.Now is the terrible moment, she thought. He has killed a man in clear
superiorityofmindandmuscle.Hemustnotgrowtoenjoysuchavictory.She forcedherself through the lastof the troopand intoa smallopenspace
wheretwobeardedFremenwerehelpingPaulintohisstillsuit.Jessica stared at her son. Paul’s eyes were bright. He breathed heavily,
permittingtheministrationstohisbodyratherthanhelpingthem.“HimagainstJamisandnotamarkonhim,”oneofthemenmuttered.Chani stood at one side, her eyes focused on Paul. Jessica saw the girl’s
excitement,theadmirationintheelfinface.Itmustbedonenowandswiftly,Jessicathought.Shecompressedultimatescornintohervoiceandmanner,said:“Well-l-l,now
—howdoesitfeeltobeakiller?”Paulstiffenedas thoughhehadbeenstruck.Hemethismother’scoldglare
andhisfacedarkenedwitharushofblood.InvoluntarilyheglancedtowardtheplaceonthecavernfloorwhereJamishadlain.StilgarpressedthroughtoJessica’sside,returningfromthecavedepthswhere
thebodyofJamishadbeentaken.HespoketoPaulinabitter,controlledtone:“Whenthetimecomesforyoutocallmeoutandtryformyburda,donotthinkyouwillplaywithmethewayyouplayedwithJamis.”JessicasensedthewayherownwordsandStilgar’ssankintoPaul,doingtheir
harsh work on the boy. The mistake these people made—it served a purposenow.ShesearchedthefacesaroundthemasPaulwasdoing,seeingwhathesaw.Admiration,yes,andfear ...andinsome—loathing.ShelookedatStilgar,sawhisfatalism,knewhowthefighthadseemedtohim.Paullookedathismother.“Youknowwhatitwas,”hesaid.She heard the return to sanity, the remorse in his voice. Jessica swept her
glanceacrossthetroop,said:“Paulhasneverbeforekilledamanwithanakedblade.”Stilgarfacedher,disbeliefinhisface.“I wasn’t playing with him,” Paul said. He pressed in front of his mother,
straighteninghis robe,glancedat thedarkplaceofJamis’bloodon thecavern
floor.“Ididnotwanttokillhim.”JessicasawbeliefcomeslowlytoStilgar,sawthereliefinhimashetuggedat
his beard with a deeply veined hand. She heard muttering awareness spreadthroughthetroop.“That’s why y’ asked him to yield,” Stilgar said. “I see. Our ways are
different,butyou’ll see the sense in them. I thoughtwe’dadmitteda scorpionintoourmidst.”Hehesitated,then:“AndIshallnotcallyouladthemore.”Avoicefromthetroopcalledout:“Needsanaming,Stil.”Stilgarnodded,tuggingathisbeard.“Iseestrengthinyou...likethestrength
beneathapillar.”Againhepaused,then:“YoushallbeknownamongusasUsul,thebaseof thepillar.This isyoursecretname,yourtroopname.WeofSietchTabrmayuseit,butnoneothermaysopresume...Usul.”Murmuringwent through the troop:“Goodchoice, that ... strong ...bringus
luck.”AndJessicasensedtheacceptance,knowingshewasincludedin itwithherchampion.ShewasindeedSayyadina.“Now, what name of manhood do you choose for us to call you openly?”
Stilgarasked.Paul glanced at hismother, back to Stilgar.Bits and pieces of thismoment
registered on his prescientmemory, but he felt the differences as though theywerephysical,apressureforcinghimthroughthenarrowdoorofthepresent.“Howdoyoucallamongyou the littlemouse, themouse that jumps?”Paul
asked,rememberingthepop-hopofmotionatTuonoBasin.Heillustratedwithonehand.Achucklesoundedthroughthetroop.“Wecallthatonemuad’dib,”Stilgarsaid.Jessica gasped. It was the name Paul had told her, saying that the Fremen
wouldacceptthemandcallhimthus.Shefeltasuddenfearofhersonand forhim.Paul swallowed.He felt that heplayedapart alreadyplayedover countless
timesinhismind...yet...thereweredifferences.Hecouldseehimselfperchedon a dizzying summit, having experiencedmuch and possessed of a profoundstoreofknowledge,butallaroundhimwasabyss.And again he remembered the vision of fanatic legions following the green
andblackbanneroftheAtreides,pillagingandburningacrosstheuniverseinthenameoftheirprophetMuad’Dib.Thatmustnothappen,hetoldhimself.“Isthatthenameyouwish,Muad’Dib?”Stilgarasked.
“IamanAtreides,”Paulwhispered,andthenlouder:“It’snotrightthatIgiveupentirelythenamemyfathergaveme.CouldIbeknownamongyouasPaul-Muad’Dib?”“YouarePaul-Muad’Dib,”Stilgarsaid.AndPaulthought:Thatwasinnovisionofmine.Ididadifferentthing.Buthefeltthattheabyssremainedallaroundhim.Againamurmuring responsewent through the troopasman turned toman:
“Wisdomwithstrength...Couldn’taskmore...It’sthelegendforsure...Lisanal-Gaib...Lisanal-Gaib....”“I will tell you a thing about your new name,” Stilgar said. “The choice
pleases us.Muad‘Dib iswise in theways of the desert.Muad’Dib creates hisown water. Muad‘Dib hides from the sun and travels in the cool night.Muad’Dibisfruitfulandmultipliesovertheland.Muad‘Dibwecall’instructor-of-boys.’That is apowerfulbaseonwhich tobuildyour life,Paul-Muad’Dib,whoisUsulamongus.Wewelcomeyou.”StilgartouchedPaul’sforeheadwithonepalm,withdrewhishand,embraced
Paulandmurmured,“Usul.”As Stilgar released him, another member of the troop embraced Paul,
repeatinghisnewtroopname.AndPaulwaspassedfromembrace toembracethrough the troop, hearing the voices, the shadings of tone: “Usul ... Usul ...Usul.”Already,hecouldplacesomeofthembyname.AndtherewasChaniwhopressedhercheekagainsthisassheheldhimandsaidhisname.Presently Paul stood again before Stilgar, who said: “Now, you are of the
IchwanBedwine,ourbrother.”Hisfacehardened,andhespokewithcommandinhisvoice.“Andnow,Paul-Muad‘Dib,tightenupthatstillsuit.”HeglancedatChani. “Chani!Paul-Muad’Dib’snoseplugsare aspoora fit I’veever seen! IthoughtIorderedyoutoseeafterhim!”“Ihadn’tthemakings,Stil,”shesaid.“There’sJamis’,ofcourse,but—”“Enoughofthat!”“ThenI’llshareoneofmine,”shesaid.“Icanmakedowithoneuntil—”“Youwillnot,”Stilgarsaid.“Iknowtherearesparesamongus.Wherearethe
spares?Areweatrooptogetherorabandofsavages?”Hands reached out from the troop offering hard, fibrous objects. Stilgar
selectedfour,handedthemtoChani.“FitthesetoUsulandtheSayyadina.”Avoiceliftedfromthebackof thetroop:“Whatof thewater,Stil?Whatof
theliterjonsintheirpack?”“Iknowyourneed,Farok,”Stilgarsaid.HeglancedatJessica.Shenodded.
“Broachonefor those thatneed it,”Stilgarsaid.“Watermaster ...where isawatermaster? Ah, Shimoom, care for the measuring of what is needed. Thenecessityandnomore.Thiswater is thedowerpropertyof theSayyadinaandwillberepaidinthesietchatfieldrateslesspackfees.”“Whatistherepaymentatfieldrates?”Jessicaasked.“Tenforone,”Stilgarsaid.“But—”“It’sawiseruleasyou’llcometosee,”Stilgarsaid.Arustlingofrobesmarkedmovementatthebackofthetroopasmenturned
togetthewater.Stilgarheldupahand,andtherewassilence.“AstoJamis,”hesaid,“Iorder
thefullceremony.JamiswasourcompanionandbrotheroftheIchwanBedwine.There shall be no turning away without the respect due one who proved ourfortune by his tahaddi-challenge. I invoke the rite ... at sunset when the darkshallcoverhim.”Paul, hearing thesewords, realized that he had plunged oncemore into the
abyss...blindtime.Therewasnopastoccupyingthefutureinhismind...except...except ...hecouldstillsensethegreenandblackAtreidesbannerwaving...somewhereahead...stillseethejihad’sbloodyswordsandfanaticlegions.Itwillnotbe,hetoldhimself.Icannotletitbe.
GodcreatedArrakistotrainthefaithful.—from“TheWisdomofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
IN THE stillness of the cavern, Jessica heard the scrape of sand on rock aspeoplemoved,thedistantbirdcallsthatStilgarhadsaidwerethesignalsofhiswatchmen.Thegreatplastichood-sealshadbeenremovedfromthecave’sopening.She
couldseethemarchofeveningshadowsacrossthelipofrockinfrontofherandtheopenbasinbeyond.Shesensedthedaylightleavingthem,senseditinthedryheataswellas theshadows.Sheknewher trainedawarenesssoonwouldgiveher what these Fremen obviously had—the ability to sense even the slightestchangeintheair’smoisture.How theyhad scurried to tighten their stillsuitswhen the cavewasopened!
Deepwithinthecave,someonebeganchanting:
“Imatravaokolo!Ikorenjaokolo!”
Jessicatranslatedsilently:Theseareashes!Andtheseareroots!”ThefuneralceremonyforJamiswasbeginning.ShelookedoutattheArrakeensunset,atthebankeddecksofcolorinthesky.
Nightwasbeginningtoutteritsshadowsalongthedistantrocksandthedunes.Yettheheatpersisted.Heat forced her thoughts onto water and the observed fact that this whole
peoplecouldbetrainedtobethirstyonlyatgiventimes.Thirst.She could remembermoonlit waves on Caladan throwingwhite robes over
rocks ... and thewindheavywithdampness.Now thebreeze that fingeredherrobessearedthepatchesofexposedskinatcheeksandforehead.Thenewnoseplugsirritatedher,andshefoundherselfoverlyconsciousofthetubethattraileddownacrossherfaceintothesuit,recoveringherbreath’smoisture.Thesuititselfwasasweatbox.“Your suitwillbemorecomfortablewhenyou’veadjusted toa lowerwater
contentinyourbody,”Stillgarhadsaid.She knew he was right, but the knowledge made this moment no more
comfortable. The unconscious preoccupation with water here weighed on hermind.No,shecorrectedherself:itwaspreoccupationwithmoisture.Andthatwasamoresubtleandprofoundmatter.She heard approaching footsteps, turned to seePaul comeout of the cave’s
depthstrailedbytheelfin-facedChani.There’s another thing, Jessica thought.Paul must be cautioned about their
women. One of these desert women would not do as wife to a Duke. Asconcubine,yes,butnotaswife.Then she wondered at herself, thinking: Have I been infected with his
schemes?And she sawhowwell shehadbeenconditioned. I can thinkof themarital needs of royaltywithout onceweighingmy own concubinage. Yet ... Iwasmorethanconcubine.“Mother.”Paulstoppedinfrontofher.Chanistoodathiselbow.“Mother,doyouknowwhatthey’redoingbackthere?”Jessicalookedatthedarkpatchofhiseyesstaringoutfromthehood.“Ithink
so.”“Chani showed me ... because I’m supposed to see it and give my ...
permissionfortheweighingofthewater.”JessicalookedatChani.“They’re recovering Jamis’water,”Chani said, andher thinvoice cameout
nasalpastthenoseplugs.“It’stherule.Thefleshbelongstotheperson,buthiswaterbelongstothetribe...exceptinthecombat.”“Theysaythewater’smine,”Paulsaid.Jessicawonderedwhythisshouldmakehersuddenlyalertandcautious.“Combatwaterbelongstothewinner,”Chanisaid.“It’sbecauseyouhaveto
fightintheopenwithoutstillsuits.Thewinnerhastogethiswaterbackthatheloseswhilefighting.”“Idon’twanthiswater,”Paulmuttered.He felt thathewasapartofmany
imagesmovingsimultaneously ina fragmentingway thatwasdisconcerting totheinnereye.Hecouldnotbecertainwhathewoulddo,butofonethinghewaspositive:hedidnotwantthewaterdistilledoutofJamis’flesh.“It’s...water,”Chanisaid.Jessica marveled at the way she said it. “Water.” So much meaning in a
simplesound.ABeneGesseritaxiomcame toJessica’smind:“Survival is theabilitytoswiminstrangewater.”AndJessicathought:PaulandI,wemustfindthecurrentsandpatternsinthesestrangewaters...ifwe’retosurvive.
“Youwillacceptthewater,”Jessicasaid.Sherecognizedthetoneinhervoice.Shehadusedthatsametoneoncewith
Leto, telling her lost Duke that he would accept a large sum offered for hissupport in a questionable venture—because money maintained power for theAtreides.OnArrakis,waterwasmoney.Shesawthatclearly.Paul remained silent, knowing then that he would do as she ordered—not
because she ordered it, but because her tone of voice had forced him to re-evaluate.TorefusethewaterwouldbetobreakwithacceptedFremenpractice.Presently Paul recalled thewords of 467Kalima inYueh’s O.C. Bible. He
said:“Fromwaterdoesalllifebegin.”Jessicastaredathim.Wheredidhelearnthatquotation?sheaskedherself.He
hasn’tsutdiedthemysteries.“Thusitisspoken,”Chanisaid.“Giudicharmantene:ItiswrittenintheShah-
Namathatwaterwasthefirstofallthingscreated.”For no reason she could explain (and this bothered her more than the
sensation), Jessicasuddenlyshuddered.She turnedaway tohideherconfusionandwasjustintimetoseethesunset.Aviolentcalamityofcolorspilledovertheskyasthesundippedbeneaththehorizon.“Itistime!”ThevoicewasStilgar’sringinginthecavern.“Jamis’weaponhasbeenkilled.
JamishasbeencalledbyHim,byShai-hulud,whohasordainedthephasesforthemoonsthatdailywaneand—intheend—appearasbentandwitheredtwigs.”Stilgar’svoicelowered.“ThusitiswithJamis.”Silencefelllikeablanketonthecavern.Jessica saw thegray-shadowmovementofStilgar likeaghost figurewithin
thedarkinnerreaches.Sheglancedbackatthebasin,sensingthecoolness.“ThefriendsofJamiswillapproach,”Stilgarsaid.Menmovedbehind Jessica, dropping a curtain across theopening.A single
glowglobewaslightedoverheadfarbackinthecave.Itsyellowglowpickedoutaninflowingofhumanfigures.Jessicaheardtherustlingoftherobes.Chanitookastepawayasthoughpulledbythelight.Jessica bent close to Paul’s ear, speaking in the family code: “Follow their
lead;doastheydo.ItwillbeasimpleceremonytoplacatetheshadeofJamis.”It will be more than that, Paul thought. And he felt a wrenching sensation
withinhisawarenessasthoughheweretryingtograspsomethinginmotionandrenderitmotionless.
Chani glided back to Jessica’s side, took her hand. “Come, Sayyadina.Wemustsitapart.”Paul watched themmove off into the shadows, leaving him alone. He felt
abandoned.Themenwhohadfixedthecurtaincameupbesidehim.“Come,Usul.”Heallowedhimselftobeguidedforward,tobepushedintoacircleofpeople
being formed around Stilgar, who stood beneath the glowglobe and beside abundled,curving,andangularshapegatheredbeneatharobeontherockfloor.ThetroopcroucheddownatagesturefromStilgar,theirrobeshissingwiththe
movement.Paulsettledwiththem,watchingStilgar,notingthewaytheoverheadglobemadepitsofhiseyesandbrightenedthetouchofgreenfabricathisneck.Paulshiftedhisattentiontotherobe-coveredmoundatStilgar’sfeet,recognizedthehandleofabalisetprotrudingfromthefabric.“Thespiritleavesthebody’swaterwhenthefirstmoonrises,”Stilgarintoned.
“Thus it is spoken.Whenwe see the firstmoon rise this night,whomwill itsummon?”“Jamis,”thetroopresponded.Stilgarturnedfullcircleononeheel,passinghisgazeacrosstheringoffaces.
“Iwas a friendof Jamis,” he said. “When thehawkplane stoopeduponus atHole-in-the-Rock,itwasJamispulledmetosafety.”Hebentoverthepilebesidehim,liftedawaytherobe.“Itakethisrobeasa
friend of Jamis—leader’s right.” He draped the robe over a shoulder,straightening.Now,Paulsawthecontentsofthemoundexposed:thepaleglisteninggrayof
a stillsuit, a battered literjon, a kerchief with a small book in its center, thebladelesshandleofacrysknife,anemptysheath,afoldedpack,aparacompass,adistrans,athumper,apileoffist-sizedmetallichooks,anassortmentofwhatlookedlikesmallrockswithinafoldofcloth,aclumpofbundledfeathers...andthebalisetexposedbesidethefoldedpack.So Jamis played the baliset, Paul thought. The instrument reminded himof
GurneyHalleckandallthatwaslost.Paulknewwithhismemoryofthefutureinthepast that somechance-linescouldproduceameetingwithHalleck,but thereunions were few and shadowed. They puzzled him. The uncertainty factortouchedhimwithwonder.Does itmean thatsomethingIwilldo ... that Imaydo,coulddestroyGurney...orbringhimbacktolife...or....Paulswallowed,shookhishead.
Again,Stilgarbentoverthemound.“ForJamis’womanandfortheguards,”hesaid.Thesmallrocksandthebook
weretakenintothefoldsofhisrobe.“Leader’sright,”thetroopintoned.“ThemarkerforJamis’coffeeservice,”Stilgarsaid,andheliftedaflatdiscof
greenmetal.“ThatitshallbegiventoUsulinsuitableceremonywhenwereturntothesietch.”“Leader’sright,”thetroopintoned.Lastly,hetookthecrysknifehandleandstoodwithit.“Forthefuneralplain,”
hesaid.“Forthefuneralplain,”thetroopresponded.At her place in the circle across fromPaul, Jessica nodded, recognizing the
ancientsourceoftherite,andshethought:Themeetingbetweenignoranceandknowledge,betweenbrutalityandculture—itbeginsinthedignitywithwhichwetreat ourdead. She looked across atPaul,wondering:Will he see it?Will heknowwhattodo?’“WearefriendsofJamis,”Stilgarsaid.“Wearenotwailingforourdeadlikea
packofgarvarg.”Agray-beardedmantoPaul’sleftstoodup.“IwasafriendofJamis,”hesaid.
He crossed to the mound, lifted the distrans. “When our water went belowminimatthesiegeatTwoBrids,Jamisshared.”Themanreturnedtohisplaceinthecircle.AmIsupposedtosayIwasafriendofJamis?Paulwondered.Dotheyexpect
metotakesomethingfromthatpile?Hesawfacesturntowardhim,turnaway.Theydoexpectit!Another man across from Paul arose, went to the pack and removed the
paracompass.“IwasafriendofJamis,”hesaid.“WhenthepatrolcaughtusatBight-of-the-Cliff and I was wounded, Jamis drew them off so the woundedcouldbesaved.”Hereturnedtohisplaceinthecircle.Again, the faces turned toward Paul, and he saw the expectancy in them,
loweredhiseyes.Anelbownudgedhimandavoicehissed:“Wouldyoubringthedestructiononus?”HowcanIsayIwashisfriend?Paulwondered.Another figure arose from the circle opposite Paul and, as the hooded face
cameintothelight,herecognizedhismother.Sheremovedakerchieffromthemount.“IwasafriendofJamis,”shesaid.“Whenthespiritofspiritswithinhimsawtheneedsoftruth,thatspiritwithdrewandsparedmyson.”Shereturnedto
herplace.AndPaulrecalledthescorninhismother’svoiceasshehadconfrontedhim
afterthefight.“Howdoesitfeeltobeakiller?”Again,hesawthefacesturnedtowardhim,felttheangerandfearinthetroop.
Apassagehismotherhadoncefilmbookedforhimon“TheCultoftheDead”flickeredthroughPaul’smind.Heknewwhathehadtodo.Slowly,Paulgottohisfeet.Asighpassedaroundthecircle.Paul felt the diminishment of his self as he advanced into the center of the
circle.Itwasasthoughhelostafragmentofhimselfandsoughtithere.Hebentoverthemoundofbelongings,liftedoutthebaliset.Astringtwangedsoftlyasitstruckagainstsomethinginthepile.“IwasafriendofJamis,”Paulwhispered.He felt tears burning his eyes, forced more volume into his voice. “Jamis
taughtme ... that ...when you kill ... you pay for it. Iwish I’d known Jamisbetter.”Blindly, he groped hiswayback to his place in the circle, sank to the rock
floor.Avoicehissed:“Heshedstears!”Itwastakenuparoundthering:“Usulgivesmoisturetothedead!”Hefeltfingerstouchhisdampcheek,heardtheawedwhispers.Jessica, hearing the voices, felt the depth of the experience, realized what
terrible inhibitions there must be against shedding tears. She focused on thewords:“Hegivesmoisture to thedead. ” Itwas a gift to the shadowworld—tears.Theywouldbesacredbeyondadoubt.Nothingonthisplanethadsoforcefullyhammeredintohertheultimatevalue
ofwater.Notthewater-sellers,notthedriedskinsofthenatives,notstillsuitsortherulesofwaterdiscipline.Heretherewasasubstancemorepreciousthanallothers—itwaslifeitselfandentwinedallaroundwithsymbolismandritual.Water.“Itouchedhischeek,”someonewhispered.“Ifeltthegift.”At first, the fingers touching his face frightenedPaul.He clutched the cold
handle of the baliset, feeling the strings bite his palm. Then he saw the facesbeyondthegropinghands—theeyeswideandwondering.Presently,thehandswithdrew.Thefuneralceremonyresumed.Butnowthere
wasasubtlespacearoundPaul,adrawingbackasthetroophonoredhimbyarespectfulisolation.
Theceremonyendedwithalowchant:
“Fullmooncallsthee—Shai-huludshaltthousee;Redthenight,duskysky,Bloodydeathdidstthoudie.Wepraytoamoon:sheisround—Luckwithuswillthenabound,WhatweseekforshallbefoundInthelandofsolidground.”
A bulging sack remained at Stilgar’s feet. He crouched, placed his palmsagainst it. Someone came up beside him, crouched at his elbow, and PaulrecognizedChani’sfaceinthehoodshadow.“Jamis carried thirty-three liters and sevenand three-thirty-secondsdrachms
ofthetribe’swater,”Chanisaid.“IblessitnowinthepresenceofaSayyadina.Ekkeri-akairi,thisisthewater,fillissin-follasyofPaul-Muad’Dib!Kivia-kavi,neverthemore,nakalas!Nakelas!tobemeasuredandcounted,ukair-an!bytheheartbeatsjan-jan-janofourfriend...Jamis.”Inanabruptandprofoundsilence,Chaniturned,staredatPaul.Presentlyshe
said:“WhereIamflamebethouthecoals.WhereIamdewbethouthewater.”“Bi-lalkaifa,”intonedthetroop.“ToPaul-Muad’Dibgoes thisportion,”Chanisaid.“Mayheguard it for the
tribe,preservingitagainstcarelessloss.Mayhebegenerouswithit intimeofneed.Mayhepassitoninhistimeforthegoodofthetribe.”“Bi-lalkaifa,”intonedthetroop.I must accept that water, Paul thought. Slowly, he arose, made his way to
Chani’sside.Stilgarsteppedbacktomakeroomforhim,tookthebalisetgentlyfromhishand.“Kneel,”Chanisaid.Paulknelt.Sheguidedhishandstothewaterbag,heldthemagainsttheresilientsurface.
“Withthiswaterthetribeentruststhee,”shesaid.“Jamisisgonefromit.Takeitinpeace.”Shestood,pullingPaulupwithher.Stilgarreturnedthebaliset,extendedasmallpileofmetalringsinonepalm.
Paul looked at them, seeing the different sizes, the way the light of theglowglobereflectedoffthem.Chanitookthelargestring,helditonafinger.“Thirtyliters,”shesaid.Oneby
one,shetooktheothers,showingeachtoPaul,countingthem.“Twoliters;oneliter;sevenwatercountersofonedrachmeach;onewatercounterofthree-thirty-seconds drachms. In all—thirty-three liters and seven and three-thirty-secondsdrachms.”SheheldthemuponherfingerforPaultosee.“Doyouacceptthem?”Stilgarasked.Paulswallowed,nodded.“Yes.”“Later,”Chani said, “Iwill showyouhow to tie them inakerchief so they
won’trattleandgiveyouawaywhenyouneedsilence.”Sheextendedherhand.“Willyou...holdthemforme?”Paulasked.ChaniturnedastartledglanceonStilgar.He smiled, said, “Paul-Muad’Dibwho isUsuldoesnotyetknowourways,
Chani.Holdhiswatercounterswithoutcommitmentuntil it’s timetoshowhimthemannerofcarryingthem.”Shenodded,whippedaribbonofclothfrombeneathherrobe,linkedtherings
onto itwith an intricate over and underweaving, hesitated, then stuffed themintothesashbeneathherrobe.I missed something there, Paul thought. He sensed the feeling of humor
around him, something bantering in it, and his mind linked up a prescientmemory:watercountersofferedtoawoman—courtshipritual.“Watermasters,”Stilgarsaid.The troop arose in a hissing of robes. Two men stepped out, lifted the
waterbag.Stilgartookdowntheglowglobe,ledthewaywithitintothedepthsofthecave.Paulwaspressed inbehindChani,noted thebutteryglowof lightoverrock
walls, the way the shadows danced, and he felt the troop’s lift of spiritscontainedinahushedairofexpectancy.Jessica,pulled into theendof the troopbyeagerhands,hemmedaroundby
jostlingbodies,suppressedamomentofpanic.Shehadrecognizedfragmentsofthe ritual, identified the shardsofChakobsaandBhotani-jib in thewords, andshe knew thewild violence that could explode out of these seemingly simplemoments.Jan-jan-jan,shethought.Go-go-go.Itwaslikeachild’sgamethathadlostallinhibitioninadulthands.
Stilgarstoppedatayellowrockwall.Hepressedanoutcroppingandthewallswungsilentlyawayfromhim,openingalonganirregularcrack.Heledthewaythroughpast adarkhoney-comb lattice thatdirecteda coolwashof air acrossPaulwhenhepassedit.Paul turned a questioning stare on Chani, tugged her arm. “That air felt
damp,”hesaid.“Sh-h-h-h,”shewhispered.Butamanbehind themsaid:“Plentyofmoisture in the trap tonight. Jamis’
wayoftellingushe’ssatisfied.”Jessicapassedthroughthesecretdoor,hearditclosebehind.Shesawhowthe
Fremenslowedwhilepassingthehoneycomblattice,feltthedampnessoftheairasshecameoppositeit.Windtrap! she thought. They’ve a concealed windtrap somewhere on the
surfacetofunnelairdownhereintocoolerregionsandprecipitatethemoisturefromit.Theypassedthroughanotherrockdoorwithlatticeworkaboveit,andthedoor
closedbehindthem.ThedraftofairattheirbackscarriedasensationofmoistureclearlyperceptibletobothJessicaandPaul.Attheheadofthetroop,theglowglobeinStilgar’shandsdroppedbelowthe
level of the heads in front of Paul. Presently he felt steps beneath his feet,curving down to the left. Light reflected back up across hooded heads and awindingmovementofpeoplespiralingdownthesteps.Jessicasensedmountingtensioninthepeoplearoundher,apressureofsilence
thatraspedhernerveswithitsurgency.Thestepsendedandthetrooppassedthroughanotherlowdoor.Thelightof
theglowglobewasswallowedinagreatopenspacewithahighcurvedceiling.PaulfeltChani’shandonhisarm,heardafaintdrippingsoundinthechillair,
feltanutterstillnesscomeovertheFremeninthecathedralpresenceofwater.Ihaveseenthisplaceinadream,hethought.Thethoughtwasbothreassuringandfrustrating.Somewhereaheadofhimon
thispath,thefanatichordescuttheirgorypathacrosstheuniverseinhisname.The green and blackAtreides bannerwould become a symbol of terror.Wildlegionswouldchargeintobattlescreamingtheirwarcry:“Muad’Dib!”Itmustnotbe,hethought.Icannotletithappen.But he could feel the demanding race consciousness within him, his own
terriblepurpose,andheknewthatnosmallthingcoulddeflectthejuggernaut.Itwasgatheringweightandmomentum.Ifhediedthisinstant,thethingwouldgo
onthroughhismotherandhisunbornsister.Nothinglessthanthedeathsofallthetroopgatheredhereandnow—himselfandhismotherincluded—couldstopthething.Paulstaredaroundhim,sawthetroopspreadoutinaline.Theypressedhim
forwardagainstalowbarriercarvedfromnativerock.BeyondthebarrierintheglowofStilgar’sglobe,Paulsawanunruffleddarksurfaceofwater.Itstretchedawayintoshadows—deepandblack—thefarwallonlyfaintlyvisible,perhapsahundredmetersaway.Jessicafeltthedrypullingofskinonhercheeksandforeheadrelaxinginthe
presence ofmoisture.Thewater poolwas deep; she could sense its deepness,andresistedadesiretodipherhandsintoit.A splashing sounded on her left. She looked down the shadowy line of
Fremen, saw Stilgar with Paul standing beside him and the watermastersemptying their load into thepool througha flowmeter.Themeterwasa roundgrayeyeabove thepool’s rim.Shesaw itsglowingpointermoveas thewaterflowed through it, saw the pointer stop at thirty-three liters, seven and three-thirty-secondsdrachms.Superbaccuracy inwatermeasurement, Jessica thought.Andshenoted that
thewallsofthemetertroughheldnotraceofmoistureafterthewater’spassage.Thewaterflowedoff thosewallswithoutbinding tension.ShesawaprofoundcluetoFrementechnologyinthesimplefact:theywereperfectionists.JessicaworkedherwaydownthebarriertoStilgar’sside.Waywasmadefor
herwithcasualcourtesy.Shenoted thewithdrawn look inPaul’seyes,but themysteryofthisgreatpoolofwaterdominatedherthoughts.Stilgarlookedather.“Therewerethoseamongusinneedofwater,”hesaid,
“yettheywouldcomehereandnottouchthiswater.Doyouknowthat?”“Ibelieveit,”shesaid.He looked at the pool. “We have more than thirty-eight million decaliters
here,”hesaid.“Walledofffromthelittlemakers,hiddenandpreserved.”“Atreasuretrove,”shesaid.Stilgar lifted theglobe to look intohereyes.“It isgreater than treasure.We
havethousandsofsuchcaches.Onlyafewofusknowthemall.”Hecockedhisheadtooneside.Theglobecastayellow-shadowedglowacrossfaceandbeard.“Hearthat?”Theylistened.Thedrippingofwaterprecipitatedfromthewindtrapfilledtheroomwithits
presence.Jessicasawthattheentiretroopwascaughtupinaraptureoflistening.
OnlyPaulseemedtostandremotefromit.ToPaul,thesoundwaslikemomentstickingaway.Hecouldfeeltimeflowing
throughhim,theinstantsnevertoberecaptured.Hesensedaneedfordecision,butfeltpowerlesstomove.“It has been calculated with precision,” Stilgar whispered. “We know to
within a million decaliters how much we need. When we have it, we shallchangethefaceofArrakis.”Ahushedwhisperofresponseliftedfromthetroop:“Bi-lalkaifa.”“We will trap the dunes beneath grass plantings,” Stilgar said, his voice
growing stronger. “We will tie the water into the soil with trees andundergrowth.”“Bi-lalkaifa,”intonedthetroop.“Eachyearthepolariceretreats,”Stilgarsaid.“Bi-lalkaifa,”theychanted.“We shallmake a homeworld ofArrakis—withmelting lenses at the poles,
withlakesinthetemperatezones,andonlythedeepdesertforthemakerandhisspice.”“Bi-lalkaifa.”“Andnomaneveragainshallwantforwater.Itshallbehisfordippingfrom
wellorpondor lakeorcanal.Itshallrundownthroughtheqanats tofeedourplants. It shallbe there foranyman to take. It shallbehis forholdingouthishand.”“Bi-lalkaifa.”Jessicafeltthereligiousritualinthewords,notedherowninstinctivelyawed
response. They’re in league with the future, she thought. They have theirmountaintoclimb.Thisisthescientist’sdream...andthesesimplepeople,thesepeasants,arefilledwithit.HerthoughtsturnedtoLiet-Kynes,theEmperor’splanetaryecologist,theman
whohadgonenative—andshewonderedathim.Thiswasadream tocapturemen’s souls, and she could sense the hand of the ecologist in it. This was adream for which men would die willingly. It was another of the essentialingredientsthatshefelthersonneeded:peoplewithagoal.Suchpeoplewouldbeeasytoimbuewithfervorandfanaticism.TheycouldbewieldedlikeaswordtowinbackPaul’splaceforhim.“We leave now,” Stilgar said, “and wait for the first moon’s rising. When
Jamisissafelyonhisway,wewillgohome.”Whispering their reluctance, the troop fell inbehindhim, turnedbackalong
thewaterbarrierandupthestairs.AndPaul,walkingbehindChani,feltthatavitalmomenthadpassedhim,that
hehadmissedanessentialdecisionandwasnowcaughtupinhisownmyth.Heknew he had seen this place before, experienced it in a fragment of prescientdreamonfarawayCaladan,butdetailsoftheplacewerebeingfilledinnowthathehadnotseen.Hefeltanewsenseofwonderatthelimitsofhisgift.Itwasasthoughherodewithinthewaveoftime,sometimesinitstrough,sometimesonacrest—and all around him the other waves lifted and fell, revealing and thenhidingwhattheyboreontheirsurface.Throughitall,thewildjihadstillloomedaheadofhim,theviolenceandthe
slaughter.Itwaslikeapromontoryabovethesurf.The troop filed through the last door into the main cavern. The door was
sealed. Lights were extinguished, hoods removed from the cavern openings,revealingthenightandthestarsthathadcomeoverthedesert.Jessicamovedtothedrylipofthecavern’sedge,lookedupatthestars.They
weresharpandnear.Shefeltthestirringofthetrooparoundher,heardthesoundofabalisetbeing tunedsomewherebehindher,andPaul’svoicehumming thepitch.Therewasamelancholyinhistonethatshedidnotlike.Chani’svoiceintrudedfromthedeepcavedarkness:“Tellmeaboutthewaters
ofyourbirthworld,PaulMuad’Dib.”AndPaul:“Anothertime,Chani.Ipromise.”Suchsadness.“It’sagoodbaliset,”Chanisaid.“Verygood,”Paulsaid.“DoyouthinkJamis’llmindmyusingit?”Hespeaksofthedeadinthepresenttense,Jessicathought.Theimplications
disturbedher.Aman’svoiceintruded:“Helikedmusicbetimes,Jamisdid.”“Thensingmeoneofyoursongs,”Chanipleaded.Suchfeminineallureinthatgirl-child’svoice,Jessicathought.Imustcaution
Paulabouttheirwomen...andsoon.“Thiswas a song of a friend ofmine,” Paul said. “I expect he’s dead now,
Gurneyis.Hecalledithisevensong.”Thetroopgrewstill,listeningasPaul’svoiceliftedinasweetboytenorwith
thebalisettinklingandstrummingbeneathit:
“Thiscleartimeofseeingembers—Agold-brightsun’slostinfirstdusk.Whatfrenziedsenses,desp‘ratemusk
Areconsortofrememb’ring.”
Jessica felt the verbalmusic in her breast—pagan and chargedwith soundsthatmadehersuddenlyandintenselyawareofherself,feelingherownbodyanditsneeds.Shelistenedwithatensestillness.
“Night’spearl-censeredrequi-em...’Tisforus!Whatjoysrun,then—Brightinyoureyes—Whatflower-spangledamoresPullatourhearts...Whatflower-spangledamoresFillourdesires.”
AndJessicaheardtheafter-stillnessthathummedintheairwiththelastnote.Whydoesmysonsingalovesongtothatgirl-child?sheaskedherself.Shefeltanabruptfear.Shecouldsenselifeflowingaroundherandshehadnograsponits reins.Why did he choose that song? she wondered. The instincts are truesometimes.Whydidhedothis?Paul sat silently in the darkness, a single stark thought dominating his
awareness:Mymother is my enemy. She does not know it, but she is. She isbringingthejihad.Sheboreme;shetrainedme.Sheismyenemy.
The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from theterrorsofthefuture.
—from“CollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
ONHISseventeenthbirthday,Feyd-RauthaHarkonnenkilledhisonehundredthslave-gladiatorinthefamilygames.VisitingobserversfromtheImperialCourt—a Count and Lady Fenring—were on the Harkonnen homeworld of GiediPrimefortheevent,invitedtositthatafternoonwiththeimmediatefamilyinthegoldenboxabovethetriangulararena.Inhonorofthena-Baron’snativityandtoremindallHarkonnensandsubjects
that Feyd-Rautha was heir-designate, it was holiday on Giedi Prime. The oldBaronhaddecreedameridian-to-meridianrestfromlabors,andefforthadbeenspent in the familycityofHarko tocreate the illusionofgaiety:banners flewfrombuildings,newpainthadbeensplashedonthewallsalongCourtWay.Butoffthemainway,CountFenringandhisladynotedtherubbishheaps,the
scabrousbrownwallsreflectedinthedarkpuddlesofthestreets,andthefurtivescurryingofthepeople.In theBaron’sblue-walledkeep, therewas fearfulperfection,but theCount
and his lady saw the price being paid—guards everywhere andweaponswiththat special sheen that told a trainedeye theywere in regularuse.Therewerecheckpoints for routine passage from area to area even within the keep. Theservants revealed theirmilitary training in theway theywalked, in the set oftheirshoulders...inthewaytheireyeswatchedandwatchedandwatched.“Thepressure’son,” theCounthummedtohis ladyin theirsecret language.
“TheBaronisjustbeginningtoseethepricehereallypaidtoridhimselfoftheDukeLeto.”“SometimeImustrecountforyouthelegendofthephoenix,”shesaid.Theywereinthereceptionhallofthekeepwaitingtogotothefamilygames.
Itwasnot a largehall—perhaps fortymeters longandhalf that inwidth—butfalsepillarsalongthesideshadbeenshapedwithanabrupttaper,andtheceilinghadasubtlearch,allgivingtheillusionofmuchgreaterspace.“Ah-h-h,herecomestheBaron,”theCountsaid.TheBaronmoved down the length of the hallwith that peculiarwaddling-
glide impartedby thenecessities of guiding suspensor-hungweight.His jowls
bobbedupanddown;thesuspensorsjiggledandshiftedbeneathhisorangerobe.Ringsglitteredonhishandsandopafiresshonewheretheyhadbeenwovenintotherobe.AttheBaron’selbowwalkedFeyd-Rautha.Hisdarkhairwasdressedinclose
ringletsthatseemedincongruouslygayabovesulleneyes.Heworeatight-fittingblacktunicandsnugtrouserswithasuggestionofbellatthebottom.Soft-soledslipperscoveredhissmallfeet.Lady Fenring, noting the youngman’s poise and the sure flow of muscles
beneaththetunicthought:Here’sonewhowon’tlethimselfgotofat.TheBaronstoppedinfrontofthem,tookFeyd-Rautha’sarminapossessive
grip, said, “Mynephew, thena-Baron,Feyd-RauthaHarkonnen.”And, turninghisbaby-fatfacetowardFeyd-Rautha,hesaid,“TheCountandLadyFenringofwhomI’vespoken.”Feyd-Rauthadippedhisheadwiththerequiredcourtesy.HestaredattheLady
Fenring.Shewasgolden-hairedandwillowy,herperfectionoffigureclothedinaflowinggownofecru—simplefitnessofformwithoutornament.Gray-greeneyesstaredbackathim.ShehadthatBeneGesseritserenereposeaboutherthattheyoungmanfoundsubtlydisturbing.“Um-m-m-m-ah-hm-m-m-m,”saidtheCount.HestudiedFeyd-Rautha.“The,
hm-m-m-m, precise young man, ah, my ... hm-m-m-m ... dear?” The Countglanced at the Baron. “My dear Baron, you say you’ve spoken of us to thispreciseyoungman?Whatdidyousay?”“I told my nephew of the great esteem our Emperor holds for you, Count
Fenring,”theBaronsaid,Andhethought:Markhimwell,Feyd!Akillerwiththemannersofarabbit—thisisthemostdangerouskind.“Ofcourse!”saidtheCount,andhesmiledathislady.Feyd-Rautha found the man’s actions and words almost insulting. They
stoppedjustshortofsomethingovertthatwouldrequirenotice.Theyoungmanfocused his attention on theCount: a smallman,weak-looking. The facewasweaselish with overlarge dark eyes. There was gray at the temples. And hismovements—he moved a hand or turned his head one way, then he spokeanotherway.Itwasdifficulttofollow.“Um-m-m-m-m-ah-h-h-hm-m-m,youcomeuponsuch,mm-m-m,preciseness
sorarely,”theCountsaid,addressingtheBaron’sshoulder.“I...ah,congratulateyouonthehm-m-mperfectionofyourah-h-hheir.Inthelightof thehm-m-melder,onemightsay.”“Youaretookind,”theBaronsaid.Hebowed,butFeyd-Rauthanotedthathis
uncle’seyesdidnotagreewiththecourtesy.“When you’re mm-m-m ironic, that ah-h-h suggests you’re hm-m-m-m
thinkingdeepthoughts,”theCountsaid.Therehegoesagain,Feyd-Rauthathought.Itsoundslikehe’sbeinginsulting,
butthere’snothingyoucancalloutforsatisfaction.ListeningtothemangaveFeyd-Rauthathefeelinghisheadwasbeingpushed
throughmush ...um-m-m-ah-h-h-hm-m-m-m! Feyd-Rautha turned his attentionbacktotheLadyFenring.“We’re ah-h-h taking up toomuch of this youngman’s time,” she said. “I
understandhe’stoappearinthearenatoday.”By the houris of the Imperial hareem, she’s a lovely one! Feyd-Rautha
thought.Hesaid:“Ishallmakeakillforyouthisday,myLady.Ishallmakethededicationinthearena,withyourpermission.”She returned his stare serenely, but her voice carriedwhiplash as she said:
“Youdonothavemypermission.”“Feyd!”theBaronsaid.Andhethought:Thatimp!Doeshewantthisdeadly
Counttocallhimout?ButtheCountonlysmiledandsaid:“Hm-m-m-m-um-m-m.”“Youreallymustbegettingreadyforthearena,Feyd,”theBaronsaid.“You
mustberestedandnottakeanyfoolishrisks.”Feyd-Rauthabowed,hisfacedarkwithresentment.“I’msureeverythingwill
beasyouwish,Uncle.”Henodded toCountFenring.“Sir.”To the lady:“MyLady.” And he turned, strode out of the hall, barely glancing at the knot ofFamiliesMinornearthedoubledoors.“He’ssoyoung,”theBaronsighed.“Um-m-m-m-ahindeedhmmm,”theCountsaid.And the Lady Fenring thought: Can that be the young man the Reverend
Mothermeant?Isthatabloodlinewemustpreserve?“We’ve more than an hour before going to the arena,” the Baron said.
“Perhapswecouldhaveourlittletalknow,CountFenring.”Hetippedhisgrossheadtotheright.“There’saconsiderableamountofprogresstobediscussed.”And theBaron thought:Let us see nowhow theEmperor’s errandboygets
acrosswhatevermessagehecarrieswithouteverbeingsocrassas to speak itrightout.TheCountspoke tohis lady:“Um-m-m-m-ah-h-h-hm-m-m,youmm-mwill
ah-h-hexcuseus,mydear?”“Each day, some time each hour, brings change,” she said. “Mm-m-m-m.”
And she smiled sweetly at the Baron before turning away. Her long skirtsswished and shewalkedwith a straight-backed regal stride toward the doubledoorsattheendofthehall.TheBaronnotedhowallconversationamongtheHousesMinortherestopped
atherapproach,howtheeyes followedher.BeneGesserit! theBaron thought.Theuniversewouldbebetterridofthemall!“There’saconeofsilencebetweentwoof thepillarsoverhereonour left,”
theBaronsaid.“Wecantalktherewithoutfearofbeingoverheard.”Heledthewaywithhiswaddlinggaitintothesound-deadeningfield,feelingthenoisesofthekeepbecomedullanddistant.TheCountmoved up beside theBaron, and they turned, facing thewall so
theirlipscouldnotberead.“We’renotsatisfiedwiththewayyouorderedtheSardaukaroffArrakis,”the
Countsaid.Straighttalk!theBaronthought.“TheSardaukarcouldnotstay longerwithout risking thatotherswould find
outhowtheEmperorhelpedme,”theBaronsaid.“But your nephew Rabban does not appear to be pressing strongly enough
towardasolutionoftheFremenproblem.”“WhatdoestheEmperorwish?”theBaronasked.“Therecannotbemorethan
ahandfulofFremen leftonArrakis.Thesoutherndesert isuninhabitable.Thenortherndesertissweptregularlybyourpatrols.”“Whosaysthesoutherndesertisuninhabitable?”“Yourownplanetologistsaidit,mydearCount.”“ButDoctorKynesisdead.”“Ah,yes...unfortunate,that.”“We’vewordfromanoverflightacrossthesouthernreaches,”theCountsaid.
“There’sevidenceofplantlife.”“HastheGuildthenagreedtoawatchfromspace?”“Youknowbetterthanthat,Baron.TheEmperorcannotlegallypostawatch
onArrakis.”“AndIcannotaffordit,”theBaronsaid.“Whomadethisoverflight?”“A...smuggler.”“Someone has lied to you, Count,” the Baron said. “Smugglers cannot
navigatethesouthernreachesanybetterthancanRabban’smen.Storms,sand-static, and all that, youknow.Navigationmarkers are knockedout faster thantheycanbeinstalled.”
“We’lldiscussvarioustypesofstaticanothertime,”theCountsaid.Ah-h-h-h, the Baron thought. “Have you found some mistake in my
accountingthen?”hedemanded.“Whenyouimaginemistakestherecanbenoself-defense,”theCountsaid.He’sdeliberatelytryingtoarousemyanger, theBaronthought.Hetooktwo
deepbreathstocalmhimself.Hecouldsmellhisownsweat,andtheharnessofthesuspensorsbeneathhisrobefeltsuddenlyitchyandgalling.“TheEmperor cannot beunhappy about thedeathof the concubine and the
boy,”theBaronsaid.“Theyfledintothedesert.Therewasastorm.”“Yes,thereweresomanyconvenientaccidents,”theCountagreed.“Idonotlikeyourtone,Count,”theBaronsaid.“Angerisonething,violenceanother,”theCountsaid.“Letmecautionyou:
Should an unfortunate accident occur tome here the Great Houses all wouldlearnwhatyoudidonArrakis.They’velongsuspectedhowyoudobusiness.”“TheonlyrecentbusinessIcanrecall,”theBaronsaid,“wastransportationof
severallegionsofSardaukartoArrakis.”“YouthinkyoucouldholdthatovertheEmperor’shead?”“Iwouldn’tthinkofit!”The Count smiled. “Sardaukar commanders could be found who’d confess
theyactedwithoutordersbecausetheywantedabattlewithyourFremenscum.”“Many might doubt such a confession,” the Baron said, but the threat
staggeredhim.AreSardaukartrulythatdisciplined?hewondered.“TheEmperordoeswishtoaudityourbooks,”theCountsaid.“Anytime.”“You...ah...havenoobjections?”“None.My CHOAMCompany directorship will bear the closest scrutiny.”
And he thought: Let him bring a false accusation against me and have itexposed.Ishallstandthere,promethean,saying:“Beholdme,Iamwronged.”Thenlethimbringanyotheraccusationagainstme,evenatrueone.TheGreatHouseswillnotbelieveasecondattackfromanaccuseronceprovedwrong.“Nodoubtyourbookswillbeartheclosestscrutiny,”theCountmuttered.“Whyis theEmperorso interested inexterminating theFremen?” theBaron
asked.“You wish the subject to be changed, eh?” The Count shrugged. “It is the
Sardaukarwhowishit,nottheEmperor.Theyneededpracticeinkilling...andtheyhatetoseeataskleftundone.”Does he think to frighten me by reminding me that he is supported by
bloodthirstykillers?theBaronwondered.“Acertainamountofkillinghasalwaysbeenanarmofbusiness,”theBaron
said,“butalinehastobedrawnsomewhere.Someonemustbelefttoworkthespice.”The Count emitted a short, barking laugh. “You think you can harness the
Fremen?”“Thereneverwereenoughofthemforthat,”theBaronsaid.“Butthekilling
hasmade the rest ofmy population uneasy. It’s reaching the pointwhere I’mconsideringanothersolution to theArrakeenproblem,mydearFenring.And ImustconfesstheEmperordeservescreditfortheinspiration.”“Ah-h-h?”“You see, Count, I have the Emperor’s prison planet, Salusa Secundus, to
inspireme.”TheCountstaredathimwithglitteringintensity.“Whatpossibleconnectionis
therebetweenArrakisandSalusaSecundus?”TheBaronfeltthealertnessinFenring’seyes,said:“Noconnectionyet.”“Yet?”“Youmustadmitit’dbeawaytodevelopasubstantialworkforceonArrakis
—usetheplaceasaprisonplanet.”“Youanticipateanincreaseinprisoners?”“There has been unrest,” the Baron admitted. “I’ve had to squeeze rather
severely,Fenring.After all, youknow theprice I paid thatdamnableGuild totransportourmutualforcetoArrakis.Thatmoneyhastocomefromsomewhere.“I suggest you not use Arrakis as a prison planet without the Emperor’s
permission,Baron.”“Of course not,” the Baron said, and he wondered at the sudden chill in
Fenring’svoice.“Anothermatter,”theCountsaid.“WelearnthatDukeLeto’sMentat,Thufir
Hawat,isnotdeadbutinyouremploy.”“Icouldnotbringmyselftowastehim,”theBaronsaid.“YouliedtoourSardaukarcommanderwhenyousaidHawatwasdead.”“Onlyawhite lie,mydearCount. Ihadn’t thestomachfora longargument
withtheman.”“WasHawattherealtraitor?”“Oh,goodness,no!Itwasthefalsedoctor.”TheBaronwipedatperspiration
onhisneck.“Youmustunderstand,Fenring,IwaswithoutaMentat.Youknowthat.I’veneverbeenwithoutaMentat.Itwasmostunsettling.”
“HowcouldyougetHawattoshiftallegiance?”“His Duke was dead.” The Baron forced a smile. “There’s nothing to fear
fromHawat,mydearCount.TheMentat’s flesh has been impregnatedwith alatentpoison.Weadministeranantidoteinhismeals.Withouttheantidote,thepoisonistriggered—he’ddieinafewdays.”“Withdrawtheantidote,”theCountsaid.“Buthe’suseful!”“Andheknowstoomanythingsnolivingmanshouldknow.”“YousaidtheEmperordoesn’tfearexposure.”“Don’tplaygameswithme,Baron!”“When I see such an order above the Imperial seal I’ll obey it,” theBaron
said.“ButI’llnotsubmittoyourwhim.”“Youthinkitwhim?”“Whatelsecanitbe?TheEmperorhasobligationstome,too,Fenring.Irid
himofthetroublesomeDuke.”“WiththehelpofafewSardaukar.”“WhereelsewouldtheEmperorhavefoundaHousetoprovidethedisguising
uniformstohidehishandinthismatter?”“Hehasaskedhimselfthesamequestion,Baron,butwithaslightlydifferent
emphasis.”TheBaron studied Fenring, noting the stiffness of jawmuscles, the careful
control.“Ah-h-h,now,”theBaronsaid.“IhopetheEmperordoesn’tbelievehecanmoveagainstmeintotalsecrecy.”“Hehopesitwon’tbecomenecessary.”“TheEmperorcannotbelieveIthreatenhim!”TheBaronpermittedangerand
grieftoedgehisvoice,thinking:Lethimwrongmeinthat!IcouldplacemyselfonthethronewhilestillbeatingmybreastoverhowI’dbeenwronged.TheCount’s voicewent dry and remote as he said: “TheEmperor believes
whathissensestellhim.”“DaretheEmperorchargemewithtreasonbeforeafullLandstraadCouncil?”
AndtheBaronheldhisbreathwiththehopeofit.“TheEmperorneeddarenothing.”The Baron whirled away in his suspensors to hide his expression. It could
happen in my lifetime! he thought. Emperor! Let him wrong me! Then—thebribesandcoercion,therallyingoftheGreatHouses:they’dflocktomybannerlike peasants running for shelter. The thing they fear above all else is theEmperor’sSardaukarlooseduponthemoneHouseatatime.
“It’stheEmperor’ssincerehopehe’llneverhavetochargeyouwithtreason,”theCountsaid.TheBaronfounditdifficulttokeepironyoutofhisvoiceandpermitonlythe
expression of hurt, but he managed. “I’ve been a most loyal subject. Thesewordshurtmebeyondmycapacitytoexpress.”“Um-m-m-m-ah-hm-m-m,”saidtheCount.TheBaronkepthisbacktotheCount,nodding.Presentlyhesaid,“It’stimeto
gotothearena.”“Indeed,”saidtheCount.Theymovedoutof theconeofsilenceand,sidebyside,walked toward the
clumps of Houses Minor at the end of the hall. A bell began a slow tollingsomewhereinthekeep—twenty-minutewarningforthearenagathering.“The Houses Minor wait for you to lead them,” the Count said, nodding
towardthepeopletheyapproached.Doublemeaning...doublemeaning,theBaronthought.Helookedupatthenewtalismansflankingtheexittohishall—themounted
bull’sheadandtheoilpaintingoftheOldDukeAtreides,thelateDukeLeto’sfather.TheyfilledtheBaronwithanoddsenseofforeboding,andhewonderedwhatthoughtsthesetalismanshadinspiredintheDukeLetoastheyhunginthehallsofCaladanandthenonArrakis—thebravurafatherandtheheadofthebullthathadkilledhim.“Mankindhasahonlyonemm-m-mscience,”theCountsaidastheypicked
uptheirparadeoffollowersandemergedfromthehallintothewaitingroom—anarrowspacewithhighwindowsandfloorofpatternedwhiteandpurpletile.“Andwhatscienceisthat?”theBaronasked.“It’stheum-m-m-ah-hscienceofah-h-hdiscontent,”theCountsaid.The HousesMinor behind them, sheep-faced and responsive, laughed with
just theright toneofappreciation,but thesoundcarriedanoteofdiscordas itcollidedwith the suddenblast ofmotors that came to themwhenpages threwopen the outer doors, revealing the line of ground cars, their guidon pennantswhippinginabreeze.TheBaronraisedhisvoicetosurmountthesuddennoise,said,“Ihopeyou’ll
notbediscontentedwiththeperformanceofmynephewtoday,CountFenring.”“Iah-h-hamfilledum-m-monlywithahm-m-msenseofanticipation,yes,”
theCountsaid.“Alwaysintheah-h-hprocesverbal,oneum-m-mah-h-hmustconsidertheah-h-hofficeoforigin.”TheBarondidhissuddenstiffeningofsurprisebystumblingonthefirststep
down from the exit.Proces verbal! That was a report of a crime against theImperium!ButtheCountchuckledtomakeitseemajoke,andpattedtheBaron’sarm.All the way to the arena, though, the Baron sat back among the armored
cushionsofhiscar,castingcovertglancesat theCountbesidehim,wonderingwhytheEmperor’serrandboyhadthoughtitnecessarytomakethatparticularkindof joke in frontof theHousesMinor. Itwasobvious thatFenringseldomdidanythinghefelttobeunnecessary,orusedtwowordswhereonewoulddo,orheldhimselftoasinglemeaninginasinglephrase.Theywereseatedinthegoldenboxabovethetriangulararena—hornsblaring,
the tiersaboveandaround themjammedwithahubbubofpeopleandwavingpennants—whentheanswercametotheBaron.“MydearBaron,” theCountsaid, leaningclosetohisear,“youknow,don’t
you,thattheEmperorhasnotgivenofficialsanctiontoyourchoiceofheir?”The Baron felt himself to be within a sudden personal cone of silence
producedbyhisownshock.HestaredatFenring,barelyseeingtheCount’sladycomethroughtheguardsbeyondtojointhepartyinthegoldenbox.“That’sreallywhyI’mheretoday,”theCountsaid.“TheEmperorwishesme
toreportonwhetheryou’vechosenaworthysuccessor.There’snothinglikethearenatoexposethetruepersonfrombeneaththemask,eh?”“TheEmperorpromisedmefreechoiceofheir!”theBarongrated.“Weshallsee,”Fenringsaid,andturnedawaytogreethislady.Shesatdown,
smiling at theBaron, thengivingher attention to the sand floor beneath themwhereFeyd-Rauthawasemerging ingilesand tights—theblackgloveand thelongknifeinhisrighthand,thewhitegloveandtheshortknifeinhislefthand.“White for poison, black for purity,” the Lady Fenring said. “A curious
custom,isn’tit,mylove?”“Um-m-m-m,”theCountsaid.Thegreetingcheerliftedfromthefamilygalleries,andFeyd-Rauthapausedto
accept it, lookingupandscanning the faces—seeinghiscousinesandcousins,the demibrothers, the concubines and out-freyn relations. Theywere somanypink trumpet mouths yammering amidst a flutter of colorful clothing andbanners.ItcametoFeyd-Rauthathenthatthepackedranksoffaceswouldlookjustas
avidlyathisbloodasatthatoftheslave-gladiator.Therewasnotadoubtoftheoutcome in this fight,ofcourse.Herewasonly the formofdangerwithout itssubstance—yet....
Feyd-Rautha held up his knives to the sun, saluted the three corners of thearena in the ancientmanner.The short knife inwhite-gloved hand (white, thesignofpoison)wentfirstintoitssheath.Thenthelongbladeintheblack-glovedhand—thepureblade thatnowwasunpure,his secretweapon to turn thisdayintoapurelypersonalvictory:poisonontheblackblade.Theadjustmentofhisbodyshieldtookonlyamoment,andhepausedtosense
theskin-tighteningathisforeheadassuringhimhewasproperlyguarded.Thismomentcarrieditsownsuspense,andFeyd-Rauthadraggeditoutwith
thesurehandofashowman,nodding tohishandlersanddistractors,checkingtheirequipmentwithameasuringstare—gyvesinplacewiththeirpricklessharpandglistening,thebarbsandhookswavingwiththeirbluestreamers.Feyd-Rauthasignaledthemusicians.Theslowmarchbegan,sonorouswithitsancientpomp,andFeyd-Rauthaled
histroupeacrossthearenaforobeisanceatthefootofhisuncle’sbox.Hecaughttheceremonialkeyasitwasthrown.Themusicstopped.Intotheabruptsilence,hesteppedbacktwopaces,raisedthekeyandshouted.
“Idedicatethistruthto....”Andhepaused,knowinghisunclewouldthink:Theyoungfool’sgoingtodedicatetoLadyFenringafterallandcausearuckus!“... to my uncle and patron, the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen!” Feyd-Rautha
shouted.Andhewasdelightedtoseehisunclesigh.The music resumed at the quick-march, and Feyd-Rautha led his men
scamperingbackacrossthearenatotheprudencedoorthatadmittedonlythosewearingtheproperidentificationband.Feyd-Rauthapridedhimselfthatheneverusedthepru-doorandseldomneededdistractors.Butitwasgoodtoknowtheywereavailablethisday—specialplanssometimesinvolvedspecialdangers.Again,silencesettledoverthearena.Feyd-Rautha turned, faced the big red door across fromhim throughwhich
thegladiatorwouldemerge.Thespecialgladiator.TheplanThufirHawathaddevisedwasadmirablysimpleanddirect,Feyd-
Rauthathought.Theslavewouldnotbedrugged—thatwasthedanger.Instead,a keyword had been drummed into theman’s unconscious to immobilize hismuscles at a critical instant. Feyd-Rautha rolled the vital word in his mind,mouthing itwithout sound: “Scum!”To the audience, itwould appear that anundruggedslavehadbeenslippedintothearenatokillthena-Baron.Andallthe
carefullyarrangedevidencewouldpointtotheslavemaster.Alowhummingarosefromthereddoor’sservo-motorsas theywerearmed
foropening.Feyd-Rauthafocusedallhisawarenessonthedoor.Thisfirstmomentwasthe
criticalone.Theappearanceofthegladiatorasheemergedtoldthetrainedeyemuch it needed to know.All gladiatorswere supposed to be hyped on elaccadrugtocomeoutkill-readyinfightingstance—butyouhadtowatchhowtheyheftedtheknife,whichwaytheyturnedindefense,whethertheywereactuallyawareoftheaudienceinthestands.Thewayaslavecockedhisheadcouldgivethemostvitalcluetocounterandfeint.Thereddoorslammedopen.Outchargedatall,muscularmanwithshavedheadanddarklypittedeyes.His
skinwascarrot-coloredas it shouldbe from theelaccadrug,butFeyd-Rauthaknew thecolorwaspaint.The slaveworegreen leotards and the redbeltof asemishield—the belt’s arrow pointing left to indicate the slave’s left sidewasshielded.Heheldhisknifesword-fashion,cockedslightlyoutwardinthestanceofatrainedfighter.Slowly,headvancedintothearena,turninghisshieldedsidetowardFeyd-Rauthaandthegroupatthepru-door.“I likenot the lookof thisone,” saidoneofFeyd-Rautha’sbarb-men. “Are
yousurehe’sdrugged,m’Lord?”“Hehasthecolor,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Yethestandslikeafighter,”saidanotherhelper.Feyd-Rauthaadvancedtwostepsontothesand,studiedthisslave.“Whathashedonetohisarm?”askedoneofthedistractors.Feyd-Rautha’sattentionwent toabloodyscratchon theman’s left forearm,
followedthearmdowntothehandasitpointedtoadesigndrawninbloodonthelefthipofthegreenleotards—awetshapethere:theformalizedoutlineofahawk.Hawk!Feyd-Rautha lookedup into thedarklypittedeyes, saw themglaringathim
withuncommonalertness.It’soneofDukeLeto’sfightingmenwetookonArrakis!Feyd-Rauthathought.
Nosimplegladiatorthis!Achillranthroughhim,andhewonderedifHawathadanotherplan for this arena—a feintwithina feintwithina feint.Andonly theslavemasterpreparedtotaketheblame!Feyd-Rautha’schiefhandlerspokeathisear:“Ilikenotthelookonthatone,
m’Lord.Letmesetabarbortwoinhisknifearmtotryhim.”
“I’llsetmyownbarbs,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.Hetookapairofthelong,hookedshaftsfromthehandler,heftedthem,testingthebalance.Thesebarbs,too,weresupposed to be drugged—but not this time, and the chief handler might diebecauseofthat.Butitwasallpartoftheplan.“You’llcomeoutofthisahero,”Hawathadsaid.“Killedyourgladiatorman
tomanandinspiteoftreachery.Theslavemasterwillbeexecutedandyourmanwillstepintohisspot.”Feyd-Rautha advanced another five paces into the arena, playing out the
moment, studying theslave.Already,heknew, theexperts in thestandsabovehimwereaware that somethingwaswrong.Thegladiatorhad thecorrect skincolor for a drugged man, but he stood his ground and did not tremble. Theaficionadoswouldbewhisperingamong themselvesnow:“Seehowhestands.He should be agitated—attacking or retreating. See how he conserves hisstrength,howhewaits.Heshouldnotwait.”Feyd-Rauthafelthisownexcitementkindle.LettherebetreacheryinHawat’s
mind,hethought.Icanhandlethisslave.Andit’smylongknifethatcarriesthepoisonthistime,nottheshortone.EvenHawatdoesn’tknowthat.“Hai,Harkonnen!”theslavecalled.“Areyoupreparedtodie?”Deathlystillnessgrippedthearena.Slavesdidnotissuethechallenge!Now, Feyd-Rautha had a clear view of the gladiator’s eyes, saw the cold
ferocityofdespairinthem.Hemarkedthewaythemanstood,looseandready,musclespreparedforvictory.TheslavegrapevinehadcarriedHawat’smessagetothisone:“You’llgeta truechancetokill thena-Baron.”Thatmuchof theschemewasasthey’dplannedit,then.A tight smile crossed Feyd-Rautha’s mouth. He lifted the barbs, seeing
successforhisplansinthewaythegladiatorstood.“Hai!Hai!”theslavechallenged,andcreptforwardtwosteps.Nooneinthegalleriescanmistakeitnow,Feyd-Rauthathought.This slave should have been partly crippled by drug-induced terror. Every
movementshouldhavebetrayedhisinnerknowledgethattherewasnohopeforhim—he could not win. He should have been filled with the stories of thepoisons the na-Baron chose for the blade in his white-gloved hand. The na-Baronnevergavequickdeath;hedelightedindemonstratingrarepoisons,couldstand in the arena pointing out interesting side effects on a writhing victim.Therewasfearintheslave,yes—butnotterror.Feyd-Rauthaliftedthebarbshigh,noddedinanalmost-greeting.Thegladiatorpounced.
His feint and defensive counterwere as good as anyFeyd-Rautha had everseen.Atimedsideblowmissedbythebarestfractionfromseveringthetendonsofthena-Baron’sleftleg.Feyd-Rauthadancedaway,leavingabarbedshaftintheslave’srightforearm,
the hooks completely buried in fleshwhere theman could notwithdraw thimwithoutrippingtendons.Aconcertedgaspliftedfromthegalleries.ThesoundfilledFeyd-Rauthawithelation.He knew now what his uncle was experiencing, sitting up there with the
Fenrings,theobserversfromtheImperialCourt,besidehim.Therecouldbenointerferencewith this fight.The formsmustbeobserved in frontofwitnesses.AndtheBaronwouldinterprettheeventsinthearenaonlyoneway—threattohimself.The slavebacked,holdingknife in teeth and lashing thebarbed shaft tohis
armwith thepennant. “Idonot feelyourneedle!”he shouted.Againhecreptforward,knife ready, leftsidepresented,hisbodybentbackward togive it thegreatestsurfaceofprotectionfromthehalf-shield.Thataction,too,didn’tescapethegalleries.Sharpcriescamefromthefamily
boxes.Feyd-Rautha’shandlerswerecallingouttoaskifheneededthem.Hewavedthembacktothepru-door.I’llgivethemashowsuchasthey’veneverhadbefore,Feyd-Rauthathought.
No tame killing where they can sit back and admire the style. This’ll besomething to take them by the guts and twist them. When I’m Baron they’llrememberthisdayandwon’tbeaoneofthemcanescapefearofmebecauseofthisday.Feyd-Rautha gave ground slowly before the gladiator’s crablike advance.
Arena sand grated underfoot. He heard the slave’s panting, smelled his ownsweatandafaintodorofbloodontheair.Steadily,thena-Baronmovedbackward,turningtotheright,hissecondbarb
ready.Theslavedancedsideways.Feyd-Rauthaappearedtostumble,heardthescreamfromthegalleries.Again,theslavepounced.Gods, what a fighting man! Feyd-Rautha thought as he leaped aside. Only
youth’squickness savedhim,but he left the secondbarbburied in thedeltoidmuscleoftheslave’srightarm.Shrillcheersrainedfromthegalleries.Theycheermenow,Feyd-Rauthathought.Heheardthewildnessinthevoices
justasHawathadsaidhewould.They’dnevercheeredafamilyfighterthatwaybefore.AndhethoughtwithanedgeofgrimnessonathingHawathadtoldhim:“It’seasiertobeterrifiedbyanenemyyouadmire.”Swiftly,Feyd-Rautharetreatedto thecenterof thearenawhereallcouldsee
clearly.Hedrewhislongblade,crouchedandwaitedfortheadvancingslave.Themantookonlythetimetolashthesecondbarbtighttohisarm,thensped
inpursuit.Letthefamilyseemedothisthing,Feyd-Rauthathought.Iamtheirenemy:let
themthinkofmeastheyseemenow.Hedrewhisshortblade.“I do not fear you, Harkonnen swine,” the gladiator said. “Your tortures
cannothurtadeadman. Icanbedeadonmyownbladebeforeahandler laysfingertomyflesh.AndI’llhaveyoudeadbesideme!”Feyd-Rautha grinned, offered now the long blade, the onewith the poison.
“Trythison,”hesaid,andfeintedwiththeshortbladeinhisotherhand.Theslaveshiftedknifehands,turnedinsidebothparryandfeinttograpplethe
na-Baron’s short blade—the one in the white gloved hand that tradition saidshouldcarrythepoison.“Youwilldie,Harkonnen,”thegladiatorgasped.Theystruggledsidewaysacrossthesand.WhereFeyd-Rautha’sshieldmetthe
slave’s halfshield, a blue glowmarked the contact.The air around them filledwithozonefromthefield.“Dieonyourownpoison!”theslavegrated.Hebeganforcingthewhite-glovedhandinward,turningthebladehethought
carriedthepoison.Letthemseethis!Feyd-Rauthathought.Hebroughtdownthelongblade,felt
itclanguselesslyagainstthebarbedshaftlashedtotheslave’sarm.Feyd-Rautha felt a moment of desperation. He had not thought the barbed
shafts would be an advantage for the slave. But they gave the man anothershield. And the strength of this gladiator! The short blade was being forcedinward inexorably,andFeyd-Rautha focusedon the fact thatamancouldalsodieonanunpoisonedblade.“Scum!”Feyd-Rauthagasped.Atthekeyword,thegladiator’smusclesobeyedwithamomentaryslackness.
ItwasenoughforFeyd-Rautha.Heopenedaspacebetweenthemsufficientforthe long blade. Its poisoned tip flicked out, drew a red line down the slave’schest. There was instant agony in the poison. The man disengaged himself,
staggeredbackward.Now, letmydear familywatch,Feyd-Rauthathought.Let themthinkon this
slavewhotriedtoturntheknifehethoughtpoisonedanduseitagainstme.Letthem wonder how a gladiator could come into this arena ready for such anattempt.Andlet themalwaysbeawaretheycannotknowforsurewhichofmyhandscarriesthepoison.Feyd-Rauthastoodinsilence,watchingtheslowedmotionsoftheslave.The
manmovedwithinahesitation-awareness.Therewasanorthographic thingonhis facenowforeverywatcher to recognize.Thedeathwaswritten there.Theslave knew it had been done to him and he knewhow it had been done. Thewrongbladehadcarriedthepoison.“You!”themanmoaned.Feyd-Rautha drew back to give death its space. The paralyzing drug in the
poisonhadyettotakefulleffect,buttheman’sslownesstoldofitsadvance.Theslavestaggeredforwardasthoughdrawnbyastring—onedraggingstep
atatime.Eachstepwastheonlystepinhisuniverse.Hestillclutchedhisknife,butitspointwavered.“Oneday...one...ofus...will...get...you,”hegasped.A sad little moue contorted his mouth. He sat, sagged, then stiffened and
rolledawayfromFeyd-Rautha,facedown.Feyd-Rautha advanced in the silent arena, put a toeunder thegladiator and
rolledhimontohisbacktogivethegalleriesaclearviewofthefacewhenthepoison began its twisting, wrenching work on the muscles. But the gladiatorcameoverwithhisownknife,protrudingfromhisbreast.Inspiteoffrustration,therewasforFeyd-Rauthaameasureofadmirationfor
theeffortthisslavehadmanagedinovercomingtheparalysistodothisthingtohimself.Withtheadmirationcametherealizationthatherewastrulyathingtofear.Thatwhichmakesamansuperhumanisterrifying.Ashefocusedonthisthought,Feyd-Rauthabecameconsciousoftheeruption
ofnoisefromthestandsandgalleriesaroundhim.Theywerecheeringwithutterabandon.Feyd-Rauthaturned,lookingupatthem.All were cheering except the Baron, who sat with hand to chin in deep
contemplation—andtheCountandhislady,bothofwhomwerestaringdownathim,theirfacesmaskedbysmiles.CountFenringturnedtohislady,said:“Ah-h-h-um-m-m,aresourcefulum-m-
m-myoungman.Eh,mm-m-m-ah,mydear?”“Hisah-h-hsynapticresponsesareveryswift,”shesaid.The Baron looked at her, at the Count, returned his attention to the arena,
thinking:Ifsomeonecouldgetthatclosetooneofmine!Ragebegantoreplacehis fear. I’llhave theslavemasterdeadoveraslow fire thisnight...and if thisCountandhisladyhadahandinit....Theconversation in theBaron’sboxwasremotemovement toFeyd-Rautha,
thevoicesdrownedinthefoot-stampingchantthatcamenowfromallaround:“Head!Head!Head!Head!”TheBaron scowled, seeing theway Feyd-Rautha turned to him.Languidly,
controllinghisragewithdifficulty,theBaronwavedhishandtowardtheyoungmanstandinginthearenabesidethesprawledbodyoftheslave.Givetheboyahead.Heearneditbyexposingtheslavemaster.Feyd-Rauthasawthesignalofagreement,thought:Theythinktheyhonorme.
LetthemseewhatIthink!He sawhis handlers approachingwith a saw-knife to do thehonors,waved
themback,repeatedthegestureastheyhesitated.Theythinktheyhonormewithjust a head! he thought.Hebent and crossed thegladiator’s hands around theprotrudingknifehandle,thenremovedtheknifeandplaceditinthelimphands.Itwasdone inan instant,andhestraightened,beckonedhishandlers.“Bury
thisslaveintactwithhisknifeinhishands,”hesaid.“Themanearnedit.”In thegoldenbox,CountFenring leanedclose to theBaron, said: “Agrand
gesture,that—truebravura.Yournephewhasstyleaswellascourage.”“Heinsultsthecrowdbyrefusingthehead,”theBaronmuttered.“Not at all,” Lady Fenring said. She turned, looking up at the tiers around
them.AndtheBaronnotedthelineofherneck—atrulylovelyflowingofmuscles
—likeayoungboy’s.“Theylikewhatyournephewdid,”shesaid.AstheimportofFeyd-Rautha’sgesturepenetratedtothemostdistantseats,as
the people saw the handlers carrying off the dead gladiator intact, the Baronwatchedthemandrealizedshehadinterpretedthereactioncorrectly.Thepeopleweregoingwild,beatingoneachother,screamingandstamping.TheBaronspokewearily.“Ishallhavetoorderafete.Youcannotsendpeople
homelikethis,theirenergiesunspent.TheymustseethatIsharetheirelation.”He gave a hand signal to his guard, and a servant above them dipped theHarkonnenorangepennantoverthebox—once,twice,threetimes—signalfora
fete.Feyd-Rauthacrossedthearenatostandbeneaththegoldenbox,hisweapons
sheathed, arms hanging at his sides. Above the undiminished frenzy of thecrowd,hecalled:“Afete,Uncle?”Thenoisebegantosubsideaspeoplesawtheconversationandwaited.“In your honor, Feyd!” the Baron called down. And again, he caused the
pennanttobedippedinsignal.Across the arena, the pru-barriers had been dropped and young men were
leapingdownintothearena,racingtowardFeyd-Rautha.“Youorderedthepru-shieldsdropped,Baron?”theCountasked.“Noonewillharmthelad,”theBaronsaid.“He’sahero.”The first of the charging mass reached Feyd-Rautha, lifted him on their
shoulders,beganparadingaroundthearena.“He could walk unarmed and unshielded through the poorest quarters of
Harkotonight,”theBaronsaid.“They’dgivehimthelastoftheirfoodanddrinkjustforhiscompany.”The Baron pushed himself from his chair, settled his weight into his
suspensors. “You will forgive me, please. There are matters that require myimmediateattention.Theguardwillseeyoutothekeep.”TheCountarose,bowed.“Certainly,Baron.We’relookingforwardtothefete.
I’veah-h-h-mm-m-mneverseenaHarkonnenfete.”“Yes,”theBaronsaid.“Thefete.”Heturned,wasenvelopedbyguardsashe
steppedintotheprivateexitfromthebox.AguardcaptainbowedtoCountFenring.“Yourorders,myLord?”“We will ah-h-h wait for the worst mm-m-m crush to um-m-m pass,” the
Countsaid.“Yes,m’Lord.”Themanbowedhimselfbackthreepaces.Count Fenring faced his lady, spoke again in their personal humming-code
tongue:“Yousawit,ofcourse?”Inthesamehummingtongue,shesaid:“Theladknewthegladiatorwouldn’t
bedrugged.Therewasamomentoffear,yes,butnosurprise.”“Itwasplanned,”hesaid.“Theentireperformance.”“Withoutadoubt.”“ItstinksofHawat.”“Indeed,”shesaid.“IdemandedearlierthattheBaroneliminateHawat.”“Thatwasanerror,mydear.”
“Iseethatnow.”“TheHarkonnensmayhaveanewBaronerelong.”“Ifthat’sHawat’splan.”“Thatwillbearexamination,true,”shesaid.“Theyoungonewillbemoreamenabletocontrol.”“Forus...aftertonight,”shesaid.“Youdon’tanticipatedifficultyseducinghim,mylittlebrood-mother?”“No,mylove.Yousawhowhelookedatme.”“Yes,andIcanseenowwhywemusthavethatbloodline.”“Indeed,andit’sobviouswemusthaveaholdonhim.I’llplantdeepinhis
deepestselfthenecessaryprana-binduphrasestobendhim.”“We’llleaveassoonaspossible—assoonasyou’resure,”hesaid.Sheshuddered.“Byallmeans.Ishouldnotwanttobearachildinthisterrible
place.”“Thethingswedointhenameofhumanity,”hesaid.“Yoursistheeasypart,”shesaid.“There are some ancient prejudices I overcome,” he said. “They’re quite
primordial,youknow.”“Mypoordear,” she said, andpattedhis cheek. “Youknow this is theonly
waytobesureofsavingthatbloodline.”Hespokeinadryvoice:“Iquiteunderstandwhatwedo.”“Wewon’tfail,”shesaid.“Guiltstartsasafeelingoffailure,”hereminded.“There’llbenoguilt,”shesaid.“Hypno-ligationofthatFeyd-Rautha’spsyche
andhischildinmywomb—thenwego.”“Thatuncle,”hesaid.“Haveyoueverseensuchdistortion?”“He’sprettyfierce,”shesaid,“butthenephewcouldwellgrowtobeworse.”“Thankstothatuncle.Youknow,whenyouthinkwhatthisladcould’vebeen
withsomeotherupbringing—withtheAtreidescodetoguidehim,forexample.”“It’ssad,”shesaid.“Would thatwe could’ve savedboth theAtreides youth and this one. From
whatIheardofthatyoungPaul—amostadmirablelad,goodunionofbreedingand training.” He shook his head. “But we shouldn’t waste sorrow over thearistocracyofmisfortune.”“There’saBeneGesseritsaying,”shesaid.“Youhavesayingsforeverything!”heprotested.“You’ll like thisone,” she said. “It goes: ‘Donot count ahumandeaduntil
you’veseenhisbody.Andeventhenyoucanmakeamistake.’”
MuadDibtellsusin“ATimeofReflection”thathisfirstcollisionswithArrakeennecessitieswerethetruebeginningsofhiseducation.Helearnedthenhowtopolethesand for itsweather,learned the languageof thewind‘sneedles stinging hisskin, learnedhowthenosecanbuzzwithsand-itchandhowtogatherhisbody’spreciousmoisturearoundhimtoguarditandpreserveit.AshiseyesassumedtheblueoftheIbad,heteamedtheChakobsaway.
—Stilgar’sprefaceto“Muad’Dib,theMan”bythePrincessIrulan
STILGAR’STROOPreturningtothesietchwithits twostraysfromthedesertclimbedoutofthebasininthewaninglightofthefirstmoon.Therobedfigureshurriedwith thesmellofhomein theirnostrils.Dawn’sgray linebehind themwasbrightest at the notch in their horizon-calendar thatmarked themiddle ofautumn,themonthofCaprock.Wind-raked dead leaves strewed the cliffbasewhere the sietch children had
beengatheringthem,butthesoundsofthetroop’spassage(exceptforoccasionalblunderingsbyPaulandhismother)couldnotbedistinguishedfromthenaturalsoundsofthenight.Paulwiped sweat-cakeddust fromhis forehead, felt a tug at his arm,heard
Chani’svoicehissing.“DoasItoldyou:bringthefoldofyourhooddownoveryourforehead!Leaveonlytheeyesexposed.Youwastemoisture.”A whispered command behind them demanded silence: “The desert hears
you!”Abirdchirrupedfromtherockshighabovethem.Thetroopstopped,andPaulsensedabrupttension.There came a faint thumping from the rocks, a sound no louder thanmice
jumpinginthesand.Again,thebirdchirruped.A stir passed through the troop’s ranks. And again, the mouse-thumping
peckeditswayacrossthesand.Oncemore,thebirdchirruped.The troop resumed its climb up into a crack in the rocks, but there was a
stillness of breath about theFremennow that filledPaulwith caution, and henotedcovertglancestowardChani,thewaysheseemedtowithdraw,pullinginuponherself.Therewas rockunderfootnow,a faintgray swishingof robesaround them,
andPaulsensedarelaxingofdiscipline,butstill thatquiet-of-the-personaboutChaniandtheothers.Hefollowedashadowshape—upsteps,aturn,moresteps,into a tunnel, past two moisture-sealed doors and into a globelighted narrowpassagewithyellowrockwallsandceiling.All around him,Paul saw theFremen throwing back their hoods, removing
noseplugs,breathingdeeply.Someonesighed.PaullookedforChani,foundthatshehad lefthisside.Hewashemmedinbyapressof robedbodies.Someonejostledhim,said,“Excuseme,Usul.Whatacrush!It’salwaysthisway.”On his left, the narrow bearded face of the one called Farok turned toward
Paul.Thestainedeyepitsandbluedarknessofeyesappearedevendarkerunderthe yellow globes. “Throw off your hood,Usul,” Farok said. “You’re home.”AndhehelpedPaul,releasingthehoodcatch,elbowingaspacearoundthem.Paulslippedouthisnoseplugs,swungthemouthbaffleaside.Theodorofthe
place assailed him: unwashed bodies, distillate esthers of reclaimed wastes,everywherethesoureffluviaofhumanitywith,overitall,aturbulenceofspiceandspicelikeharmonics.“Whyarewewaiting,Farok?”Paulasked.“FortheReverendMother,Ithink.Youheardthemessage—poorChani.”PoorChani? Paul asked himself. He looked around, wondering where she
was,wherehismotherhadgottoinallthiscrush.Faroktookadeepbreath.“Thesmellsofhome,”hesaid.Paul saw that themanwas enjoying the stink of this air, that therewas no
ironyinhistone.Heheardhismothercoughthen,andhervoicecamebacktohimthroughthepressofthetroop:“Howrichtheodorsofyoursietch,Stilgar.Iseeyoudomuchworkingwith the spice ... youmakepaper ... plastics ... andisn’tthatchemicalexplosives?”“Youknowthisfromwhatyousmell?”Itwasanotherman’svoice.And Paul realized shewas speaking for his benefit that shewanted him to
makeaquickacceptanceofthisassaultonhisnostrils.There came a buzz of activity at the head of the troop and a prolonged
indrawnbreaththatseemedtopassthroughtheFremen,andPaulheardhushedvoicesbackdowntheline:“It’struethen—Lietisdead.”Liet,Paulthought.Then:Chani,daughterofLiet.Thepiecesfell together in
hismind.LietwastheFremennameoftheplanetologist.PaullookedatFarok,asked:“IsittheLietknownasKynes?”“ThereisonlyoneLiet,”Faroksaid.Paulturned,staredattherobedbackofaFremeninfrontofhim.ThenLiet-
Kynesisdead,hethought.“It was Harkonnen treachery,” someone hissed. “They made it seem an
accident...lostinthedesert...a’thoptercrash....”Paul felt a burst of anger. Themanwho had befriended them, helped save
them from theHarkonnen hunters, themanwho had sent his Fremen cohortssearchingfortwostraysinthedesert...anothervictimoftheHarkonnens.“DoesUsulhungeryetforrevenge?”Farokasked.BeforePaulcouldanswer,therecamealowcallandthetroopsweptforward
into awider chamber, carrying Paulwith them.He found himself in an openspaceconfrontedbyStilgarandastrangewomanwearingaflowingwraparoundgarmentofbrilliantorangeandgreen.Herarmswerebaretotheshoulders,andhecould see sheworeno stillsuit.Her skinwas apaleolive.Darkhair sweptback from her high forehead, throwing emphasis on sharp cheekbones andaquilinenosebetweenthedensedarknessofhereyes.Sheturnedtowardhim,andPaulsawgoldenringsthreadedwithwatertallies
danglingfromherears.“ThisbestedmyJamis?”shedemanded.“Besilent,Harah,”Stilgarsaid.“ItwasJamis’doing—heinvokedthetahaddi
al-burhan.”“He’snotbutaboy!”shesaid.Shegaveherheadasharpshakefromsideto
side, setting the water tallies to jingling. “My children made fatherless byanotherchild?Surely,’twasanaccident!”“Usul,howmanyyearshaveyou?”Stilgarasked.“Fifteenstandard,”Paulsaid.Stilgar swept his eyes over the troop. “Is there one among you cares to
challengeme?”Silence.Stilgar lookedat thewoman. “Until I’ve learnedhisweirdingways, I’dnot
challengehim.”Shereturnedhisstare.“But—”“YousawthestrangerwomanwhowentwithChanitotheReverendMother?”
Stilgarasked.“She’sanout-freynSayyadina,mothertothislad.Themotherandsonaremastersoftheweirdingwaysofbattle.”“Lisanal-Gaib,”thewomanwhispered.Hereyesheldaweassheturnedthem
backtowardPaul.Thelegendagain,Paulthought.“Perhaps,” Stilgar said. “It hasn’t been tested, though.” He returned his
attention to Paul. “Usul, it’s our way that you’ve now the responsibility forJamis’womanhereandforhistwosons.Hisyali...hisquarters,areyours.Hiscoffeeserviceisyours...andthis,hiswoman.”Paulstudied thewoman,wondering:Whyisn’tshemourningherman?Why
doessheshownohateforme?Abruptly,hesawthattheFremenwerestaringathim,waiting.Someonewhispered:“There’sworktodo.Sayhowyouaccepther.”Stilgarsaid:“DoyouacceptHarahaswomanorservant?”Harahliftedherarms,turningslowlyononeheel.“Iamstillyoung,Usul.It’s
saidIstilllookasyoungaswhenIwaswithGeoff...beforeJamisbestedhim.”Jamiskilledanothertowinher,Paulthought.Paul said: “If I accept her as servant,may I yet changemymind at a later
time?”“You’dhaveayeartochangeyourdecision,”Stilgarsaid.“Afterthat,she’sa
free woman to choose as she wishes ... or you could free her to choose forherselfatanytime.Butshe’syourresponsibility,nomatterwhat,foroneyear...andyou’llalwayssharesomeresponsibilityforthesonsofJamis.”“Iacceptherasservant,”Paulsaid.Harahstampedafoot,shookhershoulderswithanger.“ButI’myoung!”StilgarlookedatPaul,said:“Caution’saworthytraitinamanwho’dlead.”“ButI’myoung!”Harahrepeated.“Besilent,”Stilgarcommanded.“Ifa thinghasmerit, it’llbe.ShowUsulto
hisquartersandseehehasfreshclothingandaplacetorest.”“Oh-h-h-h!”shesaid.Paulhad registeredenoughofher tohavea first approximation.He felt the
impatience of the troop, knew many things were being delayed here. Hewondered ifhedaredask thewhereaboutsofhismother andChani, saw fromStilgar’snervousstancethatitwouldbeamistake.HefacedHarah,pitchedhisvoicewithtoneandtremolotoaccentherfearand
awe, said: “Showmemyquarters,Harah!Wewilldiscussyouryouthanothertime.”Shebacked away two steps, cast a frightenedglance atStilgar. “Hehas the
weirdingvoice,”shehusked.“Stilgar,” Paul said. “Chani’s father put heavy obligation on me. If there’s
anything....”“It’llbedecidedincouncil,”Stilgarsaid.“Youcanspeakthen.”Henoddedin
dismissal,turnedawaywiththerestofthetroopfollowinghim.
PaultookHarah’sarm,notinghowcoolherfleshseemed,feelinghertremble.“I’llnotharmyou,Harah,”hesaid.“Showmeourquarters.”Andhesmoothedhisvoicewithrelaxants.“You’llnotcastmeoutwhentheyear’sgone?”shesaid.“IknowfortrueI’m
notasyoungasonceIwas.”“AslongasIliveyou’llhaveaplacewithme,”hesaid.Hereleasedherarm.
“Comenow,whereareourquarters?”She turned, led the way down the passage, turning right into a wide cross
tunnel lighted by evenly spaced yellow overhead globes. The stone floorwassmooth,sweptcleanofsand.Paulmovedupbesideher,studied theaquilineprofileas theywalked.“You
donothateme,Harah?”“WhyshouldIhateyou?”Shenoddedtoaclusterofchildrenwhostaredatthemfromtheraisedledge
ofasidepassage.Paulglimpsedadultshapesbehindthechildrenpartlyhiddenbyfilmyhangings.“I...bestedJamis.”“Stilgar said the ceremony was held and you’re a friend of Jamis.” She
glanced sidelong at him. “Stilgar said you gave moisture to the dead. Is thattruth?”“Yes.”“It’smorethanI’lldo...cando.”“Don’tyoumournhim?”“Inthetimeofmourning,I’llmournhim.”They passed an arched opening. Paul looked through it atmen andwomen
working with stand-mounted machinery in a large, bright chamber. Thereseemedanextratempoofurgencytothem.“What’retheydoinginthere?”Paulasked.Sheglancedbackastheypassedbeyondthearch,said:“Theyhurrytofinish
thequotaintheplasticsshopbeforeweflee.Weneedmanydewcollectorsfortheplanting.”“Flee?”“Untilthebutchersstophuntingusoraredrivenfromourland.”Paulcaught
himself in a stumble, sensing an arrested instant of time, remembering afragment,avisualprojectionofprescience—butitwasdisplaced,likeamontageinmotion.Thebitsofhisprescientmemorywerenotquiteashe rememberedthem.
“TheSardaukarhuntus,”hesaid.“They’ll not findmuch excepting an empty sietch or two,” she said. “And
they’llfindtheirshareofdeathinthesand.”“They’llfindthisplace?”heasked.“Likely.”“Yetwetakethetimeto....”Hemotionedwithhisheadtowardthearchnow
farbehindthem.“...make...dewcollectors?”“Theplantinggoeson.”“What’redewcollectors?”heasked.The glance she turned on him was full of surprise. “Don’t they teach you
anythinginthe...whereveritisyoucomefrom?”“Notaboutdewcollectors.”“Hai!”shesaid,andtherewasawholeconversationintheoneword.“Well,whatarethey?”“Eachbush,eachweedyouseeout thereintheerg,”shesaid,“howdoyou
supposeitliveswhenweleaveit?Eachisplantedmosttenderlyinitsownlittlepit. The pits are filled with smooth ovals of chromoplastic. Light turns themwhite.Youcansee themglistening in thedawn ifyou lookdownfromahighplace. White reflects. But when Old Father Sun departs, the chromoplasticreverts to transparency in thedark. It coolswith extreme rapidity.The surfacecondensesmoistureoutoftheair.Thatmoisturetricklesdowntokeepourplantsalive.”“Dew collectors,” he muttered, enchanted by the simple beauty of such a
scheme.“I’llmournJamisinthepropertimeforit,”shesaid,asthoughhermindhad
not lefthisotherquestion. “Hewasagoodman, Jamis,butquick to anger.Agoodprovider, Jamis, and awonderwith the children.Hemadeno separationbetweenGeoff’sboy,myfirstborn,andhisowntrueson.Theywereequalinhiseyes.” She turned a questing stare on Paul. “Would it be that way with you,Usul?”“Wedon’thavethatproblem.”“Butif—”“Harah!”Sherecoiledattheharshedgeinhisvoice.They passed another brightly lighted room visible through an arch on their
left.“What’smadethere?”heasked.“Theyrepairtheweavingmachinery,”shesaid.“Butitmustbedismantledby
tonight. ”Shegestured at a tunnel branching to their left. “Through there andbeyond, that’s food processing and stillsuitmaintenance.” She looked at Paul.“Your suit looksnew.But if itneedswork, I’mgoodwith suits. Iwork in thefactoryinseason.”They began coming on knots of people now and thicker clusterings of
openings in the tunnel’ssides.Afileofmenandwomenpassed themcarryingpacksthatgurgledheavily,thesmellofspicestrongaboutthem.“They’ll not get ourwater,”Harah said. “Or our spice.You can be sure of
that.”Paulglancedattheopeningsinthetunnelwalls,seeingtheheavycarpetson
the raised ledge, glimpses of rooms with bright fabrics on the walls, piledcushions.Peopleintheopeningsfellsilentattheirapproach,followedPaulwithuntamedstares.“ThepeoplefinditstrangeyoubestedJamis,”Harahsaid.“Likelyyou’llhave
someprovingtodowhenwe’resettledinanewsietch.”“Idon’tlikekilling,”hesaid.“ThusStilgartellsit,”shesaid,buthervoicebetrayedherdisbelief.A shrill chanting grew louder ahead of them. They came to another side
openingwiderthananyoftheothersPaulhadseen.Heslowedhispace,staringin at a roomcrowdedwith children sitting cross-leggedon amaroon-carpetedfloor.Atachalkboardagainstthefarwallstoodawomaninayellowwraparound,a
projecto-stylusinonehand.Theboardwasfilledwithdesigns—circles,wedgesand curves, snake tracks and squares, flowing arcs split by parallel lines. Thewomanpointedtothedesignsoneaftertheotherasfastasshecouldmovethestylus,andthechildrenchantedinrhythmwithhermovinghand.Paul listened, hearing the voices grow dimmer behind as hemoved deeper
intothesietchwithHarah.“Tree,” the children chanted. “Tree, grass, dune, wind, mountain, hill, fire,
lightning, rock, rocks, dust, sand, heat, shelter, heat, full, winter, cold, empty,erosion, summer, cavern, day, tension, moon, night, caprock, sandtide, slope,planting,binder....”“Youconductclassesatatimelikethis?”Paulasked.Her facewent somber and grief edged her voice: “WhatLiet taught us,we
cannotpauseaninstantinthat.Lietwhoisdeadmustnotbeforgotten.It’stheChakobsaway.”She crossed the tunnel to the left, stepped up onto a ledge, parted gauzy
orangehangingsandstoodaside:“Youryaliisreadyforyou,Usul.”Paulhesitatedbeforejoiningherontheledge.Hefeltasuddenreluctanceto
bealonewiththiswoman.Itcametohimthathewassurroundedbyawayoflifethatcouldonlybeunderstoodbypostulatinganecologyofideasandvalues.He felt that this Fremenworldwas fishing for him, trying to snare him in itsways.Andheknewwhatlayinthatsnare—thewildjihad,thereligiouswarhefeltheshouldavoidatanycost.“Thisisyouryali,”Harahsaid.“Whydoyouhesitate?”Paulnodded,joinedherontheledge.Heliftedthehangingsacrossfromher,
feelingmetalfibersinthefabric,followedherintoashortentrancewayandthenintoalargerroom,square,aboutsixmeterstoaside—thickbluecarpetsonthefloor,blueandgreenfabricshidingtherockwalls,glowglobestunedtoyellowoverheadbobbingagainstdrapedyellowceilingfabrics.Theeffectwasthatofanancienttent.Harahstoodinfrontofhim,lefthandonhip,hereyesstudyinghisface.“The
childrenarewithafriend,”shesaid.“Theywillpresentthemselveslater.”Paulmaskedhisuneasebeneathaquickscanningoftheroom.Thinhangings
totheright,hesaw,partlyconcealedalargerroomwithcushionspiledaroundthewalls.Hefeltasoftbreezefromanairduct,sawtheoutletcunninglyhiddeninapatternofhangingsdirectlyaheadofhim.“Doyouwishmetohelpyouremoveyourstillsuit?”Harahasked.“No...thankyou.”“ShallIbringfood?”“Yes.”“Thereisareclamationchamberofftheotherroom.”Shegestured.“Foryour
comfortandconveniencewhenyou’reoutofyourstillsuit.”“Yousaidwehavetoleavethissietch,”Paulsaid.“Shouldn’twebepacking
orsomething?”“Itwillbedoneinitstime,”shesaid.“Thebutchershaveyettopenetrateto
ourregion.”Stillshehesitated,staringathim.“Whatisit?”hedemanded.“You’ve not the eyes of the Ibad,” she said. “It’s strange but not entirely
unattractive.”“Getthefood,”hesaid.“I’mhungry.”Shesmiledathim—aknowing,woman’ssmile thathefounddisquieting.“I
am your servant,” she said, and whirled away in one lithe motion, ducking
behindaheavywallhanging that revealedanotherpassagebefore fallingbackintoplace.Feelingangrywithhimself,Paulbrushedthroughthethinhangingontheright
andintothelargerroom.Hestoodthereamomentcaughtbyuncertainty.AndhewonderedwhereChaniwas...Chaniwhohadjustlostherfather.We’realikeinthat,hethought.Awailing cry sounded from the outer corridors, its volumemuffled by the
intervening hangings. It was repeated, a bit more distant. And again. Paulrealizedsomeonewascallingthetime.Hefocusedonthefactthathehadseennoclocks.The faint smell of burning creosote bush came to his nostrils, ridingon the
omnipresent stink of the sietch. Paul saw that he had already suppressed theodorousassaultonhissenses.And hewondered again about hismother, how themovingmontage of the
future would incorporate her... and the daughter she bore. Mutable time-awarenessdancedaroundhim.Heshookhisheadsharply,focusinghisattentionontheevidencesthatspokeofprofounddepthandbreadthinthisFremenculturethathadswallowedthem.Withitssubtleoddities.Hehadseenathingaboutthecavernsandthisroom,athingthatsuggestedfar
greaterdifferencesthananythinghehadyetencountered.There was no sign of a poison snooper here, no indication of their use
anywhereinthecavewarren.Yethecouldsmellpoisonsinthesietchstench—strongones,commonones.Heheardarustleofhangings,thoughtitwasHarahreturningwithfood,and
turned towatchher. Instead, frombeneath adisplacedpatternofhangings, hesaw two young boys—perhaps aged nine and ten—staring out at him withgreedyeyes.Eachworeasmallkindjal-typeofcrysknife, restedahandon thehilt.And Paul recalled the stories of the Fremen—that their children fought as
ferociouslyastheadults.
Thehandsmove,thelipsmove—Ideasgushfromhiswords,Andhiseyesdevour!HeisanislandofSelfdom.
—descriptionfrom“AManualofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
PHOSPHORTUBESINthefarawayupperreachesofthecaverncastadimlightontothethrongedinterior,hintingatthegreatsizeofthisrock-enclosedspace...larger, Jessica saw, than even theGatheringHall of herBeneGesserit school.She estimated there were more than five thousand people gathered out therebeneaththeledgewhereshestoodwithStilgar.Andmorewerecoming.Theairwasmurmurouswithpeople.“Your son has been summoned fromhis rest, Sayyadina,” Stilgar said. “Do
youwishhimtoshareinyourdecision?”“Couldhechangemydecision?”“Certainly,theairwithwhichyouspeakcomesfromyourownlungs,but—”“Thedecisionstands,”shesaid.But she feltmisgivings,wondering if she should use Paul as an excuse for
backingoutofadangerouscourse.Therewasanunborndaughtertothinkofaswell. What endangered the flesh of the mother endangered the flesh of thedaughter.Mencamewithrolledcarpets,gruntingundertheweightofthem,stirringup
dustastheloadsweredroppedontotheledge.Stilgartookherarm,ledherbackintotheacousticalhornthatformedtherear
limitsof the ledge.He indicateda rockbenchwithin thehorn.“TheReverendMotherwillsithere,butyoumayrestyourselfuntilshecomes.”“Iprefertostand,”Jessicasaid.Shewatchedthemenunrollthecarpets,coveringtheledge,lookedoutatthe
crowd.Therewereatleasttenthousandpeopleontherockfloornow.Andstilltheycame.Outonthedesert,sheknew,italreadywasrednightfall,buthereinthecavern
hallwasperpetualtwilight,agrayvastnessthrongedwithpeoplecometoseeherriskherlife.A way was opened through the crowd to her right, and she saw Paul
approaching flanked by two small boys. There was a swaggering air of self-
importanceaboutthechildren.Theykepthandsonknives,scowledatthewallofpeopleoneitherside.“ThesonsofJamiswhoarenowthesonsofUsul,”Stilgarsaid.“They take
theirescortdutiesseriously.”HeventuredasmileatJessica.Jessicarecognizedtheeffort to lightenhermoodandwasgratefulfor it,but
couldnottakehermindfromthedangerthatconfrontedher.Ihadnochoicebuttodothis,shethought.Wemustmoveswiftlyifwe’reto
secureourplaceamongtheseFremen.Paulclimbedtotheledge,leavingthechildrenbelow.Hestoppedinfrontof
hismother,glancedatStilgar,backtoJessica.“Whatishappening?IthoughtIwasbeingsummonedtocouncil.”Stilgar raisedahand for silence,gestured tohis leftwhereanotherwayhad
been opened in the throng.Chani came down the lane opened there, her elfinfacesetinlinesofgrief.Shehadremovedherstillsuitandworeagracefulbluewraparound that exposed her thin arms. Near the shoulder on her left arm, agreenkerchiefhadbeentied.Greenformourning,Paulthought.It was one of the customs the two sons of Jamis had explained to him by
indirection, telling him they wore no green because they accepted him asguardian-father.“AreyoutheLisanal-Gaib?”theyhadasked.AndPaulhadsensedthejihad
intheirwords,shruggedoffthequestionwithoneofhisown—learningthenthatKaleff, the elder of the two,was ten, and thenatural sonofGeoff.Orlop, theyounger,waseight,thenaturalsonofJamis.Ithadbeenastrangedaywiththesetwostandingguardoverhimbecausehe
askedit,keepingawaythecurious,allowinghimthetimetonursehisthoughtsandprescientmemories,toplanawaytopreventthejihad.Now,standingbesidehismotheron thecavern ledgeand lookingoutat the
throng, hewondered if any plan could prevent thewild outpouring of fanaticlegions.Chani,nearingtheledge,wasfollowedatadistancebyfourwomencarrying
anotherwomaninalitter.JessicaignoredChani’sapproach,focusingallherattentiononthewomanin
thelitter—acrone,awrinkledandshriveledancientthinginablackgownwithhoodthrownbacktorevealthetightknotofgrayhairandthestringyneck.Thelitter-carriersdepositedtheirburdengentlyontheledgefrombelow,and
Chanihelpedtheoldwomantoherfeet.
SothisistheirReverendMother,Jessicathought.The old woman leaned heavily on Chani as she hobbled toward Jessica,
lookinglikeacollectionofsticksdrapedintheblackrobe.Shestoppedinfrontof Jessica, peered upward for a long moment before speaking in a huskywhisper.“Soyou’retheone.”Theoldheadnoddedonceprecariouslyonthethinneck.
“TheShadoutMapeswasrighttopityyou.”Jessicaspokequickly,scornfully:“Ineednoone’spity.”“Thatremainstobeseen,”huskedtheoldwoman.Sheturnedwithsurprising
quicknessandfacedthethrong.“Tellthem,Stilgar.”“MustI?”heasked.“We are the people of Misr,” the old woman rasped. “Since our Sunni
ancestors fled fromNilotic al-Ourouba,we have known flight and death. Theyounggoonthatourpeopleshallnotdie.”Stilgartookadeepbreath,steppedforwardtwopaces.Jessica felt thehushcomeover thecrowdedcavern—some twenty thousand
people now, standing silently, almost without movement. It made her feelsuddenlysmallandfilledwithcaution.“Tonightwemust leave this sietch that has sheltered us for so long and go
south into the desert,” Stilgar said. His voice boomed out across the upliftedfaces, reverberating with the force given it by the acoustical horn behind theledge.Stillthethrongremainedsilent.“The Reverend Mother tells me she cannot survive another hajra,” Stilgar
said.“Wehave livedbeforewithoutaReverendMother,but it isnotgood forpeopletoseekanewhomeinsuchstraits.”Now,thethrongstirred,ripplingwithwhispersandcurrentsofdisquiet.“Thatthismaynotcometopass,”Stilgarsaid,“ournewSayyadinaJessicaof
theWeirding,hasconsentedtoentertheriteatthistime.ShewillattempttopasswithinthatwenotlosethestrengthofourReverendMother.”JessicaoftheWeirding,Jessicathought.ShesawPaulstaringather,hiseyes
filled with questions, but his mouth held silent by all the strangeness aroundthem.IfIdieintheattempt,whatwillbecomeofhim?Jessicaaskedherself.Again
shefeltthemisgivingsfillhermind.Chani led the old ReverendMother to a rock bench deep in the acoustical
horn,returnedtostandbesideStilgar.
“ThatwemaynotloseallifJessicaoftheWeirdingshouldfail,”Stilgarsaid,“Chani,daughterofLiet,willbeconsecratedintheSayyadinaatthistime.”Hesteppedonepacetotheside.Fromdeepintheacousticalhorn,theoldwoman’svoicecameouttothem,an
amplifiedwhisper,harshandpenetrating:“Chanihasreturnedfromherhajra—Chanihasseenthewaters.”Asussurantresponsearosefromthecrowd:“Shehasseenthewaters.”“IconsecratethedaughterofLietintheSayyadina,”huskedtheoldwoman.“Sheisaccepted,”thecrowdresponded.Paulbarelyheardtheceremony,hisattentionstillcenteredonwhathadbeen
saidofhismother.Ifsheshouldfail?HeturnedandlookedbackattheonetheycalledReverendMother,studying
thedriedcronefeatures,thefathomlessbluefixationofhereyes.Shelookedasthough a breeze would blow her away, yet there was that about her whichsuggestedshemightstanduntouchedinthepathofacoriolisstorm.Shecarriedthe sameauraofpower that he remembered from theReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiamwhohadtestedhimwithagonyinthewayofthegomjabbar.“I,theReverendMotherRamallo,whosevoicespeaksasamultitude,saythis
toyou,”theoldwomansaid.“ItisfittingthatChanientertheSayyadina.”“Itisfitting,”thecrowdresponded.The oldwoman nodded,whispered: “I give her the silver skies, the golden
desert and its shining rocks, the green fields that will be. I give these toSayyadinaChani.Andlestsheforgetthatshe’sservantofusall,toherfallthemenialtasksinthisCeremonyoftheSeed.LetitbeasShai-huludwillhaveit.”Sheliftedabrown-stickarm,droppedit.Jessica, feeling theceremonyclosearoundherwithacurrent that swepther
beyond all turning back, glanced once at Paul’s question-filled face, thenpreparedherselffortheordeal.“Let the watermasters come forward,” Chani said with only the slightest
quaverofuncertaintyinhergirl-childvoice.Now, Jessica feltherself at the focusofdanger,knowing itspresence in the
watchfulnessofthethrong,inthesilence.Abandofmenmadeitswaythroughaserpentinepathopenedinthecrowd,
movingupfromthebackinpairs.Eachpaircarriedasmallskinsack,perhapstwicethesizeofahumanhead.Thesackssloshedheavily.ThetwoleadersdepositedtheirloadatChani’sfeetontheledgeandstepped
back.Jessicalookedatthesack,thenatthemen.Theyhadtheirhoodsthrownback,
exposinglonghairtiedinarollat thebaseoftheneck.Theblackpitsoftheireyesstaredbackatherwithoutwavering.Afurryredolenceofcinnamonarosefromthesack,waftedacrossJessica.The
spice?shewondered.“Istherewater?”Chaniasked.Thewatermasterontheleft,amanwithapurplescarlineacrossthebridgeof
his nose, nodded once. “There is water, Sayyadina,” he said, “but we cannotdrinkofit.”“Isthereseed?”Chaniasked.“Thereisseed,”themansaid.Chanikneltandputherhandstothesloshingsack.“Blessedisthewaterand
itsseed.”There was familiarity to the rite, and Jessica looked back at the Reverend
MotherRamallo.Theoldwoman’seyeswereclosedandshesathunchedoverasthoughasleep.“SayyadinaJessica,”Chanisaid.Jessicaturnedtoseethegirlstaringupather.“Haveyoutastedtheblessedwater?”Chaniasked.Before Jessica could answer, Chani said: “It is not possible that you have
tastedtheblessedwater.Youareoutworlderandunprivileged.”Asighpassed through thecrowd,a sussurationof robes thatmade thenape
hairscreeponJessica’sneck.“The crop was large and the maker has been destroyed,” Chani said. She
beganunfasteningacoiledspoutfixedtothetopofthesloshingsack.Now,Jessicafeltthesenseofdangerboilingaroundher.SheglancedatPaul,
saw that hewas caught up in themystery of the ritual and had eyes only forChani.Hasheseenthismomentintime?Jessicawondered.Sherestedahandonher
abdomen, thinkingof theunborndaughter there, askingherself:Do Ihave therighttoriskusboth?Chani lifted the spout toward Jessica, said: “Here is theWater of Life, the
waterthatisgreaterthanwater—Kan,thewaterthatfreesthesoul.IfyoubeaReverendMother,itopenstheuniversetoyou.LetShai-huludjudgenow.”JessicafeltherselftornbetweendutytoherunbornchildanddutytoPaul.For
Paul,sheknew,sheshouldtakethatspoutanddrinkofthesack’scontents,but
asshebenttotheprofferedspout,hersensestoldheritsperil.Thestuff inthesackhadabittersmellsubtlyakintomanypoisonsthatshe
knew,butunlikethem,too.“Youmustdrinkitnow,”Chanisaid.There’snoturningback,Jessicaremindedherself.ButnothinginallherBene
Gesserittrainingcameintohermindtohelpherthroughthisinstant.Whatisit?Jessicaaskedherself.Liquor?Adrug?Shebentoverthespout,smelledtheesthersofcinnamon,rememberingthen
thedrunkennessofDuncanIdaho.Spiceliquor?sheaskedherself.Shetookthesiphontubeinhermouth,pulleduponlythemostminusculesip.Ittastedofthespice,afaintbiteacridonthetongue.Chani pressed down on the skin bag. A great gulp of the stuff surged into
Jessica’smouthandbeforeshecouldhelpherself,sheswallowedit,fightingtoretainhercalmnessanddignity.“Toacceptalittledeathisworsethandeathitself,”Chanisaid.Shestaredat
Jessica,waiting.AndJessicastaredback,stillholding thespout inhermouth.She tasted the
sack’scontentsinhernostrils,intheroofofhermouth,inhercheeks,inhereyes—abitingsweetness,now.Cool.Again,ChanisenttheliquidgushingintoJessica’smouth.Delicate.JessicastudiedChani’sface—elfinfeatures—seeingthetracesofLiet-Kynes
thereasyetunfixedbytime.Thisisadrugtheyfeedme,Jessicatoldherself.Butitwasunlikeanyotherdrugofherexperience,andBeneGesserittraining
includedthetasteofmanydrugs.Chani’sfeaturesweresoclear,asthoughoutlinedinlight.Adrug.WhirlingsilencesettledaroundJessica.Everyfiberofherbodyacceptedthe
fact that something profound had happened to it. She felt that she was aconsciousmote,smallerthananysubatomicparticle,yetcapableofmotionandof sensing her surroundings. Like an abrupt revelation—the curtains whippedaway—sherealizedshehadbecomeawareofapsychokinestheticextensionofherself.Shewasthemote,yetnotthemote.Thecavernremainedaroundher—thepeople.Shesensedthem:Paul,Chani,
Stilgar,theReverendMotherRamallo.
ReverendMother!AttheschooltherehadbeenrumorsthatsomedidnotsurvivetheReverend
Motherordeal,thatthedrugtookthem.Jessica focused her attention on the ReverendMother Ramallo, aware now
thatall thiswashappeninginafrozeninstantof time—suspendedtimeforheralone.Whyistimesuspended?sheaskedherself.Shestaredatthefrozenexpressions
aroundher,seeingadustmoteaboveChani’shead,stoppedthere.Waiting.Theanswer to this instantcamelikeanexplosion inherconsciousness :her
personaltimewassuspendedtosaveherlife.Shefocusedonthepsychokinestheticextensionofherself,lookingwithin,and
wasconfrontedimmediatelywithacellularcore,apitofblacknessfromwhichsherecoiled.That is theplacewherewe cannot look, she thought.There is theplace the
ReverendMothersaresoreluctanttomention—theplacewhereonlyaKwisatzHaderachmaylook.This realization returned a small measure of confidence, and again she
venturedtofocusonthepsychokinestheticextension,becomingamote-selfthatsearchedwithinherfordanger.Shefounditwithinthedrugshehadswallowed.The stuff was dancing particles within her, its motions so rapid that even
frozen time could not stop them. Dancing particles. She began recognizingfamiliar structures, atomic linkages: a carbon atom here, helical wavering... aglucose molecule. An entire chain of molecules confronted her, and sherecognizedaprotein...amethyl-proteinconfiguration.Ah-h-h!Itwasasoundlessmentalsighwithinherasshesawthenatureofthepoison.With her psychokinesthetic probing, she moved into it, shifted an oxygen
mote, allowed another carbon mote to link, reattached a linkage of oxygen...hydrogen.The change spread... faster and faster as the catalyzed reaction opened its
surfaceofcontact.Thesuspensionoftimerelaxeditsholduponher,andshesensedmotion.The
tubespoutfromthesackwastouchedtohermouth-gently,collectingadropofmoisture.Chani’s taking thecatalyst frommybody tochange thepoison in that sack,
Jessicathought.Why?Someone eased her to a sitting position. She saw the oldReverendMother
Ramallo being brought to sit beside her on the carpeted ledge. A dry handtouchedherneck.Andtherewasanotherpsychokinestheticmotewithinherawareness!Jessica
triedtorejectit,butthemotesweptcloser...closer.Theytouched!Itwaslikeanultimatesimpatico,beingtwopeopleatonce:nottelepathy,but
mutualawareness.WiththeoldReverendMother!ButJessicasaw that theReverendMotherdidn’t thinkofherselfasold.An
imageunfoldedbeforethemutualmind’seye:ayounggirlwithadancingspiritandtenderhumor.Withinthemutualawareness,theyounggirlsaid,“Yes,thatishowIam.”Jessicacouldonlyacceptthewords,notrespondtothem.“You’llhaveitallsoon,Jessica,”theinwardimagesaid.Thisishallucination,Jessicatoldherself.“Youknowbetterthanthat,”theinwardimagesaid.“Swiftlynow,donotfight
me. There isn’t much time. We....” There came a long pause, then: “Youshould’vetoldusyouwerepregnant!”Jessicafoundthevoicethattalkedwithinthemutualawareness.“Why?”“Thischangesbothofyou!HolyMother,whathavewedone?”Jessica sensed a forced shift in the mutual awareness, saw another mote-
presencewiththeinwardeye.Theothermotedartedwildlyhere,there,circling.Itradiatedpureterror.“You’llhave tobe strong,” theoldReverendMother’s image-presencesaid.
“Bethankfulit’sadaughteryoucarry.Thiswould’vekilledamalefetus.Now...carefully, gently... touch your daughter-presence. Be your daughter-presence.Absorb the fear... soothe... use your courage and your strength... gently now...gently....”Theotherwhirlingmotesweptnear,andJessicacompelledherselftotouchit.Terrorthreatenedtooverwhelmher.She fought it the only way she knew: “I shall not fear. Fear is the mind
killer....”Thelitanybroughtasemblanceofcalm.Theothermotelayquiescentagainst
her.Wordswon’twork,Jessicatoldherself.
She reduced herself to basic emotional reactions, radiated love, comfort, awarmsnugglingofprotection.Theterrorreceded.Again,thepresenceoftheoldReverendMotherasserteditself,butnowthere
was a tripling of mutual awareness—two active and one that lay quietlyabsorbing.“Timecompelsme,”theReverendMothersaidwithintheawareness.“Ihave
muchtogiveyou.AndIdonotknowifyourdaughtercanacceptallthiswhileremainingsane.Butitmustbe:theneedsofthetribeareparamount.”“What—”“Remainsilentandaccept!”Experiences began to unroll before Jessica. It was like a lecture strip in a
subliminaltrainingprojectorattheBeneGesseritschool...butfaster...blindinglyfaster.Yet...distinct.Shekneweachexperienceasithappened:therewasalover—virile,bearded,
withtheFremeneyes,andJessicasawhisstrengthandtenderness,allofhiminoneblink-moment,throughtheReverendMother’smemory.Therewasnotimenowtothinkofwhatthismightbedoingtothedaughter
fetus, only time to accept and record.The experiences poured in on Jessica—birth, life,death—importantmatters andunimportant, anoutpouringof single-viewtime.Why should a fall of sand from a clifftop stick in the memory? she asked
herself.Toolate,Jessicasawwhatwashappening:theoldwomanwasdyingand,in
dying,pouringherexperiencesintoJessica’sawarenessaswaterispouredintoacup.Theothermotefadedback intopre-birthawarenessasJessicawatched it.And, dying-in-conception, the old Reverend Mother left her life in Jessica’smemorywithonelastsighingblurofwords.“I’vebeenalongtimewaitingforyou,”shesaid.“Hereismylife.”Thereitwas,encapsuled,allofit.Eventhemomentofdeath.IamnowaReverendMother,Jessicarealized.And she knewwith a generalized awareness that she had become, in truth,
preciselywhatwasmeantbyaBeneGesseritReverendMother.Thepoisondrughadtransformedher.Thiswasn’texactlyhowtheydiditattheBeneGesseritschool,sheknew.No
onehadeverintroducedhertothemysteriesofit,butsheknew.Theendresultwasthesame.Jessicasensedthedaughter-motestilltouchingherinnerawareness,probedit
withoutresponse.AterriblesenseoflonelinesscreptthroughJessicaintherealizationofwhat
hadhappenedtoher.Shesawherownlifeasapatternthathadslowedandalllifearoundherspeededupsothatthedancinginterplaybecameclearer.The sensation of mote-awareness faded slightly, its intensity easing as her
body relaxed from the threat of the poison, but still she felt that other mote,touchingitwithasenseofguiltatwhatshehadallowedtohappentoit.I did it, my poor, unformed, dear little daughter, I brought you into this
universeandexposedyourawarenesstoallitsvarietieswithoutanydefenses.A tinyoutflowingof love-comfort, like a reflectionofwhat shehadpoured
intoit,camefromtheothermote.Before Jessica could respond, she felt the adab presence of demanding
memory.Therewassomethingthatneededdoing.Shegropedforit,realizingshewasbeingimpededbyamuzzinessofthechangeddrugpermeatinghersenses.Icouldchangethat,shethought.Icouldtakeawaythedrugactionandmake
itharmless.Butshesensedthiswouldbeanerror.I’mwithinariteofjoining.Thensheknewwhatshehadtodo.Jessicaopenedhereyes,gesturedtothewatersacknowbeingheldaboveher
byChani.“Ithasbeenblessed,”Jessicasaid.“Minglethewaters,letthechangecometo
all,thatthepeoplemaypartakeandshareintheblessing.”Letthecatalystdoitswork,shethought.Letthepeopledrinkof itandhave
theirawarenessofeachotherheightenedforawhile.Thedrugissafenow...nowthataReverendMotherhaschangedit.Still, the demanding memory worked on her, thrusting. There was another
thingshehadtodo,sherealized,butthedrugmadeitdifficulttofocus.Ah-h-h-h-h...theoldReverendMother.“I havemet theReverendMotherRamallo,” Jessica said. “She is gone, but
sheremains.Lethermemorybehonoredintherite.”Now,wheredidIgetthosewords?Jessicawondered.Andsherealizedtheycamefromanothermemory,thelifethathadbeengiven
to her andnowwaspart of herself. Something about that gift felt incomplete,though.“Letthemhavetheirorgy,”theother-memorysaidwithinher.“They’velittle
enoughpleasureoutofliving.Yes,andyouandIneedthislittletimetobecomeacquaintedbeforeIrecedeandpouroutthroughyourmemories.Already,Ifeelmyselfbeing tied tobitsofyou.Ah-h-h,you’veamind filledwith interestingthings.SomanythingsI’dneverimagined.”And the memory-mind encapsulated within her opened itself to Jessica,
permittingaviewdownawidecorridor tootherReverendMothersuntil thereseemednoendtothem.Jessicarecoiled,fearingshewouldbecomelostinanoceanofoneness.Still,
thecorridorremained,revealingtoJessicathattheFremenculturewasfarolderthanshehadsuspected.TherehadbeenFremenonPoritrin,shesaw,apeoplegrownsoftwithaneasy
planet, fair game for Imperial raiders to harvest and plant human colonies onBelaTegeuseandSalusaSecundus.Oh,thewailingJessicasensedinthatparting.Fardownthecorridor,animage-voicescreamed:“TheydeniedustheHajj!”JessicasawtheslavecribsonBelaTegeusedownthatinnercorridor,sawthe
weeding out and the selecting that spread men to Rossak and Harmonthep.Scenesofbrutalferocityopenedtoher likethepetalsofa terribleflower.Andshe saw the thread of the past carried by Sayyadina after Sayyadina—first byword of mouth, hidden in the sand chanteys, then refined through their ownReverendMotherswiththediscoveryofthepoisondrugonRossak...andnowdevelopedtosubtlestrengthonArrakisinthediscoveryoftheWaterofLife.Far down the inner corridor, another voice screamed: “Never to forgive!
Nevertoforget!”But Jessica’s attention was focused on the revelation of theWater of Life,
seeing its source: the liquidexhalationofadyingsandworm,amaker.Andasshesawthekillingofitinhernewmemory,shesuppressedagasp.Thecreaturewasdrowned!“Mother,areyouallright?”Paul’svoiceintrudedonher,andJessicastruggledoutoftheinnerawareness
tostareupathim,consciousofdutytohim,butresentinghispresence.I’m like a personwhose handswere kept numb,without sensation from the
firstmomentofawareness—untilonedaytheabilitytofeelisforcedintothem.Thethoughthunginhermind,anenclosingawareness.AndIsay:“Look!Ihavenohands!”Butthepeopleallaroundmesay:“What
arehands?”“Areyouallright?”Paulrepeated.
“Yes.”“Is thisallrightformetodrink?”HegesturedtothesackinChani’shands.
“Theywantmetodrinkit.”She heard the hidden meaning in his words, realized he had detected the
poison in the original, unchanged substance, that hewas concerned for her. Itoccurred to Jessica then to wonder about the limits of Paul’s prescience. Hisquestionrevealedmuchtoher.“Youmaydrinkit,”shesaid.“Ithasbeenchanged.”Andshelookedbeyond
himtoseeStilgarstaringdownather,thedark-darkeyesstudying.“Now,weknowyoucannotbefalse,”hesaid.She sensed hidden meaning here, too, but the muzziness of the drug was
overpoweringhersenses.Howwarmitwasandsoothing.HowbeneficenttheseFrementobringherintothefoldofsuchcompanionship.Paulsawthedrugtakeholdofhismother.Hesearchedhismemory—thefixedpast,theflux-linesofthepossiblefutures.
Itwaslikescanningthrougharrestedinstantsoftime,disconcertingtothelensoftheinnereye.Thefragmentsweredifficulttounderstandwhensnatchedoutoftheflux.This drug—he could assemble knowledge about it, understand what it was
doingtohismother,buttheknowledgelackedanaturalrhythm,lackedasystemofmutualreflection.He realized suddenly that it was one thing to see the past occupying the
present,butthetruetestofpresciencewastoseethepastinthefuture.Thingspersistedinnotbeingwhattheyseemed.“Drink it,” Chani said. She waved the hornspout of a watersack under his
nose.Paulstraightened,staringatChani.Hefeltcarnivalexcitementintheair.He
knewwhatwouldhappenifhedrankthisspicedrugwithitsquintessenceofthesubstance that brought the change onto him.Hewould return to the vision ofpure time, of time-become-space. Itwould perch him on the dizzying summitanddefyhimtounderstand.FrombehindChani,Stilgarsaid:“Drinkit,lad.Youdelaytherite.”Paullistenedtothecrowdthen,hearingthewildnessintheirvoices—“Lisan
al-Gaib,”theysaid.“Muad’Dib!”Helookeddownathismother.Sheappearedpeacefully asleep in a sittingposition—herbreathing even anddeep.Aphraseoutofthefuturethatwashislonelypastcameintohismind:“ShesleepsintheWatersofLife.”
Chanituggedathissleeve.Paultookthehornspoutintohismouth,hearingthepeopleshout.Hefeltthe
liquid gush into his throat as Chani pressed the sack, sensed giddiness in thefumes.Chaniremovedthespout,handedthesackintohandsthatreachedforitfrom the floor of the cavern.His eyes focused on her arm, the green band ofmourningthere.Asshestraightened,Chanisawthedirectionofhisgaze,said:“Icanmourn
himeveninthehappinessof thewaters.Thiswassomethinghegaveus.”Sheputherhandintohis,pullinghimalongtheledge.“Wearealikeinathing,Usul:WehaveeachlostafathertotheHarkonnens.”Paulfollowedher.Hefeltthathisheadhadbeenseparatedfromhisbodyand
restoredwithoddconnections.Hislegswereremoteandrubbery.They entered a narrow side passage, its walls dimly lighted by spaced-out
glowglobes. Paul felt the drug beginning to have its unique effect on him,opening time like a flower.He foundneed to steady himself againstChani asthey turned through another shadowed tunnel. The mixture of whipcord andsoftnesshe feltbeneathher robestirredhisblood.Thesensationmingledwiththeworkof thedrug, folding futureandpast into thepresent, leavinghim thethinnestmarginoftrinocularfocus.“Iknowyou,Chani,”hewhispered.“We’vesatuponaledgeabovethesand
whileIsoothedyourfears.We’vecaressedinthedarkofthesietch.We’ve....”Hefoundhimselflosingfocus,triedtoshakehishead,stumbled.Chanisteadiedhim,ledhimthroughthickhangingsintotheyellowwarmthof
a private apartment—low tables, cushions, a sleeping pad beneath an orangespread.Paulgrewawarethattheyhadstopped,thatChanistoodfacinghim,andthat
hereyesbetrayedalookofquietterror.“Youmusttellme,”shewhispered.“YouareSihaya,”hesaid,“thedesertspring.”“WhenthetribesharestheWater,”shesaid,“we’retogether—ailofus.We...
share.Ican...sensetheotherswithme,butI’mafraidtosharewithyou.”“Why?”He tried to focusonher, butpast and futureweremerging into thepresent,
blurringherimage.Hesawherincountlesswaysandpositionsandsettings.“There’s something frightening in you,” she said. “When I took you away
from the others... I did it because I could feelwhat the otherswanted.You...pressonpeople.You...makeusseethings!”
Heforcedhimselftospeakdistinctly:“Whatdoyousee?”She looked down at her hands. “I see a child... inmy arms. It’s our child,
yoursandmine.”Sheputahandtohermouth.“HowcanIknoweveryfeatureofyou?”They’vealittleofthetalent,hismindtoldhim.Buttheysuppressitbecauseit
terrifies.Inamomentofclarity,hesawhowChaniwastrembling.“Whatisityouwanttosay?”heasked.“Usul,”shewhispered,andstillshetrembled.“Youcannotbackintothefuture,”hesaid.Aprofoundcompassionforhersweptthroughhim.Hepulledheragainsthim,
strokedherhead.“Chani,Chani,don’tfear.”“Usul,helpme,”shecried.Asshespoke,hefeltthedrugcompleteitsworkwithinhim,rippingawaythe
curtainstolethimseethedistantgrayturmoilofhisfuture.“You’resoquiet,”Chanisaid.Heheldhimselfpoisedintheawareness,seeingtimestretchoutinitsweird
dimension, delicately balanced yet whirling, narrow yet spread like a netgatheringcountlessworldsandforces,atightwirethathemustwalk,yetateeter-totteronwhichhebalanced.OnonesidehecouldseetheImperium,aHarkonnencalledFeyd-Rauthawho
flashedtowardhimlikeadeadlyblade,theSardaukarragingofftheirplanettospreadpogromonArrakis,theGuildconnivingandplotting,theBeneGesseritwiththeirschemeofselectivebreeding.Theylaymassedlikeathunderheadonhis horizon, held back by nomore than the Fremen and theirMuad’Dib, thesleepinggiantFremenpoisedfortheirwildcrusadeacrosstheuniverse.Paulfelthimselfat thecenter,at thepivotwherethewholestructureturned,
walkingathinwireofpeacewithameasureofhappiness,Chaniathisside.Hecouldseeitstretchingaheadofhim,atimeofrelativequietinahiddensietch,amomentofpeacebetweenperiodsofviolence.“There’snootherplaceforpeace,”hesaid.“Usul, you’re crying,” Chani murmured. “Usul, my strength, do you give
moisturetothedead?Towhosedead?”“Toonesnotyetdead,”hesaid.“Thenletthemhavetheirtimeoflife,”shesaid.He sensed through the drug fog how right shewas, pulled her against him
withsavagepressure.“Sihaya!”hesaid.
Sheputapalmagainsthischeek,“I’mnolongerafraid,Usul.Lookatme.Iseewhatyouseewhenyouholdmethus.”“Whatdoyousee?”hedemanded.“Iseeusgivinglovetoeachotherinatimeofquietbetweenstorms.It’swhat
weweremeanttodo.”The drug had him again and he thought: So many times you’ve given me
comfortandforgetfulness.Hefeltanewthehyperilluminationwithitshigh-reliefimageryof time, sensedhis futurebecomingmemories—the tender indignitiesof physical love, the sharing and communion of selves, the softness and theviolence.“You’rethestrongone,Chani,”hemuttered.“Staywithme.”“Always,”shesaid,andkissedhischeek.
BookThree
THEPROPHET
Nowoman,noman,nochildeverwasdeeplyintimatewithmyfather.Theclosestanyone ever came to casual cameraderie with the Padishah Emperorwas therelationshipofferedbyCountHasimirFenring,acompanionfromchildhood.Themeasure ofCountFenring’s friendshipmay be seen first in apositive thing: heallayedtheLandraad’ssuspicionsaftertheArrakisAffair.Itcostmorethanabillionsolarisinspicebribes,somymothersaid,andtherewereothergiftsaswell:slavewomen,royalhonors,andtokensofrank.ThesecondmajorevidenceoftheCount’sfriendshipwasnegative.He refused to kill aman even though itwaswithin hiscapabilitiesandmyfathercommandedit.Iwillrelatethispresently.
—“CountFenring:AProfile”bythePrincessIrulan
THE BARONVladimir Harkonnen raged down the corridor from his privateapartments,flittingthroughpatchesoflateafternoonsunlightthatpoureddownfrom high windows. He bobbed and twisted in his suspensors with violentmovements.Pasttheprivatekitchenhestormed—pastthelibrary,pastthesmallreception
roomand into the servants’ antechamberwhere the evening relaxation alreadyhadsetin.Theguardcaptain,IakinNefud,squattedonadivanacross thechamber, the
stupor of semuta dullness in his flat face, the eerie wailing of semuta musicaroundhim.Hisowncourtsatneartodohisbidding.“Nefud!”theBaronroared.Menscrambled.Nefud stood, his face composed by the narcotic but with an overlay of
palenessthattoldofhisfear.Thesemutamusichadstopped.“MyLordBaron,”Nefud said.Only the drug kept the trembling out of his
voice.TheBaronscannedthefacesaroundhim,seeingthelooksoffranticquietin
them.HereturnedhisattentiontoNefud,andspokeinasilkentone:“Howlonghaveyoubeenmyguardcaptain,Nefud?”Nefudswallowed.“SinceArrakis,myLord.Almosttwoyears.”“Andhaveyoualwaysanticipateddangerstomyperson?”“Suchhasbeenmyonlydesire,myLord.”“ThenwhereisFeyd-Rautha?”theBaronroared.Nefudrecoiled.“M’Lord?”“YoudonotconsiderFeyd-Rauthaadangertomyperson?”Again,thevoice
wassilken.Nefudwethislipswithhistongue.Someofthesemutadullnesslefthiseyes.
“Feyd-Rautha’sintheslavequarters,myLord.”“With the women again, eh?” The Baron trembled with the effort of
suppressinganger.“Sire,itcouldbehe’s—”“Silence!”TheBaronadvancedanotherstep into theantechamber,notinghowthemen
movedback,clearingasubtlespacearoundNefud,dissociatingthemselvesfromtheobjectofwrath.“Did I not command you to know preciselywhere the na-Baronwas at all
times?”theBaronasked.Hemovedastepcloser.“DidInotsaytoyouthatyouwere to know precisely what the na-Baron was saying at all times—and towhom?”Anotherstep.“DidInotsaytoyouthatyouweretotellmewheneverhewentintothequartersoftheslavewomen?”Nefudswallowed.Perspirationstoodoutonhisforehead.TheBaronheldhisvoiceflat,almostdevoidofemphasis:“DidInotsaythese
thingstoyou?”Nefudnodded.“AnddidInotsaytothatyouweretocheckallslaveboyssenttomeandthat
youweretodothisyourself...personally?”Again,Nefudnodded.“Didyou,perchance,notseetheblemishonthethighoftheonesentmethis
evening?”theBaronasked.“Isitpossibleyou—”“Uncle.”The Baron whirled, stared at Feyd-Rautha standing in the doorway. The
presenceofhisnephewhere,now—thelookofhurrythattheyoungmancouldnot quite conceal—all revealed much. Feyd-Rautha had his own spy systemfocusedontheBaron.“ThereisabodyinmychambersthatIwishremoved,”theBaronsaid,andhe
kepthishandattheprojectileweaponbeneathhisrobes,thankfulthathisshieldwasthebest.Feyd-Rautha glanced at two guardsmen against the rightwall, nodded. The
two detached themselves, scurried out the door and down the hall toward theBaron’sapartments.Thosetwo,eh?theBaronthought.Ah,thisyoungmonsterhasmuchtolearn
yetaboutconspiracy!
“Ipresumeyou leftmatterspeaceful in theslavequarters,Feyd,” theBaronsaid.“I’ve been playing cheopswith the slavemaster,” Feyd-Rautha said, and he
thought:Whathasgonewrong?Theboywesenttomyunclehasobviouslybeenkilled.Buthewasperfectforthejob.EvenHawatcouldn’thavemadeabetterchoice.Theboywasperfect!“Playingpyramidchess,”theBaronsaid.“Hownice.Didyouwin?”“I...ah,yes,Uncle.”AndFeyd-Rauthastrovetocontainhisdisquiet.TheBaronsnappedhisfingers.“Nefud,youwishtoberestoredtomygood
graces?”“Sire,whathaveIdone?”Nefudquavered.“That’sunimportantnow,”theBaronsaid.“Feydhasbeatentheslavemasterat
cheops.Didyouhearthat?”“Yes...Sire.”“I wish you to take threemen and go to the slavemaster,” the Baron said.
“Garrotetheslavemaster.Bringhisbodytomewhenyou’vefinishedthatImaysee it was done properly. We cannot have such inept chess players in ouremploy.”Feyd-Rauthawentpale,tookastepforward.“But,Uncle,I—”“Later,Feyd,”theBaronsaid,andwavedahand.“Later.”ThetwoguardswhohadgonetotheBaron’squartersfortheslaveboy’sbody
staggeredpasttheantechamberdoorwiththeirloadsaggingbetweenthem,armstrailing.TheBaronwatcheduntiltheywereoutofsight.Nefud stepped up beside the Baron. “You wishme to kill the slavemaster,
now,myLord?”“Now,” theBaronsaid.“Andwhenyou’vefinished,addthose twowhojust
passed toyour list. Idon’t like theway theycarried thatbody.Oneshoulddosuchthingsneatly.I’llwishtoseetheircarcasses,too.”Nefudsaid,“MyLord,isitanythingthatI’ve—”“Doasyourmasterhasordered,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.Andhethought:AllIcan
hopefornowistosavemyownskin.Good!theBaronthought.Heyetknowshowtocuthislosses.AndtheBaron
smiled inwardly at himself, thinking:The lad knows, too,whatwill pleasemeandbemostapttostaymywrathfromfallingonhim.HeknowsImustpreservehim.WhoelsedoIhavewhocouldtakethereinsImustleavesomeday?Ihavenootherascapable.Buthemust learn!AndImustpreservemyselfwhilehe’slearning.
Nefudsignaledmentoassisthim,ledthemoutthedoor.“Wouldyouaccompanymetomychambers,Feyd?”theBaronasked.“Iamyourstocommand,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.Hebowed,thinking:I’mcaught.“Afteryou,”theBaronsaid,andhegesturedtothedoor.Feyd-Rautha indicated his fear by only the barest hesitation.Have I failed
utterly?heaskedhimself.Willheslipapoisonedblade intomyback... slowly,throughtheshield?Doeshehaveanalternativesuccessor?Let him experience this moment of terror, the Baron thought as he walked
alongbehindhisnephew.Hewillsucceedme,butatatimeofmychoosing.I’llnothavehimthrowingawaywhatI’vebuilt!Feyd-Rautha tried not towalk too swiftly.He felt the skin crawling on his
backasthoughhisbodyitselfwonderedwhentheblowcouldcome.Hismusclesalternatelytensedandrelaxed.“HaveyouheardthelatestwordfromArrakis?”theBaronasked.“No,Uncle.”Feyd-Rauthaforcedhimselfnottolookback.Heturneddownthehalloutof
theservants’wing.“They’veanewprophetorreligiousleaderofsomekindamongtheFremen,”
the Baron said. “They call him Muad‘Dib. Very funny, really. It means ‘theMouse.’ I’ve told Rabban to let them have their religion. It’ll keep themoccupied.”“That’sveryinteresting,Uncle,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.Heturnedintotheprivate
corridortohisuncle’squarters,wondering:Whydoeshetalkaboutreligion?Isitsomesubtlehinttome?“Yes,isn’tit?”theBaronsaid.They came into the Baron’s apartments through the reception salon to the
bedchamber. Subtle signs of a struggle greeted them here—a suspensor lampdisplaced, a bedcushion on the floor, a soother-reel spilled open across abedstand.“It was a clever plan,” the Baron said. He kept his body shield tuned to
maximum,stopped,facinghisnephew.“Butnotcleverenough.Tellme,Feyd,whydidn’tyoustrikemedownyourself?You’vehadopportunityenough.”Feyd-Rauthafoundasuspensorchair,accomplishedamentalshrugashesat
downinitwithoutbeingasked.Imustbeboldnow,hethought.“Youtaughtmethatmyownhandsmustremainclean,”hesaid.“Ah,yes,”theBaronsaid.“WhenyoufacetheEmperor,youmustbeableto
say truthfully thatyoudidnotdo thedeed.Thewitchat theEmperor’selbowwillhearyourwordsandknowtheirtruthorfalsehood.Yes.Iwarnedyouaboutthat.”“Whyhaven’tyoueverboughtaBeneGesserit,Uncle?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.
“WithaTruthsayeratyourside—”“Youknowmytastes!”theBaronsnapped.Feyd-Rauthastudiedhisuncle,said:“Still,onewouldbevaluablefor—”“Itrustthemnot!”theBaronsnarled.“Andstoptryingtochangethesubject!”Feyd-Rauthaspokemildly:“Asyouwish,Uncle.”“Irememberatimeinthearenaseveralyearsago,”theBaronsaid.“Itseemedtherethatdayaslavehadbeensettokillyou.Isthattrulyhowit
was?”“It’sbeensolongago,Uncle.Afterall,I—”“Noevasions,please,”theBaronsaid,andthetightnessofhisvoiceexposed
thereinonhisanger.Feyd-Rauthalookedathisuncle,thinking:Heknows,elsehewouldn’task.“Itwasasham,Uncle.Iarrangedittodiscredityourslavemaster.”“Veryclever,” theBaron said. “Brave, too.That slave-gladiator almost took
you,didn’the?”“Yes.”“If you had finesse and subtlety to match such courage, you’d be truly
formidable.”TheBaronshookhisheadfromside toside.Andashehaddonemany times since that terrible day onArrakis, he found himself regretting theloss of Piter, theMentat. There’d been aman of delicate, devilish subtlety. Ithadn’tsavedhim,though.Again,theBaronshookhishead.Fatewassometimesinscrutable.Feyd-Rautha glanced around the bedchamber, studying the signs of the
struggle,wonderinghowhis unclehadovercome the slave they’dprepared socarefully.“Howdid I best him?” theBaron asked, “Ah-h-h, now, Feyd—letme keep
someweaponstopreservemeinmyoldage.It’sbetterweusethistimetostrikeabargain.”Feyd-Rauthastaredathim.Abargain!Hemeans tokeepmeashisheir for
certain,then.Elsewhybargain.Onebargainswithequalsornearequals!“Whatbargain,Uncle?”AndFeyd-Rauthafeltproudthathisvoiceremained
calmandreasonable,betrayingnoneoftheelationthatfilledhim.TheBaron,too,notedthecontrol.Henodded.“You’regoodmaterial,Feyd.I
don’twaste goodmaterial. You persist, however, in refusing to learnmy truevalue toyou.Youareobstinate.Youdonot seewhy I shouldbepreservedassomeoneoftheutmostvaluetoyou.This....”Hegesturedattheevidenceofthestruggleinthebedchamber.“Thiswasfoolishness.Idonotrewardfoolishness.”Gettothepoint,youoldfool!Feyd-Rauthathought.“You think ofme as an old fool,” theBaron said. “Imust dissuade you of
that.”“Youspeakofabargain.”“Ah,theimpatienceofyouth,”theBaronsaid.“Well,thisisthesubstanceof
it, then:Youwillceasethesefoolishattemptsonmylife.AndI,whenyouareready for it,will stepaside inyour favor. Iwill retire to anadvisoryposition,leavingyouintheseatofpower.”“Retire,Uncle?”“You still thinkme the fool,” theBaron said, “and this but confirms it, eh?
YouthinkI’mbeggingyou!Stepcautiously,Feyd.Thisoldfoolsawthroughtheshieldedneedleyou’dplantedinthatslaveboy’sthigh.RightwhereI’dputmyhand on it, eh?The smallest pressure and—snick!A poison needle in the oldfool’spalm!Ah-h-h,Feyd....”TheBaronshookhishead,thinking:Itwould’veworked,too,ifHawathadn’t
warnedme.Well,lettheladbelieveIsawtheplotonmyown.Inaway,Idid.IwastheonewhosavedHawatfromthewreckageofArrakis.Andthisladneedsgreaterrespectformyprowess.Feyd-Rautha remained silent, strugglingwith himself. Is he being truthful?
Doeshereallymean to retire?Whynot? I’msure to succeedhimoneday if Imovecarefully.Hecan’tliveforever.Perhapsitwasfoolishtotryhurryingtheprocess.“Youspeakofabargain,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Whatpledgedowegivetobind
it?”“Howcanwetrusteachother,eh?”theBaronasked.“Well,Feyd,asforyou:
I’msettingThufirHawattowatchoveryou.ItrustHawat’sMentatcapabilitiesinthis.Doyouunderstandme?Andasforme,you’llhavetotakemeonfaith.ButIcan’t liveforever,canI,Feyd?Andperhapsyoushouldbegintosuspectnowthatthere’rethingsIknowwhichyoushouldknow.”“Igiveyoumypledgeandwhatdoyougiveme?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.“Iletyougoonliving,”theBaronsaid.Again,Feyd-Rauthastudiedhisuncle.HesetsHawatoverme!Whatwouldhe
say if I told himHawat planned the trickwith the gladiator that cost him his
slavemaster?He’dlikelysayIwaslyingintheattempttodiscreditHawat.No,thegoodThufirisaMentatandhasanticipatedthismoment.“Well,whatdoyousay?”theBaronasked.“WhatcanIsay?Iaccept,ofcourse.”AndFeyd-Rauthathought:Hawat!Heplaysbothendsagainstthemiddle...is
thatit?Hashemovedtomyuncle’scampbecauseIdidn’tcounselwithhimovertheslaveboyattempt?“Youhaven’tsaidanythingaboutmysettingHawattowatchyou,”theBaron
said.Feyd-Rauthabetrayedangerbyaflaringofnostrils.ThenameofHawathad
beenadanger signal in theHarkonnen family for somanyyears... andnow ithadanewmeaning:stilldangerous.“Hawat’sadangeroustoy,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Toy!Don’tbe stupid. Iknowwhat Ihave inHawat andhow tocontrol it.
Hawathasdeepemotions,Feyd.Themanwithoutemotions is theone to fear.Butdeepemotions...ah,now,thosecanbebenttoyourneeds.”“Uncle,Idon’tunderstandyou.”“Yes,that’splainenough.”Only a flicker of eyelids betrayed the passage of resentment through Feyd-
Rautha.“AndyoudonotunderstandHawat,”theBaronsaid.Nordoyou!Feyd-Rauthathought.“Who does Hawat blame for his present circumstances?” the Baron asked.
“Me?Certainly.ButhewasanAtreides toolandbestedme foryearsuntil theImperiumtookahand.That’showheseesit.Hishateformeisacasualthingnow.He believes he can bestme any time.Believing this, he is bested. For IdirecthisattentionwhereIwantit—againsttheImperium.”Tensions of a new understanding drew tight lines across Feyd-Rautha’s
forehead,thinnedhismouth.“AgainsttheEmperor?”Letmydearnephew try the tasteof that, theBaron thought.Let him say to
himself: “The Emperor Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen!” Let him ask himself howmuch that’sworth.Surely itmustbeworth the lifeofoneoldunclewhocouldmakethatdreamcometopass!Slowly,Feyd-Rauthawethis lipswithhis tongue.Could itbe truewhat the
oldfoolwassaying?Therewasmoreherethanthereseemedtobe.“AndwhathasHawattodowiththis?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.“HethinksheusesustowreakhisrevengeupontheEmperor.”
“Andwhenthat’saccomplished?”“Hedoesnotthinkbeyondhisrevenge.Hawat’samanwhomustserveothers,
anddoesn’tevenknowthisabouthimself.”“I’velearnedmuchfromHawat,”Feyd-Rauthaagreed,andfeltthetruthofthe
wordsashespokethem.“ButthemoreIlearn,themoreIfeelweshoulddisposeofhim...andsoon.”“Youdon’tliketheideaofhiswatchingyou?”“Hawatwatcheseverybody.”“Andhemayputyouonathrone.Hawatissubtle.Heisdangerous,devious.
ButI’llnotyetwithholdtheantidotefromhim.Aswordisdangerous,too,Feyd.We have the scabbard for this one, though. The poison’s in him. When wewithdrawtheantidote,deathwillsheathehim.”“Inaway,it’slikethearena,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Feintswithinfeintswithin
feints.Youwatchtoseewhichwaythegladiatorleans,whichwayhelooks,howheholdshisknife.”Henoddedtohimself,seeingthatthesewordspleasedhisuncle,butthinking:
Yes!Likethearena!Andthecuttingedgeisthemind!“Nowyouseehowyouneedme,”theBaronsaid.“I’myetofuse,Feyd.”Aswordtobewieldeduntilhe’stoobluntforuse,Feyd-Rauthathought.“Yes,Uncle,”hesaid.“Andnow,”theBaronsaid,“wewillgodowntotheslavequarters,wetwo.
And I will watchwhile you, with your own hands, kill all thewomen in thepleasurewing.”“Uncle!”“Therewill beotherwomen,Feyd.But I have said that youdonotmakea
mistakecasuallywithme.”Feyd-Rautha’sfacedarkened.“Uncle,you—”“Youwill accept your punishment and learn something from it,” theBaron
said.Feyd-Rauthametthegloatingstareinhisuncle’seyes.AndImustremember
thisnight,hethought.Andrememberingit,Imustrememberothernights.“Youwillnotrefuse,”theBaronsaid.WhatcouldyoudoifIrefused,oldman?Feyd-Rauthaaskedhimself.Buthe
knewtheremightbesomeotherpunishment,perhapsamoresubtleone,amorebrutallevertobendhim.“Iknowyou,Feyd,”theBaronsaid.“Youwillnotrefuse.”All right, Feyd-Rautha thought. I need you now. I see that. The bargain’s
made.ButI’llnotalwaysneedyou.And...someday...
Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe thatmakessense.Buttherealuniverseisalwaysonestepbeyondlogic.
—from“TheSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
I’VESATacrossfrommanyrulersofGreatHouses,butneverseenamoregrossanddangerouspigthanthisone,ThufirHawattoldhimself.“Youmayspeakplainlywithme,Hawat,”theBaronrumbled.Heleanedback
inhissuspensorchair,theeyesintheirfoldsoffatboringintoHawat.TheoldMentatlookeddownatthetablebetweenhimandtheBaronVladimir
Harkonnen,notingtheopulenceofitsgrain.EventhiswasafactortoconsiderinassessingtheBaron,asweretheredwallsof thisprivateconferenceroomandthefaintsweetherbscentthathungontheair,maskingadeepermusk.“Youdidn’thavemesendthatwarningtoRabbanasanidlewhim,”theBaron
said.Hawat’sleatheryoldfaceremainedimpassive,betrayingnoneoftheloathing
hefelt.“Isuspectmanythings,myLord,”hesaid.“Yes. Well, I wish to know how Arrakis figures in your suspicions about
SalusaSecundus.ItisnotenoughthatyousaytometheEmperorisinafermentaboutsomeassociationbetweenArrakisandhismysteriousprisonplanet.Now,IrushedthewarningouttoRabbanonlybecausethecourierhadtoleaveonthatHeighliner.Yousaidtherecouldbenodelay.Wellandgood.ButnowIwillhaveanexplanation.”Hebabblestoomuch,Hawatthought.He’snotlikeLetowhocouldtellmea
thingwiththeliftofaneyebroworthewaveofahand.NorliketheOldDukewhocouldexpressanentiresentenceinthewayheaccentedasingleword.Thisisaclod!Destroyinghimwillbeaservicetomankind.“YouwillnotleavehereuntilI’vehadafullandcompleteexplanation,”the
Baronsaid.“YouspeaktoocasuallyofSalusaSecundus,”Hawatsaid.“It’sapenalcolony,”theBaronsaid.“Theworstriff-raffinthegalaxyaresent
toSalusaSecundus.Whatelsedoweneedtoknow?”“That conditions on the prison planet are more oppressive than anywhere
else,” Hawat said. “You hear that the mortality rate among new prisoners ishigher than sixty per cent.Youhear that theEmperor practices every formof
oppressionthere.Youhearallthisanddonotaskquestions?”“The Emperor doesn’t permit the Great Houses to inspect his prison,” the
Barongrowled.“Buthehasn’tseenintomydungeons,either.”“AndcuriosityaboutSalusaSecundusis...ah....”Hawatputabonyfingerto
hislips.“...discouraged.”“Sohe’snotproudofsomeofthethingshemustdothere!”Hawatallowedthefaintestofsmilestotouchhisdarklips.Hiseyesglintedin
theglowtubelightashestaredattheBaron.“Andyou’veneverwonderedwheretheEmperorgetshisSardaukar?”TheBaron pursed his fat lips. This gave his features the look of a pouting
baby,andhisvoicecarriedatoneofpetulanceashesaid:“Why...herecruits...thatistosay,therearetheleviesandheenlistsfrom—”“Faaa!” Hawat snapped. “The stories you hear about the exploits of the
Sardaukar,they’renotrumors,arethey?Thosearefirst-handaccountsfromthelimitednumberofsurvivorswho’vefoughtagainsttheSardaukar,eh?”“TheSardaukar are excellent fightingmen, no doubt of it,” theBaron said.
“ButIthinkmyownlegions—”“Apackofholidayexcursionistsbycomparison!”Hawatsnarled.“YouthinkI
don’tknowwhytheEmperorturnedagainstHouseAtreides?”“Thisisnotarealmopentoyourspeculation,”theBaronwarned.Isitpossiblethatevenhedoesn’tknowwhatmotivatedtheEmperorinthis?
Hawataskedhimself.“Anyareaisopentomyspeculationifitdoeswhatyou’vehiredmetodo,”
Hawat said. “I amaMentat.Youdonotwithhold informationor computationlinesfromaMentat.”For a longminute, theBaron stared at him, then: “Saywhat youmust say,
Mentat.”“The Padishah Emperor turned against House Atreides because the Duke’s
WarmastersGurneyHalleckandDuncanIdahohad traineda fightingforce—asmall fightingforce—towithinahairasgoodas theSardaukar.Someof themwereevenbetter.AndtheDukewasinapositiontoenlargehisforce,tomakeiteverybitasstrongastheEmperor’s.”TheBaronweighedthisdisclosure,then:“WhathasArrakistodowiththis?”“It provides a pool of recruits already conditioned to the bitterest survival
training.”TheBaronshookhishead.“YoucannotmeantheFremen?”“ImeantheFremen.”
“Hah! Then why warn Rabban? There cannot be more than a handful ofFremenleftaftertheSardaukarpogromandRabban’soppression.”Hawatcontinuedtostareathimsilently.“Notmore thanahandful!” thebaronrepeated.“Rabbankilledsix thousand
ofthemlastyearalone!”Still,Hawatstaredathim.“Andtheyearbeforeitwasninethousand,”thebaronsaid.“Andbeforethey
left,theSardaukarmust’veaccountedforatleasttwentythousand.”“WhatareRabban’strooplossesforthepasttwoyears?”Hawatasked.TheBaronrubbedhisjowls.“Well,hehasbeenrecruitingratherheavily,tobe
sure.Hisagentsmakeratherextravagantpromisesand—”“Shallwesaythirtythousandinroundnumbers?”Hawatasked.“Thatwouldseemalittlehigh,”thebaronsaid.“Quite thecontrary,”Hawat said.“Ican readbetween the linesofRabban’s
reports aswell as you can.And you certainlymust’ve understoodmy reportsfromouragents.”“Arrakisisafierceplanet,”theBaronsaid.“Stormlossescan—”“Webothknowthefigureforstormaccretion,”Hawatsaid.“What if he has lost thirty thousand?” the Baron demanded, and blood
darkenedhisface.“Byyourowncount,”Hawatsaid,“hekilledfifteenthousandovertwoyears
while losing twice that number. You say the Sardaukar accounted for anothertwenty thousand, possibly a few more. And I’ve seen the transportationmanifestsfortheirreturnfromArrakis.Iftheykilledtwentythousand,theylostalmost five forone.Whywon’tyou face these figures,Baron,andunderstandwhattheymean?”TheBaron spoke in a coldlymeasured cadence: “This is your job,Mentat.
Whatdotheymean?”“IgaveyouDuncanIdaho’sheadcountonthesietchhevisited,”Hawatsaid.
“Itallfits.Iftheyhadjusttwohundredandfiftysuchsietchcommunities,theirpopulationwouldbeaboutfivemillion.Mybestestimateisthattheyhadatleasttwicethatmanycommunities.Youscatteryourpopulationonsuchaplanet.”“Tenmillion?”TheBaron’sjowlsquiveredwithamazement.“Atleast.”The Baron pursed his fat lips. The beady eyes stared without wavering at
Hawat.IsthistrueMentatcomputation?hewondered.Howcouldthisbeandno
onesuspect?“Wehaven’tevencutheavilyintotheirbirth-rate-growthfigure,”Hawatsaid.
“We’ve just weeded out some of their less successful specimens, leaving thestrongtogrowstronger—justlikeonSalusaSecundus.”“Salusa Secundus!” the Baron barked. “What has this to do with the
Emperor’sprisonplanet?”“A man who survives Salusa Secundus starts out being tougher than most
others,”Hawatsaid.“Whenyouaddtheverybestofmilitarytraining—”“Nonsense!By your argument, Icould recruit from among theFremen after
thewaythey’vebeenoppressedbymynephew.”Hawatspokeinamildvoice:“Don’tyouoppressanyofyourtroops?”“Well...I...but—”“Oppression is a relative thing,”Hawat said. “Your fightingmen aremuch
betteroffthanthosearoundthem,heh?TheyseeunpleasantalternativetobeingsoldiersoftheBaron,heh?”The Baron fell silent, eyes unfocused. The possibilities—had Rabban
unwittinglygivenHouseHarkonnenitsultimateweapon?Presentlyhesaid:“Howcouldyoubesureoftheloyaltyofsuchrecruits?”“Iwouldtaketheminsmallgroups,notlargerthanplatoonstrength,”Hawat
said.“I’d remove themfromtheiroppressivesituationand isolate themwithatraining cadre of people who understood their background, preferably peoplewhohadprecededthemfromthesameoppressivesituation.ThenI’dfill themwith themystique that their planet had really been a secret training ground toproduce just such superior beings as themselves. And all the while, I’d showthemwhat such superior beings could earn: rich living, beautifulwomen, finemansions...whatevertheydesired.”TheBaronbegantonod.“ThewaytheSardaukarliveathome.”“TherecruitscometobelieveintimethatsuchaplaceasSalusaSecundusis
justifiedbecauseitproducedthem—theelite.ThecommonestSardaukartrooperlives a life, in many respects, as exalted as that of any member of a GreatHouse.”“Suchanidea!”theBaronwhispered.“Youbegintosharemysuspicions,”Hawatsaid.“Wheredidsuchathingstart?”theBaronasked.“Ah,yes:WheredidHouseCorrinooriginate?Were therepeopleonSalusa
SecundusbeforetheEmperorsenthisfirstcontingentsofprisonersthere?EventheDukeLeto,acousinonthedistaffside,neverknewforsure.Suchquestions
arenotencouraged.”The Baron’s eyes glazed with thought. “Yes, a very carefully kept secret.
They’duseeverydeviceof—”“Besides,what’stheretoconceal?”Hawatasked.“ThatthePadishahEmperor
hasaprisonplanet?Everyoneknowsthis.Thathehas—”“CountFenring!”theBaronblurted.Hawat broke off, studied theBaronwith a puzzled frown. “What of Count
Fenring?”“Atmynephew’sbirthdayseveralyearsago,”theBaronsaid.“ThisImperial
popinjay, Count Fenring, came as official observer and to ... ah, conclude abusinessarrangementbetweentheEmperorandmyself.”“So?”“I ... ah, during one of our conversations, I believe I said something about
makingaprisonplanetofArrakis.Fenring—”“Whatdidyousayexactly?”Hawatasked.“Exactly?Thatwasquiteawhileagoand—”“MyLordBaron,ifyouwishtomakethebestuseofmyservices,youmust
givemeadequateinformation.Wasn’tthisconversationrecorded?”TheBaron’s facedarkenedwith anger. “You’re as bad asPiter! I don’t like
these—”“Piterisnolongerwithyou,myLord,”Hawatsaid.“Astothat,whateverdid
happentoPiter?”“Hebecametoofamiliar,toodemandingofme,”theBaronsaid.“Youassuremeyoudon’twasteausefulman,”Hawatsaid.“Willyouwaste
me by threats and quibbling? We were discussing what you said to CountFenring.”Slowly, theBaroncomposedhis features.Whenthe timecomes, he thought,
I’llrememberhismannerwithme.Yes.Iwillremember.“Onemoment,” the Baron said, and he thought back to themeeting in his
greathall.Ithelpedtovisualizetheconeofsilenceinwhichtheyhadstood.“Isaid something like this,” the Baron said. “ ‘The Emperor knows a certainamount of killing has always been an armof business.’ Iwas referring to ourworkforcelosses.ThenIsaidsomethingaboutconsideringanothersolutiontothe Arrakeen problem and I said the Emperor’s prison planet inspired me toemulatehim.”“Witchblood!”Hawatsnapped.“WhatdidFenringsay?”“That’swhenhebeganquestioningmeaboutyou.”
Hawat sat back, closed his eyes in thought. “So that’s why they startedlooking into Arrakis,” he said. “Well, the thing’s done.” He opened his eyes.“TheymusthavespiesalloverArrakisbynow.Twoyears!”“Butcertainlymyinnocentsuggestionthat—”“Nothing is innocent in anEmperor’s eyes!Whatwere your instructions to
Rabban?”“MerelythatheshouldteachArrakistofearus.”Hawatshookhishead.“Younowhavetwoalternatives,Baron.Youcankill
offthenatives,wipethemoutentirely,or—”“Wasteanentireworkforce?”“Wouldyouprefer tohave theEmperorand thoseGreatHouseshecanstill
swing behind him come in here and perform a curettement, scrape out GiediPrimelikeahollowgourd?”TheBaronstudiedhisMentat,then:“Hewouldn’tdare!”“Wouldn’the?”TheBaron’slipsquivered.“Whatisyouralternative?”“Abandonyourdearnephew,Rabban.”“Aband....”TheBaronbrokeoff,staredatHawat.“Send him nomore troops, no aid of any kind.Don’t answer hismessages
otherthantosayyou’reheardoftheterriblewayhe’shandledthingsonArrakisandyouintendtotakecorrectivemeasuresassoonasyou’reable.I’llarrangetohavesomeofyourmessagesinterceptedbyImperialspies.”“Butwhatofthespice,therevenues,the—”“Demandyourbaronialprofits,butbecarefulhowyoumakeyourdemands.
RequirefixedsumsofRabban.Wecan—”The Baron turned his hands palms up. “But how can I be certain that my
weaselnephewisn’t—”“We still have our spies on Arrakis. Tell Rabban he eithermeets the spice
quotasyousethimorhe’llbereplaced.”“Iknowmynephew,”theBaronsaid.“Thiswouldonlymakehimoppressthe
populationevenmore.”“Ofcoursehewill!”Hawatsnapped.“Youdon’twantthatstoppednow!You
merelywantyourownhandsclean.LetRabbanmakeyourSalusaSecundusforyou.There’snoneedeventosendhimanyprisoners.Hehasallthepopulationrequired. If Rabban is driving his people to meet your spice quotas, then theEmperor need suspect no other motive. That’s reason enough for putting theplanetontherack.Andyou,Baron,willnotshowbywordoractionthatthere’s
anyotherreasonforthis.”TheBaron couldnotkeep the sly toneof admirationoutof hisvoice. “Ah,
Hawat,youareadeviousone.Now,howdowemoveintoArrakisandmakeuseofwhatRabbanprepares?”“That’s the simplest thing of all, Baron. If you set each year’s quota a bit
higherthantheonebefore,matterswillsoonreachaheadthere.Productionwilldropoff.YoucanremoveRabbanandtakeoveryourself...tocorrectthemess.”“Itfits,”theBaronsaid.“ButIcanfeelmyselftiringofallthis.I’mpreparing
anothertotakeoverArrakisforme.”Hawatstudiedthefatroundfaceacrossfromhim.Slowlytheoldsoldier-spy
began to nod his head. “Feyd-Rautha,” he said. “So that’s the reason for theoppression now. You’re very devious yourself, Baron. Perhaps we canincorporatethesetwoschemes.Yes.YourFeyd-RauthacangotoArrakisastheirsavior.Hecanwinthepopulace.Yes.”TheBaron smiled.Andbehind his smile, he asked himself:Now,howdoes
thisfitinwithHawat’spersonalscheming?AndHawat,seeingthathewasdismissed,aroseandleftthered-walledroom.
Ashewalked,hecouldnotputdownthedisturbingunknownsthatcroppedintoeverycomputationaboutArrakis.ThisnewreligiousleaderthatGurneyHalleckhintedatfromhishidingplaceamongthesmugglers,thisMuad’Dib.PerhapsIshouldnothavetoldtheBarontoletthisreligionflourishwhereit
will,evenamongthefolkofpanandgraben,hetoldhimself.Butit’swellknownthatrepressionmakesareligionflourish.Andhe thoughtaboutHalleck’sreportsonFremenbattle tactics.The tactics
smackedofHalleckhimself...andIdaho...andevenofHawat.DidIdahosurvive?heaskedhimself.Butthiswasafutilequestion.Hedidnotyetaskhimselfifitwaspossiblethat
Paul had survived. He knew the Baron was convinced that all Atreides weredead.TheBeneGesseritwitchhadbeenhisweapon, theBaronadmitted.Andthatcouldonlymeananendtoall—eventothewoman’sownson.What a poisonous hate she must’ve had for the Atreides, he thought.
Something like the hate I hold for this Baron. Will my blow be as final andcompleteashers?
There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe. It has symmetry,elegance,andgrace—thosequalitiesyoufindalwaysinthatwhichthetrueartistcaptures.Youcanfinditintheturningoftheseasons,inthewaysandtrailsalongaridge,inthebranchclustersofthecreosotebushorthepatternofitsleaves.Wetrytocopythesepatternsinourlivesandoursociety,seekingtherhythms,thedances,the forms that comfort. Yet, it ispossible to see peril in the finding of ultimateperfection. It is clear that the ultimate pattern contains its own fixity. In suchperfection,allthingsmovetowarddeath.
—from“TheCollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
PAUL-MUAD’DIB remembered that there had been ameal heavywith spiceessence.Heclungtothismemorybecauseitwasananchorpointandhecouldtellhimselffromthisvantagethathisimmediateexperiencemustbeadream.I am a theater of processes, he told himself. I am a prey to the imperfect
vision,totheraceconsciousnessanditsterriblepurpose.Yet,hecouldnotescape thefear thathehadsomehowoverrunhimself, lost
his position in time, so that past and future and present mingled withoutdistinction. It was a kind of visual fatigue and it came, he knew, from theconstantnecessityofholdingtheprescientfutureasakindofmemorythatwasinitselfathingintrinsicallyofthepast.Chanipreparedthemealforme,hetoldhimself.YetChaniwasdeepinthesouth—inthecoldcountrywherethesunwashot—
secretedinoneofthenewsietchstrongholds,safewiththeirson,LetoII.Or,wasthatathingyettohappen?No,hereassuredhimself,forAlia-the-Strange-One,hissister,hadgonethere
withhismotherandwithChani—atwenty-thumpertripintothesouth,ridingaReverendMother’spalanquinfixedtothebackofawildmaker.Heshiedawayfromthethoughtofridingthegiantworms,askinghimself:Or
isAliayettobeborn?Iwason razzia,Paul recalled.Wewent raiding to recover thewater of our
dead inArrakeen.And I found the remainsofmy father in the funeral pyre. IenshrinedtheskullofmyfatherinaFremenrockmoundoverlookingHargPass.Orwasthatathingyettobe?Mywoundsarereal,Paul toldhimself.Myscarsare real.The shrineofmy
father’sskullisreal.Still in the dreamlike state, Paul remembered that Harah, Jamis’ wife, had
intrudedonhimoncetosaythere’dbeenafightinthesietchcorridor.Thathadbeen the interim sietch before thewomen and children had been sent into thedeepsouth.Harahhadstoodthereintheentrancetotheinnerchamber,theblackwingsof her hair tiedbackbywater ringson a chain.Shehadheld aside thechamber’shangingsandtoldhimthatChanihadjustkilledsomeone.Thishappened,Paultoldhimself.Thiswasreal,notbornoutofitstimeand
subjecttochange.PaulrememberedhehadrushedouttofindChanistandingbeneaththeyellow
globesofthecorridor,cladinabrilliantbluewraparoundrobewithhoodthrownback, a flush of exertion on her elfin features. She had been sheathing hercrysknife.Ahuddledgrouphadbeenhurrying awaydown the corridorwith aburden.And Paul remembered telling himself: You always know when they’re
carryingabody.Chani’swaterrings,wornopenlyinsietchonacordaroundherneck,tinkled
assheturnedtowardhim.“Chani,whatisthis?”heasked.“Idispatchedonewhocametochallengeyouinsinglecombat,Usul.”“Youkilledhim?”“Yes.ButperhapsIshould’velefthimforHarah.”(And Paul recalled how the faces of the people around them had showed
appreciationforthesewords.EvenHarahhadlaughed.)“Buthecametochallengeme!”“Youtrainedmeyourselfintheweirdingway,Usul.”“Certainly!Butyoushouldn’t—”“Iwasborninthedesert,Usul.Iknowhowtouseacrysknife.”Hesuppressedhisanger,triedtotalkreasonably.“Thismayallbetrue,Chani,
but—”“I am no longer a child hunting scorpions in the sietch by the light of a
handglobe,Usul.Idonotplaygames.”Paulglaredather,caughtbytheoddferocitybeneathhercasualattitude.“Hewasnotworthy,Usul,”Chanisaid.“I’dnotdisturbyourmeditationswith
the likes of him.”Shemoved closer, looking at himout of the corners of hereyes,droppinghervoice so thatonlyhemighthear. “And,beloved,when it’slearned that a challenger may face me and be brought to shameful death byMuad’Dib’swoman,there’llbefewerchallengers.”Yes,Paultoldhimself,thathadcertainlyhappened.Itwastrue-past.Andthe
numberofchallengerstestingthenewbladeofMuad’Dibdiddropdramatically.Somewhere,inaworldnot-of-the-dream,therewasahintofmotion,thecry
ofanightbird.Idream,Paulreassuredhimself.It’sthespicemeal.Still,therewasabouthimafeelingofabandonment.Hewonderedifitmight
bepossible thathis ruh-spirit had slippedover somehow into theworldwherethe Fremen believed he had his true existence—into the alam al-mithal, theworldofsimilitudes,thatmetaphysicalrealmwhereallphysicallimitationswereremoved.Andheknewfearatthethoughtofsuchaplace,becauseremovalofall limitationsmeant removal of all points of reference. In the landscape of amythhecouldnotorienthimselfandsay:“IamIbecauseIamhere.”Hismotherhadsaidonce:“Thepeoplearedivided,someofthem,inhowthey
thinkofyou.”Imustbewakingfromthedream,Paultoldhimself.Forthishadhappened—
thesewordsfromhismother,theLadyJessicawhowasnowaReverendMotheroftheFremen,thesewordshadpassedthroughreality.Jessica was fearful of the religious relationship between himself and the
Fremen,Paulknew.Shedidn’tlikethefactthatpeopleofbothsietchandgrabenreferred to Muad’Dib as Him. And she went questioning among the tribes,sendingoutherSayyadinaspies,collectingtheiranswersandbroodingonthem.ShehadquotedaBeneGesseritproverbtohim:“Whenreligionandpolitics
travel in thesamecart, theridersbelievenothingcanstand in theirway.Theirmovement become headlong—faster and faster and faster. They put aside allthoughtofobstaclesandforgetthataprecipicedoesnotshowitselftothemaninablindrushuntilit’stoolate.”Paul recalled that he had sat there in his mother’s quarters, in the inner
chamber shrouded by dark hangings with their surfaces covered by wovenpatternsoutofFremenmythology.Hehadsatthere,hearingherout,notingtheway shewas always observing—evenwhen her eyeswere lowered. Her ovalfacehadnew lines in it at thecornersof themouth,but thehairwas still likepolishedbronze.Thewide-setgreeneyes,though,hidbeneaththeirovercastingofspice-imbuedblue.“TheFremenhaveasimple,practicalreligion,”hesaid.“Nothingaboutreligionissimple,”shewarned.ButPaul, seeing theclouded future that stillhungover them, foundhimself
swayed by anger. He could only say: “Religion unifies our forces. It’s ourmystique.”
“You deliberately cultivate this air, this bravura,” she charged. “You neverceaseindoctrinating.”“Thusyouyourselftaughtme,”hesaid.Butshehadbeenfullofcontentionsandargumentsthatday.Ithadbeenthe
dayof thecircumcisionceremonyfor littleLeto.Paulhadunderstoodsomeofthereasonsforherupset.Shehadneveracceptedhisliaison—the“marriageofyouth”—withChani.ButChanihadproducedanAtreidesson,andJessicahadfoundherselfunabletorejectthechildwiththemother.Jessica had stirred finally under his stare, said: “You thinkme an unnatural
mother.”“Ofcoursenot.”“IseethewayyouwatchmewhenI’mwithyoursister.Youdon’tunderstand
aboutyoursister.”“IknowwhyAliaisdifferent,”hesaid.“Shewasunborn,partofyou,when
youchangedtheWaterofLife.She—”“Youknownothingofit!”AndPaul, suddenlyunable toexpress theknowledgegainedoutof its time,
saidonly:“Idon’tthinkyouunnatural.”Shesawhisdistress,said:“Thereisathing,Son.”“Yes?”“IdoloveyourChani.Iaccepther.”This was real, Paul told himself. This wasn’t the imperfect vision to be
changedbythetwistingsoutoftime’sownbirth.Thereassurancegavehimanewholdonhisworld.Bitsofsolidrealitybegan
todipthroughthedreamstateintohisawareness.Heknewsuddenlythathewasinahiereg,adesertcamp.Chanihadplantedtheirstilltentonflour-sandforitssoftness.ThatcouldonlymeanChaniwasnearby—Chani,hissoul,Chanihissihaya, sweet as the desert spring, Chani up from the palmaries of the deepsouth.Now,herememberedhersingingasandchantytohiminthetimeforsleep.
“Omysoul,HavenotasteforParadisethisnight,AndIswearbyShai-huludYouwillgothere,Obedienttomylove.”
Andshehadsungthewalkingsongloverssharedonthesand,itsrhythmlike
thedragofthedunesagainstthefeet:
“TellmeofthineeyesAndIwilltelltheeofthyheart.TellmeofthyfeetAndIwilltelltheeofthyhands.TellmeofthysleepingAndIwilltelltheeofthywaking.TellmeofthydesiresAndIwilltelltheeofthyneed.”
Hehadheardsomeonestrummingabalisetinanothertent.Andhe’dthoughtthenofGurneyHalleck.Remindedbythefamiliarinstrument,hehadthoughtofGurneywhosefacehehadseeninasmugglerband,butwhohadnotseenhim,couldnotseehimorknowofhimlestthatinadvertentlyleadtheHarkonnenstothesonoftheDuketheyhadkilled.Butthestyleoftheplayerinthenight,thedistinctivenessofthefingersonthe
baliset’s strings,brought the realmusicianback toPaul’smemory. IthadbeenChatttheLeaper,captainoftheFedaykin,leaderofthedeathcommandoswhoguardedMuad’Dib.Weareinthedesert,Paulremembered.Weareinthecentralergbeyondthe
Harkonnenpatrols.Iamheretowalkthesand,tolureamakerandmounthimbymyowncunningthatImaybeaFremenentire.He felt now the maula pistol at his belt, the crysknife. He felt the silence
surroundinghim.Itwasthatspecialpre-morningsilencewhenthenightbirdshadgoneandthe
daycreatureshadnotyetsignaledtheiralertnesstotheirenemy,thesun.“YoumustridethesandinthelightofdaythatShai-huludshallseeandknow
you have no fear,” Stilgar had said. “Thus we turn our time around and setourselvestosleepthisnight.”Quietly, Paul sat up, feeling the looseness of a slacked stillsuit around his
body,theshadowedstilltentbeyond.Sosoftlyhemoved,yetChaniheardhim.Shespokefromthetent’sgloom,anothershadowthere:“It’snotyetfulllight,
beloved.”“Sihaya,”hesaid,speakingwithhalfalaughinhisvoice.“Youcallmeyourdesertspring,”shesaid,“butthisdayI’mthygoad.Iam
theSayyadinawhowatchesthattheritesbeobeyed.”Hebegantighteninghisstillsuit.“YoutoldmeoncethewordsoftheKitabal-
Ibar,”hesaid.“Youtoldme:”Womanis thyfield;go then to thyfieldand tillit.’”“Iamthemotherofthyfirstborn,”sheagreed.Hesawherinthegraynessmatchinghimmovementformovement,securing
herstillsuitfortheopendesert.“Youshouldgetalltherestyoucan,”shesaid.He recognized her love for him speaking then and chided her gently: “The
SayyadinaoftheWatchdoesnotcautionorwarnthecandidate.”Sheslidacrosstohisside,touchedhischeekwithherpalm.“Today,Iamboth
thewatcherandthewoman.”“Youshould’veleftthisdutytoanother,”hesaid.“Waitingisbadenoughatbest,”shesaid.“I’dsoonerbeatthyside.”Hekissedherpalmbefore securing the faceflapofhis suit, then turnedand
crackedthesealofthetent.Theairthatcameintothemheldthechillnot-quite-drynessthatwouldprecipitatetracedewinthedawn.Withitcamethesmellofapre-spicemass, themass they had detected off to the northeast, and that toldthemtherewouldbeamakernearby.Paulcrawledthroughthesphincteropening,stoodonthesandandstretched
thesleepfromhismuscles.Afaintgreen-pearlluminescenceetchedtheeasternhorizon.Thetentsofhistroopweresmallfalsedunesaroundhiminthegloom.Hesawmovementofftotheleft—theguard,andknewtheyhadseenhim.Theyknewtheperilhefacedthisday.EachFremenhadfacedit.Theygave
himthislastfewmomentsofisolationnowthathemightpreparehimself.Itmustbedonetoday,hetoldhimself.Hethoughtofthepowerhewieldedinthefaceofthepogrom—theoldmen
whosent their sons tohim tobe trained in theweirdingwayofbattle, theoldmenwho listened tohimnowincounciland followedhisplans, themenwhoreturned to pay him that highest Fremen compliment : “Your plan worked,Muad’Dib.”YetthemeanestandsmallestoftheFremenwarriorscoulddoathingthathe
had never done.And Paul knew his leadership suffered from the omnipresentknowledgeofthisdifferencebetweenthem.Hehadnotriddenthemaker.Oh,he’dgoneupwith theothersfor training tripsandraids,buthehadnot
madehisownvoyage.Untilhedid,hisworldwasboundedby theabilitiesofothers.NotrueFremencouldpermit this.Untilhedid this thinghimself,eventhe great southlands—the area some twenty thumpers beyond the erg—weredeniedhimunlessheorderedapalanquinandrode likeaReverendMotheror
oneofthesickandwounded.Memoryreturnedtohimofhiswrestlingwithhisinnerawarenessduringthe
night.He saw a strange parallel here—if hemastered themaker, his rulewasstrengthened; if he mastered the inward eye, this carried its own measure ofcommand.Butbeyondthembothlaythecloudedarea, theGreatUnrestwherealltheuniverseseemedembroiled.The differences in the ways he comprehended the universe haunted him—
accuracy matched with inaccuracy. He saw it in situ. Yet, when it was born,whenitcameintothepressuresofreality,thenowhaditsownlifeandgrewwithits own subtle differences. Terrible purpose remained. Race consciousnessremained.Andoverallloomedthejihad,bloodyandwild.Chanijoinedhimoutsidethetent,huggingherelbows,lookingupathimfrom
thecornersofhereyesthewayshedidwhenshestudiedhismood.“Tellmeagainaboutthewatersofthybirthworld,Usul,”shesaid.Hesawthatshewas trying todistracthim,easehismindof tensionsbefore
thedeadlytest.Itwasgrowinglighter,andhenotedthatsomeofhisFedaykinwerealreadystrikingtheirtents.“I’dratheryoutoldmeaboutthesietchandaboutourson,”hesaid.“Doesour
Letoyetholdmymotherinhispalm?”“It’sAliaheholdsaswell,”shesaid.“Andhegrowsrapidly.He’llbeabig
man.”“What’sitlikeinthesouth?”heasked.“Whenyouridethemakeryou’llseeforyourself,”shesaid.“ButIwishtoseeitfirstthroughyoureyes.”“It’spowerfullylonely,”shesaid.He touched the nezhoni scarf at her forehead where it protruded from her
stillsuitcap.“Whywillyounottalkaboutthesietch?”“I have talked about it.The sietch is a lonely placewithout ourmen. It’s a
place of work. We labor in the factories and the potting rooms. There areweapons tobemade,poles toplant thatwemay forecast theweather, spice tocollectforthebribes.Therearedunestobeplantedtomakethemgrowandtoanchorthem.Therearefabricsandrugstomake,fuelcellstocharge.Therearechildrentotrainthatthetribe’sstrengthmayneverbelost.”“Isnothingthenpleasantinthesietch?”heasked.“The children are pleasant. We observe the rites. We have sufficient food.
Sometimesoneofusmaycomenorthtobewithherman.Lifemustgoon.”“Mysister,Alia—issheacceptedyetbythepeople?”
Chaniturnedtowardhiminthegrowingdawnlight.Hereyesboredintohim.“It’sathingtobediscussedanothertime,beloved.”“Letusdiscussitnow.”“Youshouldconserveyourenergiesforthetest,”shesaid.Hesawthathehadtouchedsomethingsensitive,hearingthewithdrawalinher
voice.“Theunknownbringsitsownworries,”hesaid.Presently she nodded, said, “There is yet... misunderstanding because of
Alia’s strangeness. Thewomen are fearful because a child littlemore than aninfanttalks...ofthingsthatonlyanadultshouldknow.Theydonotunderstandthe...changeinthewombthatmadeAlia...different.”“Thereistrouble?”heasked.Andhethought:I’veseenvisionsoftroubleover
Alia.Chani looked toward the growing line of the sunrise. “Some of thewomen
banded to appeal to the Reverend Mother. They demanded she exorcise thedemon in her daughter. They quoted the scripture: ‘Suffer not awitch to liveamongus.’”“Andwhatdidmymothersaytothem?”“She recited the law and sent thewomen away abashed. She said: ‘If Alia
incites trouble, it is the fault of authority for not forseeing and preventing thetrouble.’And she tried to explain how the change hadworked onAlia in thewomb. But thewomenwere angry because they had been embarrassed. Theywentawaymuttering.”TherewillbetroublebecauseofAlia,hethought.Acrystalblowingofsandtouchedtheexposedportionsofhisface,bringing
the scent of the pre-spice mass. “Ei Sayal, the rain of sand that brings themorning,”hesaid.He looked out across the gray light of the desert landscape, the landscape
beyondpity,thesandthatwasformabsorbedinitself.Drylightningstreakedadarkcorner to thesouth—sign thatastormhadbuiltup itsstaticcharge there.Therollofthunderboomedlongafter.“Thevoicethatbeautifiestheland,”Chanisaid.Moreofhismenwerestirringoutoftheirtents.Guardswerecominginfrom
the rims. Everything around him moved smoothly in the ancient routine thatrequirednoorders.“Giveasfewordersaspossible,”hisfatherhadtoldhim...once...longago.
“Once you’ve given orders on a subject, youmust always give orders on thatsubject.”
TheFremenknewthisruleinstinctively.Thetroop’swatermasterbeganthemorningchanty,addingtoitnowthecall
fortheritetoinitiateasandrider.“Theworldisacarcass,”themanchanted,hisvoicewailingacrossthedunes.
“Who can turn away theAngel ofDeath?What Shai-hulud has decreedmustbe.”Paullistened,recognizingthatthesewerethewordsthatalsobeganthedeath
chant of his Fedaykin, thewords the death commandos recited as they hurledthemselvesintobattle.Willtherebearockshrineherethisdaytomarkthepassingofanothersoul?
Paul asked himself.Will Fremen stop here in the future, each to add anotherstoneandthinkonMuad’Dibwhodiedinthisplace?Heknewthiswasamongthealternativestoday,afactalonglinesofthefuture
radiating from this position in time-space. The imperfect vision plagued him.Themoreheresistedhis terriblepurposeandfoughtagainst thecomingof thejihad,thegreatertheturmoilthatwovethroughhisprescience.Hisentirefuturewasbecoming likea riverhurtling towardachasm—theviolentnexusbeyondwhichallwasfogandclouds.“Stilgar approaches,”Chani said. “Imust stand apart now, beloved.Now, I
must be Sayyadina and observe the rite that it may be reported truly in theChronicles.”Shelookedupathimand,foramoment,herreserveslipped,thenshehadherselfundercontrol.“When this ispast, I shallprepare thybreakfastwithmyownhands,”shesaid.Sheturnedaway.Stilgarmovedtowardhimacrossthefloursand,stirringuplittledustpuddles.
Thedarknichesofhiseyes remainedsteadyonPaulwith theiruntamedstare.Theglimpseofblackbeardabovethestillsuitmask,thelinesofcraggycheeks,couldhavebeenwind-etchedfromthenativerockforalltheirmovement.ThemancarriedPaul’sbanneronitsstaff—thegreenandblackbannerwitha
water tube in the staff—that alreadywas a legend in the land.Halfpridefully,Paulthought:Icannotdothesimplestthingwithoutitsbecomingalegend.TheywillmarkhowIpartedfromChani,howIgreetStilgar—everymoveImakethisday.Liveordie, it isa legend. Imustnotdie.Then itwillbeonly legendandnothingtostopthejihad.StilgarplantedthestaffinthesandbesidePaul,droppedhishandstohissides.
Theblue-within-blueeyesremainedlevelandintent.AndPaulthoughthowhisowneyesalreadywereassumingthismaskofcolorfromthespice.“TheydeniedustheHajj,”Stilgarsaidwithritualsolemnity.
AsChanihadtaughthim,Paulresponded:“WhocandenyaFrementherighttowalkorridewherehewills?”“IamaNaib,”Stilgarsaid,“nevertobetakenalive.Iamalegofthedeath
tripodthatwilldestroyourfoes.”Silencesettledoverthem.Paulglancedat theotherFremenscatteredover thesandbeyondStilgar, the
way they stood without moving for this moment of personal prayer. And hethoughtofhowtheFremenwereapeoplewhoselivingconsistedofkilling,anentire peoplewho had livedwith rage and grief all of their days, never onceconsideringwhatmighttaketheplaceofeither—exceptforadreamwithwhichLiet-Kyneshadinfusedthembeforehisdeath.“WhereistheLordwholedusthroughthelandofdesertandofpits?”Stilgar
asked.“Heiseverwithus,”theFremenchanted.Stilgar squared his shoulders, stepped closer to Paul and lowered his voice.
“Now, rememberwhat I told you.Do it simply and directly—nothing fancy.Amongourpeople,weridethemakerat theageof twelve.Youaremorethansixyearsbeyond that age andnotborn to this life.Youdon’t have to impressanyonewithyourcourage.Weknowyouarebrave.Allyoumustdoiscallthemakerandridehim.”“Iwillremember,”Paulsaid.“Seethatyoudo.I’llnothaveyoushamemyteaching.”Stilgar pulled a plastic rod about a meter long from beneath his robe. The
thingwaspointedatoneend,hada spring-woundclapper at theother end. “Ipreparedthisthumpermyself.It’sagoodone.Takeit.”Paulfeltthewarmsmoothnessoftheplasticasheacceptedthethumper.“Shishaklihasyourhooks,”Stilgarsaid.“He’llhandthemtoyouasyoustep
outontothatduneoverthere.”Hepointedtohisright.“Callabigmaker,Usul.Showustheway.”PaulmarkedthetoneofStilgar’svoice—halfritualandhalfthatofaworried
friend.Inthatinstant, thesunseemedtoboundabovethehorizon.Theskytookon
the silvered gray-blue that warned this would be a day of extreme heat anddrynessevenforArrakis.“It is the time of the scalding day,” Stilgar said, and now his voice was
entirelyritual.“Go,Usul,andridethemaker,travelthesandasaleaderofmen.”Paulsalutedhisbanner,notinghowthegreenandblackflaghunglimplynow
thatthedawnwindhaddied.HeturnedtowardtheduneStilgarhadindicated—adirtytanslopewithanS-trackcrest.Already,mostofthetroopwasmovingoutintheoppositedirection,climbingtheotherdunethathadshelteredtheircamp.One robed figure remained in Paul’s path: Shishakli, a squad leader of the
Fedaykin,onlyhisslope-liddedeyesvisiblebetweenstillsuitcapandmask.Shishaklipresented twothin,whiplikeshaftsasPaulapproached.Theshafts
were about ameter and a half longwith glistening plasteel hoods at one end,roughenedattheotherendforafirmgrip.Paulacceptedthembothinhislefthandasrequiredbytheritual.“Theyaremyownhooks,”Shishaklisaidinahuskyvoice.“Theyneverhave
failed.”Paulnodded,maintaining thenecessarysilence,movedpast themanandup
the dune slope. At the crest, he glanced back, saw the troop scattering like aflightof insects, their robes fluttering.Hestoodalonenowon the sandy ridgewithonlythehorizoninfrontofhim,theflatandunmovinghorizon.Thiswasagood dune Stilgar had chosen, higher than its companions for the viewpointvantage.Stooping, Paul planted the thumper deep into thewindward facewhere the
sandwascompactedandwouldgivemaximumtransmission to thedrumming.Then he hesitated, reviewing the lessons, reviewing the life-and-deathnecessitiesthatfacedhim.Whenhe threwthe latch, the thumperwouldbegin itssummons.Across the
sand,agiantworm—amaker—wouldhearandcometothedrumming.Withthewhiplikehook-staffs,Paulknew,hecouldmountthemaker’shighcurvingback.For as long as a forward edge of aworm’s ring segmentwas held open by ahook,open toadmitabrasivesandinto themoresensitive interior, thecreaturewouldnot retreatbeneath thedesert. Itwould, in fact, roll itsgiganticbody tobringtheopenedsegmentasfarawayfromthedesertsurfaceaspossible.Iamasandrider,Paultoldhimself.Heglanceddownat thehooks inhis lefthand, thinking thathehadonly to
shift those hooks down the curve of a maker’s immense side to make thecreaturerollandturn,guidingitwherehewilled.Hehadseenitdone.Hehadbeenhelpedupthesideofawormforashortrideintraining.Thecaptivewormcouldberiddenuntilitlayexhaustedandquiescentuponthedesertsurfaceandanewmakermustbesummoned.Oncehewaspast this test,Paulknew,hewasqualifiedtomakethe twenty-
thumperjourneyintothesouthland—torestandrestorehimself—intothesouth
wherethewomenandthefamilieshadbeenhiddenfromthepogromamongthenewpalmariesandsietchwarrens.Heliftedhisheadandlookedtothesouth,remindinghimselfthatthemaker
summoned wild from the erg was an unknown quantity, and the one whosummoneditwasequallyunknowntothistest.“You must gauge the approaching maker carefully,” Stilgar had explained.
“Youmuststandcloseenoughthatyoucanmountitasitpasses,yetnotsoclosethatitengulfsyou.”With abrupt decision, Paul released the thumper’s latch. The clapper began
revolving and the summons drummed through the sand, a measured “lump...lump...lump....”Hestraightened, scanning thehorizon, rememberingStilgar’swords: “Judge
the line of approach carefully. Remember, a worm seldom makes an unseenapproachtoathumper.Listenallthesame.Youmayoftenhearitbeforeyouseeit.”And Chani’s words of caution, whispered at night when her fear for him
overcame her, filled hismind: “When you take your stand along themaker’spath, youmust remain utterly still.Youmust think like a patch of sand.Hidebeneathyourcloakandbecomealittleduneinyourveryessence.”Slowly,hescannedthehorizon,listening,watchingforthesignshehadbeen
taught.Itcamefromthesoutheast,adistanthissing,asand-whisper.Presentlyhesaw
thefarawayoutlineofthecreature’strackagainstthedawnlightandrealizedhehad never before seen a maker this large, never heard of one this size. Itappearedtobemorethanhalfaleaguelong,andtheriseofthesandwaveatitscrestingheadwasliketheapproachofamountain.This is nothing I have seen by vision or in life, Paul cautioned himself.He
hurriedacross thepathof the thingto takehisstand,caughtupentirelybytherushingneedsofthismoment.
“Control the coinage and the courts —letthe rabble have the rest.” Thus thePadishahEmperoradvisedyou.Andhe tellsyou:“Ifyouwantprofits,youmustrule.”Thereistruthinthesewords,butIaskmyself:“Whoaretherabbleandwhoaretheruled?”
—Muad’Dib’sSecretMessagetotheLandsraadfrom“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
ATHOUGHT came unbidden to Jessica’smind:Paul will be undergoing hissandridertestatanymomentnow.Theytrytoconcealthisfactfromme,butit’sobvious.AndChanihasgoneonsomemysteriouserrand.Jessica sat in her resting chamber, catching amoment of quiet between the
night’s classes. Itwas apleasant chamber, butnot as large as theone shehadenjoyedinSietchTabrbeforetheirflightfromthepogrom.Still,thisplacehadthick rugs on the floor, soft cushions, a low coffee table near at hand,multicoloredhangingsonthewalls,andsoftyellowglowglobesoverhead.TheroomwaspermeatedwiththedistinctiveacridfurryodorofaFremensietchthatshehadcometoassociatewithasenseofsecurity.Yetsheknewshewouldneverovercomeafeelingofbeinginanalienplace.It
wastheharshnessthattherugsandhangingsattemptedtoconceal.Afainttinkling-drumming-slappingpenetratedtotherestingchamber.Jessica
knew it for a birth celebration, probably Subiay’s. Her time was near. AndJessicaknew she’d see thebaby soon enough—ablue-eyed cherubbrought totheReverendMotherforblessing.Sheknewalsothatherdaughter,Alia,wouldbeatthecelebrationandwouldreportonit.It was not yet time for the nightly prayer of parting. They wouldn’t have
startedabirthcelebrationnearthetimeofceremonythatmournedtheslaveraidsofPoritrin,BelaTegeuse,Rossak,andHarmonthep.Jessicasighed.Sheknewshewastryingtokeepherthoughtsoffhersonand
the dangers he faced—the pit traps with their poisoned barbs, the Harkonnenraids(althoughtheseweregrowingfewerastheFrementooktheirtollofaircraftandraiderswiththenewweaponsPaulhadgiventhem),andthenaturaldangersofthedesert—makersandthirstanddustchasms.Shethoughtofcallingforcoffeeandwiththethoughtcamethatever-present
awarenessofparadox in theFremenwayof life:howwell they lived in thesesietchcavernscomparedtothegrabenpyons;yet,howmuchmoretheyendured
intheopenhajrofthedesertthananythingtheHarkonnenbondsmenendured.Adarkhand inserted itself through thehangingsbesideher,depositedacup
uponthetableandwithdrew.Fromthecuparosethearomaofspicedcoffee.Anofferingfromthebirthcelebration,Jessicathought.Shetookthecoffeeandsippedit,smilingatherself.Inwhatothersocietyof
our universe, she asked herself, could a person of my station accept ananonymousdrinkandquaffthatdrinkwithoutfear?Icouldalteranypoisonnowbeforeitdidmeharm,ofcourse,butthedonordoesn’trealizethis.She drained the cup, feeling the energy and lift of its contents—hot and
delicious.And shewonderedwhat other societywouldhave such a natural regard for
herprivacyandcomfortthatthegiverwouldintrudeonlyenoughtodepositthegiftandnotinflictherwiththedonor?Respectandlovehadsentthegift—withonlyaslighttingeoffear.Another element of the incident forced itself into her awareness: she had
thoughtofcoffeeandithadappeared.Therewasnothingoftelepathyhere,sheknew.Itwasthetau,theonenessofthesietchcommunity,acompensationfromthe subtle poison of the spice diet they shared. The greatmass of the peoplecouldneverhopetoattaintheenlightenmentthespiceseedbroughttoher;theyhadnotbeen trainedandpreparedfor it.Theirmindsrejectedwhat theycouldnotunderstandorencompass.Stilltheyfeltandreactedsometimeslikeasingleorganism.Andthethoughtofcoincidenceneverenteredtheirminds.HasPaulpassedhistestonthesand?Jessicaaskedherself.He’scapable,but
accidentcanstrikedowneventhemostcapable.Thewaiting.It’sthedreariness,shethought.Youcanwaitjustsolong.Thenthedreariness
ofthewaitingovercomesyou.Therewasallmannerofwaitingintheirlives.Morethantwoyearswe’vebeenhere,shethought,andtwicethatnumberat
leasttogobeforewecanevenhopetothinkoftryingtowrestArrakisfromtheHarkonnengovernor,theMudirNahya,theBeastRabban.“ReverendMother?”ThevoicefromoutsidethehangingsatherdoorwasthatofHarah,theother
womaninPaul’smenage.“Yes,Harah.”The hangings parted and Harah seemed to glide through them. She wore
sietch sandals, a red-yellow wraparound that exposed her arms almost to theshoulders.Herblackhairwaspartedinthemiddleandsweptbacklikethewingsofaninsect,flatandoilyagainstherhead.Thejutting,predatoryfeaturesweredrawnintoanintensefrown.BehindHarahcameAlia,agirl-childofabouttwoyears.Seeing her daughter, Jessica was caught as she frequently was by Alia’s
resemblancetoPaulatthatage—thesamewide-eyedsolemnitytoherquestinglook,thedarkhairandfirmnessofmouth.Butthereweresubtledifferences,too,and it was in these that most adults found Alia disquieting. The child—littlemorethanatoddler—carriedherselfwithacalmnessandawarenessbeyondheryears. Adults were shocked to find her laughing at a subtle play of wordsbetweenthesexes.Orthey’dcatchthemselveslisteningtoherhalf-lispingvoice,stillblurredasitwasbyanunformedsoftpalate,anddiscoverinherwordsslyremarks that could only be based on experiences no two-year-old had everencountered.Harahsanktoacushionwithanexasperatedsigh,frownedatthechild.“Alia.”Jessicamotionedtoherdaughter.Thechildcrossed toacushionbesidehermother,sank to itandclaspedher
mother’s hand. The contact of flesh restored that mutual awareness they hadsharedsincebeforeAlia’sbirth.Itwasn’tamatterofsharedthoughts—althoughtherewerebursts of that if they touchedwhile Jessicawas changing the spicepoison for a ceremony. It was something larger, an immediate awareness ofanother living spark, a sharp andpoignant thing, a nerve-sympatico thatmadethememotionallyone.In theformalmanner thatbefittedamemberofherson’shousehold,Jessica
said:“Subakhulkuhar,Harah.Thisnightfindsyouwell?”Withthesametraditionalformality,shesaid:“Subakhunnar.Iamwell.”The
wordswerealmosttoneless.Again,shesighed.JessicasensedamusementfromAlia.“Mybrother’sghanimaisannoyedwithme,”Aliasaidinherhalf-lisp.Jessica marked the term Alia used to refer to Harah—ghanima. In the
subtletiesoftheFrementongue,thewordmeant“somethingacquiredinbattle”and with the added overtone that the something no longer was used for itsoriginalpurpose.Anornament,aspearheadusedasacurtainweight.Harahscowledatthechild.“Don’ttrytoinsultme,child.Iknowmyplace.”“Whathaveyoudonethistime,Alia?”Jessicaasked.Harah answered: “Not only has she refused to playwith the other children
today,butsheintrudedwhere....”“IhidbehindthehangingsandwatchedSubiay’schildbeingborn,”Aliasaid.
“It’s a boy. He cried and cried. What a set of lungs! When he’d cried longenough—”“She came out and touched him,” Harah said, “and he stopped crying.
Everyone knows a Fremen baby must get his crying done at birth, if he’s insietchbecausehecannevercryagainlesthebetrayusonhajr.”“He’dcriedenough,”Aliasaid.“Ijustwantedtofeelhisspark,hislife.That’s
all.Andwhenhefeltmehedidn’twanttocryanymore.”“It’sjustmademoretalkamongthepeople,”Harahsaid.“Subiay’s boy is healthy?” Jessica asked. She saw that something was
troublingHarahdeeplyandwonderedatit.“Healthyasanymothercouldask,”Harahsaid.“TheyknowAliadidn’thurt
him.Theydidn’tsomuchmindher touchinghim.Hesettleddownrightawayandwashappy.Iwas....”Harahshrugged.“It’s thestrangenessofmydaughter, is that it?”Jessicaasked.“It’s theway
shespeaksofthingsbeyondheryearsandofthingsnochildheragecouldknow—thingsofthepast.”“How could she know what a child looked like on Bela Tegeuse?” Harah
demanded.“Buthedoes!”Aliasaid,“Subiay’sboylooksjustlikethesonofMithaborn
beforetheparting.”“Alia!”Jessicasaid.“Iwarnedyou.”“But,Mother,Isawitanditwastrueand....”Jessicashookherhead,seeingthesignsofdisturbanceinHarah’sface.What
have I borne? Jessica askedherself.Adaughterwho knewat birth everythingthatIknew...andmore:everythingrevealedtoheroutof thecorridorsof thepastbytheReverendMotherswithinme.“It’snotjustthethingsshesays,”Harahsaid.“It’stheexercises,too:theway
she sits and stares at a rock, moving only one muscle beside her nose, or amuscleonthebackofafinger,or—”“ThosearetheBeneGesserittraining,”Jessicasaid.“Youknowthat,Harah.
Wouldyoudenymydaughterherinheritance?”“ReverendMother, you know these things don’tmatter tome,”Harah said.
“It’s the people and the way they mutter. I feel danger in it. They say yourdaughter’sademon,thatotherchildrenrefusetoplaywithher,thatshe’s—”“Shehassolittleincommonwiththeotherchildren,”Jessicasaid.“She’sno
demon.It’sjustthe—”“Ofcourseshe’snot!”Jessica found herself surprised at the vehemence in Harah’s tone, glanced
downatAlia.Thechildappearedlostinthought,radiatingasenseof...waiting.JessicareturnedherattentiontoHarah.“Irespectthefactthatyou’reamemberofmyson’shousehold,”Jessicasaid.
(Aliastirredagainstherhand.)“Youmayspeakopenlywithmeofwhatever’stroublingyou.”“Iwillnotbeamemberofyour son’shouseholdmuch longer,”Harahsaid.
“I’vewaitedthislongforthesakeofmysons,thespecialtrainingtheyreceiveasthechildrenofUsul.It’slittleenoughIcouldgivethemsinceit’sknownIdon’tshareyourson’sbed.”AgainAliastirredbesideher,half-sleeping,warm.“You’dhavemadeagoodcompanionformyson,though,”Jessicasaid.And
sheadded toherselfbecause such thoughtswere everwithher:Companion ...notawife. Jessica’s thoughtswent then straight to the center, to thepang thatcame from the common talk in the sietch that her son’s companionship withChanihadbecomeapermanentthing,themarriage.IloveChani,Jessicathought,butsheremindedherselfthatlovemighthaveto
stepasideforroyalnecessity.Royalmarriageshadotherreasonsthanlove.“YouthinkIdon’tknowwhatyouplanforyourson?”Harahasked.“Whatdoyoumean?”Jessicademanded.“YouplantounitethetribesunderHim,”Harahsaid.“Isthatbad?”“Iseedangerforhim...andAliaispartofthatdanger.”Alianestledclosertohermother,eyesopenednowandstudyingHarah.“I’vewatchedyoutwotogether,”Harahsaid,“thewayyoutouch.AndAliais
like my own flesh because she’s sister to one who is like my brother. I’vewatchedoverherandguardedherfromthetimeshewasamerebaby,fromthetimeoftherazziawhenwefledhere.I’veseenmanythingsabouther.”Jessicanodded,feelingdisquietbegintogrowinAliabesideher.“YouknowwhatImean,”Harahsaid.“Thewaysheknewfromthefirstwhat
weweresayingtoher.Whenhastherebeenanotherbabywhoknewthewaterdiscipline so young?What other baby’s firstwords to her nursewere: ‘I loveyou,Harah’?”HarahstaredatAlia.“WhydoyouthinkIacceptherinsults?Iknowthere’s
nomaliceinthem.”
Alialookedupathermother.“Yes,Ihavereasoningpowers,ReverendMother,”Harahsaid.“Icouldhave
beenoftheSayyadina.IhaveseenwhatIhaveseen.”“Harah....”Jessicashrugged.“Idon’tknowwhattosay.”Andshefeltsurprise
atherself,becausethisliterallywastrue.Alia straightened, squared her shoulders. Jessica felt the sense of waiting
ended,anemotioncompoundedofdecisionandsadness.“Wemadeamistake,”Aliasaid.“NowweneedHarah.”“Itwastheceremonyoftheseed,”Harahsaid,“whenyouchangedtheWater
ofLife,ReverendMother,whenAliawasyetunbornwithinyou.”NeedHarah?Jessicaaskedherself.“Who else can talk among the people and make them begin to understand
me?”Aliaasked.“Whatwouldyouhaveherdo?”Jessicaasked.“Shealreadyknowswhattodo,”Aliasaid.“Iwilltellthemthetruth,”Harahsaid.Herfaceseemedsuddenlyoldandsad
withitsoliveskindrawnintofrownwrinkles,awitcheryinthesharpfeatures.“IwilltellthemthatAliaonlypretendstobealittlegirl,thatshehasneverbeenalittlegirl.”Aliashookherhead.Tearsrandownhercheeks,andJessicafeltthewaveof
sadnessfromherdaughterasthoughtheemotionwereherown.“IknowI’mafreak,”Aliawhispered.Theadultsummationcomingfromthe
childmouthwaslikeabitterconfirmation.“You’renotafreak!”Harahsnapped.“Whodaredsayyou’reafreak?”Again,JessicamarveledatthefiercenoteofprotectivenessinHarah’svoice.
JessicasawthenthatAliahadjudgedcorrectly—theydidneedHarah.ThetribewouldunderstandHarah—bothherwordsandheremotions—foritwasobviousshelovedAliaasthoughthiswereherownchild.“Whosaidit?”Harahrepeated.“Nobody.”Alia used a corner of Jessica’s aba to wipe the tears from her face. She
smoothedtherobewhereshehaddampenedandcrumpledit.“Thendon’tyousayit,”Harahordered.“Yes,Harah.”“Now,”Harahsaid,“youmaytellmewhat itwas likeso thatImaytell the
others.Tellmewhatitisthathappenedtoyou.”Aliaswallowed,lookedupathermother.
Jessicanodded.“OnedayIwokeup,”Aliasaid.“ItwaslikewakingfromsleepexceptthatI
could not remember going to sleep. I was in a warm, dark place. And I wasfrightened.”Listening to the half-lisping voice of her daughter, Jessica remembered that
dayinthebigcavern.“WhenIwasfrightened,”Aliasaid,“Itriedtoescape,buttherewasnowayto
escape.ThenIsawaspark...butitwasn’texactlylikeseeingit.ThesparkwasjusttherewithmeandIfeltthespark’semotions...soothingme,comfortingme,tellingmethatwaythateverythingwouldbeallright.Thatwasmymother.”Harahrubbedathereyes,smiledreassuringlyatAlia.Yettherewasalookof
wildnessintheeyesoftheFremenwoman,anintensityasthoughthey,too,weretryingtohearAlia’swords.AndJessicathought:Whatdowereallyknowofhowsuchaonethinks...out
ofheruniqueexperiencesandtrainingandancestry?“JustwhenIfeltsafeandreassured,”Aliasaid,“therewasanothersparkwith
us ... and everything was happening at once. The other spark was the oldReverendMother.Shewas...tradingliveswithmymother...everything...andIwastherewiththem,seeingitall...everything.Anditwasover,andIwasthemandalltheothersandmyself...onlyittookmealongtimetofindmyselfagain.Thereweresomanyothers.”“Itwasacruelthing,”Jessicasaid.“Nobeingshouldwakeintoconsciousness
thus.Thewonderofitisyoucouldacceptallthathappenedtoyou.”“Icouldn’tdoanythingelse!”Aliasaid.“Ididn’tknowhowtorejectorhide
myconsciousness...orshutitoff...everythingjusthappened...everything....”“Wedidn’tknow,”Harahmurmured.“WhenwegaveyourmothertheWater
tochange,wedidn’tknowyouexistedwithinher.”“Don’tbesadabout it,Harah,”Aliasaid.“Ishouldn’t feelsorryformyself.
Afterall,there’scauseforhappinesshere:I’maReverendMother.ThetribehastwoRev....”Shebrokeoff,tippingherheadtolisten.Harah rocked back on her heels against the sitting cushion, stared at Alia,
bringingherattentionthenuptoJessica’sface.“Didn’tyoususpect?”Jessicaasked.“Sh-h-h-h,”Aliasaid.Adistantrhythmicchantingcametothemthroughthehangingsthatseparated
them from the sietch corridors. It grew louder, carrying distinct sounds now:
“Ya!Ya! Yawm! Ya! Ya! Yawm! Mu zein, wallah! Ya! Ya! Yawm! Mu zein,Wallah!”The chanters passed theouter entrance, and their voicesboomed through to
theinnerapartments.Slowlythesoundreceded.Whenthesoundhaddimmedsufficiently,Jessicabegantheritual,thesadness
inhervoice:“ItwasRamadhanandAprilonBelaTegeuse.”“My family sat in their pool courtyard,” Harah said, “in air bathed by the
moisturethatarosefromthesprayofafountain.Therewasatreeofportyguls,roundanddeepincolor,nearathand.Therewasabasketwithmishmishandbaklawaandmugsofliban—allmannerofgoodthingstoeat.Inourgardensandinourflocks,therewaspeace...peaceinalltheland.”“Lifewasfullwithhappinessuntiltheraiderscame,”Aliasaid.“Blood ran cold at the scream of friends,” Jessica said. And she felt the
memoriesrushingthroughheroutofallthoseotherpastssheshared.“La,la,la,thewomencried,”saidHarah.“The raiders came through the mushtamal, rushing at us with their knives
drippingredfromthelivesofourmen,”Jessicasaid.Silence came over the three of them as it was in all the apartments of the
sietch,thesilencewhiletheyrememberedandkepttheirgriefthusfresh.Presently,Harahutteredtheritualendingtotheceremony,givingthewordsa
harshnessthatJessicahadneverbeforeheardinthem.“Wewillneverforgiveandwewillneverforget,”Harahsaid.In the thoughtful quiet that followed her words, they heard a muttering of
people, the swishofmany robes. Jessica sensed someone standingbeyond thehangingsthatshieldedherchamber.“ReverendMother?”A woman’s voice, and Jessica recognized it: the voice of Tharthar, one of
Stilgar’swives.“Whatisit,Tharthar?”“Thereistrouble,ReverendMother.”Jessica feltaconstrictionatherheart,anabrupt fear forPaul.“Paul ...” she
gasped.Tharthar spread the hangings, stepped into the chamber. Jessica glimpsed a
press of people in the outer room before the hangings fell. She looked up atTharthar—asmall,darkwomaninared-figuredrobeofblack,thetotalblueofhereyestrainedfixedlyonJessica,thenostrilsofhertinynosedilatedtorevealtheplugscars.
“Whatisit?”Jessicademanded.“Thereiswordfromthesand,”Thartharsaid.“Usulmeetsthemakerforhis
test ... it is today.Theyoungmensayhecannotfail,hewillbeasandriderbynightfall.Theyoungmenarebanding for a razzia.Theywill raid in thenorthandmeetUsul there.Theysay theywill raise thecry then.Theysay theywillforcehimtocalloutStilgarandassumecommandofthetribes.”Gatheringwater,plantingthedunes,changingtheirworldslowlybutsurely—
thesearenolongerenough,Jessicathought.Thelittleraids,thecertainraids—these are no longer enoughnow thatPaul and I have trained them.They feeltheirpower.Theywanttofight.Thartharshiftedfromonefoottotheother,clearedherthroat.Weknowtheneedforcautiouswaiting,Jessicathought,butthere’sthecoreof
ourfrustration.Weknowalsotheharmthatwaitingextendedtoolongcandous.Weloseoursensesofpurposeifthewaiting’sprolonged.“TheyoungmensayifUsuldoesnotcalloutStilgar,thenhemustbeafraid,”
Thartharsaid.Sheloweredhergaze.“So that’s theway of it,” Jessicamuttered. And she thought:Well I saw it
coming.AsdidStilgar.Again, Tharthar cleared her throat. “Even my brother, Shoab, says it,” she
said.“TheywillleaveUsulnochoice.”Thenithascome,Jessicathought.AndPaulwillhavetohandleithimself.The
ReverendMotherdarenotbecomeinvolvedinthesuccession.Alia freed her hand from her mother’s, said: “I will go with Tharthar and
listentotheyoungmen.Perhapsthereisaway.”JessicametTharthar’sgaze,butspoketoAlia:“Go,then.Andreporttomeas
soonasyoucan.”“Wedonotwantthisthingtohappen,ReverendMother,”Thartharsaid.“We do notwant it,” Jessica agreed. “The tribe needsall its strength.” She
glancedatHarah.“Willyougowiththem?”Harah answered the unspoken part of the question: “Thartharwill allow no
harm to befallAlia. She knowswewill soon bewives together, she and I, toshare the same man. We have talked, Tharthar and I.” Harah looked up atTharthar,backtoJessica.“Wehaveanunderstanding.”ThartharheldoutahandforAlia,said:“Wemusthurry.Theyoungmenare
leaving.”They pressed through the hangings, the child’s hand in the small woman’s
hand,butthechildseemedtobeleading.“If Paul-Muad’Dib slays Stilgar, this will not serve the tribe,” Harah said.
“Alwaysbefore,ithasbeenthewayofsuccession,buttimeshavechanged.”“Timeshavechangedforyou,aswell,”Jessicasaid.“Youcannot think Idoubt theoutcomeof suchabattle,”Harah said. “Usul
couldnotbutwin.”“Thatwasmymeaning,”Jessicasaid.“And you thinkmy personal feelings enter intomy judgment,”Harah said.
Sheshookherhead,herwaterringstinklingatherneck.“Howwrongyouare.Perhapsyouthink,aswell,thatIregretnotbeingthechosenofUsul,thatIamjealousofChani?”“Youmakeyourownchoiceasyouareable,”Jessicasaid.“IpityChani,”Harahsaid.Jessicastiffened.“Whatdoyoumean?”“IknowwhatyouthinkofChani,”Harahsaid.“Youthinksheisnotthewife
foryourson.”Jessicasettledback,relaxedonhercushions.Sheshrugged.“Perhaps.”“Youcouldberight,”Harahsaid.“Ifyouare,youmayfindasurprisingally—
Chaniherself.ShewantswhateverisbestforHim.”Jessicaswallowedpastasuddentighteninginherthroat.“Chani’sverydearto
me,”shesaid.“Shecouldbeno—”“Yourrugsareverydirtyinhere,”Harahsaid.Sheswepthergazearoundthe
floor, avoiding Jessica’s eyes. “Somany people tramping through here all thetime.Youreallyshouldhavethemcleanedmoreoften.”
Youcannotavoidtheinterplayofpoliticswithinanorthodoxreligion.Thispowerstruggle permeates the training, educating and disciplining of the orthodoxcommunity.Becauseof thispressure, the leadersof suchacommunity inevitablymustfacethatultimateinternalquestion:tosuccumbtocompleteopportunismasthepriceofmaintainingtheirrule,orrisksacrificingthemselvesforthesakeoftheorthodoxethic.
—from“Muad’Dib:TheReligiousIssues”bythePrincessIrulan
PAULWAITED on the sand outside the gigantic maker’s line of approach. Imustnotwait likea smuggler—impatientand jittering,he remindedhimself. Imustbepartofthedesert.Thethingwasonlyminutesawaynow,fillingthemorningwiththefriction-
hissingofitspassage.Itsgreatteethwithinthecavern-circleofitsmouthspreadlikesomeenormousflower.Thespiceodorfromitdominatedtheair.Paul’sstillsuitrodeeasilyonhisbodyandhewasonlydistantlyawareofhis
noseplugs,thebreathingmask.Stilgar’steaching,thepainstakinghoursonthesand,overshadowedallelse.“Howfaroutsidethemaker’sradiusmustyoustandinpeasand?”Stilgarhad
askedhim.Andhehadansweredcorrectly:“Halfameterforeverymeterofthemaker’s
diameter.”“Why?”“Toavoidthevortexofitspassageandstillhavetimetoruninandmountit.”“You’veriddenthelittleonesbredfortheseedandtheWaterofLife,”Stilgar
hadsaid.“Butwhatyou’llsummonforyourtestisawildmaker,anoldmanofthedesert.Youmusthaveproperrespectforsuchaone.”Nowthethumper’sdeepdrummingblendedwiththehissoftheapproaching
worm.Paul breathed deeply, smellingmineral bitterness of sand even throughhisfilters.Thewildmaker,theoldmanofthedesert,loomedalmostonhim.Itscrestingfrontsegmentsthrewasandwavethatwouldsweepacrosshisknees.Comeup,youlovelymonster,hethought.Up.Youhearmecalling.Comeup.
Comeup.Thewaveliftedhisfeet.Surfacedustsweptacrosshim.Hesteadiedhimself,
his world dominated by the passage of that sand-clouded curving wall, thatsegmentedcliff,theringlinessharplydefinedinit.
Paulliftedhishooks,sightedalongthem,leanedin.Hefeltthembiteandpull.He leaped upward, planting his feet against that wall, leaning out against theclinging barbs. This was the true instant of the testing: if he had planted thehookscorrectlyattheleadingedgeofaringsegment,openingthesegment,thewormwouldnotrolldownandcrushhim.Thewormslowed.Itglidedacrossthethumper,silencingit.Slowly,itbegan
toroll—up,up—bringingthoseirritantbarbsashighaspossible,awayfromthesandthatthreatenedthesoftinnerlappingofitsringsegment.Paul found himself riding upright atop the worm. He felt exultant, like an
emperor surveying hisworld.He suppressed a suddenurge to cavort there, toturntheworm,toshowoffhismasteryofthiscreature.SuddenlyheunderstoodwhyStilgarhadwarnedhimonceaboutbrashyoung
men who danced and played with these monsters, doing handstands on theirbacks, removing both hooks and replanting them before theworm could spillthem.Leavingonehookinplace,Paulreleasedtheotherandplanteditlowerdown
theside.Whenthesecondhookwasfirmandtested,hebroughtdownthefirstone, thusworkedhiswaydown the side.Themaker rolled,andas it rolled, itturned,comingaroundthesweepoffloursandwheretheotherswaited.Paulsawthemcomeup,usingtheirhookstoclimb,butavoidingthesensitive
ringedgesuntiltheywereontop.Theyrodeatlastinatriplelinebehindhim,steadiedagainsttheirhooks.Stilgarmovedupthroughtheranks,checkedthepositioningofPaul’shooks,
glancedupatPaul’ssmilingface.“You did it, eh?” Stilgar asked, raising his voice above the hiss of their
passage.“That’swhatyouthink?Youdidit?”Hestraightened.“NowItellyouthatwasaverysloppyjob.Wehavetwelve-year-oldswhodobetter.Therewasdrumsandtoyourleftwhereyouwaited.Youcouldnotretreatthereifthewormturnedthatway.”ThesmileslippedfromPaul’sface.“Isawthedrumsand.”“Thenwhydidyounotsignalforoneofustotakeuppositionsecondaryto
you?Itwasathingyoucoulddoeveninthetest.”Paulswallowed,facedintothewindoftheirpassage.“Youthinkitbadofmetosaythisnow,”Stilgarsaid.“Itismyduty.Ithinkof
your worth to the troop. If you had stumbled into that drumsand, the makerwould’veturnedtowardyou.”Inspiteofasurgeofanger,PaulknewthatStilgarspokethetruth.It tooka
longminuteandthefulleffortof the traininghehadreceivedfromhismotherforPaultorecaptureafeelingofcalm.“Iapologize,”hesaid.“Itwillnothappenagain.”“Ina tightposition, always leaveyourself a secondary, someone to take the
makerifyoucannot,”Stilgarsaid.“Rememberthatweworktogether.Thatway,we’recertain.Weworktogether,eh?”HeslappedPaul’sshoulder.“Weworktogether,”Paulagreed.“Now,” Stilgar said, and his voicewas harsh, “showme you know how to
handleamaker.Whichsideareweon?”Paulglanceddownat thescaledringsurfaceonwhichtheystood,notedthe
characterandsizeofthescales,thewaytheygrewlargerofftohisright,smallertohisleft.Everyworm,heknew,movedcharacteristicallywithonesideupmorefrequently.Asitgrewolder,thecharacteristicup-sidebecameanalmostconstantthing.Bottomscalesgrewlarger,heavier,smoother.Topscalescouldbetoldbysizealoneonabigworm.Shiftinghishooks,Paulmovedtotheleft.Hemotionedflankersdowntoopen
segments along the side and keep the worm on a straight course as it rolled.When he had it turned, he motioned two steersmen out of the line and intopositionsahead.“Ach,haiiiii-yoh!”heshouted in the traditionalcall.The left-sidesteersman
openedaringsegmentthere.In a majestic circle, the maker turned to protect its opened segment. Full
around it came and when it was headed back to the south, Paul shouted:“Geyrat!”Thesteersmanreleasedhishook.Themakerlinedoutinastraightcourse.Stilgarsaid.“Verygood,PaulMuad’Dib.Withplentyofpractice,youmayyet
becomeasandrider.”Paulfrowned,thinking:WasInotfirstup?From behind him there came sudden laughter. The troop began chanting,
flinginghisnameagainstthesky.“Muad‘Dib!Muad’Dib!Muad‘Dib!Muad’Dib!”And far to the rear along the worm’s surface, Paul heard the beat of the
goaders pounding the tail segments.Thewormbeganpickingup speed.Theirrobesflappedinthewind.Theabrasivesoundoftheirpassageincreased.Paul looked back through the troop, found Chani’s face among them. He
lookedatherashespoketoStilgar.“ThenIamasandrider,Stil?”
“Halyawm!Youareasandriderthisday.”“ThenImaychooseourdestination?”“That’sthewayofit.”“AndIamaFremenbornthisdayhereintheHabbanyaerg.Ihavehadnolife
beforethisday.Iwasasachilduntilthisday.”“Notquiteachild,”Stilgarsaid.Hefastenedacornerofhishoodwherethe
windwaswhippingit.“Buttherewasacorksealingoffmyworld,andthatcorkhasbeenpulled.”“Thereisnocork.”“Iwouldgosouth,Stilgar—twentythumpers.Iwouldseethislandwemake,
thislandthatI’veonlyseenthroughtheeyesofothers.”And I would see my son and my family, he thought. I need time now to
considerthefuturethatisapastwithinmymind.TheturmoilcomesandifI’mnotwhereIcanunravelit,thethingwillrunwild.Stilgarlookedathimwithasteady,measuringgaze.Paulkepthisattentionon
Chani, seeing the interest quicken in her face, noting also the excitement hiswordshadkindledinthetroop.“Themen are eager to raidwith you in theHarkonnen sinks,” Stilgar said.
“Thesinksareonlyathumperaway.”“TheFedaykinhaveraidedwithme,”Paulsaid.“They’llraidwithmeagain
untilnoHarkonnenbreathesArrakeenair.”Stilgar studiedhimas they rode, andPaul realized themanwas seeing this
momentthroughthememoryofhowhehadrisentocommandoftheTabrsietchandtoleadershipoftheCouncilofLeadersnowthatLiet-Kyneswasdead.HehasheardthereportsofunrestamongtheyoungFremen,Paulthought.“Doyouwishagatheringoftheleaders?”Stilgarasked.Eyesblazedamong theyoungmenof the troop.Theyswayedas they rode,
and theywatched.AndPaulsawthe lookofunrest inChani’sglance, thewayshe looked fromStilgar,whowasher uncle, toPaul-Muad’Dib,whowashermate.“YoucannotguesswhatIwant,”Paulsaid.Andhethought:Icannotbackdown.Imustholdcontroloverthesepeople.“Youaremudirofthesandridethisday,”Stilgarsaid.Coldformalityrangin
hisvoice:“Howdoyouusethispower?”Weneedtimetorelax,timeforcoolreflection,Paulthought.“Weshallgosouth,”Paulsaid.“EvenifIsayweshallturnbacktothenorthwhenthisdayisover?”
“Weshallgosouth,”Paulrepeated.A sense of inevitable dignity enfolded Stilgar as he pulled his robe tightly
aroundhim.“TherewillbeaGathering,”hesaid.“Iwillsendthemessages.”He thinks Iwill call him out, Paul thought. And he knows he cannot stand
againstme.Paulfacedsouth,feelingthewindagainsthisexposedcheeks,thinkingofthe
necessitiesthatwentintohisdecisions.Theydonotknowhowitis,hethought.Butheknewhecouldnotletanyconsiderationdeflecthim.Hehadtoremain
on the central line of the time storm he could see in the future. Therewouldcomeaninstantwhenitcouldbeunraveled,butonlyifhewerewherehecouldcutthecentralknotofit.Iwillnotcallhimoutifitcanbehelped,hethought.Ifthere’sanotherwayto
preventthejihad....“We’ll camp for the evening meal and prayer at Cave of Birds beneath
HabbanyaRidge,”Stilgar said.He steadiedhimselfwithonehook against theswaying of the maker, gestured ahead at a low rock barrier rising out of thedesert.Paul studied the cliff, the great streaks of rock crossing it like waves. No
green,noblossomsoftenedthatrigidhorizon.Beyonditstretchedthewaytothesoutherndesert—acourseofat least tendaysandnights,as fastas theycouldgoadthemakers.Twentythumpers.ThewayledfarbeyondtheHarkonnenpatrols.Heknewhowitwouldbe.The
dreamshadshownhim.Oneday,astheywent,there’dbeafaintchangeofcoloronthefarhorizon—suchaslightchangethathemightfeelhewasimaginingitoutofhishopes—andtherewouldbethenewsietch.“DoesmydecisionsuitMuad’Dib?”Stilgarasked.Onlythefaintesttouchof
sarcasmtingedhisvoice,butFremenearsaroundthem,alerttoeverytoneinabird’scryoracielago’spipingmessage,heardthesarcasmandwatchedPaultoseewhathewoulddo.“Stilgar heard me swear my loyalty to him when we consecrated the
Fedaykin,” Paul said. “My death commandos know I spokewith honor.DoesStilgardoubtit?”RealpainexposeditselfinPaul’svoice.Stilgarhearditandloweredhisgaze.“Usul, the companionofmy sietch, him Iwouldneverdoubt,”Stilgar said.
“ButyouarePaul-Muad’Dib,theAtreidesDuke,andyouaretheLisanal-Gaib,
theVoicefromtheOuterWorld.ThesemenIdon’tevenknow.”PaulturnedawaytowatchtheHabbanyaRidgeclimboutof thedesert.The
makerbeneaththemstillfeltstrongandwilling.ItcouldcarrythemalmosttwicethedistanceofanyotherinFremenexperience.Heknewit.Therewasnothingoutsidethestoriestoldtochildrenthatcouldmatchthisoldmanofthedesert.Itwasthestuffofanewlegend,Paulrealized.Ahandgrippedhisshoulder.Paul looked at it, followed the arm to the face beyond it—the dark eyes of
Stilgarexposedbetweenfiltermaskandstillsuithood.“TheonewholedTabrsietchbeforeme,”Stilgarsaid,“hewasmyfriend.We
shareddangers.Heowedmehislifemanyatime...andIowedhimmine.”“Iamyourfriend,Stilgar,”Paulsaid.“Noman doubts it,” Stilgar said.He removed his hand, shrugged. “It’s the
way.”Paul saw that Stilgarwas too immersed in the Fremenway to consider the
possibilityofanyother.Herealeadertookthereinsfromthedeadhandsofhispredecessor, or slew among the strongest of his tribe if a leader died in thedesert.Stilgarhadrisentobeanaibinthatway.“Weshouldleavethismakerindeepsand,”Paulsaid.“Yes,”Stilgaragreed.“Wecouldwalktothecavefromhere.”“We’ve riddenhim far enough thathe’ll buryhimself and sulk for adayor
so,”Paulsaid.“You’rethemudirofthesandride,”Stilgarsaid.“Saywhenwe...”Hebroke
off,staredattheeasternsky.Paulwhirled.Thespice-blueovercastonhiseyesmadetheskyappeardark,a
richlyfilteredazureagainstwhichadistantrhythmicflashingstoodoutinsharpcontrast.Ornithopter!“Onesmall’thopter,”Stilgarsaid.“Couldbeascout,”Paulsaid.“Doyouthinkthey’veseenus.”“Atthisdistancewe’rejustawormonthesurface,”Stilgarsaid.Hemotioned
withhislefthand.“Off.Scatteronthesand.”Thetroopbeganworkingdowntheworm’ssides,droppingoff,blendingwith
thesandbeneaththeircloaks.PaulmarkedwhereChanidropped.Presently,onlyheandStilgarremained.“Firstup,lastoff,”Paulsaid.Stilgar nodded, dropped down the side on his hooks, leaped onto the sand.
Paulwaiteduntilthemakerwassafelyclearofthescatterarea,thenreleasedhishooks.Thiswasthetrickymomentwithawormnotcompletelyexhausted.Freedof itsgoadsandhooks, thebigwormbeganburrowing into the sand.
Paul ran lightlybackalong itsbroadsurface, judgedhismomentcarefullyandleapedoff.Helandedrunning,lungedagainsttheslipfaceofadunethewayhehadbeentaught,andhidhimselfbeneaththecascadeofsandoverhisrobe.Now,thewaiting....Paul turned,gently,exposedacrackofskybeneathacrease inhis robe.He
imaginedtheothersbackalongtheirpathdoingthesame.He heard the beat of the ’thopter’s wings before he saw it. There was a
whisper of jetpods and it cameover his patchof desert, turned in a broad arctowardtheridge.Anunmarked’thopter,Paulnoted.ItflewoutofsightbeyondHabbanyaRidge.Abirdcrysoundedoverthedesert.Another.Paulshookhimselffreeofsand,climbedtothedunetop.Otherfiguresstood
out in a line trailing away from the ridge. He recognized Chani and Stilgaramongthem.Stilgarsignaledtowardtheridge.Theygatheredandbegan thesandwalk,glidingover thesurface inabroken
rhythmthatwoulddisturbnomaker.StilgarpacedhimselfbesidePaulalongthewindpackedcrestofadune.“Itwasasmugglercraft,”Stilgarsaid.“Soitseemed,”Paulsaid.“Butthisisdeepintothedesertforsmugglers.”“They’vetheirdifficultieswithpatrols,too,”Stilgarsaid.“Iftheycomethisdeep,theymaygodeeper,”Paulsaid.“True.”“Itwouldn’tbewellforthemtoseewhattheycouldseeiftheyventuredtoo
deepintothesouth.Smugglerssellinformation,too.”“Theywerehuntingspice,don’tyouthink?”Stilgarasked.“Therewillbeawingandacrawlerwaiting somewhere for thatone,”Paul
said.“We’vespice.Let’sbaitapatchofsandandcatchussomesmugglers.Theyshouldbe taught that this isour landandourmenneedpracticewith thenewweapons.”“Now,Usulspeaks,”Stilgarsaid.“UsulthinksFremen.”But Usul must give way to decisions that match a terrible purpose, Paul
thought.
Andthestormwasgathering.
Whenlawanddutyareone,unitedbyreligion,youneverbecomefullyconscious,fullyawareofyourself.Youarealwaysalittlelessthananindividual.
—from“Muad’Dib:TheNinety-NineWondersoftheUniverse”byPrincessIrulan
THE SMUGGLER’Sspice factory with its parent carrier and ring of droneornithopterscameovera liftingofdunes likea swarmof insects following itsqueen.Aheadof theswarmlayoneof the lowrockridges that lifted fromthedesertfloorlikesmallimitationsoftheShieldWall.Thedrybeachesoftheridgeweresweptcleanbyarecentstorm.Inthecon-bubbleofthefactory,GurneyHalleckleanedforward,adjustedthe
oil lenses of his binoculars and examined the landscape.Beyond the ridge, hecould see a dark patch thatmight be a spiceblow, andhe gave the signal to ahoveringornithopterthatsentittoinvestigate.The ’thopterwaggled its wings to indicate it had the signal. It broke away
fromtheswarm,speddowntowardthedarkenedsand,circledtheareawithitsdetectorsdanglingclosetothesurface.Amost immediately, itwent throughthewing-tuckeddipandcircle that told
thewaitingfactorythatspicehadbeenfound.Gurney sheathedhisbinoculars,knowing theothershad seen the signal.He
likedthisspot.Theridgeofferedsomeshieldingandprotection.Thiswasdeepinthedesert,anunlikelyplaceforanambush...still ....Gurneysignaledforacrewtohoverovertheridge,toscanit,sentreservestotakeupstationinpatternaround the area—not too high because then they could be seen from afar byHarkonnendetectors.Hedoubted,though,thatHarkonnenpatrolswouldbethisfarsouth.Thiswas
stillFremencountry.Gurneycheckedhisweapons,damningthefatethatmadeshieldsuselessout
here.Anythingthatsummonedawormhadtobeavoidedatallcosts.Herubbedtheinkvinescaralonghisjaw,studyingthescene,decideditwouldbesafesttolead a ground party through the ridge. Inspection on foot was still the mostcertain.Youcouldn’tbetoocarefulwhenFremenandHarkonnenwereateachother’sthroats.It was Fremen that worried him here. They didn’t mind trading for all the
spiceyoucouldafford,buttheyweredevilsonthewarpathifyousteppedfoot
wheretheyforbadeyoutogo.Andtheyweresodevilishlycunningoflate.ItannoyedGurney,thecunningandadroitnessinbattleofthesenatives.They
displayed a sophistication in warfare as good as anything he had everencountered, andhehadbeen trainedby thebest fighters in theuniverse thenseasonedinbattleswhereonlythesuperiorfewsurvived.AgainGurneyscannedthelandscape,wonderingwhyhefeltuneasy.Perhaps
itwasthewormtheyhadseen...butthatwasontheothersideoftheridge.A head popped up into the con-bubble beside Gurney—the factory
commander,aone-eyedoldpiratewithfullbeard,theblueeyesandmilkyteethofaspicediet.“Looks like a rich patch, sir,” the factory commander said. “Shall I take’er
in?”“Comedownat theedgeofthatridge,”Gurneyordered.“Letmedisembark
withmymen.Youcantractorouttothespicefromthere.We’llhavealookatthatrock.”“Aye.”“In case of trouble,” Gurney said, “save the factory. We’ll lift in the
’thopters.”Thefactorycommandersaluted.“Aye,sir.”Hepoppedbackdownthroughthe
hatch.AgainGurneyscannedthehorizon.Hehadtorespectthepossibilitythatthere
wereFremenhereandhewastrespassing.Fremenworriedhim,theirtoughnessand unpredictability. Many things about this business worried him, but therewards were great. The fact that he couldn’t send spotters high overheadworriedhim,too.Thenecessityofradiosilenceaddedtohisuneasiness.Thefactorycrawlerturned,begantodescend.Gentlyitglideddowntothedry
beachatthefootoftheridge.Treadstouchedsand.Gurney opened the bubble dome, released his safety straps. The instant the
factorystopped,hewasout,slammingthebubbleclosedbehindhim,scramblingout over the tread guards to swing down to the sand beyond the emergencynetting.Thefivemenofhispersonalguardwereoutwithhim,emergingfromthe nose hatch. Others released the factory’s carrier wing. It detached, liftedawaytoflyinaparkingcirclelowoverhead.Immediately the big factory crawler lurched off, swinging away from the
ridgetowardthedarkpatchofspiceoutonthesand.A ’thopter swooped down nearby, skidded to a stop. Another followed and
another.TheydisgorgedGurney’splatoonandliftedtohoverflight.
Gurneytestedhismusclesinhisstillsuit,stretching.Heleftthefiltermaskoffhisface, losingmoisturefor thesakeofagreaterneed—thecarryingpowerofhis voice if he had to shout commands.Hebegan climbingup into the rocks,checkingtheterrain—pebblesandpeasandunderfoot,thesmellofspice.Goodsiteforanemergencybase,hethought.Mightbesensibletoburyafew
supplieshere.Heglancedback,watchinghismen spreadout as they followedhim.Good
men,eventhenewoneshehadn’thadtimetotest.Goodmen.Didn’thavetobetoldevery timewhat todo.Nota shieldglimmer showedonanyof them.Nocowardsinthisbunch,carryingshieldsintothedesertwhereawormcouldsensethefieldandcometorobthemofthespicetheyfound.Fromthisslightelevationintherocks,Gurneycouldseethespicepatchabout
halfakilometerawayandthecrawlerjustreachingthenearedge.Heglancedupat the coverflight, noting the altitude—not too high. He nodded to himself,turnedtoresumehisclimbuptheridge.Inthatinstant,theridgeerupted.Twelveroaringpathsofflamestreakedupwardtothehovering’thoptersand
carrierwing.Therecameablastingofmetal from the factorycrawler,and therocksaroundGurneywerefullofhoodedfightingmen.Gurneyhad time to think:By thehornsof theGreatMother!Rockets!They
daretouserockets!Thenhewasfacetofacewithahoodedfigurewhocrouchedlow,crysknifeat
the ready. Twomoremen stoodwaiting on the rocks above to left and right.OnlytheeyesofthefightingmanaheadofhimwerevisibletoGurneybetweenhoodandveilofasand-coloredburnoose,butthecrouchandreadinesswarnedhimthatherewasatrainedfightingman.Theeyesweretheblue-in-blueofthedeep-desertFremen.Gurneymoved one hand toward his own knife, kept his eyes fixed on the
other’s knife. If they dared use rockets, they’d have other projectileweapons.Thismomentarguedextremecaution.Hecouldtellbysoundalonethatatleastpartofhisskycoverhadbeenknockedout.Thereweregruntings,too,thenoiseofseveralstrugglesbehindhim.Theeyesof the fightingmanaheadofGurney followed themotionofhand
towardknive,camebacktoglareintoGurney’seyes.“Leavetheknifeinitssheath,GurneyHalleck,”themansaid.Gurneyhesitated.Thatvoicesoundedoddlyfamiliareven throughastillsuit
filter.
“Youknowmyname?”hesaid.“You’venoneedofaknifewithme,Gurney,”themansaid.Hestraightened,
slippedhiscrysknifeintoitssheathbackbeneathhisrobe.“Tellyourmentostoptheiruselessresistance.”Themanthrewhishoodback,swungthefilteraside.TheshockofwhathesawfrozeGurney’smuscles.Hethoughtatfirsthewas
lookingataghostimageofDukeLetoAtreides.Fullrecognitioncameslowly.“Paul,”hewhispered.Thenlouder:“IsittrulyPaul?”“Don’tyoutrustyourowneyes?”Paulasked.“Theysaidyouweredead,”Gurneyrasped.Hetookahalf-stepforward.“Tell your men to submit,” Paul commanded. He waved toward the lower
reachesoftheridge.Gurneyturned,reluctanttotakehiseyesoffPaul.Hesawonlyafewknotsof
struggle. Hooded desert men seemed to be everywhere around. The factorycrawlerlaysilentwithFremenstandingatopit.Therewerenoaircraftoverhead.“Stop the fighting,” Gurney bellowed. He took a deep breath, cupped his
handsforamegaphone.“ThisisGurneyHalleck!Stopthefight!”Slowly, warily, the struggling figures separated. Eyes turned toward him,
questioning.“Thesearefriends,”Gurneycalled.“Finefriends!”someoneshoutedback.“Halfourpeoplemurdered.”“It’samistake,”Gurneysaid.“Don’taddtoit.”HeturnedbacktoPaul,staredintotheyouth’sblue-blueFremeneyes.AsmiletouchedPaul’smouth,buttherewasahardnessintheexpressionthat
reminded Gurney of the Old Duke, Paul’s grandfather. Gurney saw then thesinewy harshness in Paul that had never before been seen in an Atreides—aleatherylooktotheskin,asquinttotheeyesandcalculationintheglancethatseemedtoweigheverythinginsight.“Theysaidyouweredead,”Gurneyrepeated.“Anditseemedthebestprotectiontoletthemthinkso,”Paulsaid.Gurney realized that was all the apology he’d ever get for having been
abandonedtohisownresources,lefttobelievehisyoungDuke...hisfriend,wasdead.HewonderedtheniftherewereanythinglefthereoftheboyhehadknownandtrainedintheWaysoffightingmen.PaultookastepclosertoGurney,foundthathiseyesweresmarting.“Gurney
....”Itseemedtohappenofitself,andtheywereembracing,poundingeachother
ontheback,feelingthereassuranceofsolidflesh.“Youyoungpup!Youyoungpup!”Gurneykeptsaying.AndPaul:“Gurney,man!Gurney,man!”Presently,theysteppedapart,lookedateachother.Gurneytookadeepbreath.
“So you’re why the Fremen have grown so wise in battle tactics. I might’veknown.Theykeepdoing things I could’veplannedmyself. If I’d only known....”Heshookhishead.“Ifyou’donlygotword tome, lad.Nothingwould’vestoppedme.I’dhavecomearunningand....”AlookinPaul’seyesstoppedhim...thehard,weighingstare.Gurney sighed. “Sure, and there’d have been those who wondered why
GurneyHalleckwent arunning, and somewould’ve donemore than question.They’dhavegonehuntingforanswers.”Paul nodded, glanced to the waiting Fremen around them—the looks of
curious appraisal on the faces of the Fedaykin. He turned from the deathcommandos back to Gurney. Finding his former swordmaster filled him withelation.Hesawitasagoodomen,asignthathewasonthecourseofthefuturewhereallwaswell.WithGurneyatmyside....Paul glanced down the ridge past the Fedaykin, studied the smuggler crew
whohadcomewithHalleck.“Howdoyourmenstand,Gurney?”heasked.“They’resmugglersall,”Gurneysaid.“Theystandwheretheprofitis.”“Littleenoughprofitinourventure,”Paulsaid,andhenotedthesubtlefinger
signal flashed to him byGurney’s right hand—the old hand code out of theirpast.Therewerementofearanddistrustinthesmugglercrew.Paulpulledathisliptoindicateheunderstood,lookedupatthemenstanding
guardabovethemontherocks.HesawStilgar there.Memoryof theunsolvedproblemwithStilgarcooledsomeofPaul’selation.“Stilgar,”hesaid,“this isGurneyHalleckofwhomyou’veheardmespeak.
Myfather’smaster-of-arms,oneoftheswordmasterswhoinstructedme,anoldfriend.Hecanbetrustedinanyventure.”“Ihear,”Stilgarsaid.“YouarehisDuke.”Paulstaredatthedarkvisageabovehim,wonderingatthereasonswhichhad
impelled Stilgar to say just that. His Duke. There had been a strange subtleintonationinStilgar’svoice,asthoughhewouldratherhavesaidsomethingelse.Andthatwasn’tlikeStilgar,whowasaleaderofFremen,amanwhospokehismind.
MyDuke!Gurneythought.HelookedanewatPaul.Yes,withLetodead,thetitlefellonPaul’sshoulders.The pattern of the Fremen war on Arrakis began to take on new shape in
Gurney’smind.MyDuke!Aplacethathadbeendeadwithinhimbegancomingalive.OnlypartofhisawarenessfocusedonPaul’sorderingthesmugglercrewdisarmeduntiltheycouldbequestioned.Gurney’s mind returned to the command when he heard some of his men
protesting.Heshookhishead,whirled.“Areyoumendeaf?”hebarked.“ThisistherightfulDukeofArrakis.Doashecommands.”Grumbling,thesmugglerssubmitted.PaulmovedupbesideGurney,spokeina lowvoice.“I’dnothaveexpected
youtowalkintothistrap,Gurney.”“I’mproperlychastened,”Gurneysaid.“I’llwageryonpatchofspiceislittle
morethanasandgrain’sthickness,abaittolureus.”“That’s a wager you’d win,” Paul said. He looked down at the men being
disarmed.“Arethereanymoreofmyfather’smenamongyourcrew?”“None.We’respreadthin.There’reafewamongthefreetraders.Mosthave
spenttheirprofitstoleavethisplace.”“Butyoustayed.”“Istayed.”“BecauseRabbanishere,”Paulsaid.“IthoughtIhadnothingleftbutrevenge,”Gurneysaid.Anoddlychoppedcrysoundedfromtheridgetop.Gurneylookeduptoseea
Fremenwavinghiskerchief.“Amaker comes,”Paul said.Hemovedout to apointof rockwithGurney
following,lookedofftothesouthwest.Theburrowmoundofawormcouldbeseen in themiddledistance, adust-crowned track that cutdirectly through thedunesonacoursetowardtheridge.“He’sbigenough,”Paulsaid.Aclatteringsoundliftedfromthefactorycrawlerbelowthem.Itturnedonits
treadslikeagiantinsect,lumberedtowardtherocks.“Toobadwecouldn’thavesavedthecarryall,”Paulsaid.Gurneyglancedathim,lookedbacktothepatchesofsmokeanddebrisouton
the desertwhere carryall and ornithopters had been brought down by Fremenrockets. He felt a sudden pang for themen lost there—hismen, and he said:“Yourfatherwould’vebeenmoreconcernedforthemenhecouldn’tsave.”Paulshotahardstareathim,loweredhisgaze.Presently,hesaid:“Theywere
your friends, Gurney. I understand. To us, though, they were trespassers whomightseethingstheyshouldn’tsee.Youmustunderstandthat.”“Iunderstanditwellenough,”Gurneysaid.“Now,I’mcurioustoseewhatI
shouldn’t.”Paullookeduptoseetheoldandwell-rememberedwolfishgrinonHalleck’s
face,therippleoftheinkvinescaralongtheman’sjaw.Gurneynoddedtowardthedesertbelowthem.Fremenweregoingabouttheir
businessalloverthelandscape.Itstruckhimthatnoneofthemappearedworriedbytheapproachoftheworm.Athumpingsoundedfromtheopendunesbeyondthebaitedpatchofspice—a
deepdrummingthatseemedtobeheardthroughtheirfeet.GurneysawFremenspreadoutacrossthesandthereinthepathoftheworm.Theworm came on like some great sandfish, cresting the surface, its rings
rippling and twisting. In a moment, from his vantage point above the desert,Gurney saw the taking of a worm—the daring leap of the first hookman, theturning of the creature, the way an entire band of men went up the scaly,glisteningcurveoftheworm’sside.“There’soneofthethingsyoushouldn’thaveseen,”Paulsaid.“There’sbeenstoriesandrumors,”Gurneysaid.“Butit’snotathingeasyto
believewithoutseeingit.”Heshookhishead.“ThecreatureallmenonArrakisfear,youtreatitlikearidinganimal.”“You heard my father speak of desert power,” Paul said. “There it is. The
surfaceofthisplanetisours.Nostormnorcreaturenorconditioncanstopus.”Us,Gurney thought.Hemeans theFremen.He speaks of himself as one of
them.Again,Gurney lookedat thespiceblue inPaul’seyes.Hisowneyes,heknew,hadatouchofthecolor,butsmugglerscouldgetoffworldfoodsandtherewasasubtlecasteimplicationinthetoneoftheeyesamongthem.Theyspokeof“thetouchofthespicebrush”tomeanamanhadgonetoonative.Andtherewasalwaysahintofdistrustintheidea.“Therewasatimewhenwedidnotridethemakerinthelightofdayinthese
latitudes,” Paul said. “But Rabban has little enough air cover left that he canwaste it looking for a few specks in the sand.” He looked at Gurney. “Youraircraftwereashocktoushere.”Tous...tous....Gurneyshookhisheadtodriveoutsuchthoughts.“Weweren’ttheshockto
youthatyouweretous,”hesaid.“What’sthetalkofRabbaninthesinksandvillages?”Paulasked.
“Theysaythey’vefortifiedthegrabenvillagestothepointwhereyoucannotharm them. They say they need only sit inside their defenseswhile youwearyourselvesoutinfutileattack.”“Inaword,”Paulsaid,“They’reimmobilized.”“Whileyoucangowhereyouwill,”Gurneysaid.“It’satacticIlearnedfromyou,”Paulsaid.“They’velosttheinitiative,which
meansthey’velostthewar.”Gurneysmiled,aslow,knowingexpression.“Our enemy is exactly where I want him to be,” Paul said. He glanced at
Gurney.“Well,Gurney,doyouenlistwithmeforthefinishofthiscampaign?”“Enlist?”Gurneystaredathim.“MyLord,I’veneverleftyourservice.You’re
theonlyone leftme ... to thinkyoudead.AndI,beingcastadrift,madewhatshriftIcould,waitingforthemomentImightsellmylifeforwhatit’sworth—thedeathofRabban.”AnembarrassedsilencesettledoverPaul.A.womancameclimbinguptherockstowardthem,hereyesbetweenstillsuit
hoodand facemask flickingbetweenPaulandhiscompanion.She stopped infrontofPaul.Gurneynotedthepossessiveairabouther,thewayshestoodclosetoPaul.“Chani,”Paulsaid,“thisisGurneyHalleck.You’veheardmespeakofhim.”ShelookedatHalleck,backtoPaul.“Ihaveheard.”“Wheredidthemengoonthemaker?”Paulasked.“Theybutdivertedittogiveustimetosavetheequipment.”“Wellthen....”Paulbrokeoff,sniffedtheair,“There’swindcoming,”Chanisaid.Avoicecalledoutfromtheridgetopabovethem:“Ho,there—thewind!”GurneysawaquickeningofmotionamongtheFremennow—arushingabout
andsenseofhurry.Athingthewormhadnotignitedwasbroughtaboutbyfearof thewind.The factory crawler lumbereduponto the dry beachbelow themandawaywasopenedforitamongtherocks...andtherocksclosedbehinditsoneatlythatthepassageescapedhiseyes.“Haveyoumanysuchhidingplaces?”Gurneyasked.“Many timesmany,” Paul said.He looked atChani. “FindKorba. Tell him
thatGurneyhaswarnedmetherearemenamongthissmugglercrewwho’renottobetrusted.”ShelookedonceatGurney,backtoPaul,nodded,andwasoffdowntherocks,
leapingwithagazelle-likeagility.
“Sheisyourwoman,”Gurneysaid.“Themother of my firstborn,” Paul said. “There’s another Leto among the
Atreides.”Gurneyacceptedthiswithonlyawideningoftheeyes.Paul watched the action around them with a critical eye. A curry color
dominatedthesouthernskynowandtherecamefitfulburstsandgustsofwindthatwhippeddustaroundtheirheads.“Sealyoursuit,”Paulsaid.Andhefastenedthemaskandhoodabouthisface.Gurneyobeyed,thankfulforthefilters.Paul spoke, his voicemuffled by the filter: “Whichof your crewdon’t you
trust,Gurney?”“There’re some new recruits,”Gurney said. “Offworlders ....”He hesitated,
wonderingathimselfsuddenly.Offworlders.Thewordhadcomesoeasilytohistongue.“Yes?”Paulsaid.“They’renotliketheusualfortune-huntinglotweget,”Gurneysaid.“They’re
tougher.”“Harkonnenspies?”Paulasked.“I thinkm’Lord, that they report tonoHarkonnen. I suspect they’remenof
theImperialservice.TheyhaveahintofSalusaSecundusaboutthem.”Paulshotasharpglanceathim.“Sardaukar?”Gurneyshrugged.“Theycouldbe,butit’swellmasked.”Paulnodded, thinkinghoweasilyGurneyhadfallenbackinto thepatternof
Atreides retainer ... but with subtle reservations ... differences. Arrakis hadchangedhim,too.Two hooded Fremen emerged from the broken rock below them, began
climbingupward.Oneofthemcarriedalargeblackbundleoveroneshoulder.“Wherearemycrewnow?”Gurneyasked.“Secure in the rocks below us,” Paul said. “We’ve a cave here—Cave of
Birds.We’lldecidewhattodowiththemafterthestorm.”Avoicecalledfromabovethem:“Muad’Dib!”Paulturnedatthecall,sawaFremenguardmotioningthemdowntothecave.
Paulsignaledhehadheard.Gurney studied himwith a new expression. “You’reMuad‘Dib?” he asked.
“You’rethewill-o’-the-sand?”“It’smyFremenname,”Paulsaid.Gurneyturnedaway,feelinganoppressivesenseofforeboding.Halfhisown
crewdeadonthesand,theotherscaptive.Hedidnotcareaboutthenewrecruits,the suspicious ones, but among the otherswere goodmen, friends, people forwhomhefeltresponsible.“We’lldecidewhattodowiththemafterthestorm.”That’swhatPaulhadsaid,Muad‘Dibhadsaid.AndGurneyrecalledthestoriestoldofMuad’Dib,theLisanal-Gaib—howhehadtakentheskinofaHarkonnenofficer tomakehis drumheads, howhewas surroundedbydeath commandos,Fedaykinwholeapedintobattlewiththeirdeathchantsontheirlips.Him.The two Fremen climbing up the rocks leaped lightly to a shelf in front of
Paul.Thedark-facedonesaid:“Allsecure,Muad’Dib.Webestgetbelownow.”“Right.”Gurneynoted the toneof theman’svoice—half commandandhalf request.
ThiswasthemancalledStilgar,anotherfigureofthenewFremenlegends.Paul lookedat thebundle theothermancarried, said:“Korba,what’s in the
bundle?”Stilgaranswered:“‘Twasinthecrawler.Ithadtheinitialofyourfriendhere
anditcontainsabaliset.ManytimeshaveIheardyouspeakoftheprowessofGurneyHalleckonthebaliset.”Gurneystudiedthespeaker,seeingtheedgeofblackbeardabovethestillsuit
mask,thehawkstare,thechiselednose.“You’ve a companion who thinks, m’Lord,” Gurney said. “Thank you,
Stilgar.”StilgarsignaledforhiscompaniontopassthebundletoGurney,said:“Thank
yourLordDuke.Hiscountenanceearnsyouradmittancehere.”Gurney accepted the bundle, puzzled by the hard undertones in this
conversation. There was an air of challenge about the man, and GurneywonderedifitcouldbeafeelingofjealousyintheFremen.HerewassomeonecalledGurneyHalleckwho’d knownPaul even in the times beforeArrakis, amanwhosharedacameraderiethatStilgarcouldneverinvade.“YouaretwoI’dhavebefriends,”Paulsaid.“Stilgar, the Fremen, is a name of renown,” Gurney said. “Any killer of
HarkonnensI’dfeelhonoredtocountamongmyfriends.”“WillyoutouchhandswithmyfriendGurneyHalleck,Stilgar?”Paulasked.Slowly, Stilgar extended his hand, gripped the heavy calluses of Gurney’s
swordhand.“There’refewwhohaven’theardthenameofGurneyHalleck,”hesaid,andreleasedhisgrip.HeturnedtoPaul.“Thestormcomesrushing.”“Atonce,”Paulsaid.
Stilgarturnedaway,ledthemdownthroughtherocks,atwistingandturningpathintoashadowedcleftthatadmittedthemtothelowentranceofacave.Menhurried to fasten a doorseal behind them.Glowglobes showed a broad, dome-ceilingedspacewitharaisedledgeononesideandapassageleadingofffromit.Paul leaped to the ledgewithGurneyrightbehindhim, led thewayinto the
passage.Theothersheadedforanotherpassageopposite theentrance.Paul ledthe way through an anteroom and into a chamber with dark, wine-coloredhangingsonitswalls.“We can have some privacy here for a while,” Paul said. “The others will
respectmy—”Analarmcymbalclangedfromtheouterchamber,wasfollowedbyshouting
andclashingofweapons.Paulwhirled,ranbackthroughtheanteroomandoutontotheatriumlipabovetheouterchamber.Gurneywasrightbehind,weapondrawn.Beneaththemonthefloorof thecaveswirledameleeofstrugglingfigures.
Paul stood an instant assessing the scene, separating the Fremen robes andbourkas from the costumesof those theyopposed.Senses that hismother hadtrainedtodetectthemostsubtlecluespickedoutasignificantface—theFremenfoughtagainstmenwearingsmugglerrobes,butthesmugglerswerecrouchedintrios,backedintotriangleswherepressed.ThathabitofclosefightingwasatrademarkoftheImperialSardaukar.AFedaykininthecrowdsawPaul,andhisbattlecrywasliftedtoechointhe
chamber:“Muad‘Dib!Muad’Dib!Muad’Dib!”Another eye had also picked Paul out. A black knife came hurtling toward
him.Pauldodged,heard theknifeclatter against stonebehindhim,glanced toseeGurneyretrieveit.Thetriangularknotswerebeingpressedbacknow.GurneyheldtheknifeupinfrontofPaul’seyes,pointedtothehairlineyellow
coilofImperialcolor,thegoldenlioncrest,multifacetedeyesatthepommel.Sardaukarforcertain.Paulsteppedouttothelipoftheledge.OnlythreeoftheSardaukarremained.
BloodyragmoundsofSardaukarandFremenlayinatwistedpatternacrossthechamber.“Hold!”Paulshouted.“TheDukePaulAtreidescommandsyoutohold!”Thefightingwavered,hesitated.“YouSardaukar!”Paul called to the remaininggroup. “Bywhoseorders do
youthreatenarulingDuke?”And,quickly,ashismenstartedtopressinaround
theSardaukar:“Hold,Isay!”One of the cornered trio straightened. “Who says we’re Sardaukar?” he
demanded.PaultooktheknifefromGurney,helditaloft.“Thissaysyou’reSardaukar.”“Thenwhosaysyou’rearulingDuke?”themandemanded.PaulgesturedtotheFedaykin.“ThesemensayI’marulingDuke.Yourown
emperorbestowedArrakisonHouseAtreides.IamHouseAtreides.”TheSardaukarstoodsilent,fidgeting.Paulstudiedtheman—tall, flat-featured,withapalescaracrosshalfhis left
cheek.Angerandconfusionwerebetrayedinhismanner,butstilltherewasthatpride about him without which a Sardaukar appeared undressed—and withwhichhecouldappearfullyclothedthoughnaked.PaulglancedtooneofhisFedaykinlieutenants,said:“Korba,howcamethey
tohaveweapons?”“Theyheldbackknivesconcealedincunningpocketswithintheirstillsuits,”
thelieutenantsaid.Paulsurveyedthedeadandwoundedacrossthechamber,broughthisattention
backtothelieutenant.Therewasnoneedforwords.Thelieutenantloweredhiseyes.“WhereisChani?”Paulaskedandwaited,breathheld,fortheanswer.“Stilgar spiritedheraside.”Henodded toward theotherpassage,glancedat
thedeadandwounded.“Iholdmyselfresponsibleforthismistake,Muad’Dib.”“HowmanyoftheseSardaukarwerethere,Gurney?”Paulasked.“Ten.”Paul leapedlightly to thefloorof thechamber,strodeacross tostandwithin
strikingdistanceoftheSardaukarspokesman.A tense air cameover theFedaykin.Theydidnot likehim thus exposed to
danger. This was the thing theywere pledged to prevent because the FremenwishedtopreservethewisdomofMuad’Dib.Withoutturning,Paulspoketohislieutenant:“Howmanyareourcasualties?”“Fourwounded,twodead,Muad’Dib.”PaulsawmotionbeyondtheSardaukar,ChaniandStilgarwerestandinginthe
other passage. He returned his attention to the Sardaukar, staring into theoffworld whites of the spokesman’s eyes. “You, what is your name?” Pauldemanded.Themanstiffened,glancedleftandright.“Don’ttryit,”Paulsaid.“It’sobvioustomethatyouwereorderedtoseekout
anddestroyMuad’Dib.I’llwarrantyouweretheonessuggestedseekingspiceinthedeepdesert.”AgaspfromGurneybehindhimbroughtathinsmiletoPaul’slips.BloodsuffusedtheSardaukar’sface.“WhatyouseebeforeyouismorethanMuad’Dib,”Paulsaid.“Sevenofyou
aredeadfortwoofus.Threeforone.PrettygoodagainstSardaukar,eh?”Themancameuponhistoes,sankbackastheFedaykinpressedforward.“Iaskedyourname,”Paulsaid,andhecalledupthesubtletiesofVoice:“Tell
meyourname!”“CaptainAramsham,ImperialSardaukar!”themansnapped.Hisjawdropped.
He stared atPaul in confusion.Themanner abouthim thathaddismissed thiscavernasabarbarianwarrenmeltedaway.“Well,CaptainAramsham,”Paulsaid,“theHarkonnenswouldpaydearlyto
learnwhatyounowknow.AndtheEmperor—whathewouldn’tgivetolearnanAtreidesstilllivesdespitehistreachery.”The captain glanced left and right at the two men remaining to him. Paul
couldalmostseethethoughtsturningoverintheman’shead.Sardaukardidnotsubmit,buttheEmperorhadtolearnofthisthreat.StillusingtheVoice,Paulsaid:“Submit,Captain.”Theman at the captain’s left leapedwithout warning toward Paul,met the
flashingimpactofhisowncaptain’sknifeinhischest.Theattackerhitthefloorinasoddenheapwiththeknifestillinhim.Thecaptain facedhissole remainingcompanion.“Idecidewhatbest serves
HisMajesty,”hesaid.“Understood?”TheotherSardaukar’sshouldersslumped.“Dropyourweapon,”thecaptainsaid.TheSardaukarobeyed.ThecaptainreturnedhisattentiontoPaul.“Ihavekilledafriendforyou,”he
said.“Letusalwaysrememberthat.”“You’remyprisoners,”Paulsaid.“Yousubmittedtome.Whetheryouliveor
die isofno importance.”Hemotioned tohisguard to take the twoSardaukar,signaledthelieutenantwhohadsearchedtheprisoners.Theguardmovedin,hustledtheSardaukaraway.Paulbenttowardhislieutenant.“Muad’Dib,”themansaid.“Ifailedyouin....”“The failurewasmine,Korba,”Paul said. “I should’vewarnedyouwhat to
seek. In the future,when searchingSardaukar, remember this.Remember, too,
that each has a false toenail or two that can be combined with other itemssecretedabout theirbodies tomakeaneffectivetransmitter.They’llhavemorethanonefalsetooth.Theycarrycoilsofshigawireintheirhair—sofineyoucanbarelydetect it,yetstrongenoughtogarroteamanandcutoffhisheadin theprocess.WithSardaukar,youmustscanthem,scopethem—bothreflexandhardray—cutoffeveryscrapofbodyhair.Andwhenyou’rethrough,becertainyouhaven’tdiscoveredeverything.”HelookedupatGurney,whohadmovedclosetolisten.“Thenwebestkillthem,”thelieutenantsaid.Paulshookhishead,stilllookingatGurney.“No.Iwantthemtoescape.”Gurneystaredathim.“Sire....”hebreathed.“Yes?”“Yourmanhereisright.Killthoseprisonersatonce.Destroyallevidenceof
them.You’ve shamed ImperialSardaukar!When theEmperor learns that he’llnotrestuntilhehasyouoveraslowfire.”“TheEmperor’snotlikelytohavethatpoweroverme,”Paulsaid.Hespoke
slowly, coldly. Something had happened inside him while he faced theSardaukar.Asumofdecisionshadaccumulatedinhisawareness.“Gurney,”hesaid,“aretheremanyGuildsmenaroundRabban?”Gurneystraightened,eyesnarrowed.“Yourquestionmakesno....”“Arethere?”Paulbarked.“Arrakis is crawling with Guild agents. They’re buying spice as though it
werethemostpreciousthingintheuniverse.Whyelsedoyouthinkweventuredthisfarinto....”“Itisthemostpreciousthingintheuniverse,”Paulsaid.“Tothem.”He looked toward Stilgar and Chani who were now crossing the chamber
towardhim.“Andwecontrolit,Gurney.”“TheHarkonnenscontrolit!”Gurneyprotested.“Thepeoplewhocandestroyathing,theycontrolit,”Paulsaid.Hewaveda
handtosilencefurtherremarksfromGurney,noddedtoStilgarwhostoppedinfrontofPaul,Chanibesidehim.PaultooktheSardaukarknifeinhislefthand,presentedittoStilgar.“Youlive
forthegoodofthetribe,”Paulsaid.“Couldyoudrawmylife’sbloodwiththatknife?”“Forthegoodofthetribe,”Stilgargrowled.“Thenusethatknife,”Paulsaid.“Areyoucallingmeout?”Stilgardemanded.
“IfIdo,”Paulsaid,“Ishallstandtherewithoutweaponandletyouslayme.”Stilgardrewinaquick,sharpbreath.Chanisaid,“Usul!”thenglancedatGurney,backtoPaul.While Stilgar was still weighing his words, Paul said: “You are Stilgar, a
fightingman.WhentheSardaukarbeganfightinghere,youwerenotinthefrontofbattle.YourfirstthoughtwastoprotectChani.”“She’smyniece,”Stilgar said. “If there’dbeenanydoubtofyourFedaykin
handlingthosescum....”“WhywasyourfirstthoughtofChani?”Pauldemanded.“Itwasn’t!”“Oh?”“Itwasofyou,”Stilgaradmitted.“Doyouthinkyoucouldliftyourhandagainstme?”Paulasked.Stilgarbegantotremble.“It’stheway,”hemuttered.“It’sthewaytokilloffworldstrangersfoundinthedesertandtaketheirwater
asagift fromShai-hulud,”Paul said.“Yetyoupermitted twosuch to liveonenight,mymotherandmyself.”AsStilgarremainedsilent,trembling,staringathim,Paulsaid:“Wayschange,
Stil.Youhavechangedthemyourself.”Stilgarlookeddownattheyellowemblemontheknifeheheld.“WhenIamDukeinArrakeenwithChanibymyside,doyouthinkI’llhave
timetoconcernmyselfwitheverydetailofgoverningTabrsietch?”Paulasked.“Doyouconcernyourselfwiththeinternalproblemsofeveryfamily?”Stilgarcontinuedstaringattheknife.“DoyouthinkIwishtocutoffmyrightarm?”Pauldemanded.Slowly,Stilgarlookedupathim.“You!”Paulsaid.“DoyouthinkIwishtodeprivemyselforthetribeofyour
wisdomandstrength?”In a low voice, Stilgar said: “The young man of my tribe whose name is
known tome, this youngman I could kill on the challenge floor, Shai-huludwilling. The Lisan al-Gaib, him I could not harm. You knew this when youhandedmethisknife.”“Iknewit,”Paulagreed.Stilgar opened his hand. The knife clattered against the stone of the floor.
“Wayschange,”hesaid.“Chani,”Paulsaid,“gotomymother,sendherherethathercounselwillbe
availablein—”
“Butyousaidwewouldgotothesouth!”sheprotested.“Iwaswrong,”hesaid.“TheHarkonnensarenotthere.Thewarisnotthere.”She took a deep breath, accepting this as a desert woman accepted all
necessitiesinthemidstofalifeinvolvedwithdeath.“Youwillgivemymotheramessageforherearsalone,”Paulsaid.“Tellher
thatStilgaracknowledgesmeDukeofArrakis,butawaymustbefoundtomaketheyoungmenacceptthiswithoutcombat.”ChaniglancedatStilgar.“Doashesays,”Stilgargrowled.“Webothknowhecouldovercomeme ...
andIcouldnotraisemyhandagainsthim...forthegoodofthetribe.”“Ishallreturnwithyourmother,”Chanisaid.“Sendher,”Paulsaid.“Stilgar’sinstinctwasright.Iamstrongerwhenyouare
safe.Youwillremaininthesietch.”Shestartedtoprotest,swallowedit.“Sihaya,”Paulsaid,usinghisintimatenameforher.Hewhirledawaytothe
right,metGurney’sglaringeyes.TheinterchangebetweenPaulandtheolderFremenhadpassedasthoughina
cloudaroundGurneysincePaul’sreferencetohismother.“Yourmother,”Gurneysaid.“Idahosavedusthenightoftheraid,”Paulsaid,distractedbythepartingwith
Chani.“Rightnowwe’ve—”“WhatofDuncanIdaho,m’Lord?”Gurneyasked.“He’sdead—buyingusabitoftimetoescape.”The she-witch alive! Gurney thought. The one I swore vengeance against,
alive!And it’sobviousDukePauldoesn’t knowwhatmannerof creaturegavehimbirth.Theevilone!BetrayedhisownfathertotheHarkonnens!Paulpressedpasthim,jumpeduptotheledge.Heglancedback,notedthatthe
wounded and dead had been removed, and he thought bitterly that here wasanotherchapterinthelegendofPaulMuad’Dib.Ididn’tevendrawmyknife,butit’llbesaidofthisdaythatIslewtwentySardaukarbymyownhand.Gurney followedwithStilgar, steppingonground thathedidnot even feel.
Thecavernwithitsyellowlightofglowglobeswasforcedoutofhisthoughtsbyrage.Theshe-witchalivewhilethoseshebetrayedarebonesinlonesomegraves.ImustcontriveitthatPaullearnsthetruthaboutherbeforeIslayher.
Howoftenitisthattheangrymanragesdenialofwhathisinnerselfistellinghim.—“TheCollectedSayingsofMuad’Dib”bythePrincessIrulan
THECROWDinthecavernassemblychamberradiatedthatpackfeelingJessicahadsensedthedayPaulkilledJamis.Therewasmurmuringnervousnessinthevoices.Littlecliquesgatheredlikeknotsamongtherobes.Jessica tucked a message cylinder beneath her robe as she emerged to the
ledgefromPaul’sprivatequarters.Shefeltrestedafterthelongjourneyupfromthe south, but still rankled that Paul would not yet permit them to use thecapturedornithopters.“We do not have full control of the air,” he had said. “And we must not
becomedependentuponoffworldfuel.Bothfuelandaircraftmustbegatheredandsavedforthedayofmaximumeffort.”Paulstoodwithagroupoftheyoungermenneartheledge.Thepalelightof
glowglobesgavethesceneatingeofunreality.Itwaslikeatableau,butwiththeaddeddimensionofwarrensmells,thewhispers,thesoundsofshufflingfeet.Shestudiedherson,wonderingwhyhehadnotyettrottedouthissurprise—
GurneyHalleck.The thoughtofGurneydisturbedherwith itsmemoriesofaneasierpast—daysofloveandbeautywithPaul’sfather.Stilgarwaitedwith a small group of his own at the other end of the ledge.
Therewasa feelingof inevitabledignityabouthim, thewayhe stoodwithouttalking.Wemustnotlosethatman,Jessicathought.Paul’splanmustwork.Anything
elsewouldbethehighesttragedy.She strode down the ledge, passing Stilgarwithout a glance, stepped down
intothecrowd.AwaywasmadeforherassheheadedtowardPaul.Andsilencefollowedher.Sheknewthemeaningofthesilence—theunspokenquestionsofthepeople,
aweoftheReverendMother.TheyoungmendrewbackfromPaulasshecameuptohim,andshefound
herselfmomentarily dismayed by the new deference they paid him.“Allmenbeneath yourposition covet your station,”went theBeneGesserit axiom.Butshe foundnocovetousness in these faces.Theywereheldatadistanceby thereligious ferment around Paul’s leadership. And she recalled another Bene
Gesseritsaying:“Prophetshaveawayofdyingbyviolence.”Paullookedather.“It’stime,”shesaid,andpassedthemessagecylindertohim.OneofPaul’s companions,bolder than theothers, glancedacross atStilgar,
said: “Are you going to call him out, Maud’Dib? Now’s the time for sure.They’llthinkyouacowardifyou—”“Who dares call me coward?” Paul demanded. His hand flashed to his
crysknifehilt.Batedsilencecameoverthegroup,spreadingoutintothecrowd.“There’sworktodo,”Paulsaidasthemandrewbackfromhim.Paulturned
away, shouldered through the crowd to the ledge, leaped lightly up to it andfacedthepeople.“Doit!”someoneshrieked.Murmursandwhispersarosebehindtheshriek.Paulwaitedforsilence.Itcameslowlyamidstscatteredshufflingsandcoughs.
Whenitwasquietinthecavern,Paulliftedhischin,spokeinavoicethatcarriedtothefarthestcorners.“Youaretiredofwaiting,”Paulsaid.Again,hewaitedwhilethecriesofresponsediedout.Indeed, they are tired of waiting, Paul thought. He hefted the message
cylinder, thinking of what it contained. His mother had showed it to him,explaininghowithadbeentakenfromaHarkonnencourier.Themessagewasexplicit:Rabbanwasbeingabandonedtohisownresources
hereonArrakis!Hecouldnotcallforhelporreinforcements!Again, Paul raised his voice: “You think it’s time I called out Stilgar and
changed the leadershipof the troops!”Before they could respond,Paul hurledhisvoiceattheminanger:“DoyouthinktheLisanal-Gaibthatstupid?”Therewasstunnedsilence.He’sacceptingthereligiousmantle,Jessicathought.Hemustnotdoit!“It’stheway!”someoneshouted.Paulspokedryly,probingtheemotionalundercurrents.“Wayschange.”An angry voice lifted from a corner of the cavern: “We’ll say what’s to
change!”Therewerescatteredshoutsofagreementthroughthethrong.“Asyouwish,”Paulsaid.AndJessicaheard thesubtle intonationsasheused thepowersofVoiceshe
hadtaughthim.
“Youwillsay,”heagreed.“Butfirstyouwillhearmysay.”Stilgarmovedalongtheledge,hisbeardedfaceimpassive.“Thatistheway,
too,” he said. “The voice of any Fremen may be heard in Council. Paul-Muad’DibisaFremen.”“Thegoodofthetribe,thatisthemostimportantthing,eh?”Paulasked.Stillwiththatflat-voiceddignity,Stilgarsaid:“Thusourstepsareguided.”“Allright,”Paulsaid.“Then,whorulesthistroopofourtribe—andwhorules
all the tribes and troops through the fighting instructors we’ve trained in theweirdingway?”Paulwaited,lookingovertheheadsofthethrong.Noanswercame.Presently, he said: “Does Stilgar rule all this?He says himself that he does
not.Do I rule?Even Stilgar doesmy bidding on occasion, and the sages, thewisestofthewise,listentomeandhonormeinCouncil.”Therewasshufflingsilenceamongthecrowd.“So,”Paulsaid.“Doesmymother rule?”Hepointeddown toJessica inher
blackrobesofofficeamongthem.“Stilgarandalltheothertroopleadersaskheradvice in almost every major decision. You know this. But does a ReverendMotherwalkthesandorleadarazziaagainsttheHarkonnens?”Frowns creased the foreheads of those Paul could see, but still there were
angrymurmurs.This is a dangerous way to do it, Jessica thought, but she remembered the
messagecylinderandwhatitimplied.AndshesawPaul’sintent:Gorighttothedepthoftheiruncertainty,disposeofthat,andalltherestmustfollow.“Noman recognizes leadershipwithout the challenge and the combat, eh?”
Paulasked.“That’stheway!”someoneshouted.“What’sourgoal?”Paulasked.“TounseatRabban,theHarkonnenbeast,and
remake ourworld into a placewherewemay raise our families in happinessamidstanabundanceofwater—isthisourgoal?”“Hardtasksneedhardways,”someoneshouted.“Doyousmashyourknifebeforeabattle?”Pauldemanded.“Isaythisasfact,
notmeaning it as boast or challenge: there isn’t aman here, Stilgar included,whocouldstandagainstme insinglecombat.This isStilgar’sownadmission.Heknowsit,sodoyouall.”Again,theangrymuttersliftedfromthecrowd.“Manyofyouhavebeenwithmeonthepracticefloor,”Paulsaid.“Youknow
thisisn’tidleboast.Isayitbecauseit’sfactknowntousall,andI’dbefoolish
nottoseeitformyself.Ibegantraininginthesewaysearlierthanyoudidandmyteacherswere tougher thananyyou’veeverseen.HowelsedoyouthinkIbestedJamisatanagewhenyourboysarestillfightingonlymockbattles?”He’s using theVoicewell, Jessica thought, but that’s not enoughwith these
people.They’vegoodinsulationagainstvocalcontrol.Hemustcatchthemalsowithlogic.“So,”Paulsaid,“wecometothis.”Heliftedthemessagecylinder,removed
itsscrapof tape.“Thiswas takenfromaHarkonnencourier. Itsauthenticity isbeyondquestion.ItisaddressedtoRabban.Ittellshimthathisrequestfornewtroops is denied, that his spice harvest is far belowquota, that hemustwringmorespicefromArrakiswiththepeoplehehas.”StilgarmovedupbesidePaul.“How many of you see what this means?” Paul asked. “Stilgar saw it
immediately.”“They’recutoff!”someoneshouted.Paul pushed message and cylinder into his sash. From his neck he took a
braidedshigawirecordandremovedaringfromthecord,holdingtheringaloft.“Thiswasmyfather’sducalsignet,”hesaid.“Isworenevertowearitagain
untilIwasreadytoleadmytroopsoverallofArrakisandclaimitasmyrightfulfief.”Heputtheringonhisfinger,clenchedhisfist.Utterstillnessgrippedthecavern.“Whoruleshere?”Paulasked.Heraisedhisfist.“Irulehere!Iruleonevery
square inchofArrakis!This ismyducal fiefwhether theEmperorsaysyeaornay!Hegaveittomyfatheranditcomestomethroughmyfather!”Paul lifted himself onto his toes, settled back to his heels. He studied the
crowd,feelingtheirtemper.Almost,hethought.“TherearemenherewhowillholdpositionsofimportanceonArrakiswhenI
claimthoseImperialrightswhicharemine,”Paulsaid.“Stilgarisoneofthosemen.NotbecauseIwishtobribehim!Notoutofgratitude,thoughI’moneofmany herewho owe him life for life. No! But because he’s wise and strong.Becausehegovernsthistroopbyhisownintelligenceandnotjustbyrules.Doyouthinkmestupid?DoyouthinkI’llcutoffmyrightarmandleaveitbloodyonthefloorofthiscavernjusttoprovideyouwithacircus?”Paulsweptahardgazeacross the throng.“Whois therehere tosayI’mnot
therightful ruleronArrakis?Must Iprove itby leavingeveryFremen tribe intheergwithoutaleader?”
BesidePaul,Stilgarstirred,lookedathimquestioningly.“WillIsubtractfromourstrengthwhenweneeditmost?”Paulasked.“Iam
yourruler,andIsaytoyouthatitistimewestoppedkillingoffourbestmenandstartedkillingourrealenemies—theHarkonnens!”Inoneblurredmotion,Stilgarhadhiscrysknifeoutandpointedovertheheads
ofthethrong.“LongliveDukePaul-Muad’Dib!”heshouted.Adeafeningroarfilledthecavern,echoedandre-echoed.Theywerecheering
and chanting: “Ya hya chouhada! Muad‘Dib! Muad’Dib! Muad’Dib! Ya hyachouhada!”Jessica translated it to herself: “Long live the fighters of Muad’Dib!” The
scene she and Paul and Stilgar had cooked up between them had worked asthey’dplanned.Thetumultdiedslowly.Whensilencewasrestored,PaulfacedStilgar,said:“Kneel,Stilgar.”Stilgardroppedtohiskneesontheledge.“Handmeyourcrysknife,”Paulsaid.Stilgarobeyed.Thiswasnotasweplannedit,Jessicathought.“Repeatafterme,Stilgar,”Paulsaid,andhecalledupthewordsofinvestiture
as he had heard his own father use them. “I, Stilgar, take this knife from thehandsofmyDuke.”“I, Stilgar, take this knife from the hands of my Duke,” Stilgar said, and
acceptedthemilkybladefromPaul.“WheremyDukecommands,thereshallIplacethisblade,”Paulsaid.Stilgarrepeatedthewords,speakingslowlyandsolemnly.Remembering the source of the rite, Jessica blinked back tears, shook her
head.Iknowthereasonsforthis,shethought.Ishouldn’tletitstirme.“IdedicatethisbladetothecauseofmyDukeandthedeathofhisenemiesfor
aslongasourbloodshallflow,”Paulsaid.Stilgarrepeateditafterhim.“Kisstheblade,”Paulordered.Stilgarobeyed,then,intheFremenmanner,kissedPaul’sknifearm.Atanod
fromPaul,hesheathedtheblade,gottohisfeet.A sighingwhisper of awe passed through the crowd, and Jessica heard the
words: “The prophecy—ABeneGesserit shall show theway and a ReverendMothershallseeit.”And,fromfartheraway:“Sheshowsusthroughherson!”“Stilgarleadsthistribe,”Paulsaid.“Letnomanmistakethat.Hecommands
withmyvoice.Whathetellsyou,itisasthoughItoldyou.”Wise,Jessicathought.The tribalcommandermust loseno faceamong those
whoshouldobeyhim.Paul loweredhisvoice, said:“Stilgar, Iwantsandwalkersout thisnightand
cielagos sent to summon aCouncilGathering.When you’ve sent them, bringChatt,KorbaandOtheymandtwootherlieutenantsofyourownchoosing.Bringthem tomy quarters for battle planning.Wemust have a victory to show theCouncilofLeaderswhentheyarrive.”Paulnoddedforhismothertoaccompanyhim,ledthewaydownofftheledge
andthroughthethrongtowardthecentralpassageandthelivingchambersthathadbeenpreparedthere.AsPaulpressedthroughthecrowd,handsreachedouttotouchhim.Voicescalledouttohim.“My knife goes where Stilgar commands it, Paul-Muad‘Dib! Let us fight
soon,Paul-Muad’Dib!LetuswetourworldwiththebloodofHarkonnens!”Feelingtheemotionsof thethrong,Jessicasensedthefightingedgeof these
people. They could not be more ready.We are taking them at the crest, shethought.In the inner chamber, Paul motioned his mother to be seated, said: “Wait
here.”Andheduckedthroughthehangingstothesidepassage.ItwasquietinthechamberafterPaulhadgone,soquietbehindthehangings
that not even the faint soughing of the wind pumps that circulated air in thesietchpenetratedtowhereshesat.HeisgoingtobringGurneyHalleckhere,shethought.Andshewonderedat
thestrangeminglingofemotionsthatfilledher.GurneyandhismusichadbeenapartofsomanypleasanttimesonCaladanbeforethemovetoArrakis.ShefeltthatCaladanhadhappenedtosomeotherperson.Inthenearlythreeyearssincethen, she had become another person. Having to confront Gurney forced areassessmentofthechanges.Paul’s coffee service, the fluted alloy of silver and jasmium that he had
inheritedfromJamis,restedonalowtabletoherright.Shestaredatit,thinkingofhowmanyhandshadtouchedthatmetal.ChanihadservedPaulfromitwithinthemonth.WhatcanhisdesertwomandoforaDukeexceptservehimcoffee?sheasked
herself.Shebringshimnopower,nofamily.Paulhasonlyonemajorchance—toallyhimselfwithapowerfulGreatHouse,perhapsevenwiththeImperialfamily.There are marriagable princesses, after all, and every one of them BeneGesserit-trained.
JessicaimaginedherselfleavingtherigorsofArrakisforthelifeofpowerandsecurityshecouldknowasmotherofaroyalconsort.Sheglancedat the thickhangings that obscured the rock of this cavern cell, thinking of how she hadcomehere—ridingamidstahostofworms, thepalanquinsandpackplatformspiledhighwithnecessitiesforthecomingcampaign.As long asChani lives,Paulwill not see his duty, Jessica thought.She has
givenhimasonandthatisenough.A sudden longing to see her grandson, the child whose likeness carried so
much of the grandfather’s features—so like Leto, swept through her. Jessicaplaced her palms against her cheeks, began the ritual breathing that stilledemotion and clarified the mind, then bent forward from the waist in thedevotionalexercisethatpreparedthebodyforthemind’sdemands.Paul’s choice of this Cave of Birds as his command post could not be
questioned,sheknew.Itwasideal.AndtothenorthlayWindPassopeningontoaprotectedvillageinacliff-walledsink.Itwasakeyvillage,homeofartisansandtechnicians,maintenancecenterforanentireHarkonnendefensivesector.Acoughsoundedoutside thechamberhangings.Jessicastraightened, tooka
deepbreath,exhaledslowly.“Enter,”shesaid.DraperieswereflungasideandGurneyHalleckbounded into theroom.She
hadonlytimeforaglimpseofhisfacewithitsoddgrimace,thenhewasbehindher,liftinghertoherfeetwithonebrawnyarmbeneathherchin.“Gurney,youfool,whatareyoudoing?”shedemanded.Then she felt the touch of the knife tip against her back. Chill awareness
spreadoutfromthatknifetip.SheknewinthatinstantthatGurneymeanttokillher.Why?Shecouldthinkofnoreason,forhewasn’tthekindtoturntraitor.Butshefeltcertainofhisintention.Knowingit,hermindchurned.Herewasnomanto be overcome easily. Here was a killer wary of the Voice, wary of everycombat stratagem, wary of every trick of death and violence. Here was aninstrumentsheherselfhadhelpedtrainwithsubtlehintsandsuggestions.“Youthoughtyouhadescaped,eh,witch?”Gurneysnarled.Before she could turn the question over in her mind or try to answer, the
curtainspartedandPaulentered.“Hereheis,Moth—”Paulbrokeoff,takinginthetensionsofthescene.“Youwillstandwhereyouare,m’Lord,”Gurneysaid.“What....”Paulshookhishead.Jessicastartedtospeak,feltthearmtightenagainstherthroat.
“YouwillspeakonlywhenIpermitit,witch,”Gurneysaid.“Iwantonlyonethingfromyouforyoursontohearit,andIampreparedtosendthisknifeintoyour heart by reflex at the first sign of a counter againstme.Your voicewillremaininamonotone.Certainmusclesyouwillnottenseormove.Youwillactwiththemostextremecautiontogainyourselfafewmoresecondsoflife.AndIassureyou,theseareallyouhave.”Paultookastepforward.“Gurney,man,whatis—”“Stoprightwhereyouare!”Gurneysnapped.“Onemorestepandshe’sdead.”Paul’shandslippedtohisknifehilt.Hespokeinadeadlyquiet:“Youhadbest
explainyourself,Gurney.”“I sworeanoath to slay thebetrayerofyour father,”Gurney said. “Doyou
thinkIcanforgetthemanwhorescuedmefromaHarkonnenslavepit,gavemefreedom,life,andhonor...gavemefriendship,athingIprizedaboveallelse?Ihavehisbetrayerundermyknife.Noonecanstopmefrom—”“Youcouldn’tbemorewrong,Gurney,”Paulsaid.AndJessicathought:Sothat’sit!Whatirony!“Wrong,amI?”Gurneydemanded.“Letushear it fromthewomanherself.
AndletherrememberthatIhavebribedandspiedandcheatedtoconfirmthischarge.I’veevenpushedsemutaonaHarkonnenguardcaptaintogetpartofthestory.”Jessicafeltthearmatherthroateaseslightly,butbeforeshecouldspeak,Paul
said: “The betrayer was Yueh. I tell you this once, Gurney. The evidence iscomplete,cannotbecontroverted.ItwasYueh.Idonotcarehowyoucamebyyoursuspicion—foritcanbenothingelse—butifyouharmmymother....”Paulliftedhiscrysknifefromitsscabbard,heldthebladeinfrontofhim.“...I’llhaveyourblood.”“Yuehwasaconditionedmedic, fit fora royalhouse,”Gurneysnarled.“He
couldnotturntraitor!”“Iknowawaytoremovethatconditioning,”Paulsaid.“Evidence,”Gurneyinsisted.“Theevidenceisnothere,”Paulsaid.“It’sinTabrsietch,fartothesouth,but
if—”“Thisisatrick,”Gurneysnarled,andhisarmtightenedonJessica’sthroat.“No trick,Gurney,” Paul said, and his voice carried such a note of terrible
sadnessthatthesoundtoreatJessica’sheart.“IsawthemessagecapturedfromtheHarkonnenagent,”Gurneysaid.“The
notepointeddirectlyat—”
“Isawit,too,”Paulsaid.“MyfathershowedittomethenightheexplainedwhyithadtobeaHarkonnentrickaimedatmakinghimsuspectthewomanheloved.”“Ayah!”Gurneysaid.“You’venot—”“Bequiet,”Paul said, and themonotone stillnessofhiswords carriedmore
commandthanJessicahadeverheardinanothervoice.HehastheGreatControl,shethought.Gurney’s arm trembled against her neck.Thepoint of theknife at her back
movedwithuncertainty.“What you have not done,” Paul said, “is heardmymother sobbing in the
nightoverherlostDuke.YouhavenotseenhereyesstabflamewhenshespeaksofkillingHarkonnens.”Sohehaslistened,shethought.Tearsblindedhereyes.“What you have not done,” Paul went on, “is remembered the lessons you
learnedinaHarkonnenslavepit.Youspeakofprideinmyfather’sfriendship!Didn’t you learn the difference between Harkonnen and Atreides so that youcouldsmellaHarkonnentrickbythestinktheyleftonit?Didn’tyoulearnthatAtreidesloyaltyisboughtwithlovewhiletheHarkonnencoinishate?Couldn’tyouseethroughtotheverynatureofthisbetrayal?”“ButYueh?”Gurneymuttered.“TheevidencewehaveisYueh’sownmessagetousadmittinghistreachery,”
Paulsaid.“IswearthistoyoubytheloveIholdforyou,aloveIwillstillholdevenafterIleaveyoudeadonthisfloor.”Hearing her son, Jessicamarveled at the awareness in him, the penetrating
insightofhisintelligence.“My father had an instinct for his friends,” Paul said. “He gave his love
sparingly,butwithneveranerror.Hisweaknesslayinmisunderstandinghatred.HethoughtanyonewhohatedHarkonnenscouldnotbetrayhim.”Heglancedathismother.“Sheknows this. I’vegivenhermyfather’smessage thatheneverdistrustedher.”Jessicafeltherselflosingcontrol,bitatherlowerlip.Seeingthestiffformality
inPaul,sherealizedwhat thesewordswerecostinghim.Shewanted torun tohim, cradle his head against her breast as she never had done. But the armagainsther throathadceased its trembling; theknifepointatherbackpressedstillandsharp.“One of themost terriblemoments in a boy’s life,” Paul said, “iswhen he
discovershisfatherandmotherarehumanbeingswhosharealovethathecan
neverquitetaste.It’saloss,anawakeningtothefactthattheworldisthereandhereandweareinitalone.Themomentcarriesitsowntruth;youcan’tevadeit.Iheardmyfatherwhenhespokeofmymother.She’snotthebetrayer,Gurney.”Jessica found her voice, said: “Gurney, release me.” There was no special
command in thewords,no trick toplayonhisweaknesses,butGurney’shandfellaway.ShecrossedtoPaul,stoodinfrontofhim,nottouchinghim.“Paul,”shesaid,“thereareotherawakeningsinthisuniverse.Isuddenlysee
howI’veusedyouandtwistedyouandmanipulatedyoutosetyouonacourseofmychoosing ... acourse Ihad tochoose—if that’sanyexcuse—becauseofmyowntraining.”Sheswallowedpastalumpinherthroat,lookedupintoherson’s eyes. “Paul ... Iwant you todo something forme: choose the courseofhappiness.Yourdesertwoman,marryherifthat’syourwish.Defyeveryoneandeverythingtodothis.Butchooseyourowncourse.I....”Shebrokeoff,stoppedbythelowsoundofmutteringbehindher.Gurney!ShesawPaul’seyesdirectedbeyondher,turned.Gurney stood in the same spot, but had sheathed his knife, pulled the robe
awayfromhisbreast toexposetheslickgraynessofanissuestillsuit, the typethesmugglerstradedforamongthesietchwarrens.“Putyourkniferighthereinmybreast,”Gurneymuttered.“Isaykillmeand
havedonewithit.I’vebesmirchedmyname.I’vebetrayedmyownDuke!Thefinest—”“Bestill!”Paulsaid.Gurneystaredathim.“Close that robe and stop acting like a fool,” Paul said. “I’ve had enough
foolishnessforoneday.”“Killme,Isay!”Gurneyraged.“Youknowmebetter thanthat,”Paulsaid.“Howmanykindsofanidiotdo
youthinkIam?MustIgothroughthiswitheverymanIneed?”Gurney looked at Jessica, spoke in a forlorn, pleading note so unlike him:
“Thenyou,myLady,please...youkillme.”Jessicacrossedtohim,putherhandsonhisshoulders.“Gurney,whydoyou
insisttheAtreidesmustkillthosetheylove?”Gently,shepulledthespreadrobeoutofhisfingers,closedandfastenedthefabricoverhischest.Gurneyspokebrokenly:“But...I....”“YouthoughtyouweredoingathingforLeto,”shesaid,“andforthisIhonor
you.”
“My Lady,” Gurney said. He dropped his chin to his chest, squeezed hiseyelidsclosedagainstthetears.“Letusthinkofthisasamisunderstandingamongoldfriends,”shesaid,and
Paulheardthesoothers,theadjustingtonesinhervoice.“It’soverandwecanbethankfulwe’llneveragainhavethatsortofmisunderstandingbetweenus.”Gurneyopenedeyesbrightwithmoisture,lookeddownather.“TheGurneyHalleckIknewwasamanadeptwithbothbladeandbaliset,”
Jessicasaid.“ItwasthemanofthebalisetImostadmired.Doesn’tthatGurneyHalleckrememberhowIusedtoenjoylisteningbythehourwhileheplayedforme?Doyoustillhaveabaliset,Gurney?”“I’ve anewone,”Gurney said. “Brought fromChusuk, a sweet instrument.
PlayslikeagenuineVarota, thoughthere’snosignatureonit. I thinkmyself itwasmadebya studentofVarota’swho ....”Hebrokeoff. “What can I say toyou,myLady?Hereweprattleabout—”“Notprattle,Gurney,”Paulsaid.Hecrossedtostandbesidehismother,eyeto
eyewithGurney.“Notprattle,butathingthatbringshappinessbetweenfriends.I’dtakeitakindnessifyou’dplayforhernow.Battleplanningcanwaitalittlewhile.We’llnotbegoingintothefighttilltomorrowatanyrate.”“I...I’llgetmybaliset,”Gurneysaid.“It’sinthepassage.”Hesteppedaround
themandthroughthehangings.Paulputahandonhismother’sarm,foundthatshewastrembling.“It’sover,Mother,”hesaid.Withoutturningherhead,shelookedupathimfromthecornersofhereyes.
“Over?”“Ofcourse.Gurney’s....”“Gurney?Oh...yes.”Sheloweredhergaze.ThehangingsrustledasGurneyreturnedwithhisbaliset.Hebegantuningit,
avoiding their eyes. The hangings on thewalls dulled the echoes,making theinstrumentsoundsmallandintimate.Paul ledhismother toacushion,seatedher therewithherback to the thick
draperies of thewall.Hewas suddenly struck by howold she seemed to himwiththebeginningsofdesert-driedlinesinherface,thestretchingatthecornersofherblue-veiledeyes.She’stired,hethought.Wemustfindsomewaytoeaseherburdens.Gurneystrummedachord.Paulglancedathim,said:“I’ve...thingsthatneedmyattention.Waitherefor
me.”
Gurney nodded. His mind seemed far away, as though he dwelled for thismoment beneath the open skies of Caladan with cloud fleece on the horizonpromisingrain.Paulforcedhimselftoturnaway,lethimselfoutthroughtheheavyhangings
overthesidepassage.HeheardGurneytakeupatunebehindhim,andpausedamomentoutsidetheroomtolistentothemutedmusic.
“Orchardsandvineyards,Andfull-breastedhouris,Andacupoverflowingbeforeme.WhydoIbabbleofbattles,Andmountainsreducedtodust?WhydoIfeelthesetears?HeavensstandopenAndscattertheirriches;Myhandsneedbutgathertheirwealth.WhydoIthinkofanambush,Andpoisoninmoltencup?WhydoIfeelmyyears?Love’sarmsbeckonWiththeirnakeddelights,AndEden’spromiseofecstasies.WhydoIrememberthescars,Dreamofoldtransgressions...AndwhydoIsleepwithfears?”
A robed Fedaykin courier appeared from a corner of the passage ahead ofPaul.Themanhadhoodthrownbackandfasteningsofhisstillsuithanginglooseabouthisneck,proofthathehadcomejustnowfromtheopendesert.Paulmotionedforhimtostop,leftthehangingsofthedoorandmoveddown
thepassagetothecourier.The man bowed, hands clasped in front of him the way he might greet a
ReverendMother or Sayyadina of the rites. He said: “Muad’Dib, leaders arebeginningtoarrivefortheCouncil.”“Sosoon?”“These are the ones Stilgar sent for earlier when it was thought ....” He
shrugged.“I see.”Paulglancedback toward the faint soundof thebaliset, thinkingof
theoldsongthathismotherfavored—anoddstretchingofhappytuneandsadwords.“Stilgarwillcomeheresoonwithothers.Showthemwheremymotherwaits.”“Iwillwaithere,Muad’Dib,”thecouriersaid.“Yes...yes,dothat.”Paul pressed past theman toward the depths of the cavern, headed for the
place that each such cavern had—a place near its water-holding basin. Therewouldbeasmallshai-huludin thisplace,acreaturenomorethanninemeterslong, kept stunted and trappedby surroundingwater ditches.Themaker, afteremergingfromitslittlemakervector,avoidedwaterforthepoisonitwas.AndthedrowningofamakerwasthegreatestFremensecretbecauseitproducedthesubstance of their union—the Water of Life, the poison that could only bechangedbyaReverendMother.The decision had come to Paulwhile he faced the tension of danger to his
mother.NolineofthefuturehehadeverseencarriedthatmomentofperilfromGurney Halleck. The future—the gray-cloud-future-with its feeling that theentireuniverse rolled towardaboilingnexushungaroundhim likeaphantomworld.Imustseeit,hethought.His body had slowly acquired a certain spice tolerance thatmade prescient
visionsfewerandfewer...dimmeranddimmer.Thesolutionappearedobvioustohim.Iwilldrown themaker.Wewill seenowwhether I’m theKwisatzHaderach
whocansurvivethetestthattheReverendMothershavesurvived.
And itcame topass in the thirdyearoftheDesertWar thatPaul-Muad’Dib layaloneintheCaveofBirdsbeneaththekiswahangingsofaninnercell.Andhelayasonedead,caughtupintherevelationoftheWaterofLife,hisbeingtranslatedbeyondtheboundariesoftimebythepoisonthatgiveslife.ThuswastheprophecymadetruethattheLisanalGaibmightbebothdeadandalive.
—“CollectedLegendsofArrakis”bythePrincessIrulan
CHANICAMEupoutoftheHabbanyabasininthepredawndarkness,hearingthe‘thopterthathadbroughtherfromthesouthgowhir-whirringofftoahidingplace in thevastness.Aroundher, theescortkept itsdistance, fanningout intotherocksoftheridgetoprobefordangers—andgivingthemateofMuad’Dib,themotherofhisfirstborn,thethingshehadrequested:amomenttowalkalone.Why did he summonme? she asked herself.He toldme before that I must
remaininthesouthwithlittleLetoandAlia.Shegatheredherrobeandleapedlightlyupacrossabarrierrockandontothe
climbing path that only the desert-trained could recognize in the darkness.Pebblesslitheredunderfootandshedancedacrossthemwithoutconsideringthenimblenessrequired.Theclimbwasexhilarating,easingthefearsthathadfermentedinherbecause
ofherescort’s silentwithdrawaland the fact thataprecious ‘thopterhadbeensent for her. She felt the inner leaping at the nearness of reunion with Paul-Muad’Dib, her Usul. His name might be a battle cry over all the land:“Muad‘Dib! Muad’Dib! Muad’Dib!” But she knew a different man by adifferentname—thefatherofherson,thetenderlover.Agreat figure loomedoutof the rocksaboveher,beckoning for speed.She
quickenedherpace.Dawnbirdsalreadywerecallingandliftingintothesky.Adimspreadoflightgrewacrosstheeasternhorizon.The figure above was not one of her own escort. Otheym? she wondered,
markingafamiliarityofmovementandmanner.Shecameuptohim,recognizedinthegrowinglightthebroad,flatfeaturesoftheFedaykinlieutenant,hishoodopen and mouth filter loosely fastened the way one did sometimes whenventuringoutonthedesertforonlyamoment.“Hurry,”hehissed,andledherdownthesecretcrevasseintothehiddencave.
“Itwill be light soon,”hewhispered asheheld adoorsealopen forher. “TheHarkonnenshavebeenmakingdesperationpatrolsoversomeofthisregion.We
darenotchancediscoverynow.”They emerged into the narrow side-passage entrance to the Cave of Birds.
Glowglobescamealight.Otheympressedpasther, said: “Followme.Quickly,now.”Theyspeddownthepassage,throughanothervalvedoor,anotherpassageand
throughhangings intowhathadbeen theSayyadina’salcove in thedayswhenthiswasanoverdayrestcave.Rugsandcushionsnowcoveredthefloor.Wovenhangingswith theredfigureofahawkhid therockwalls.A lowfielddeskatone side was strewn with papers from which lifted the aroma of their spiceorigin.TheReverendMothersatalonedirectlyoppositetheentrance.Shelookedup
withtheinwardstarethatmadetheuninitiatedtremble.Otheym pressed palms together, said: “I have brought Chani.” He bowed,
retreatedthroughthehangings.AndJessicathought:HowdoItellChani?“Howismygrandson?”Jessicaasked.Soit’stobetheritualgreeting,Chanithought,andherfearsreturned.Where
isMuad’Dib?Whyisn’theheretogreetme?“Heishealthyandhappy,mymother,”Chanisaid.“IlefthimwithAliainthe
careofHarah.”Mymother,Jessicathought.Yes,shehastherighttocallmethatintheformal
greeting.Shehasgivenmeagrandson.“IhearagiftofclothhasbeensentfromCoanuasietch,”Jessicasaid.“Itislovelycloth,”Chanisaid.“DoesAliasendamessage?”“Nomessage.But the sietchmovesmore smoothlynow that thepeople are
beginningtoacceptthemiracleofherstatus.”Why does she drag this out so?Chaniwondered.Somethingwas so urgent
thattheysenta’thopterforme.Now,wedragthroughtheformalities!“We must have some of the new cloth cut into garments for little Leto,”
Jessicasaid.“Whateveryouwish,mymother,”Chanisaid.Sheloweredhergaze.“Isthere
newsofbattles?”SheheldherfaceexpressionlessthatJessicamightnotseethebetrayal—thatthiswasaquestionaboutPaulMuad’Dib.“New victories,” Jessica said. “Rabban has sent cautious overtures about a
truce.Hismessengershavebeenreturnedwithouttheirwater.Rabbanhasevenlightened theburdensof thepeople insomeof thesinkvillages.Buthe is too
late.Thepeopleknowhedoesitoutoffearofus.”“ThusitgoesasMuad’Dibsaid,”Chanisaid.ShestaredatJessica,tryingto
keep her fears to herself. I have spoken his name, but she has not responded.Onecannot seeemotion in thatglazed stone shecallsa face ... but she is toofrozen.Whyisshesostill?WhathashappenedtomyUsul?“Iwishwewereinthesouth,”Jessicasaid.“Theoasesweresobeautifulwhen
weleft.Doyounotlongforthedaywhenthewholelandmayblossomthus?”“Thelandisbeautiful,true,”Chanisaid.“Butthereismuchgriefinit.”“Griefisthepriceofvictory,”Jessicasaid.Is shepreparingme forgrief?Chani askedherself. She said: “There are so
manywomenwithoutmen.TherewasjealousywhenitwaslearnedthatI’dbeensummonednorth.”“Isummonedyou,”Jessicasaid.Chani felt her heart hammering. She wanted to clap her hands to her ears,
fearfulofwhattheymighthear.Still,shekepthervoiceeven:“ThemessagewassignedMuad’Dib.”“I signed it thus in the presence of his lieutenants,” Jessica said. “It was a
subterfugeofnecessity.”AndJessicathought:Thisisabravewoman,myPaul’s.Sheholds to theniceties evenwhen fear isalmostoverwhelmingher.Yes. Shemaybetheoneweneednow.Only the slightest tone of resignation crept into Chani’s voice as she said:
“Nowyoumaysaythethingthatmustbesaid.”“You were needed here to help me revive Paul,” Jessica said. And she
thought:There! I said it in theprecisely correctway.Revive.Thus she knowsPaulisaliveandknowsthereisperil,allinthesameword.Chanitookonlyamomenttocalmherself,then:“WhatisitImaydo?”She
wanted to leap at Jessica, shake her and scream:“Take me to him!” But shewaitedsilentlyfortheanswer.“Isuspect,”Jessicasaid,“thattheHarkonnenshavemanagedtosendanagent
among us to poison Paul. It’s the only explanation that seems to fit. A mostunusual poison. I’ve examined his blood in the most subtle ways withoutdetectingit.”Chanithrustherselfforwardontoherknees.“Poison?Isheinpain?CouldI
....”“He isunconscious,” Jessicasaid.“Theprocessesofhis lifeare so lowthat
theycanbedetectedonlywith themost refined techniques. I shudder to thinkwhatcouldhavehappenedhadInotbeentheonetodiscoverhim.Heappears
deadtotheuntrainedeye.”“You have reasons other than courtesy for summoningme,” Chani said. “I
knowyou,ReverendMother.WhatisityouthinkImaydothatyoucannotdo?”She is brave, lovely and, ah-h-h, so perceptive, Jessica thought. She’d have
madeafineBeneGesserit.“Chani,” Jessica said, “you may find this difficult to believe, but I do not
knowpreciselywhy I sent for you. Itwas an instinct ... a basic intuition.Thethoughtcameunbidden:‘SendforChani.’”Forthefirsttime,ChanisawthesadnessinJessica’sexpression,theunveiled
painmodifyingtheinwardstare.“I’vedoneallIknowtodo,”Jessicasaid.“Thatall...itissofarbeyondwhat
is usually supposed as all that youwould find difficulty imagining it. Yet... Ifailed.”“Theoldcompanion,Halleck,”Chaniasked,“isitpossiblehe’satraitor?”“NotGurney,”Jessicasaid.The twowordscarriedanentireconversation,andChani saw thesearching,
thetests...thememoriesofoldfailuresthatwentintothisflatdenial.Chanirockedbackontoherfeet,stoodup,smoothedherdesert-stainedrobe.
“Takemetohim,”shesaid.Jessicaarose,turnedthroughhangingsontheleftwall.Chani followed, found herself inwhat had been a storeroom, its rockwalls
concealednowbeneathheavydraperies.Paul layonafieldpadagainst thefarwall.Asingleglowglobeabovehimilluminatedhisface.Ablackrobecoveredhim to the chest, leaving his arms outside it stretched along his sides. Heappearedtobeunclothedundertherobe.Theskinexposedlookedwaxen,rigid.Therewasnovisiblemovementtohim.Chani suppressed the desire to dash forward, throwherself across him.She
found her thoughts, instead, going to her son—Leto. And she realized in thisinstant that Jessica once had faced such a moment—her man threatened bydeath,forcedinherownmindtoconsiderwhatmightbedonetosaveayoungson.TherealizationformedasuddenbondwiththeolderwomansothatChanireached out and clasped Jessica’s hand.The answering gripwas painful in itsintensity.“Helives,”Jessicasaid.“Iassureyouhelives.Butthethreadofhislifeisso
thinitcouldeasilyescapedetection.Therearesomeamongtheleadersalreadymuttering that themotherspeaksandnot theReverendMother, thatmyson istrulydeadandIdonotwanttogiveuphiswatertothetribe.”
“How long has he been this way?” Chani asked. She disengaged her handfromJessica’s,movedfartherintotheroom.“Three weeks,” Jessica said. “I spent almost a week trying to revive him.
There were meetings, arguments ... investigations. Then I sent for you. TheFedaykinobeymyorders,elseImightnothavebeenabletodelaythe....”Shewetherlipswithhertongue,watchingChanicrosstoPaul.Chani stood over him now, looking down on the soft beard of youth that
framed his face, tracingwith her eyes the high browline, the strong nose, theshutteredeyes—thefeaturessopeacefulinthisrigidrepose.“Howdoeshetakenourishment?”Chaniasked.“Thedemandsofhis flesh are so slight hedoesnotyet need food,” Jessica
said.“Howmanyknowofwhathashappened?”Chaniasked.“Onlyhisclosestadvisers,afewoftheleaders,theFedaykinand,ofcourse,
whoeveradministeredthepoison.”“Thereisnocluetothepoisoner?”“Andit’snotforwantofinvestigating,”Jessicasaid.“WhatdotheFedaykinsay?”Chaniasked.“TheybelievePaulisinasacredtrance,gatheringhisholypowersbeforethe
finalbattles.ThisisathoughtI’vecultivated.”Chani loweredherself toherkneesbeside thepad,bentclose toPaul’sface.
Shesensedanimmediatedifferenceintheairabouthisface ...but itwasonlythespice,theubiquitousspicewhoseodorpermeatedeverythinginFremenlife.Still....“You were not born to the spice as we were,” Chani said. “Have you
investigatedthepossibilitythathisbodyhasrebelledagainsttoomuchspiceinhisdiet?”“Allergyreactionsareallnegative,”Jessicasaid.She closed her eyes, as much to blot out this scene as because of sudden
realizationof fatigue.How longhave I beenwithout sleep? she asked herself.Toolong.“WhenyouchangetheWaterofLife,”Chanisaid,“youdoitwithinyourself
bytheinwardawareness.Haveyouusedthisawarenesstotesthisblood?”“NormalFremenblood,”Jessicasaid.“Completelyadaptedtothedietandthe
lifehere.”Chani satbackonherheels, submergingher fears in thoughtas she studied
Paul’s face. This was a trick she had learned from watching the Reverend
Mothers. Time could bemade to serve themind.One concentrated the entireattention.Presently,Chanisaid:“Isthereamakerhere?”“There are several,” Jessica said with a touch of weariness. “We are never
without them these days. Each victory requires its blessing. Each ceremonybeforearaid—”“But PaulMuad’Dib has held himself aloof from these ceremonies,”Chani
said.Jessicanoddedtoherself,rememberingherson’sambivalentfeelingstoward
thespicedrugandtheprescientawarenessitprecipitated.“Howdidyouknowthis?”Jessicaasked.“Itisspoken.”“Toomuchisspoken,”Jessicasaidbitterly.“GetmetherawWaterofthemaker,”Chanisaid.JessicastiffenedatthetoneofcommandinChani’svoice,thenobservedthe
intenseconcentrationintheyoungerwomanandsaid:“Atonce.”Shewentoutthroughthehangingstosendawaterman.ChanisatstaringatPaul. Ifhehas tried todo this, she thought.Andit’s the
sortofthinghemighttry....JessicakneltbesideChani,holdingoutaplaincampewer.Thechargedodor
ofthepoisonwassharpinChani’snostrils.Shedippedafingerinthefluid,heldthefingerclosetoPaul’snose.The skin along thebridgeof his nosewrinkled slightly.Slowly, thenostrils
flared.Jessicagasped.ChanitouchedthedampenedfingertoPaul’supperlip.Hedrewinalong,sobbingbreath.“Whatisthis?”Jessicademanded.“Bestill,”Chanisaid.“Youmustconvertasmallamountofthesacredwater.
Quickly!”Withoutquestioning,becausesherecognizedthetoneofawarenessinChani’s
voice,Jessicaliftedtheewertohermouth,drewinasmallsip.Paul’seyesflewopen.HestaredupwardatChani.“ItisnotnecessaryforhertochangetheWater,”hesaid.Hisvoicewasweak,
butsteady.Jessica,asipofthefluidonhertongue,foundherbodyrallying,converting
the poison almost automatically. In the light elevation the ceremony always
imparted, she sensed the life-glow fromPaul—a radiation there registering onhersenses.Inthatinstant,sheknew.“Youdrankthesacredwater!”sheblurted.“Onedropofit,”Paulsaid.“Sosmall...onedrop.”“Howcouldyoudosuchafoolishthing?”shedemanded.“Heisyourson,”Chanisaid.Jessicaglaredather.Araresmile,warmandfullofunderstanding,touchedPaul’slips.“Hearmy
beloved,”hesaid.“Listentoher,Mother.Sheknows.”“Athingthatotherscando,hemustdo,”Chanisaid.“WhenIhadthedropinmymouth,whenIfeltitandsmelledit,whenIknew
whatitwasdoingtome,thenIknewIcoulddothethingthatyouhavedone,”hesaid.“YourBeneGesseritproctorsspeakoftheKwisatzHaderach,buttheycannotbegintoguessthemanyplacesIhavebeen.InthefewminutesI....”Hebroke off, looking at Chani with a puzzled frown. “Chani? How did you gethere?You’resupposedtobe....Whyareyouhere?”Hetriedtopushhimselfontohiselbows.Chanipressedhimbackgently.“Please,myUsul,”shesaid.“Ifeelsoweak,”hesaid.Hisgazedartedaroundtheroom.“HowlonghaveI
beenhere?”“You’vebeenthreeweeksinacomasodeepthatthesparkoflifeseemedto
havefled,”Jessicasaid.“Butitwas....Itookitjustamomentagoand....”“Amomentforyou,threeweeksoffearforme,”Jessicasaid.“Itwasonlyonedrop,butIconvertedit,”Paulsaid.“IchangedtheWaterof
Life.”AndbeforeChaniorJessicacouldstophim,hedippedhishandintotheewertheyhadplacedonthefloorbesidehim,andhebroughtthedrippinghandtohismouth,swallowedthepalm-cuppedliquid.“Paul!”Jessicascreamed.He grabbed her hand, faced her with a death’s head grin, and he sent his
awarenesssurgingoverher.Therapportwasnotastender,notassharing,notasencompassingasithad
beenwithAliaandwiththeOldReverendMotherinthecavern...butitwasarapport:asense-sharingoftheentirebeing.Itshookher,weakenedher,andshecoweredinhermind,fearfulofhim.Aloud, he said: “You speak of a placewhere you cannot enter? This place
whichtheReverendMothercannotface,showittome.”Sheshookherhead,terrifiedbytheverythought.“Showittome!”hecommanded.“No!”But shecouldnot escapehim.Bludgeonedby the terrible forceofhim, she
closedhereyesandfocusedinward-the-direction-that-is-dark.Paul’s consciousness flowed through and around her and into the darkness.
She glimpsed the place dimly before her mind blanked itself away from theterror.Withoutknowingwhy,herwholebeingtrembledatwhatshehadseen—aregionwhereawindblewandsparksglared,whereringsoflightexpandedandcontracted,where rows of tumescentwhite shapes flowedover and under andaroundthelights,drivenbydarknessandawindoutofnowhere.Presently, sheopenedher eyes, sawPaul staringupather.He still held her
hand,buttheterriblerapportwasgone.Shequietedhertrembling.Paulreleasedherhand.Itwasasthoughsomecrutchhadbeenremoved.Shestaggeredupandback,wouldhavefallenhadnotChanijumpedtosupporther.“ReverendMother!”Chanisaid.“Whatiswrong?”“Tired,”Jessicawhispered.“So...tired.”“Here,” Chani said. “Sit here.” She helped Jessica to a cushion against the
wall.ThestrongyoungarmsfeltsogoodtoJessica.SheclungtoChani.“He has, in truth, seen the Water of Life?” Chani asked. She disengaged
herselffromJessica’sgrip.“Hehas seen,” Jessicawhispered.Hermindstill rolledandsurged from the
contact. It was like stepping to solid land after weeks on a heaving sea. ShesensedtheoldReverendMotherwithinher ...andall theothersawakenedandquestioning:“Whatwasthat?Whathappened?Wherewasthatplace?”ThroughitallthreadedtherealizationthathersonwastheKwisatzHaderach,
the onewho could bemany places at once. Hewas the fact out of the BeneGesseritdream.Andthefactgavehernopeace.“Whathappened?”Chanidemanded.Jessicashookherhead.Paul said:“There is ineachofusanancient force that takesandanancient
force that gives. Aman finds little difficulty facing that place within himselfwherethetakingforcedwells,butit’salmostimpossibleforhimtoseeintothegivingforcewithoutchangingintosomethingotherthanman.Forawoman,thesituationisreversed.”
Jessicalookedup,foundChaniwasstaringatherwhilelisteningtoPaul.“Doyouunderstandme,Mother?”Paulasked.Shecouldonlynod.“These thingsaresoancientwithinus,”Paulsaid,“that they’reground into
eachseparatecellofourbodies.We’re shapedbysuch forces.Youcansay toyourself,‘Yes,Iseehowsuchathingmaybe.’Butwhenyoulookinwardandconfronttherawforceofyourownlifeunshielded,youseeyourperil.Youseethat thiscouldoverwhelmyou.Thegreatestperil to theGiver is theforce thattakes.Thegreatest peril to theTaker is the force that gives. It’s as easy to beoverwhelmedbygivingasbytaking.”“Andyou,myson,”Jessicaasked,“areyouonewhogivesoronewhotakes?”“I’matthefulcrum,”hesaid.“IcannotgivewithouttakingandIcannottake
without....”Hebrokeoff,lookingtothewallathisright.Chanifeltadraftagainsthercheek,turnedtoseethehangingsclose.“ItwasOtheym,”Paulsaid.“Hewaslistening.”Accepting the words, Chani was touched by some of the prescience that
hauntedPaul,andsheknewathing-yet-to-beasthoughitalreadyhadoccurred.Otheymwouldspeakofwhathehadseenandheard.Otherswouldspread thestoryuntilitwasafireovertheland.Paul-Muad’Dibisnotasothermen,theywouldsay.Therecanbenomoredoubt.Heisaman,yetheseesthroughtotheWaterofLifeinthewayofaReverendMother.HeisindeedtheLisanal-Gaib.“You have seen the future, Paul,” Jessica said. “Will you say what you’ve
seen?”“Notthefuture,”hesaid.“I’veseentheNow.”Heforcedhimselftoasitting
position, waved Chani aside as she moved to help him. “The Space aboveArrakisisfilledwiththeshipsoftheGuild.”Jessicatrembledatthecertaintyinhisvoice.“The Padishah Emperor himself is there,” Paul said.He looked at the rock
ceilingofhiscell.“WithhisfavoriteTruthsayerandfive legionsofSardaukar.TheoldBaronVladimirHarkonnenistherewithThufirHawatbesidehimandseven ships jammedwitheveryconscripthecouldmuster.EveryGreatHousehasitsraidersaboveus...waiting.”Chani shookher head, unable to look away fromPaul.His strangeness, the
flattoneofvoice,thewayhelookedthroughher,filledherwithawe.Jessicatriedtoswallowinadrythroat,said:“Forwhataretheywaiting?”Paullookedather.“FortheGuild’spermissiontoland.TheGuildwillstrand
onArrakisanyforcethatlandswithoutpermission.”
“TheGuild’sprotectingus?”Jessicaasked.“Protectingus!TheGuilditselfcausedthisbyspreadingtalesaboutwhatwe
dohereandbyreducingtrooptransportfarestoapointwhereeventhepoorestHousesareuptherenowwaitingtolootus.”Jessicanoted the lackofbitterness inhis tone,wonderedat it.Shecouldn’t
doubthiswords—theyhadthatsameintensityshe’dseeninhimthenighthe’drevealedthepathofthefuturethat’dtakenthemamongtheFremen.Paul took a deep breath, said: “Mother, youmust change a quantity of the
Waterforus.Weneedthecatalyst.Chani,haveascoutforcesentout...tofindapre-spicemass. Ifwe plant a quantity of theWater of Life above a pre-spicemass,doyouknowwhatwillhappen?”Jessicaweighedhiswords,suddenlysawthroughtohismeaning.“Paul!”she
gasped.“TheWaterofDeath,”hesaid.“It’dbeachainreaction.”Hepointed to the
floor.“Spreadingdeathamongthelittlemakers,killingavectorofthelifecyclethatincludesthespiceandthemakers.Arrakiswillbecomeatruedesolation—withoutspiceormaker.”Chani put a hand to hermouth, shocked to numb silence by the blasphemy
pouringfromPaul’slips.“Hewhocandestroy a thinghas the real control of it,”Paul said. “Wecan
destroythespice.”“WhatstaystheGuild’shand?”Jessicawhispered.“They’re searching for me,” Paul said. “Think of that! The finest Guild
navigators,menwhocanquestaheadthroughtimetofindthesafestcourseforthe fastestHeighliners,allof themseekingme ... andunable to findme.Howthey tremble! They know I have their secret here!” Paul held out his cuppedhand.“Withoutthespicethey’reblind!”Chanifoundhervoice.“Yousaidyouseethenow!”Paul lay back, searching the spread-outpresent, its limits extended into the
futureandintothepast,holdingontotheawarenesswithdifficultyasthespiceilluminationbegantofade.“GodoasIcommanded,”hesaid.“Thefuture’sbecomingasmuddledforthe
Guildasitisforme.Thelinesofvisionarenarrowing.Everythingfocusesherewhere the spice is ... where they’ve dared not interfere before ... because tointerferewastolosewhattheymusthave.Butnowthey’redesperate.Allpathsleadintodarkness.”
AndthatdaydawnedwhenArrakislayat thehubof theuniversewiththewheelpoisedtospin.
—from“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
“WILLYOUlookatthatthing!”Stilgarwhispered.PaullaybesidehiminaslitofrockhighontheShieldWallrim,eyefixedto
the collector of a Fremen telescope. The oil lens was focused on a starshiplighter exposedbydawn in thebasinbelow them.The tall eastern faceof theshipglistenedintheflatlightofthesun,buttheshadowsidestillshowedyellowportholes fromglowglobesof thenight.Beyond the ship, thecityofArrakeenlaycoldandgleaminginthelightofthenorthernsun.Itwasn’tthelighterthatexcitedStilgar’sawe,Paulknew,buttheconstruction
for which the lighter was only the centerpost. A single metal hutment, manystoriestall,reachedoutinathousand-metercirclefromthebaseofthelighter—atent composed of interlocking metal leaves—the temporary lodging place forfive legions of Sardaukar and His Imperial Majesty, the Padishah EmperorShaddamIV.FromhispositionsquattingatPaul’sleft,GurneyHallecksaid:“Icountnine
levelstoit.MustbequiteafewSardaukarinthere.”“Fivelegions,”Paulsaid.“It grows light,” Stilgar hissed. “We like it not, your exposing yourself,
Muad’Dib.Letusgobackintotherocksnow.”“I’mperfectlysafehere,”Paulsaid.“Thatshipmountsprojectileweapons,”Gurneysaid.“They believe us protected by shields,” Paul said. “They wouldn’t waste a
shotonanunidentifiedtrioeveniftheysawus.”Paul swung the telescope to scan the far wall of the basin, seeing the
pockmarkedcliffs, theslides thatmarked the tombsofsomanyofhis father’stroopers.Andhehadamomentarysenseofthefitnessofthingsthattheshadesofthosemenshouldlookdownonthismoment.TheHarkonnenfortsandtownsacrosstheshieldedlandslayinFremenhandsorcutawayfromtheirsourcelikestalks severed from a plant and left to wither. Only this basin and its cityremainedtotheenemy.“Theymighttryasortieby’thopter,”Stilgarsaid.“Iftheyseeus.”
“Letthem,”Paulsaid.“We’ve’thopterstoburntoday...andweknowastormiscoming.”Heswungthetelescopetothefarsideof theArrakeenlandingfieldnow,to
theHarkonnenfrigateslineduptherewithaCHOAMCompanybannerwavinggently from its staff on the ground beneath them. And he thought of thedesperationthathadforcedtheGuildtopermitthesetwogroupstolandwhilealltheotherswereheldinreserve.TheGuildwaslikeamantestingthesandwithhistoetogaugeitstemperaturebeforeerectingatent.“Is there anything new to see from here?” Gurney asked. “We should be
gettingundercover.Thestormiscoming.”Paulreturnedhisattentiononthegianthutment.“They’veevenbroughttheir
women,” he said. “And lackeys and servants.Ah-h-h,my dear Emperor, howconfidentyouare.”“Men are coming up the secret way,” Stilgar said. “Itmay beOtheym and
Korbareturning.”“Allright,Stil,”Paulsaid.“We’llgoback.”Buthetookonefinal lookaroundthroughthetelescope—studyingtheplain
withitstallships,thegleamingmetalhutment,thesilentcity,thefrigatesoftheHarkonnen mercenaries. Then he slid backward around a scarp of rock. HisplaceatthetelescopewastakenbyaFedaykinguardsman.PaulemergedintoashallowdepressionintheShieldWall’ssurface.Itwasa
place about thirty meters in diameter and some three meters deep, a naturalfeatureoftherockthattheFremenhadhiddenbeneathatranslucentcamouflagecover.Communicationsequipmentwasclusteredaroundaholeinthewalltotheright.FedaykinguardsdeployedthroughthedepressionwaitedforMuad-Dib’scommandtoattack.Twomenemergedfromtheholebythecommunicationsequipment,spoketo
theguardsthere.Paul glanced at Stilgar, nodded in the direction of the twomen. “Get their
report,Stil.”Stilgarmovedtoobey.Paulcrouchedwithhisbacktotherock,stretchinghismuscles,straightened.
HesawStilgarsendingthetwomenbackintothatdarkholeintherock,thoughtabout the long climb down that narrow man-made tunnel to the floor of thebasin.StilgarcrossedtoPaul.“Whatwassoimportantthattheycouldn’tsendacielagowiththemessage?”
Paulasked.“They’re saving their birds for the battle,” Stilgar said. He glanced at the
communicationsequipment,backtoPaul.“Evenwithatightbeam,itiswrongto use those things,Muad’Dib. They can find you by taking a bearing on itsemission.”“They’llsoonbetoobusytofindme,”Paulsaid.“Whatdidthemenreport?”“OurpetSardaukarhavebeenreleasednearOldGaplowontherimandare
ontheirwaytotheirmaster.Therocketlaunchersandotherprojectileweaponsareinplace.Thepeoplearedeployedasyouordered.Itwasallroutine.”Paulglanced across the shallowbowl, studyinghismen in the filtered light
admittedbythecamouflagecover.Hefelttimecreepinglikeaninsectworkingitswayacrossanexposedrock.“It’ll take our Sardaukar a little time afoot before they can signal a troop
carrier,”Paulsaid.“Theyarebeingwatched?”“Theyarebeingwatched,”Stilgarsaid.BesidePaul,GurneyHalleckclearedhisthroat.“Hadn’twebestbegettingto
aplaceofsafety?”“Thereisnosuchplace,”Paulsaid.“Istheweatherreportstillfavorable?”“Agreatgrandmotherofastormcoming,”Stilgarsaid.“Canyounotfeelit,
Muad’Dib?”“Theairdoesfeelchancy,”Paulagreed.“ButIlikethecertaintyofpolingthe
weather.”“Thestorm’llbehereinthehour,”Stilgarsaid.Henoddedtowardthegapthat
lookedoutontheEmperor’shutmentandtheHarkonnenfrigates.“Theyknowitthere,too.Nota’thopterinthesky.Everythingpulledinandtieddown.They’vehadareportontheweatherfromtheirfriendsinspace.”“Anymoreprobingsorties?”Paulasked.“Nothingsincethelandinglastnight,”Stilgarsaid.“Theyknowwe’rehere.I
thinknowtheywaittochoosetheirowntime.”“Wechoosethetime,”Paulsaid.Gurneyglancedupward,growled:“Iftheyletus.”“Thatfleet’llstayinspace,”Paulsaid.Gurneyshookhishead.“Theyhavenochoice,”Paulsaid.“Wecandestroythespice.TheGuilddares
notriskthat.”“Desperatepeoplearethemostdangerous,”Gurneysaid.“Arewenotdesperate?”Stilgarasked.
Gurneyscowledathim.“Youhaven’tlivedwiththeFremendream,”Paulcautioned.“Stilisthinking
ofallthewaterwe’vespentonbribes,theyearsofwaitingwe’veaddedbeforeArrakiscanbloom.He’snot—”“Arrrgh,”Gurneyscowled.“Why’shesogloomy?”Stilgarasked.“He’salwaysgloomybeforeabattle,”Paulsaid.“It’stheonlyformofgood
humorGurneyallowshimself.”A slow, wolfish grin spread across Gurney’s face, the teeth showing white
abovethechipcutofhisstillsuit.“Itgloomsmemuchtothinkonall thepoorHarkonnensoulswe’lldispatchunshriven,”hesaid.Stilgarchuckled.“HetalkslikeaFedaykin.”“Gurneywas born a death commando,” Paul said.And he thought:Yes, let
them occupy theirmindswith small talk beforewe test ourselves against thatforceon theplain.He looked to thegap in the rockwall andback toGurney,foundthatthetroubadour-warriorhadresumedabroodingscowl.“Worrysapsthestrength,”Paulmurmured.“Youtoldmethatonce,Gurney.”“MyDuke,”Gurneysaid,“mychiefworryistheatomics.Ifyouusethemto
blastaholeintheShieldWall....”“Thosepeopleuptherewon’tuseatomicsagainstus,”Paulsaid.“Theydon’t
dare...andforthesamereasonthattheycannotriskourdestroyingthesourceofthespice.”“Buttheinjunctionagainst—”“The injunction!” Paul barked. “It’s fear, not the injunction that keeps the
Houses from hurling atomics against each other. The language of the GreatConventionisclearenough:‘Useofatomicsagainsthumansshallbecauseforplanetaryobliteration.’We’regoingtoblasttheShieldWall,nothumans.”“It’stoofineapoint,”Gurneysaid.“Thehair-splittersuptherewillwelcomeanypoint,”Paulsaid.“Let’stalkno
moreaboutit.”He turned away, wishing he actually felt that confident. Presently, he said:
“Whataboutthecitypeople?Aretheyinpositionyet?”“Yes,”Stilgarmuttered.Paullookedathim.“What’seatingyou?”“Ineverknewthecitymancouldbetrustedcompletely,”Stilgarsaid.“Iwasacitymanmyselfonce,”Paulsaid.Stilgarstiffened.Hisfacegrewdarkwithblood.“Muad’DibknowsIdidnot
mean—”“Iknowwhatyoumeant,Stil.Butthetestofamanisn’twhatyouthinkhe’ll
do.It’swhatheactuallydoes.ThesecitypeoplehaveFremenblood.It’sjustthattheyhaven’tyetlearnedhowtoescapetheirbondage.We’llteachthem.”Stilgarnodded,spoke ina rueful tone:“Thehabitsofa lifetime,Muad’Dib.
OntheFuneralPlainwelearnedtodespisethemenofthecommunities.”PaulglancedatGurney,sawhimstudyingStilgar.“Tellus,Gurney,whywere
thecityfolkdowntheredrivenfromtheirhomesbytheSardaukar?”“Anoldtrick,myDuke.Theythoughttoburdenuswithrefugees.”“It’s been so long since guerrillas were effective that the mighty have
forgotten how to fight them,”Paul said. “TheSardaukar have played into ourhands. They grabbed some city women for their sport, decorated their battlestandardswiththeheadsofthemenwhoobjected.Andthey’vebuiltupafeverofhateamongpeoplewhootherwisewould’ve lookedon thecomingbattleasnomorethanagreatinconvenience...andthepossibilityofexchangingonesetofmastersforanother.TheSardaukarrecruitforus,Stilgar.”“Thecitypeopledoseemeager,”Stilgarsaid.“Theirhateisfreshandclear,”Paulsaid.“That’swhyweusethemasshock
troops.”“Theslaughteramongthemwillbefearful,”Gurneysaid.Stilgarnoddedagreement.“Theyweretoldtheodds,”Paulsaid.“TheyknoweverySardaukartheykill
will be one less for us. You see, gentlemen, they have something to die for.They’vediscoveredthey’reapeople.They’reawakening.”Amutteredexclamationcamefromthewatcheratthetelescope.Paulmoved
totherockslit,asked:“Whatisitoutthere?”“A great commotion, Muad’Dib,” the watcher hissed. “At that monstrous
metaltent.AsurfacecarcamefromRimwallWestanditwaslikeahawkintoanestofrockpartridge.”“OurcaptiveSardaukarhavearrived,”Paulsaid.“They’vea shield around theentire landing fieldnow,” thewatcher said. “I
canseetheairdancingeventotheedgeofthestorageyardwheretheykeptthespice.”“Now they know who it is they fight,” Gurney said. “Let the Harkonnen
beaststrembleandfretthemselvesthatanAtreidesyetlives!”Paul spoke to the Fedaykin at the telescope. “Watch the flagpole atop the
Emperor’sship.Ifmyflagisraisedthere—”
“Itwillnotbe,”Gurneysaid.PaulsawthepuzzledfrownonStilgar’sface,said:“IftheEmperorrecognized
my claim, he’ll signal by restoring theAtreides flag toArrakis.We’ll use thesecondplanthen,moveonlyagainsttheHarkonnens.TheSardaukarwillstandasideandletussettletheissuebetweenourselves.”“I’venoexperiencewith theseoffworld things,”Stilgar said. “I’veheardof
them,butitseemsunlikelythe—”“Youdon’tneedexperiencetoknowwhatthey’lldo,”Gurneysaid.“They’resendinganewflaguponthetallship,”thewatchersaid.“Theflagis
yellow...withablackandredcircleinthecenter.”“There’s a subtle piece of business,” Paul said. “The CHOAM Company
flag.”“It’sthesameastheflagattheotherships,”theFedaykinguardsaid.“Idon’tunderstand,”Stilgarsaid.“A subtle piece of business indeed,” Gurney said. “Had he sent up the
Atreidesbanner,he’dhavehadtolivebywhatthatmeant.Toomanyobserversabout. He could’ve signaled with the Harkonnen flag on his staff—a flatdeclaration that’d have been. But, no—he sends up the CHOAM rag. He’stellingthepeopleupthere....”Gurneypointedtowardspace.“...wheretheprofitis.He’ssayinghedoesn’tcareifit’sanAtreideshereornot.”“HowlongtillthestormstrikestheShieldWall?”Paulasked.Stilgarturnedaway,consultedoneoftheFedaykininthebowl.Presently,he
returned, said: “Very soon,Muad’Dib. Sooner than we expected. It’s a great-great-grandmotherofastorm...perhapsevenmorethanyouwished.”“It’smystorm,”Paulsaid,andsawthesilentaweonthefacesoftheFedaykin
whoheardhim.“Though it shook theentireworld itcouldnotbemore than Iwished.WillitstriketheShieldWallfullon?”“Closeenoughtomakenodifference,”Stilgarsaid.A courier crossed from the hole that led down into the basin, said: “The
SardaukarandHarkonnenpatrolsarepullingback,Muad’Dib.”“They expect the storm to spill too much sand into the basin for good
visibility,”Stilgarsaid.“Theythinkwe’llbeinthesamefix.”“Tell our gunners to set their sightswell before visibility drops,”Paul said.
“Theymustknockthenoseoffeveryoneofthoseshipsassoonasthestormhasdestroyedtheshields.”Hesteppedtothewallofthebowl,pulledbackafoldofthecamouflagecoverandlookedupatthesky.Thehorsetailtwistingsofblowsand could be seen against the dark of the sky. Paul restored the cover, said:
“Startsendingourmendown,Stil.”“Willyounotgowithus?”Stilgarasked.“I’llwaithereabitwiththeFedaykin,”Paulsaid.Stilgargaveaknowingshrug towardGurney,moved to thehole in the rock
wall,waslostinitsshadows.“The trigger that blasts the Shield Wall aside, that I leave in your hands,
Gurney,”Paulsaid.“Youwilldoit?”“I’lldoit.”PaulgesturedtoaFedaykinlieutenant,said:“Otheym,startmovingthecheck
patrolsoutoftheblastarea.Theymustbeoutoftherebeforethestormstrikes.”Themanbowed,followedStilgar.Gurney leaned in to the rock slit, spoke to theman at the telescope: “Keep
yourattentionon thesouthwall. It’llbecompletelyundefendeduntilweblowit.”“Dispatchacielagowithatimesignal,”Paulordered.“Some ground cars are moving toward the south wall,” the man at the
telescopesaid.“Someareusingprojectileweapons,testing.Ourpeopleareusingbodyshieldsasyoucommanded.Thegroundcarshavestopped.”Intheabruptsilence,Paulheardthewinddevilsplayingoverhead—thefront
ofthestorm.Sandbegantodriftdownintotheirbowlthroughgapsinthecover.Aburstofwindcaughtthecover,whippeditaway.Paul motioned his Fedaykin to take shelter, crossed to the men at the
communications equipment near the tunnelmouth.Gurney stayed beside him.Paulcrouchedoverthesignalmen.Onesaid:“Agreat-great-greatgrandmotherofastorm,Muad’Dib.”Paul glanced up at the darkening sky, said: “Gurney, have the south wall
observers pulledout.”Hehad to repeat his order, shouting above thegrowingnoiseofthestorm.Gurneyturnedtoobey.Paulfastenedhisfacefilter,tightenedthestillsuithood.Gurneyreturned.Paultouchedhisshoulder,pointedtotheblasttriggersetintothetunnelmouth
beyondthesignalmen.Gurneywentintothetunnel,stoppedthere,onehandatthetrigger,hisgazeonPaul.“Wearegettingnomessages,”thesignalmanbesidePaulsaid.“Muchstatic.”Paulnodded,kepthiseyeonthetime-standarddialinfrontofthesignalman.
Presently,PaullookedatGurney,raisedahand,returnedhisattentiontothedial.
Thetimecountercrawledarounditsfinalcircuit.“Now!”Paulshouted,anddroppedhishand.Gurneydepressedtheblasttrigger.Itseemedthatafullsecondpassedbeforetheyfelt thegroundbeneaththem
rippleandshake.Arumblingsoundwasaddedtothestorm’sroar.TheFedaykinwatcherfromthetelescopeappearedbesidePaul,thetelescope
clutchedunderonearm.“TheShieldWallisbreached,Muad’Dib!”heshouted.“Thestormisonthemandourgunnersalreadyarefiring.”Paulthoughtofthestormsweepingacrossthebasin,thestaticchargewithin
thewallofsandthatdestroyedeveryshieldbarrierintheenemycamp.“Thestorm!”someoneshouted.“Wemustgetundercover,Muad’Dib!”Paulcametohissenses,feelingthesandneedlesstinghisexposedcheeks.We
arecommitted,hethought.Heputanarmaroundthesignalman’sshoulder,said:“Leavetheequipment!There’smoreinthetunnel.”Hefelthimselfbeingpulledaway, Fedaykin pressed around him to protect him. They squeezed into thetunnel mouth, feeling its comparative silence, turned a corner into a smallchamberwithglowglobesoverheadandanothertunnelopeningbeyond.Anothersignalmansatthereathisequipment.“Muchstatic,”themansaid.Aswirlofsandfilledtheairaroundthem.“Seal off this tunnel!” Paul shouted.A sudden pressure of stillness showed
thathiscommandhadbeenobeyed.“Isthewaydowntothebasinstillopen?”Paulasked.AFedaykinwenttolook,returned,said:“Theexplosioncausedalittlerockto
fall,buttheengineerssayitisstillopen.They’recleaningupwithlasbeams.”“Tell them touse theirhands!”Paulbarked.“Thereare shieldsactivedown
there!”“Theyarebeingcareful,Muad’Dib,”themansaid,butheturnedtoobey.Thesignalmenfromoutsidepressedpastthemcarryingtheirequipment.“Itoldthosementoleavetheirequipment!”Paulsaid.“Fremendonotliketoabandonequipment,Muad’Dib,”oneofhisFedaykin
chided.“Menaremoreimportantthanequipmentnow,”Paulsaid.“We’llhavemore
equipmentthanwecanusesoonorhavenoneedforanyequipmert.”GurneyHalleckcameupbesidehim,said:“Iheardthemsaythewaydownis
open.We’reveryclosetothesurfacehere,m’Lord,shouldtheHarkonnenstrytoretaliateinkind.”
“They’reinnopositiontoretaliate,”Paulsaid.“They’rejustnowfindingoutthattheyhavenoshieldsandareunabletogetoffArrakis.”“Thenewcommandpostisallprepared,though,m’Lord,”Gurneysaid.“They’ve no need of me in the command post yet,” Paul said. “The plan
wouldgoaheadwithoutme.Wemustwaitforthe—”“I’m getting a message, Muad’Dib,” said the signalman at the
communicationsequipment.Themanshookhishead,pressedareceiverphoneagainst his ear. “Much static!”He began scribbling on a pad in front of him,shakinghisheadwaiting,writing...waiting.Paulcrossedtothesignalman’sside.TheFedaykinsteppedback,givinghim
room.Helookeddownatwhatthemanhadwritten,read:“Raid... on Sietch Tabr ... captives... Alia (blank) families of (blank) dead
are...they(blank)sonofMuad’Dib....”Again,thesignalmanshookhishead.PaullookeduptoseeGurneystaringathim.“Themessageisgarbled,”Gurneysaid.“Thestatic.Youdon’tknowthat....”“Mysonisdead,”Paulsaid,andknewashespokethatitwastrue.“Mysonis
dead ... and Alia is a captive ... hostage.” He felt emptied, a shell withoutemotions. Everything he touched brought death and grief. And it was like adiseasethatcouldspreadacrosstheuniverse.Hecould feel theold-manwisdom, theaccumulationoutof theexperiences
fromcountless possible lives. Something seemed to chuckle and rub its handswithinhim.And Paul thought:How little the universe knows about the nature of real
cruelty!
And Muad’Dib stood before them, and he said: “Though we deem the captivedead,yetdoesshelive.Forherseedismyseedandhervoiceismyvoice.Andsheseesuntothefarthestreachesofpossibility.Yea,untothevaleoftheunknowabledoessheseebecauseofme.”
—from“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
THEBARONVladimir Harkonnen stoodwith eyes downcast in the Imperialaudience chamber, the oval selamlik within the Padishah Emperor’s hutment.With covert glances, the Baron had studied the metal-walled room and itsoccupants—thenoukkers, thepages, theguards, the troopofHouseSardaukardrawnuparoundthewalls,standingateasetherebeneaththebloodyandtatteredcapturedbattleflagsthatweretheroom’sonlydecoration.Voicessoundedfromtherightofthechamber,echoingoutofahighpassage:
“Makeway!MakewayfortheRoyalPerson!”ThePadishahEmperorShaddamIVcameoutofthepassageintotheaudience
chamberfollowedbyhissuite.Hestoodwaitingwhilehisthronewasbrought,ignoringtheBaron,seeminglyignoringeverypersonintheroom.TheBaronfoundthathecouldnot ignore theRoyalPerson,andstudied the
Emperorforasign,anycluetothepurposeofthisaudience.TheEmperorstoodpoised,waiting—aslim,elegantfigureinagraySardaukaruniformwithsilverandgoldtrim.HisthinfaceandcoldeyesremindedtheBaronoftheDukeLetolongdead.Therewas that same lookof thepredatorybird.But theEmperor’shairwasred,notblack,andmostofthathairwasconcealedbyaBurseg’sebonhelmetwiththeImperialcrestingolduponitscrown.Pagesbroughtthethrone.Itwasamassivechaircarvedfromasinglepieceof
Hagal quartz-blue-green translucency shot throughwith streaks of yellow fire.TheyplaceditonthedaisandtheEmperormounted,seatedhimself.Anoldwomaninablackabarobewithhooddrawndownoverherforehead
detachedherselffromtheEmperor’ssuite,tookupstationbehindthethrone,onescrawnyhandrestingonthequartzback.Herfacepeeredoutofthehoodlikeawitchcaricature—sunkencheeksandeyes,anoverlongnose, skinmottledandwithprotrudingveins.TheBaronstilledhistremblingatsightofher.ThepresenceoftheReverend
Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, the Emperor’s Truthsayer, betrayed theimportanceofthisaudience.TheBaronlookedawayfromher,studiedthesuite
foraclue.ThereweretwooftheGuildagents,onetallandfat,oneshortandfat,bothwithblandgrayeyes.AndamongthelackeysstoodoneoftheEmperor’sdaughters, the Princess Irulan, a woman they said was being trained in thedeepestoftheBeneGesseritways,destinedtobeaReverendMother.Shewastall, blonde, face of chiseled beauty, green eyes that looked past and throughhim.“MydearBaron.”The Emperor had deigned to notice him. The voice was baritone and with
exquisitecontrol.Itmanagedtodismisshimwhilegreetinghim.TheBaronbowed low,advanced to therequiredposition tenpaces fromthe
dais.“Icameatyoursummons,Majesty.”“Summons!”theoldwitchcackled.“Now,ReverendMother,” theEmperorchided,buthesmiledat theBaron’s
discomfiture, said: “First, you will tell me where you’ve sent your minion,ThufirHawat.”The Baron darted his gaze left and right, reviled himself for coming here
withouthisownguards,notthatthey’dbemuchuseagainstSardaukar.Still....“Well?”theEmperorsaid.“Hehasbeengonethesefivedays,Majesty.”TheBaronshotaglanceatthe
Guild agents, back to the Emperor. “He was to land at a smuggler base andattemptinfiltratingthecampoftheFremenfanatic,thisMuad’Dib.”“Incredible!”theEmperorsaid.Oneofthewitch’sclawlikehandstappedtheEmperor’sshoulder.Sheleaned
forward,whisperedinhisear.The Emperor nodded, said: “Five days, Baron. Tell me, why aren’t you
worriedabouthisabsence?”“ButIamworried,Majesty!”The Emperor continued to stare at him, waiting. The Reverend Mother
emittedacacklinglaugh.“What Imean,Majesty,” theBaronsaid,“is thatHawatwillbedeadwithin
anotherfewhours,anyway.”Andheexplainedaboutthelatentpoisonandneedforanantidote.“How clever of you, Baron,” the Emperor said. “And where are your
nephews,RabbanandtheyoungFeyd-Rautha?”“The storm comes, Majesty. I sent them to inspect our perimeter lest the
Fremenattackundercoverofthesand.”“Perimeter,”theEmperorsaid.Thewordcameoutasthoughitpuckeredhis
mouth. “The stormwon’t bemuch here in the basin, and that Fremen rabblewon’tattackwhileI’mherewithfivelegionsofSardaukar.”“Surelynot,Majesty,”theBaronsaid,“Buterroronthesideofcautioncannot
becensured.”“Ah-h-h-h,”theEmperorsaid.“Censure.ThenI’mnottospeakofhowmuch
time this Arrakis nonsense has taken from me? Nor the CHOAM Companyprofitspouringdown this rathole?Nor thecourt functionsandaffairsof stateI’vehadtodelay—evencancel—becauseofthisstupidaffair?”TheBaronloweredhisgaze,frightenedbytheImperialanger.Thedelicacyof
his position here, alone and dependent upon the Convention and the dictumfamiliaof theGreatHouses, frettedhim.Doeshemean to killme? theBaronaskedhimself.Hecouldn’t!Notwith theotherGreatHouseswaitingup there,achingforanyexcusetogainfromthisupsetonArrakis.“Haveyoutakenhostages?”theEmperorasked.“It’s useless, Majesty,” the Baron said. “These mad Fremen hold a burial
ceremonyforeverycaptiveandactasthoughsuchaonewerealreadydead.”“So?”theEmperorsaid.And the Baron waited, glancing left and right at the metal walls of the
selamlik, thinking of themonstrous fanmetal tent around him. Such unlimitedwealthitrepresentedthateventheBaronwasawed.Hebringspages,theBaronthought, and useless court lackeys, his women and their companions-hair-dressers,designers,everything...allthefringeparasitesoftheCourt.Allhere—fawning,slylyplotting,“roughingit”withtheEmperor...heretowatchhimputanendtothisaffair,tomakeepigramsoverthebattlesandidolizethewounded.“Perhapsyou’veneversoughttherightkindofhostages,”theEmperorsaid.Heknowssomething,theBaronthought.Fearsatlikeastoneinhisstomach
untilhecouldhardlybearthethoughtofeating.Yet,thefeelingwaslikehunger,andhepoisedhimself several times inhis suspensorson thepointoforderingfoodbroughttohim.Buttherewasnooneheretoobeyhissummons.“DoyouhaveanyideawhothisMuad’Dibcouldbe?”theEmperorasked.“One of theUmma, surely,” theBaron said. “AFremen fanatic, a religious
adventurer.Theycropupregularlyon thefringesofcivilization.YourMajestyknowsthis.”TheEmperor glanced at his Truthsayer, turned back to scowl at theBaron.
“AndyouhavenootherknowledgeofthisMuad’Dib?”“Amadman,”theBaronsaid.“ButallFremenarealittlemad.”“Mad?”
“Hispeoplescreamhisnameastheyleapintobattle.Thewomenthrowtheirbabiesatusandhurlthemselvesontoourknivestoopenawedgefortheirmentoattackus.Theyhaveno...no...decency!”“As bad as that,” the Emperor murmured, and his tone of derision did not
escapetheBaron.“Tellme,mydearBaron,haveyouinvestigatedthesouthernpolarregionsofArrakis?”TheBaronstaredupattheEmperor,shockedbythechangeofsubject.“But...
well,youknow,YourMajesty, theentireregionisuninhabitable,opentowindandworm.There’snotevenanyspiceinthoselatitudes.”“You’ve had no reports from spice lighters that patches of greenery appear
there?”“There’ve always been such reports. Somewere investigated—long ago. A
fewplantswereseen.Many’thopterswerelost.Muchtoocostly,YourMajesty.It’saplacewheremencannotsurviveforlong.”“So,”theEmperorsaid.Hesnappedhisfingersandadooropenedathisleft
behind the throne. Through the door came two Sardaukar herding a girl-childwhoappearedtobeaboutfouryearsold.Sheworeablackaba,thehoodthrownbacktorevealtheattachmentsofastillsuithangingfreeatherthroat.Hereyeswere Fremen blue, staring out of a soft, round face. She appeared completelyunafraidandtherewasalooktoherstarethatmadetheBaronfeeluneasyfornoreasonhecouldexplain.Even the old Bene Gesserit Truthsayer drew back as the child passed and
madeawardingsigninherdirection.Theoldwitchobviouslywasshakenbythechild’spresence.The Emperor cleared his throat to speak, but the child spoke first—a thin
voicewithtracesofasoft-palatelisp,butclearnonetheless.“Sohereheis,”shesaid.Sheadvancedtotheedgeofthedais.“Hedoesn’tappearmuch,doeshe—onefrightenedoldfatmantooweaktosupporthisownfleshwithoutthehelpofsuspensors.”Itwassuchatotallyunexpectedstatementfromthemouthofachildthatthe
Baron stared at her, speechless in spite of his anger. Is itamidget? he askedhimself.“My dear Baron,” the Emperor said, “become acquaintedwith the sister of
Muad’Dib.”“The sist....” The Baron shifted his attention to the Emperor. “I do not
understand.”“I,too,sometimeserronthesideofcaution,”theEmperorsaid.“Ithasbeen
reported to me that your uninhabited south polar regions exhibit evidence ofhumanactivity.”“Butthat’simpossible!”theBaronprotested.“Theworms...there’ssandclear
tothe....”“Thesepeopleseemabletoavoidtheworms,”theEmperorsaid.The child sat downon thedais beside the throne, dangledher feet over the
edge,kickingthem.Therewassuchanairofsurenessinthewaysheappraisedhersurroundings.TheBaronstaredatthekickingfeet,thewaytheymovedtheblackrobe,the
winkofsandalsbeneaththefabric.“Unfortunately,” theEmperor said, “Ionly sent in five troopcarrierswith a
lightattackforcetopickupprisonersforquestioning.Webarelygotawaywiththree prisoners and one carrier.Mind you, Baron, my Sardaukar were almostoverwhelmed by a force composedmostly of women, children, and oldmen.Thischildherewasincommandofoneoftheattackinggroups.”“Yousee,YourMajesty!”theBaronsaid.“Youseehowtheyare!”“Iallowedmyselftobecaptured,”thechildsaid.“Ididnotwanttofacemy
brotherandhavetotellhimthathissonhadbeenkilled.”“Only a handful of ourmen got away,” theEmperor said. “Got away!You
hearthat?”“We’dhavehadthem,too,”thechildsaid,“exceptfortheflames.”“MySardaukarusedtheattitudinaljetsontheircarrierasflame-throwers,”the
Emperor said. “Amove of desperation and the only thing that got them awaywiththeirthreeprisoners.Markthat,mydearBaron:Sardaukarforcedtoretreatinconfusionfromwomenandchildrenandoldmen!”“Wemust attack in force,” the Baron rasped. “Wemust destroy every last
vestigeof—”“Silence!”theEmperorroared.Hepushedhimselfforwardonhisthrone.“Do
notabusemyintelligenceanylonger.Youstandthereinyourfoolishinnocenceand—”“Majesty,”theoldTruthsayersaid.He waved her to silence. “You say you don’t know about the activity we
found, nor the fighting qualities of these superb people!” The Emperor liftedhimselfhalfoffhisthrone.“Whatdoyoutakemefor,Baron?”TheBaron took twobackward steps, thinking: ItwasRabban.Hehas done
thistome.Rabbanhas....“And this fake disputewithDuke Leto,” the Emperor purred, sinking back
intohisthrone.“Howbeautifullyyoumaneuveredit.”“Majesty,”theBaronpleaded.“Whatareyou—”“Silence!”TheoldBeneGesseritputahandontheEmperor’sshoulder,leanedcloseto
whisperinhisear.Thechildseatedonthedaisstoppedkickingherfeet,said:“Makehimafraid
somemore,Shaddam.Ishouldn’tenjoythis,butIfindthepleasureimpossibletosuppress.”“Quiet,child,”theEmperorsaid.Heleanedforward,putahandonherhead,
staredattheBaron.“Isitpossible,Baron?CouldyoubeassimplemindedasmyTruthsayer suggests? Do you not recognize this child, daughter of your ally,DukeLeto?”“Myfatherwasneverhisally,”thechildsaid.“Myfatherisdeadandthisold
Harkonnenbeasthasneverseenmebefore.”TheBaronwasreducedtostupefiedglaring.Whenhefoundhisvoiceitwas
onlytorasp:“Who?”“IamAlia,daughterofDukeLetoandtheLadyJessica,sisterofDukePaul-
Muad’Dib,”thechildsaid.Shepushedherselfoffthedais,droppedtotheflooroftheaudiencechamber.“MybrotherhaspromisedtohaveyourheadatophisbattlestandardandIthinkheshall.”“Behush,child,”theEmperorsaid,andhesankbackintohisthrone,handto
chin,studyingtheBaron.“IdonottaketheEmperor’sorders,”Aliasaid.Sheturned,lookedupatthe
oldReverendMother.“Sheknows.”TheEmperorglancedupathisTruthsayer.“Whatdoesshemean?”“Thatchildisanabomination!”theoldwomansaid.“Hermotherdeservesa
punishmentgreaterthananythinginhistory.Death!Itcannotcometooquicklyforthatchildorfortheonewhospawnedher!”TheoldwomanpointedafingeratAlia.“Getoutofmymind!”“T-P?”theEmperorwhispered.HesnappedhisattentionbacktoAlia.“Bythe
GreatMother!”“Youdon’tunderstand,Majesty,”theoldwomansaid.“Nottelepathy.She’sin
mymind.She’sliketheonesbeforeme,theoneswhogavemetheirmemories.Shestandsinmymind!Shecannotbethere,butsheis!”“Whatothers?”theEmperordemanded.“What’sthisnonsense?”Theoldwomanstraightened,loweredherpointinghand.“I’vesaidtoomuch,
but thefactremainsthat thischildwhoisnotachildmustbedestroyed.Long
werewewarnedagainstsuchaoneandhowtopreventsuchabirth,butoneofourownhasbetrayedus.”“Youbabble, oldwoman,”Alia said. “Youdon’tknowhow itwas, yetyou
rattleonlikeapurblindfool.”Aliaclosedhereyes,tookadeepbreath,andheldit.TheoldReverendMothergroanedandstaggered.Alia openedher eyes. “That is how itwas,” she said. “A cosmic accident...
andyouplayedyourpartinit.”TheReverendMotherheldoutbothhands,palmspushingtheairtowardAlia.“What is happening here?” the Emperor demanded. “Child, can you truly
projectyourthoughtsintothemindofanother?”“That’snothowitisatall,”Aliasaid.“UnlessI’mbornasyou,Icannotthink
asyou.”“Killher,” theoldwomanmuttered,andclutched thebackof the throne for
support.“Killher!”ThesunkenoldeyesglaredatAlia.“Silence,” the Emperor said, and he studied Alia. “Child, can you
communicatewithyourbrother?”“MybrotherknowsI’mhere,”Aliasaid.“Canyoutellhimtosurrenderasthepriceofyourlife?”Aliasmiledupathimwithclearinnocence.“Ishallnotdothat,”shesaid.TheBaronstumbledforward tostandbesideAlia.“Majesty,”hepleaded,“I
knewnothingof—”“Interruptme oncemore,Baron,” theEmperor said, “and youwill lose the
powers of interruption... forever.” He kept his attention focused on Alia,studyingher throughslitted lids. “Youwillnot, eh?Canyou read inmymindwhatI’lldoifyoudisobeyme?”“I’ve already said I cannot read minds,” she said, “but one doesn’t need
telepathytoreadyourintentions.”TheEmperorscowled.“Child,yourcauseishopeless.Ihavebuttorallymy
forcesandreducethisplanetto—”“It’s not that simple,” Alia said. She looked at the two Guildsmen. “Ask
them.”“Itisnotwisetogoagainstmydesires,”theEmperorsaid.“Youshouldnot
denymetheleastthing.”“Mybrothercomesnow,”Alia said. “EvenanEmperormay tremblebefore
Muad’Dib, for he has the strength of righteousness and heaven smiles uponhim.”
TheEmperor surged tohis feet.“Thisplayhasgone farenough. Iwill takeyourbrotherandthisplanetandgrindthemto—”Theroomrumbledandshookaroundthem.Therecameasuddencascadeof
sandbehind the thronewhere thehutmentwascoupled to theEmperor’s ship.The abrupt flicker-tightening of skin pressure told of awide-area shield beingactivated.“Itoldyou,”Aliasaid.“Mybrothercomes.”TheEmperorstoodinfrontofhisthrone,righthandpressedtorightear,the
servo-receivertherechatteringitsreportonthesituation.TheBaronmovedtwostepsbehindAlia.Sardaukarwereleapingtopositionsatthedoors.“We will fall back into space and reform,” the Emperor said. “Baron, my
apologies.Thesemadmenareattackingundercoverofthestorm.Wewillshowthem an Emperor’s wrath, then.” He pointed at Alia. “Give her body to thestorm.”Ashespoke,Aliafledbackward,feigningterror.“Letthestormhavewhatit
cantake!”shescreamed.AndshebackedintotheBaron’sarms.“I have her, Majesty!” the Baron shouted. “Shall I dispatch her now-
eeeeeeeeeeeh!”Hehurledhertothefloor,clutchedhisleftarm.“I’m sorry,Grandfather,”Alia said. “You’vemet theAtreides gom jabbar.”
Shegottoherfeet,droppedadarkneedlefromherhand.TheBaron fell back.His eyes bulged as he stared at a red slashonhis left
palm. “You... you....”He rolled sideways inhis suspensors, a saggingmassoffleshsupportedinchesoffthefloorwithheadlollingandmouthhangingopen.“Thesepeopleareinsane,”theEmperorsnarled.“Quick!Intotheship.We’ll
purgethisplanetofevery....91Somethingsparkledtohisleft.Arollofballlightningbouncedawayfromthe
wallthere,crackledasittouchedthemetalfloor.Thesmellofburnedinsulationsweptthroughtheselamlik.“The shield!” one of the Sardaukar officers shouted. “The outer shield is
down!They....”His words were drowned in a metallic roaring as the shipwall behind the
Emperortrembledandrocked.“They’veshotthenoseoffourship!”someonecalled.Dustboiledthroughtheroom.Underitscover,Alialeapedup,rantowardthe
outerdoor.The Emperor whirled, motioned his people into an emergency door that
swungopen in theship’ssidebehind the throne.Heflashedahandsignal toa
Sardaukarofficerleapingthroughthedusthaze.“Wewillmakeourstandhere!”theEmperorordered.Another crash shook the hutment.The double doors bangedopen at the far
side of the chamber admittingwind-blown sand and the soundof shouting.Asmall, black-robed figure could be seen momentarily against the light—Aliadartingouttofindaknifeand,asbefittedherFrementraining,tokillHarkonnenand Sardaukar wounded. House Sardaukar charged through a greened yellowhaze toward the opening, weapons ready, forming an arc there to protect theEmperor’sretreat.“Saveyourself,Sire!”aSardaukarofficershouted.“Intotheship!”But theEmperor stood alone nowon his dais pointing toward the doors.A
forty-meter section of the hutment had been blasted away there and theselamlik’sdoorsopenednowontodriftingsand.Adustcloudhunglowovertheoutsideworldblowingfrompasteldistances.Staticlightningcrackledfromthecloudand the spark flashesof shieldsbeing shortedoutby the storm’s chargecould be seen through the haze. The plain surged with figures in combat—Sardaukarandleapinggyratingrobedmenwhoseemedtocomedownoutofthestorm.AllthiswasasaframeforthetargetoftheEmperor’spointinghand.Outof the sandhazecameanorderlymassof flashing shapes—great rising
curveswithcrystalspokesthatresolvedintothegapingmouthsofsandworms,amassedwallofthem,eachwithtroopsofFremenridingtotheattack.Theycameinahissingwedge,robeswhippinginthewindastheycutthroughthemeleeontheplain.OnwardtowardtheEmperor’shutmenttheycamewhiletheHouseSardaukar
stoodawedforthefirsttimeintheirhistorybyanonslaughttheirmindsfounddifficulttoaccept.But the figures leaping from the worm backs were men, and the blades
flashing in that ominous yellow light were a thing the Sardaukar had beentrainedtoface.Theythrewthemselvesintocombat.AnditwasmantomanontheplainofArrakeenwhileapickedSardaukarbodyguardpressedtheEmperorbackintotheship,sealedthedooronhim,andpreparedtodieatthedooraspartofhisshield.Intheshockofcomparativesilencewithintheship,theEmperorstaredatthe
wide-eyedfacesofhissuite,seeinghisoldestdaughterwiththeflushofexertiononher cheeks, theoldTruthsayer standing like ablack shadowwithher hoodpulledabouther face, findingat last the faceshe sought—the twoGuildsmen.
They wore the Guild gray, unadorned, and it seemed to fit the calm theymaintaineddespitethehighemotionsaroundthem.The taller of the two, though, held a hand to his left eye. As the Emperor
watched, someone jostled theGuildsman’s arm, the handmoved, and the eyewasrevealed.Themanhadlostoneofhismaskingcontactlenses,andtheeyestaredoutatotalbluesodarkastobealmostblack.ThesmallerofthepairelbowedhiswayastepnearertheEmperor,said:“We
cannotknowhow itwill go.”And the taller companion,hand restored to eye,addedinacoldvoice:“ButthisMuad‘Dibcannotknow,either.”ThewordsshockedtheEmperoroutofhisdaze.Hecheckedthescornonhis
tongue by a visible effort because it did not take a Guild navigator’s single-mindedfocusonthemainchancetoseetheimmediatefutureoutonthatplain.Werethesetwosodependentupontheirfacultythattheyhadlosttheuseoftheireyesandtheirreason?hewondered.“ReverendMother,”hesaid,“wemustdeviseaplan.”Shepulledthehoodfromherface,methisgazewithanunblinkingstare.The
look that passed between them carried complete understanding. They had oneweaponleftandbothknewit:treachery.“SummonCountFenringfromhisquarters,”theReverendMothersaid.The Padishah Emperor nodded, waved for one of his aides to obey that
command.
Hewaswarriorandmystic,ogreandsaint, thefoxandtheinnocent,chivalrous,ruthless, less than a god, more than aman. There is no measuringMuad‘Dib’smotives by ordinary standards. In themoment of his triumph, he saw the deathpreparedforhim,yetheacceptedthetreachery.Canyousayhedidthisoutofasenseofjustice?Whosejustice,then?Remember,wespeaknowoftheMuad’Dibwhoorderedbattledrumsmadefromhisenemies‘skins,theMuad’Dibwhodeniedtheconventionsofhisducalpastwithawaveofthehand,sayingmerely:“IamtheKwisatzHaderach.Thatisreasonenough.”
—from“ArrakisAwakening”bythePrincessIrulan
ITWAStotheArrakeengovernor’smansion,theoldResidencytheAtreideshadfirstoccupiedonDune,thattheyescortedPaul-Muad’Dibontheeveningofhisvictory.ThebuildingstoodasRabbanhadrestoredit,virtuallyuntouchedbythefighting although there had been looting by townspeople. Some of thefurnishingsinthemainhallhadbeenoverturnedorsmashed.PaulstrodethroughthemainentrancewithGurneyHalleckandStilgarapace
behind.TheirescortfannedoutintotheGreatHall,straighteningtheplaceandclearinganarea forMuad’Dib.Onesquadbegan investigating thatnosly traphadbeenplantedhere.“I remember thedaywe first cameherewithyour father,”Gurney said.He
glanced around at the beams and the high, slittedwindows. “I didn’t like thisplacethenandIlikeitlessnow.Oneofourcaveswouldbesafer.”“SpokenlikeatrueFremen,”Stilgarsaid,andhemarkedthecoldsmilethat
hiswordsbroughttoMuad‘Dib’slips.“Willyoureconsider,Muad’Dib?”“This place is a symbol,”Paul said. “Rabban livedhere.Byoccupying this
place I sealmy victory for all to understand. Sendmen through the building.Touchnothing.JustbecertainnoHarkonnenpeopleortoysremain.”“Asyoucommand,”Stilgarsaid,andreluctancewasheavyinhistoneashe
turnedtoobey.Communications men hurried into the room with their equipment, began
setting up near the massive fireplace. The Fremen guard that augmented thesurviving Fedaykin took up stations around the room. There was mutteringamongthem,muchdartingofsuspiciousglances.Thishadbeentoolongaplaceoftheenemyforthemtoaccepttheirpresenceinitcasually.“Gurney,haveanescortbringmymotherandChani,”Paulsaid.“DoesChani
knowyetaboutourson?”
“Themessagewassent,m’Lord.”“Arethemakersbeingtakenoutofthebasinyet?”“Yes,m’Lord.Thestorm’salmostspent.”“What’stheextentofthestormdamage?”Paulasked.“Inthedirectpath—onthelandingfieldandacrossthespicestorageyardsof
theplain—extensivedamage,”Gurneysaid.“Asmuchfrombattleas fromthestorm.”“Nothingmoneywon’trepair,Ipresume,”Paulsaid.“Exceptforthelives,m’Lord,”Gurneysaid,andtherewasatoneofreproach
inhisvoice as though to say:“Whendid anAtreidesworry first about thingswhenpeoplewereatstake?”ButPaulcouldonlyfocushisattentionontheinnereyeandthegapsvisibleto
him in the time-wall that still lay across his path.Through eachgap the jihadragedawaydownthecorridorsofthefuture.Hesighed,crossedthehall,seeingachairagainstthewall.Thechairhadonce
stoodinthedininghallandmightevenhaveheldhisownfather.Atthemoment,though,itwasonlyanobjecttoresthiswearinessandconcealitfromthemen.Hesatdown,pullinghisrobesaroundhislegs,looseninghisstillsuitattheneck.“TheEmperorisstillholedupintheremainsofhisship,”Gurneysaid.“For now, contain him there,” Paul said. “Have they found theHarkonnens
yet?”“They’restillexaminingthedead.”“Whatreplyfromtheshipsupthere?”Hejerkedhischintowardtheceiling.“Noreplyyet,m’Lord.”Paulsighed,restingagainstthebackofhischair.Presently,hesaid:“Bringme
a captive Sardaukar. We must send a message to our Emperor. It’s time todiscussterms.”“Yes,m’Lord.”Gurneyturnedaway,droppedahandsignaltooneoftheFedaykinwho took
upclose-guardpositionbesidePaul.“Gurney,”Paulwhispered. “Sincewe’vebeen rejoined I’ve yet to hear you
produce the proper quotation for the event.”He turned, sawGurney swallow,sawthesuddengrimhardeningoftheman’sjaw.“Asyouwish,m‘Lord,”Gurneysaid.Heclearedhisthroat,rasped:“‘Andthe
victory that daywas turned intomourning unto all the people: for the peopleheardsaythatdayhowthekingwasgrievedforhisson.’”Paul closedhis eyes, forcinggriefoutofhismind, letting itwait ashehad
oncewaited tomournhis father.Now,hegavehis thoughtsover to thisday’saccumulated discoveries—the mixed futures and the hidden presence of Aliawithinhisawareness.Of all the uses of time-vision, this was the strangest. “I have breasted the
futuretoplacemywordswhereonlyyoucanhearthem,”Aliahadsaid.“Evenyoucannotdothat,mybrother.Ifinditaninterestingplay.And...oh,yes—I’vekilledourgrandfather,thedementedoldBaron.Hehadverylittlepain.”Silence.Histimesensehadseenherwithdrawal.“Muad’Dib.”PaulopenedhiseyestoseeStilgar’sblack-beardedvisageabovehim,thedark
eyesglaringwithbattlelight.“You’vefoundthebodyoftheoldBaron,”Paulsaid.A hush of the person settled over Stilgar. “How could you know?” he
whispered. “We just found the body in that great pile of metal the Emperorbuilt.”Paulignoredthequestion,seeingGurneyreturnaccompaniedbytwoFremen
whosupportedacaptiveSardaukar.“Here’soneof them,m’Lord,”Gurneysaid.Hesigned to theguard tohold
thecaptivefivepacesinfrontofPaul.TheSardaukar’seyes,Paulnoted,carriedaglazedexpressionofshock.Ablue
bruisestretchedfromthebridgeofhisnosetothecornerofhismouth.Hewasoftheblond,chisel-featuredcaste,thelookthatseemedsynonymouswithrankamongtheSardaukar,yettherewerenoinsigniaonhistornuniformexceptthegoldbuttonswiththeImperialcrestandthetatteredbraidofhistrousers.“Ithinkthisone’sanofficer,m’Lord,”Gurneysaid.Paul nodded, said: “I am the Duke Paul Atreides. Do you understand that,
man?”TheSardaukarstaredathimunmoving.“Speakup,”Paulsaid,“oryourEmperormaydie.”Themanblinked,swallowed.“WhoamI?”Pauldemanded.“YouaretheDukePaulAtreides,”themanhusked.He seemed too submissive to Paul, but then the Sardaukar had never been
prepared for such happenings as this day. They’d never known anything butvictorywhich,Paulrealized,couldbeaweaknessinitself.Heputthatthoughtasideforlaterconsiderationinhisowntrainingprogram.“I have a message for you to carry to the Emperor,” Paul said. And he
couched his words in the ancient formula: “I, a Duke of a Great House, anImperialKinsman,givemywordofbondundertheConvention.IftheEmperorandhispeoplelaydowntheirarmsandcometomehereIwillguardtheirliveswithmyown.”PaulhelduphislefthandwiththeducalsignetfortheSardaukartosee.“Iswearitbythis.”Themanwethislipswithhistongue,glancedatGurney.“Yes,” Paul said. “Who but an Atreides could command the allegiance of
GurneyHalleck.”“Iwillcarrythemessage,”theSardaukarsaid.“Takehimtoourforwardcommandpostandsendhimin,”Paulsaid.“Yes,m’Lord.”Gurneymotionedfortheguardtoobey,ledthemout.PaulturnedbacktoStilgar.“Chaniandyourmotherhavearrived,”Stilgarsaid.“Chanihasaskedtimeto
bealonewithhergrief.TheReverendMothersoughtamomentintheweirdingroom;Iknownotwhy.”“Mymother’s sickwith longing for aplanet shemaynever see,”Paul said.
“Wherewater falls from the sky and plants grow so thickly you cannotwalkbetweenthem.”“Waterfromthesky,”Stilgarwhispered.In that instant,PaulsawhowStilgarhadbeentransformedfromtheFremen
naib to a creatureof theLisanal-Gaib, a receptacle for aweandobedience. Itwasalesseningoftheman,andPaulfelttheghost-windofthejihadinit.Ihaveseenafriendbecomeaworshiper,hethought.Inarushofloneliness,Paulglancedaroundtheroom,notinghowproperand
on-reviewhisguardshadbecomeinhispresence.Hesensedthesubtle,pridefulcompetitionamongthem—eachhopingfornoticefromMuad’Dib.Muad’Dib from whom all blessingsflow,he thought, and it was the bitterest
thoughtofhislife.TheysensethatImusttakethethrone,hethought.ButtheycannotknowIdoittopreventthejihad.Stilgarclearedhisthroat,said:“Rabban,too,isdead.”Paulnodded.Guards to the rightsuddenlysnappedaside, standingatattention toopenan
aisle for Jessica. She wore her black aba and walked with a hint of stridingacross sand, but Paul noted how this house had restored to her something ofwhatshehadoncebeenhere—concubinetoarulingduke.Herpresencecarriedsomeofitsoldassertiveness.JessicastoppedinfrontofPaul,lookeddownathim.Shesawhisfatigueand
howhehidit,butfoundnocompassionforhim.Itwasasthoughshehadbeenrenderedincapableofanyemotionforherson.Jessica had entered the Great Hall wondering why the place refused to fit
itselfsnuglyintohermemories.Itremainedaforeignroom,asthoughshehadneverwalkedhere,neverwalkedherewithherbelovedLeto,neverconfrontedadrunkenDuncanIdahohere—never,never,never....There should be a word-tension directly opposite to adab, the demanding
memory, she thought. There should be a word for memories that denythemselves.“WhereisAlia?”sheasked.“OutdoingwhatanygoodFremenchildshouldbedoinginsuchtimes,”Paul
said. “She’s killing enemy wounded and marking their bodies for the water-recoveryteams.”“Paul!”“Youmustunderstandthatshedoesthisoutofkindness,”hesaid.“Isn’titodd
howwemisunderstandthehiddenunityofkindnessandcruelty?”Jessicaglaredatherson,shockedbytheprofoundchangeinhim.Wasithis
child’sdeathdidthis?shewondered.Andshesaid:“Thementellstrangestoriesof you, Paul. They say you’ve all the powers of the legend—nothing can behiddenfromyou,thatyouseewhereotherscannotsee.”“ABeneGesseritshouldaskaboutlegends?”heasked.“I’vehadahandinwhateveryouare,”sheadmitted,“butyoumustn’texpect
meto—”“How would you like to live billions upon billions of lives?” Paul asked.
“There’safabricoflegendsforyou!Thinkofallthoseexperiences,thewisdomthey’dbring.Butwisdomtemperslove,doesn’tit?Anditputsanewshapeonhate.Howcanyoutellwhat’sruthlessunlessyou’veplumbedthedepthsofbothcrueltyandkindness?Youshouldfearme,Mother.IamtheKwisatzHaderach.”Jessicatriedtoswallowinadrythroat.Presently,shesaid:“Onceyoudenied
tomethatyouweretheKwisatzHaderach.”Paulshookhishead.“Icandenynothinganymore.”He lookedup intoher
eyes. “The Emperor and his people come now. They will be announced anymoment.Standbesideme.Iwishaclearviewofthem.Myfuturebridewillbeamongthem.”“Paul!”Jessicasnapped.“Don’tmakethemistakeyourfathermade!”“She’saprincess,”Paulsaid.“She’smykeytothethrone,andthat’sallshe’ll
everbe.Mistake?YouthinkbecauseI’mwhatyoumademethatIcannotfeel
theneedforrevenge?”“Evenon the innocent?” sheasked, and she thought:Hemust notmake the
mistakesImade.“Therearenoinnocentanymore,”Paulsaid.“Tell that toChani,” Jessica said, andgestured toward thepassage from the
rearoftheResidency.Chani entered theGreatHall there,walking between the Fremen guards as
thoughunawareofthem.Herhoodandstillsuitcapwerethrownback,facemaskfastenedaside.ShewalkedwithafragileuncertaintyasshecrossedtheroomtostandbesideJessica.Paulsawthemarksoftearsonhercheeks—Shegiveswatertothedead.He
feltapangofgriefstrikethroughhim,but itwasas thoughhecouldonlyfeelthisthingthroughChani’spresence.“Heisdead,beloved,”Chanisaid.“Oursonisdead.”Holding himself under stiff control, Paul got to his feet. He reached out,
touched Chani’s cheek, feeling the dampness of her tears. “He cannot bereplaced,”Paulsaid,“buttherewillbeothersons.ItisUsulwhopromisesthis.”Gently,hemovedheraside,gesturedtoStilgar.“Muad’Dib,”Stilgarsaid.“They come from the ship, the Emperor and his people,” Paul said. “Iwill
standhere.Assemble the captives in anopen space in the center of the room.They will be kept at a distance of ten meters from me unless I commandotherwise.”“Asyoucommand,Muad’Dib.”AsStilgar turned toobey,Paulheard theawedmutteringofFremenguards:
“Yousee?Heknew!Noonetoldhim,butheknew!”The Emperor’s entourage could be heard approaching now, his Sardaukar
humming one of their marching tunes to keep up their spirits. There came amurmurofvoicesattheentranceandGurneyHalleckpassedthroughtheguard,crossed toconferwithStilgar, thenmoved toPaul’sside,astrange look inhiseyes.Will I lose Gurney, too? Paul wondered. The way I lost Stilgar —losing
afriendtogainacreature?“They have no throwing weapons,” Gurney said. “I’ve made sure of that
myself.”Heglancedaroundtheroom,seeingPaul’spreparations.“Feyd-RauthaHarkonneniswiththem.ShallIcuthimout?”“Leavehim.”
“There’resomeGuildpeople, too,demandingspecialprivileges, threateninganembargoagainstArrakis.ItoldthemI’dgiveyoutheirmessage.”“Letthemthreaten.”“Paul!”Jessicahissedbehindhim.“He’stalkingabouttheGuild!”“I’llpulltheirfangspresently,”Paulsaid.And he thought then about theGuild—the force that had specialized for so
longthatithadbecomeaparasite,unabletoexistindependentlyofthelifeuponwhich it fed.Theyhadneverdaredgrasp the sword... andnow theycouldnotgrasp it. They might have taken Arrakis when they realized the error ofspecializing on the melange awareness-spectrum narcotic for their navigators.They could have done this, lived their glorious day and died. Instead, they’dexisted frommoment tomoment, hoping the seas inwhich they swammightproduceanewhostwhentheoldonedied.The Guild navigators, gifted with limited prescience, had made the fatal
decision:they’dchosenalwaystheclear,safecoursethatleadseverdownwardintostagnation.Letthemlookcloselyattheirnewhost,Paulthought.“There’s also aBeneGesserit ReverendMotherwho says she’s a friend of
yourmother,”Gurneysaid.“MymotherhasnoBeneGesseritfriends.”Again,Gurneyglancedaround theGreatHall, thenbentclose toPaul’sear.
“ThufirHawat’swith ‘em,m’Lord. I had no chance to see him alone, but heusedouroldhandsignstosayhe’sbeenworkingwiththeHarkonnens,thoughtyouweredead.Sayshe’stobeleftamong’em.”“YouleftThufiramongthose—”“Hewanted it ... and I thought it best. If ... there’s somethingwrong, he’s
wherewecancontrolhim.Ifnot—we’veanearontheotherside.”Paulthoughtthenofprescientglimpsesintothepossibilitiesofthismoment—
and one time-linewhere Thufir carried a poisoned needlewhich the Emperorcommandedheuseagainst“thisupstartDuke.”Theentranceguards steppedaside, formeda short corridorof lances.There
cameamurmurousswishofgarments,feetraspingthesandthathaddriftedintotheResidency.ThePadishahEmperorShaddam IV ledhispeople into thehall.Hisburseg
helmet hadbeen lost and the redhair stoodout in disarray.His uniform’s leftsleeve had been ripped along the inner seam. He was beltless and withoutweapons,buthispresencemovedwithhimlikeaforce-shieldbubblethatkept
hisimmediateareaopen.AFremenlancedroppedacrosshispath,stoppedhimwherePaulhadordered.
Theothersbunchedupbehind,amontageofcolor,of shufflingandof staringfaces.Paulswepthisgazeacrossthegroup,sawwomenwhohidsignsofweeping,
sawthelackeyswhohadcometoenjoygrandstandseatsataSardaukarvictoryandnowstoodchokedtosilencebydefeat.Paulsawthebird-brighteyesoftheReverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam glaring beneath her black hood, andbesideherthenarrowfurtivenessofFeyd-RauthaHarkonnen.There’safacetimebetrayedtome,Paulthought.HelookedbeyondFeyd-Rauthathen,attractedbyamovement,seeingtherea
narrow,weaselishfacehe’dneverbeforeencountered—notintimeoroutofit.Itwasafacehefeltheshouldknowandthefeelingcarriedwithitamarkeroffear.WhyshouldIfearthatman?hewondered.He leaned toward his mother, whispered: “That man to the left of the
ReverendMother,theevil-lookingone—whoisthat?”Jessica looked, recognizing the face from her Duke’s dossiers. “Count
Fenring,” she said. “Theonewhowashere immediatelybeforeus.Agenetic-eunuch...andakiller.”The Emperor’s errand boy, Paul thought. And the thought was a shock
crashingacrosshisconsciousnessbecausehehadseentheEmperorinuncountedassociations spread through the possible futures—but never once had CountFenringappearedwithinthoseprescientvisions.ItoccurredtoPaulthenthathehadseenhisowndeadbodyalongcountless
reachesofthetimeweb,butneveroncehadheseenhismomentofdeath.HaveIbeendeniedaglimpseofthismanbecauseheistheonewhokillsme?
Paulwondered.The thought sentapangof foreboding throughhim.He forcedhisattention
awayfromFenring,lookednowattheremnantsofSardaukarmenandofficers,the bitterness on their faces and the desperation.Here and there among them,faces caught Paul’s attention briefly: Sardaukar officers measuring thepreparations within this room, planning and scheming yet for a way to turndefeatintovictory.Paul’s attention came at last to a tall blondewoman, green-eyed, a face of
patrician beauty, classic in its hauteur, untouched by tears, completelyundefeated. Without being told it, Paul knew her—Princess Royal, BeneGesserit-trained,afacethattimevisionhadshownhiminmanyaspects:Irulan.
There’smykey,hethought.Thenhesawmovementintheclusteredpeople,afaceandfigureemerged—
Thufir Hawat, the seamed old features with darkly stained lips, the hunchedshoulders,thelookoffragileageabouthim.“There’sThufirHawat,”Paulsaid.“Lethimstandfree,Gurney.”“M’Lord,”Gurneysaid.“Lethimstandfree,”Paulrepeated.Gurneynodded.Hawat shambled forward as a Fremen lancewas lifted and replaced behind
him.TherheumyeyespeeredatPaul,measuring,seeking.Paul stepped forward one pace, sensed the tense, waitingmovement of the
Emperorandhispeople.Hawat’s gaze stabbed past Paul, and the oldman said: “Lady Jessica, I but
learnedthisdayhowI’vewrongedyouinmythoughts.Youneedn’tforgive.”Paulwaited,buthismotherremainedsilent.“Thufir,oldfriend,”Paulsaid,“asyoucansee,mybackistowardnodoor.”“Theuniverseisfullofdoors,”Hawatsaid.“AmImyfather’sson?”Paulasked.“More like your grandfather’s,”Hawat rasped. “You’ve hismanner and the
lookofhiminyoureyes.”“Yet I’m my father’s son,” Paul said. “For I say to you, Thufir, that in
paymentforyouryearsofservicetomyfamilyyoumaynowaskanythingyouwishofme.Anythingatall.Doyouneedmylifenow,Thufir?Itisyours.”Paulsteppedforwardapace,handsathisside,seeingthelookofawarenessgrowinHawat’seyes.HerealizesthatIknowofthetreachery,Paulthought.Pitchinghisvoicetocarryinahalf-whisperforHawat’searsalone,Paulsaid:
“Imeanthis,Thufir.Ifyou’retostrikeme,doitnow.”“I butwanted to stand before you oncemore,myDuke,”Hawat said.And
Paulbecameaware for the first timeof theeffort theoldmanexerted tokeepfrom falling. Paul reached out, supportedHawat by the shoulders, feeling themuscletremorsbeneathhishands.“Istherepain,oldfriend?”Paulasked.“Thereispain,myDuke,”Hawatagreed,“butthepleasureisgreater.”Hehalf
turned in Paul’s arms, extended his left hand, palm up, toward the Emperor,exposingthetinyneedlecuppedagainst thefingers.“See,Majesty?”hecalled.“Seeyourtraitor’sneedle?DidyouthinkthatIwho’vegivenmylifetoservice
oftheAtreideswouldgivethemlessnow?”Paulstaggeredastheoldmansaggedinhisarms,feltthedeaththere,theutter
flaccidity.Gently,Paul loweredHawat to thefloor,straightenedandsignedforguardsmentocarrythebodyaway.Silenceheldthehallwhilehiscommandwasobeyed.A lookofdeadlywaitingheld theEmperor’s facenow.Eyes thathadnever
admittedfearadmitteditatlast.“Majesty,” Paul said, and noted the jerk of surprised attention in the tall
PrincessRoyal.Thewordshadbeenutteredwith theBeneGesserit controlledatonals, carrying in it every shade of contempt and scorn that Paul could putthere.Bene-Gesserittrainedindeed,Paulthought.TheEmperorclearedhisthroat,said:“Perhapsmyrespectedkinsmanbelieves
he has things all his ownway now.Nothing could bemore remote from fact.YouhaveviolatedtheConvention,usedatomicsagainst—”“Iusedatomicsagainstanaturalfeatureof thedesert,”Paulsaid.“Itwasin
mywayandIwasinahurrytogettoyou,Majesty,toaskyourexplanationforsomeofyourstrangeactivities.”“There’s amassed armada of theGreatHouses in space overArrakis right
now,”theEmperorsaid.“I’vebuttosaythewordandthey’ll—”“Oh,yes,”Paulsaid,“Ialmostforgotabout them.”Hesearchedthroughthe
Emperor’s suite until he saw the faces of the two Guildsmen, spoke aside toGurney.“Are those theGuildagents,Gurney, the twofatonesdressed ingrayoverthere?”“Yes,m’Lord.”“You two,” Paul said, pointing. “Get out of there immediately and dispatch
messages that will get that fleet on its way home. After this, you’ll ask mypermissionbefore—”“TheGuilddoesn’ttakeyourorders!”thetallerofthetwobarked.Heandhis
companionpushedthroughtothebarrierlances,whichwereraisedatanodfromPaul.ThetwomensteppedoutandthetallerleveledanarmatPaul,said:“Youmayverywellbeunderembargoforyour—”“If I hear anymore nonsense from either of you,” Paul said, “I’ll give the
orderthat’lldestroyallspiceproductiononArrakis...forever.”“Areyoumad?”thetallGuildsmandemanded.Hefellbackhalfastep.“YougrantthatIhavethepowertodothisthing,then?”Paulasked.The Guildsman seemed to stare into space for a moment, then: “Yes, you
coulddoit,butyoumustnot.”“Ah-h-h,”Paul said andnodded to himself. “Guild navigators, both of you,
eh?”“Yes!”Theshorterofthepairsaid:“Youwouldblindyourself,too,andcondemnus
alltoslowdeath.Haveyouanyideawhatitmeanstobedeprivedofthespiceliquoronceyou’readdicted?”“Theeyethatlooksaheadtothesafecourseisclosedforever,”Paulsaid.“The
Guild is crippled. Humans become little isolated clusters on their isolatedplanets.Youknow,Imightdothisthingoutofpurespite...oroutofennui.”“Letustalkthisoverprivately,”thetallerGuildsmansaid.“I’msurewecan
cometosomecompromisethatis—”“Send themessage toyourpeopleoverArrakis,”Paulsaid.“Igrowtiredof
thisargument.Ifthatfleetoverusdoesn’tleavesoonthere’llbenoneedforustotalk.”Henoddedtowardhiscommunicationsmenatthesideofthehall.“Youmayuseourequipment.”“Firstwemustdiscussthis,”thetallGuildsmansaid.“Wecannotjust—”“Do it!”Paul barked. “The power to destroy a thing is the absolute control
over it. You’ve agreed I have that power. We are not here to discuss or tonegotiate or to compromise.Youwill obeymyorders or suffer the immediateconsequences!”“Hemeansit,”theshorterGuildsmansaid.AndPaulsawthefeargripthem.SlowlythetwocrossedtotheFremencommunicationsequipment.“Willtheyobey?”Gurneyasked.“They have a narrow vision of time,” Paul said. “They can see ahead to a
blankwallmarkingtheconsequencesofdisobedience.EveryGuildnavigatoroneveryshipoveruscanlookaheadtothatsamewall.They’llobey.”Paul turnedback to lookat theEmperor,said:“Whentheypermittedyou to
mount your father’s throne, it was only on the assurance that you’d keep thespiceflowing.You’vefailedthem,Majesty.Doyouknowtheconsequences?”“Nobodypermittedmeto—”“Stop playing the fool,” Paul barked. “TheGuild is like a village beside a
river.Theyneedthewater,butcanonlydipoutwhattheyrequire.Theycannotdamtheriverandcontrolit,becausethatfocusesattentiononwhattheytake,itbringsdowneventualdestruction.Thespice flow, that’s their river,and Ihavebuiltadam.Butmydamissuch thatyoucannotdestroy itwithoutdestroyingtheriver.”
TheEmperorbrushedahandthroughhisredhair,glancedatthebacksofthetwoGuildsmen.“Even your Bene Gesserit Truthsayer is trembling,” Paul said. “There are
other poisons theReverendMothers can use for their tricks, but once they’veusedthespiceliquor,theothersnolongerwork.”Theoldwomanpulledhershapelessblackrobesaroundher,pressedforward
outofthecrowdtostandatthebarrierlances.“ReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam,”Paulsaid.“Ithasbeenalongtime
sinceCaladan,hasn’tit?”Shelookedpasthimathismother,said:“Well,Jessica,Iseethatyoursonis
indeed the one. For that you can be forgiven even the abomination of yourdaughter.”Paulstilledacold,piercinganger,said:“You’veneverhadtherightorcause
toforgivemymotheranything!”Theoldwomanlockedeyeswithhim.“Tryyourtricksonme,oldwitch,”Paulsaid.“Where’syourgomjabbar?Try
lookingintothatplacewhereyoudarenotlook!You’llfindmetherestaringoutatyou!”Theoldwomandroppedhergaze.“Haveyounothingtosay?”Pauldemanded.“I welcomed you to the ranks of humans,” she muttered. “Don’t besmirch
that.”Paul raised his voice: “Observe her, comrades! This is a Bene Gesserit
ReverendMother,patient inapatient cause.Shecouldwaitwithher sisters—ninety generations for the proper combination of genes and environment toproduce the one person their schemes required.Observe her! She knows nowthat theninetygenerationshaveproducedthatperson.HereIstand...but...I ...will...never...do...her...bidding!”“Jessica!”theoldwomanscreamed.“Silencehim!”“Silencehimyourself,”Jessicasaid.Paulglaredat theoldwoman.“Foryourpart inall this I couldgladlyhave
youstrangled,”hesaid.“Youcouldn’tpreventit!”hesnappedasshestiffenedinrage.“ButIthinkitbetterpunishmentthatyouliveoutyouryearsneverabletotouchmeorbendmetoasinglethingyourschemingdesires.”“Jessica,whathaveyoudone?”theoldwomandemanded.“I’ll give you only one thing,” Paul said. “You saw part of what the race
needs, but how poorly you saw it. You think to control human breeding and
intermixaselectfewaccordingtoyourmasterplan!Howlittleyouunderstandofwhat—”“Youmustn’tspeakofthesethings!”theoldwomanhissed.“Silence!” Paul roared. The word seemed to take substance as it twisted
throughtheairbetweenthemunderPaul’scontrol.Theoldwomanreeledbackintothearmsofthosebehindher,faceblankwith
shock at the power with which he had seized her psyche. “Jessica,” shewhispered.“Jessica.”“Irememberyourgomjabbar,”Paulsaid.“Youremembermine.Icankillyou
withaword.”TheFremenaroundthehallglancedknowinglyateachother.Didthelegend
not say: “Andhis word shall carry death eternal to those who stand againstrighteousness.”Paul turned his attention to the tall Princess Royal standing beside her
Emperor father. Keeping his eyes focused on her, he said: “Majesty, we bothknowthewayoutofourdifficulty.”The Emperor glanced at his daughter, back to Paul. “You dare? You! An
adventurerwithoutfamily,anobodyfrom—”“You’ve already admittedwho I am,” Paul said. “Royal kinsman, you said.
Let’sstopthisnonsense.”“Iamyourruler,”theEmperorsaid.Paul glanced at the Guildsmen standing now at the communications
equipmentandfacinghim.Oneofthemnodded.“Icouldforceit,”Paulsaid.“Youwillnotdare!”theEmperorgrated.Paulmerelystaredathim.ThePrincessRoyalputahandonherfather’sarm.“Father,”shesaid,andher
voicewassilkysoft,soothing.“Don’ttryyourtricksonme,”theEmperorsaid.Helookedather.“Youdon’t
needtodothis,Daughter.We’veotherresourcesthat—”“Buthere’samanfittobeyourson,”shesaid.The old ReverendMother, her composure regained, forced her way to the
Emperor’sside,leanedclosetohisearandwhispered.“Shepleadsyourcase,”Jessicasaid.Paulcontinuedtolookatthegolden-hairedPrincess.Asidetohismother,he
said:“That’sIrulan,theoldest,isn’tit?”“Yes.”
Chani moved up on Paul’s other side, said: “Do you wish me to leave,Muad’Dib?”Heglancedather.“Leave?You’llneveragainleavemyside.”“There’snothingbindingbetweenus,”Chanisaid.Paullookeddownatherforasilentmoment,then:“Speakonlytruthwithme,
mySihaya.”As she started to reply, he silenced herwith a finger to her lips.“That which binds us cannot be loosed,” he said. “Now, watch these matterscloselyforIwishtoseethisroomlaterthroughyourwisdom.”The Emperor and his Truthsayer were carrying on a heated, low-voiced
argument.Paulspoketohismother:“Sheremindshimthatit’spartoftheiragreementto
placeaBeneGesseritonthethrone,andIrulanistheonethey’vegroomedforit.”“Wasthattheirplan?”Jessicasaid.“Isn’titobvious?”Paulasked.“Iseethesigns!”Jessicasnapped.“Myquestionwasmeanttoremindyouthat
youshouldnottrytoteachmethosemattersinwhichIinstructedyou.”Paulglancedather,caughtacoldsmileonherlips.Gurney Halleck leaned between them, said: “I remind you, m’Lord, that
there’s aHarkonnen in that bunch.”He nodded toward the dark-haired Feyd-Rauthapressedagainstabarrier lanceon the left. “Theonewith thesquintingeyesthereontheleft.AsevilafaceasIeversay.Youpromisedmeoncethat—”“Thankyou,Gurney,”Paulsaid.“It’sthena-Baron...Baronnowthattheoldman’sdead,”Gurneysaid.“He’ll
doforwhatI’vein—”“Canyoutakehim,Gurney?”“M’Lordjests!”“ThatargumentbetweentheEmperorandhiswitchhasgoneonlongenough,
don’tyouthink,Mother?”Shenodded.“Indeed.”Paul raised his voice, called out to the Emperor: “Majesty, is there a
Harkonnenamongyou?”RoyaldisdainrevealeditselfinthewaytheEmperorturnedtolookatPaul.“I
believemyentouragehasbeenplacedundertheprotectionofyourducalword,”hesaid.“My question was for information only,” Paul said. “I wish to know if a
Harkonnen is officially a part of your entourage or if a Harkonnen ismerely
hidingbehindatechnicalityoutofcowardice.”The Emperor’s smile was calculating. “Anyone accepted into the Imperial
companyisamemberofmyentourage.”“YouhavethewordofaDuke,”Paulsaid,“butMuad’Dibisanothermatter.
He may not recognize your definition of what constitutes an entourage. MyfriendGurneyHalleckwishestokillaHarkonnen.Ifhe—”“Kanly!” Feyd-Rautha shouted. He pressed against the barrier lance. “Your
fathernamedthisvendetta,Atreides.Youcallmecowardwhileyouhideamongyourwomenandoffertosendalackeyagainstme!”TheoldTruthsayerwhisperedsomethingfiercelyintotheEmperor’sear,but
hepushedheraside,said:“Kanly,isit?Therearestrictrulesforkanly.”“Paul,putastoptothis,”Jessicasaid.“M’Lord,”Gurneysaid,“YoupromisedmemydayagainsttheHarkonnens.”“You’ve had your day against them,” Paul said and he felt a harlequin
abandon take over his emotions. He slipped his robe and hood from hisshoulders, handed them to his mother with his belt and crysknife, beganunstrapping his stillsuit. He sensed now that the universe focused on thismoment.“There’snoneedforthis,”Jessicasaid.“Thereareeasierways,Paul.”Paul stepped out of his stillsuit, slipped the crysknife from its sheath in his
mother’s hand. “I know,” he said. “Poison, an assassin, all the old familiarways.”“YoupromisedmeaHarkonnen!”Gurneyhissed,andPaulmarkedtheragein
theman’sface,thewaytheinkvinescarstoodoutdarkandridged.“Youoweittome,m’Lord!”“HaveyousufferedmorefromthemthanI?”Paulasked.“Mysister,”Gurneyrasped.“Myyearsintheslavepits—”“Myfather,”Paulsaid.“Mygoodfriendsandcompanions,ThufirHawatand
Duncan Idaho,myyears asa fugitivewithout rankor succor ... andonemorething:itisnowkanlyandyouknowaswellasItherulesthatmustprevail.”Halleck’s shoulders sagged. “M’Lord, if that swine... he’s no more than a
beast you’d spurn with your foot and discard the shoe because it’d beencontaminated.Callinanexecutioner,ifyoumust,orletmedoit,butdon’tofferyourselfto—”“Muad’Dibneednotdothisthing,”Chanisaid.Heglancedather,sawthefearforhiminhereyes.“ButtheDukePaulmust,”
hesaid.
“ThisisaHarkonnenanimal!”Gurneyrasped.PaulhesitatedonthepointofrevealinghisownHarkonnenancestry,stopped
atasharplookfromhismother,saidmerely:“Butthisbeinghashumanshape,Gurney,anddeserveshumandoubt.”Gurneysaid:“Ifhesomuchas—”“Pleasestandaside,”Paulsaid.Heheftedthecrysknife,pushedGurneygently
aside.“Gurney!”Jessicasaid.ShetouchedGurney’sarm.“He’slikehisgrandfather
in thismood.Don’tdistracthim. It’s theonly thingyoucando forhimnow.”Andshethought:GreatMother!Whatirony.TheEmperorwasstudyingFeyd-Rautha,seeingtheheavyshoulders,thethick
muscles. He turned to look at Paul—a stringy whipcord of a youth, not asdesiccatedas theArrakeennatives,butwith ribs there tocount,andsunken intheflankssothattherippleandgatherofmusclescouldbefollowedundertheskin.JessicaleanedclosetoPaul,pitchedhervoiceforhisearsalone:“Onething,
Son.Sometimes a dangerous person is prepared by theBeneGesserit, awordimplantedintothedeepestrecessesbytheoldpleasure-painmethods.Theword-soundmostfrequentlyusedisUroshnor.Ifthisone’sbeenprepared,asIstronglysuspect,thatwordutteredinhisearwillrenderhismusclesflaccidand—”“Iwantnospecialadvantage for thisone,”Paul said. “Stepbackoutofmy
way.”Gurney spoke to her: “Why is he doing this?Does he think to get himself
killedandachievemartyrdom?ThisFremenreligiousprattle,isthatwhatcloudshisreason?”Jessicahidher face inherhands, realizing that shedidnotknow fullywhy
Paul took this course. She could feel death in the room and knew that thechanged Paul was capable of such a thing as Gurney suggested. Every talentwithin her focused on the need to protect her son, but there was nothing shecoulddo.“Isitthisreligiousprattle?”Gurneyinsisted.“Besilent,”Jessicawhispered.“Andpray.”The Emperor’s face was touched by an abrupt smile. “If Feyd-Rautha
Harkonnen ... of my entourage... so wishes,” he said, “I relieve him of allrestraintandgivehimfreedomtochoosehisowncourseinthis.”TheEmperorwavedahandtowardPaul’sFedaykinguards.“Oneofyourrabblehasmybeltandshortblade.IfFeyd-Rauthawishesit,hemaymeetyouwithmybladeinhis
hand.”“Iwishit,”Feyd-Rauthasaid,andPaulsawtheelationontheman’sface.He’soverconfident,Paulthought.There’sanaturaladvantageIcanaccept.“Get the Emperor’s blade,” Paul said, and watched as his command was
obeyed.“Putitonthefloorthere.”Heindicatedaplacewithhisfoot.“CleartheImperialrabblebackagainstthewallandlettheHarkonnenstandclear.”A flurry of robes, scraping of feet, low-voiced commands and protests
accompaniedobediencetoPaul’scommand.TheGuildsmenremainedstandingnear the communications equipment. They frowned at Paul in obviousindecision.They’reaccustomedtoseeingthefuture,Paulthought.Inthisplaceandtime
they’re blind ... even as I am. And he sampled the time- winds, sensing theturmoil,thestormnexusthatnowfocusedonthismomentplace.Eventhefaintgapswereclosednow.Herewastheunbornjihad,heknew.Herewastheraceconsciousness that he had known once as his own terrible purpose.Herewasreason enough for aKwisatzHaderach or aLisan al-Gaib or even the haltingschemesof theBeneGesserit.The raceofhumanshad felt itsowndormancy,senseditselfgrownstaleandknewnowonlytheneedtoexperienceturmoil inwhichthegeneswouldmingleandthestrongnewmixturessurvive.Allhumanswere alive as an unconscious single organism in thismoment, experiencing akindofsexualheatthatcouldoverrideanybarrier.AndPaulsawhowfutilewereanyeffortsofhistochangeanysmallestbitof
this.Hehadthoughttoopposethejihadwithinhimself,butthejihadwouldbe.His legionswould rageout fromArrakisevenwithouthim.Theyneededonlythe legend he already had become. He had shown them the way, given themmasteryevenovertheGuildwhichmusthavethespicetoexist.A sense of failure pervaded him, and he saw through it that Feyd-Rautha
Harkonnen had slipped out of the torn uniform, stripped down to a fightinggirdlewithamailcore.This is theclimax,Paul thought.Fromhere, the futurewillopen, theclouds
partontoakindofglory.AndifIdiehere,they’llsayIsacrificedmyselfthatmyspiritmightleadthem.AndifIlive,they’llsaynothingcanopposeMuad’Dib.“Is theAtreides ready?”Feyd-Rauthacalled,using thewordsof theancient
kanlyritual.Paul chose to answer him in the Fremen way: “May thy knife chip and
shatter!”Hepointed to theEmperor’sbladeon the floor, indicating thatFeyd-Rauthashouldadvanceandtakeit.
KeepinghisattentiononPaul,Feyd-Rauthapickeduptheknife,balancingitamomentinhishandtogetthefeelofit.Excitementkindledinhim.Thiswasafighthehaddreamedabout—managainstman,skillagainstskillwithnoshieldsintervening. He could see a way to power opening before him because theEmperorsurelywouldrewardwhoeverkilledthistroublesomeduke.Therewardmightevenbe thathaughtydaughterandashareof the throne.Andthisyokelduke,thisback-worldadventurercouldnotpossiblybeamatchforaHarkonnentrained ineverydeviceandevery treacherybya thousandarenacombats.Andtheyokelhadnowayofknowinghefacedmoreweaponsthanaknifehere.Let us see if you’re proof against poison! Feyd-Rautha thought.He saluted
PaulwiththeEmperor’sblade,said:“Meetyourdeath,fool.”“Shallwefight,cousin?”Paulasked.Andhecat-footedforward,eyesonthe
waiting blade, his body crouched low with his own milk-white crysknifepointingoutasthoughanextensionofhisarm.They circled each other, bare feet grating on the floor, watching with eyes
intentfortheslightestopening.“Howbeautifullyyoudance,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.He’satalker,Paulthought.There’sanotherweakness.Hegrowsuneasyinthe
faceofsilence.“Haveyoubeenshriven?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.Still,Paulcircledinsilence.And the old Reverend Mother, watching the fight from the press of the
Emperor’s suite, felt herself trembling. The Atreides youth had called theHarkonnencousin.Itcouldonlymeanheknewtheancestrytheyshared,easytounderstandbecausehewas theKwisatzHaderach.But thewordsforcedher tofocusontheonlythingthatmatteredtoherhere.ThiscouldbeamajorcatastrophefortheBeneGesseritbreedingscheme.ShehadseensomethingofwhatPaulhadseenhere,thatFeyd-Rauthamight
kill but not be victorious. Another thought, though, almost overwhelmed her.Twoendproductsofthislongandcostlyprogramfacedeachotherinafighttothedeaththatmighteasilyclaimbothofthem.IfbothdiedherethatwouldleaveonlyFeyd-Rautha’sbastarddaughter,stillababy,anunknown,anunmeasuredfactor,andAlia,theabomination.“Perhapsyouhaveonlypaganriteshere,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“Wouldyoulike
theEmperor’sTruthsayertoprepareyourspiritforitsjourney?”Paulsmiled,circling to theright,alert,hisblack thoughtssuppressedby the
needsofthemoment.
Feyd-Rautha leaped, feintingwithrighthand,butwith theknifeshifted inablurtohislefthand.Pauldodgedeasily,notingtheshield-conditionedhesitationinFeyd-Rautha’s
thrust.Still,itwasnotasgreatashieldconditioningassomePaulhadseen,andhesensedthatFeyd-Rauthahadfoughtbeforeagainstunshieldedfoes.“DoesanAtreidesrunorstandandfight?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.Paulresumedhissilentcircling.Idaho’swordscamebacktohim,thewords
oftrainingfromthelong-agopracticeflooronCaladan:“Usethefirstmomentsinstudy.Youmaymissmanyanopportunity forquickvictory thisway,but themomentsofstudyareinsuranceofsuccess.Takeyourtimeandbesure.”“Perhaps you think this dance prolongs your life a few moments,” Feyd-
Rauthasaid.“Wellandgood.”Hestoppedthecircling,straightened.Paul had seen enough for a first approximation.Feyd-Rautha led to the left
side,presentingtherighthipasthoughthemailedfightinggirdlecouldprotecthisentireside.Itwastheactionofamantrainedtotheshieldandwithaknifeinbothhands.Or ... And Paul hesitated.... the girdle was more than it seemed. The
Harkonnenappearedtooconfidentagainstamanwho’dthisdayledtheforcesofvictoryagainstSardaukarlegions.Feyd-Rauthanotedthehesitation,said:“Whyprolongtheinevitable?Youbut
keepmefromexercisingmyrightsoverthisballofdirt.”Ifit’saflip-dart,Paulthought,it’sacunningone.Thegirdleshowsnosignsof
tampering.“Whydon’tyouspeak?”Feyd-Rauthademanded.Paulresumedhisprobingcircle,allowinghimselfacoldsmileatthetoneof
unease in Feyd-Rautha’s voice, evidence that the pressure of silence wasbuilding.“Yousmile,eh?”Feyd-Rauthaasked.Andheleapedinmid-sentence.Expecting theslighthesitation,Paulalmostfailed toevade thedownflashof
blade,feltitstipscratchhisleftarm.Hesilencedthesuddenpainthere,hismindfloodedwithrealizationthattheearlierhesitationhadbeenatrick—anoverfeint.Here was more of an opponent than he had expected. There would be trickswithintrickswithintricks.“Your own Thufir Hawat taughtme some ofmy skills,” Feyd-Rautha said.
“Hegavemefirstblood.Toobadtheoldfooldidn’tlivetoseeit.”AndPaulrecalledthatIdahohadoncesaid,“Expectonlywhathappensinthe
fight.Thatwayyou’llneverbesurprised.”
Againthetwocircledeachother,crouched,cautious.Paulsawthereturnofelation tohisopponent,wonderedat it.Didascratch
signifythatmuchtotheman?Unlesstherewerepoisonontheblade!Buthowcouldtherebe?Hisownmenhadhandledtheweapon,snoopeditbeforepassingit.Theyweretoowelltrainedtomissanobviousthinglikethat.“Thatwomanyouwere talking toover there,”Feyd-Rauthasaid.“The little
one. Is she something special to you? A pet perhaps? Will she deserve myspecialattentions?”Paulremainedsilent,probingwithhisinnersenses,examiningthebloodfrom
thewound,findingatraceofsoporificfromtheEmperor’sblade.Herealignedhis own metabolism to match this threat and change the molecules of thesoporific,buthefeltathrillofdoubt.They’dbeenpreparedwithsoporificonablade.Asoporific.Nothingtoalertapoisonsnooper,butstrongenoughtoslowthemusclesittouched.Hisenemieshadtheirownplanswithinplans,theirownstackedtreacheries.AgainFeyd-Rauthaleaped,stabbing.Paul, thesmilefrozenonhisface,feintedwithslownessas thoughinhibited
bythedrugandatthelastinstantdodgedtomeetthedown-flashingarmonthecrysknife’spoint.Feyd-Rauthaduckedsidewaysandwasoutandaway,hisbladeshiftedtohis
lefthand,andthemeasureofhimthatonlyaslightpalenessofjawbetrayedtheacidpainwherePaulhadcuthim.Lethimknowhisownmomentofdoubt,Paulthought.Lethimsuspectpoison.“Treachery!” Feyd-Rautha shouted. “He’s poisonedme! I do feel poison in
myarm!”Paul dropped his cloak of silence, said: “Only a little acid to counter the
soporificontheEmperor’sblade.”Feyd-RauthamatchedPaul’scoldsmile, liftedblade in lefthandforamock
salute.Hiseyesglaredragebehindtheknife.Paulshiftedhiscrysknifetohislefthand,matchinghisopponent.Again,they
circled,probing.Feyd-Rautha began closing the space between them, edging in, knife held
high,angershowingitself insquintofeyeandsetof jaw.Hefeintedrightandunder,andtheywerepressedagainsteachother,knifehandsgripped,straining.Paul, cautious of Feyd-Rautha’s right hipwhere he suspected a poison flip-
dart,forcedtheturntotheright.Healmostfailedtoseetheneedlepointflickoutbeneaththebeltline.AshiftandagivinginFeyd-Rautha’smotionwarnedhim.
ThetinypointmissedPaul’sfleshbythebarestfraction.Onthelefthip!Treachery within treachery within treachery, Paul reminded himself. Using
BeneGesserit-trainedmuscles,hesaggedtocatchareflexinFeyd-Rautha,butthe necessity of avoiding the tiny point jutting from his opponent’s hip threwPauloffjustenoughthathemissedhisfootingandfoundhimselfthrownhardtothefloor,Feyd-Rauthaontop.“You see it there onmy hip?” Feyd-Rauthawhispered. “Your death, fool.”
Andhebegan twistinghimself around, forcing thepoisonedneedlecloser andcloser.“It’llstopyourmusclesandmyknifewillfinishyou.There’llbeneveratracelefttodetect!”Paul strained, hearing the silent screams in his mind, his cell-stamped
ancestorsdemanding thatheuse thesecretword to slowFeyd-Rautha, to savehimself.“Iwillnotsayit!”Paulgasped.Feyd-Rauthagapedathim,caughtinthemerestfractionofhesitation.Itwas
enough for Paul to find theweakness of balance in one of his opponent’s legmuscles, and their positionswere reversed.Feyd-Rautha lay partly underneathwithrighthiphigh,unabletoturnbecauseofthetinyneedlepointcaughtagainstthefloorbeneathhim.Paultwistedhislefthandfree,aidedbythelubricationofbloodfromhisarm,
thrustoncehardupunderneathFeyd-Rautha’sjaw.Thepointslidhomeintothebrain.Feyd-Rautha jerkedandsaggedback,stillheldpartlyonhissideby theneedleimbeddedinthefloor.Breathingdeeplytorestorehiscalm,Paulpushedhimselfawayandgottohis
feet. He stood over the body, knife in hand, raised his eyes with deliberateslownesstolookacrosstheroomattheEmperor.“Majesty,”Paulsaid,“yourforceisreducedbyonemore.Shallwenowshed
shamandpretense?Shallwenowdiscusswhatmustbe?YourdaughterwedtomeandthewayopenedforanAtreidestositonthethrone.”TheEmperorturned,lookedatCountFenring.TheCountmethisstare—gray
eyesagainstgreen.Thethoughtlaythereclearlybetweenthem,theirassociationsolongthatunderstandingcouldbeachievedwithaglance.Kill thisupstart forme, theEmperorwassaying.TheAtreides is youngand
resourceful,yes—butheisalsotiredfromlongeffortandhe’dbenomatchforyou,anyway.Callhimoutnow...youknowthewayofit.Killhim.Slowly,Fenringmovedhishead,aprolongedturninguntilhefacedPaul.
“Doit!”theEmperorhissed.TheCountfocusedonPaul,seeingwitheyeshisLadyMargothadtrainedin
the Bene Gesserit way, aware of the mystery and hidden grandeur about thisAtreidesyouth.Icouldkillhim,Fenringthought—andheknewthisforatruth.SomethinginhisownsecretivedepthsstayedtheCountthen,andheglimpsed
briefly,inadequately,theadvantageheheldoverPaul—awayofhidingfromtheyouth,afurtivenessofpersonandmotivesthatnoeyecouldpenetrate.Paul,awareofsomeofthisfromthewaythetimenexusboiled,understoodat
lastwhyhehadneverseenFenringalongthewebsofprescience.Fenringwasoneofthemight-have-beens,analmost-KwisatzHaderach,crippledbyaflawinthegeneticpattern—aeunuch,histalentconcentratedintofurtivenessandinnerseclusion.AdeepcompassionfortheCountflowedthroughPaul,thefirstsenseofbrotherhoodhe’deverexperienced.Fenring,readingPaul’semotion,said,“Majesty,Imustrefuse.”RageovercameShaddamIV.Hetooktwoshortstepsthroughtheentourage,
cuffedFenringviciouslyacrossthejaw.Adark flush spreadupandover theCount’s face.He lookeddirectlyat the
Emperor, spoke with deliberate lack of emphasis: “We have been friends,Majesty.WhatIdonowisoutoffriendship.Ishallforgetthatyoustruckme.”Paulclearedhisthroat,said:“Wewerespeakingofthethrone,Majesty.”TheEmperorwhirled,glaredatPaul.“Isitonthethrone!”hebarked.“YoushallhaveathroneonSalusaSecundus,”Paulsaid.“I put downmy arms and came here on yourword of bond!” the Emperor
shouted.“Youdarethreaten—”“Your person is safe inmy presence,” Paul said. “AnAtreides promised it.
Muad’Dib, however, sentences you to your prison planet. But have no fear,Majesty.Iwilleasetheharshnessoftheplacewithallthepowersatmydisposal.Itshallbecomeagardenworld,fullofgentlethings.”AsthehiddenimportofPaul’swordsgrewintheEmperor’smind,heglared
acrosstheroomatPaul.“Nowweseetruemotives,”hesneered.“Indeed,”Paulsaid.“Andwhat ofArrakis?” the Emperor asked. “Another gardenworld full of
gentlethings?”“TheFremenhavethewordofMuad‘Dib,”Paulsaid.“Therewillbeflowing
waterhereopentotheskyandgreenoasesrichwithgoodthings.Butwehavethe spice to thinkof, too.Thus, therewill alwaysbe desert onArrakis ... and
fierce winds, and trials to toughen a man. We Fremen have a saying: ‘GodcreatedArrakistotrainthefaithful.’OnecannotgoagainstthewordofGod.”TheoldTruthsayer,theReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam,hadherown
viewof the hiddenmeaning inPaul’swords now.Sheglimpsed the jihad andsaid:“Youcannotloosethesepeopleupontheuniverse!”“YouwillthinkbacktothegentlewaysoftheSardaukar!”Paulsnapped.“Youcannot,”shewhispered.“You’re a Truthsayer,” Paul said. “Review your words.” He glanced at the
PrincessRoyal,backtotheEmperor.“Bestbedonequickly,Majesty.”TheEmperorturnedastrickenlookuponhisdaughter.Shetouchedhisarm,
spokesoothingly:“ForthisIwastrained,Father.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Youcannotstaythisthing,”theoldTruthsayermuttered.TheEmperorstraightened,standingstifflywithalookofremembereddignity.
“Whowillnegotiateforyou,kinsman?”heasked.Paulturned,sawhismother,hereyesheavy-lidded,standingwithChaniina
squadofFedaykinguards.Hecrossedtothem,stoodlookingdownatChani.“Iknowthereasons,”Chaniwhispered.“Ifitmustbe...Usul.”Paul, hearing the secret tears in her voice, touched her cheek. “My Sihaya
need fearnothing,ever,”hewhispered.Hedroppedhisarm, facedhismother.“Youwillnegotiate forme,Mother,withChanibyyourside.Shehaswisdomandsharpeyes.AnditiswiselysaidthatnoonebargainstougherthanaFremen.Shewillbelookingthroughtheeyesofherloveformeandwiththethoughtofhersonstobe,whattheywillneed.Listentoher.”Jessicasensedtheharshcalculationinherson,putdownashudder.“Whatare
yourinstructions?”sheasked.“TheEmperor’sentireCHOAMCompanyholdingsasdowry,”hesaid.“Entire?”Shewasshockedalmostspeechless.“He is to be stripped. I’ll want an earldom and CHOAM directorship for
GurneyHalleck,andhiminthefiefofCaladan.TherewillbetitlesandattendantpowerforeverysurvivingAtreidesman,notexceptingthelowliesttrooper.”“WhatoftheFremen?”Jessicaasked.“TheFremenaremine,”Paulsaid.“Whattheyreceiveshallbedispensedby
Muad’Dib.It’llbeginwithStilgarasGovernoronArrakis,butthatcanwait.”“Andforme?”Jessicaasked.“Istheresomethingyouwish?”“PerhapsCaladan,”shesaid,lookingatGurney.“I’mnotcertain.I’vebecome
toomuch theFremen ... and theReverendMother. Ineeda timeofpeaceandstillnessinwhichtothink.”“Thatyoushallhave,”Paulsaid,“andanythingelsethatGurneyorIcangive
you.”Jessicanodded,feelingsuddenlyoldandtired.ShelookedatChani.“Andfor
theroyalconcubine?”“Notitleforme,”Chaniwhispered.“Nothing.Ibegofyou.”Paulstareddown intohereyes, rememberinghersuddenlyasshehadstood
oncewithlittleLetoinherarms,theirchildnowdeadinthisviolence.“Iswearto you now,” hewhispered, “that you’ll need no title. Thatwoman over therewillbemywifeandyoubutaconcubinebecausethisisapoliticalthingandwemustweldpeaceoutofthismoment,enlisttheGreatHousesoftheLandsraad.Wemustobey the forms.Yet thatprincess shallhavenomoreofme thanmyname.Nochildofminenortouchnorsoftnessofglance,norinstantofdesire.”“So you say now,” Chani said. She glanced across the room at the tall
princess.“Do you know so little of my son?” Jessica whispered. “See that princess
standing there, so haughty and confident. They say she has pretensions of aliterary nature. Let us hope she finds solace in such things; she’ll have littleelse.”AbitterlaughescapedJessica.“Thinkonit,Chani:thatprincesswillhavethename,yetshe’llliveaslessthanaconcubine—nevertoknowamomentoftendernessfromthemantowhomshe’sbound.Whilewe,Chani,wewhocarrythenameofconcubine—historywillcalluswives.”
APPENDIXES
AppendixI:TheEcologyofDune
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbersincrease.Thisisastrueofhumansinthefinitespaceofaplanetaryecosystemasitis of gasmolecules in a sealed flask. The humanquestion is not howmany canpossiblysurvivewithinthesystem,butwhatkindofexistenceispossibleforthosewhodosurvive.
—PardotKynes,FirstPlanetologistofArrakis
THE EFFECT of Arrakis on the mind of the newcomer usually is that ofoverpoweringbarrenland.Thestrangermightthinknothingcouldliveorgrowintheopenhere,thatthiswasthetruewastelandthathadneverbeenfertileandneverwouldbe.ToPardotKynes, theplanetwasmerelyanexpressionofenergy,amachine
beingdrivenby itssun.What itneededwasreshaping tofit it toman’sneeds.Hismindwentdirectlytothefree-movinghumanpopulation,theFremen.Whata challenge!What a tool they couldbe!Fremen: an ecological andgeologicalforceofalmostunlimitedpotential.A direct and simple man in many ways, Pardot Kynes. One must evade
Harkonnen restrictions? Excellent. Then onemarries a Fremenwoman.WhenshegivesyouaFremenson,youbeginwithhim,withLiet-Kynes,andtheotherchildren, teaching them ecological literacy, creating a new language withsymbols that arm the mind to manipulate an entire landscape, its climate,seasonallimits,andfinallytobreakthroughallideasofforceintothedazzlingawarenessoforder.“There’saninternallyrecognizedbeautyofmotionandbalanceonanyman-
healthyplanet,”Kynessaid.“Youseeinthisbeautyadynamicstabilizingeffectessential to all life. Its aim is simple: to maintain and produce coordinatedpatterns of greater and greater diversity. Life improves the closed system’scapacity to sustain life. Life—all life—is in the service of life. Necessarynutrientsaremadeavailabletolifebylifeingreaterandgreaterrichnessasthediversity of life increases. The entire landscape comes alive, filled with
relationshipsandrelationshipswithinrelationships.”ThiswasPardotKyneslecturingtoasietchwarrenclass.Before the lectures, though, he had to convince the Fremen. To understand
how this came about, you must first understand the enormous single-mindedness,theinnocencewithwhichheapproachedanyproblem.Hewasnotnaive,hemerelypermittedhimselfnodistractions.He was exploring the Arrakis landscape in a one-man groundcar one hot
afternoonwhenhe stumbledontoadeplorablycommonscene.SixHarkonnenbravos,shieldedandfullyarmed,hadtrappedthreeFremenyouthsintheopenbehind theShieldWallnear thevillageofWindsack.ToKynes, itwasading-dong battle, more slapstick then real, until he focused on the fact that theHarkonnens intended to kill the Fremen. By this time, one of the youthswasdownwithaseveredartery,twoofthebravosweredownaswell,butitwasstillfourarmedmenagainsttwostriplings.Kyneswasn’tbrave;hemerelyhad thatsingle-mindednessandcaution.The
HarkonnenswerekillingFremen.Theyweredestroyingthetoolswithwhichheintendedtoremakeaplanet!Hetriggeredhisownshield,wadedinandhadtwoof the Harkonnens dead with a slip-tip before they knew anyone was behindthem.Hedodgedaswordthrustfromoneoftheothers,slittheman’sthroatwithaneatentrisseur, and left the lone remainingbravo to the twoFremenyouths,turninghis full attention to saving the ladon theground.And save the ladhedid...whilethesixthHarkonnenwasbeingdispatched.Nowherewasaprettykettleofsandtrout!TheFremendidn’tknowwhat to
makeofKynes.Theyknewwhohewas,ofcourse.NomanarrivedonArrakiswithouta fulldossier finding itsway into theFremenstrongholds.Theyknewhim:hewasanImperialservant.ButhekilledHarkonnens!Adultsmighthaveshruggedand,withsomeregret,senthisshadetojointhose
ofthesixdeadmenontheground.ButtheseFremenwereinexperiencedyouthsand all they could see was that they owed this Imperial servant a mortalobligation.KyneswounduptwodayslaterinasietchthatlookeddownonWindPass.To
him, itwasallverynatural.He talked to theFremenaboutwater,aboutdunesanchored by grass, about palmaries filledwith date palms, about open qanatsflowingacrossthedesert.Hetalkedandtalkedandtalked.All around him raged a debate thatKynes never saw.What to dowith this
madman? He knew the location of a major sietch.What to do?What of his
words,thismadtalkaboutaparadiseonArrakis?Justtalk.Heknowstoomuch.But he killedHarkonnens!What of thewater burden?When didwe owe theImperiumanything?HekilledHarkonnens.AnyonecankillHarkonnens.Ihavedoneitmyself.ButwhatofthistalkaboutthefloweringofArrakis?Verysimple:Whereisthewaterforthis?Hesaysitishere!Andhedidsavethreeofours.He saved three foolswho had put themselves in theway of theHarkonnen
fist!Andhehasseencrysknives!Thenecessarydecisionwasknownforhoursbeforeitwasvoiced.Thetauof
asietch tells itsmemberswhat theymustdo;even themostbrutalnecessity isknown.Anexperiencedfighterwassentwithaconsecratedknifetodothejob.Twowatermenfollowedhimtogetthewaterfromthebody.Brutalnecessity.It’s doubtful thatKynes even focused on hiswould-be executioner.Hewas
talkingtoagroupthatspreadaroundhimatacautiousdistance.Hewalkedashetalked: a short circle, gesturing. Open water, Kynes said. Walk in the openwithoutstillsuits.Waterfordippingitoutofapond!Portyguls!Theknifemanconfrontedhim.“Removeyourself,”Kynessaid,andwentontalkingaboutsecretwindtraps.
Hebrushedpasttheman.Kynes’backstoodopenfortheceremonialblow.Whatwentoninthatwould-beexecutioner’smindcannotbeknownnow.Did
hefinallylistentoKynesandbelieve?Whoknows?Butwhathedidisamatterof record. Uliet was his name, Older Liet. Uliet walked three paces anddeliberatelyfellonhisownknife,thus“removing”himself.Suicide?SomesayShai-huludmovedhim.Talkaboutomens!Fromthat instant,Kyneshadbut topoint,saying“Gothere.”EntireFremen
tribeswent.Mendied,womendied,childrendied.Buttheywent.Kynes returned to his Imperial chores, directing the Biological Testing
Stations.Andnow,Fremenbegan to appear among theStationpersonnel.TheFremen lookedateachother.Theywere infiltrating the“system,”apossibilitythey’d never considered. Station tools began finding their way into the sietchwarrens—especiallycutterayswhichwereusedtodigundergroundcatchbasinsandhiddenwindtraps.Waterbegancollectinginthebasins.ItbecameapparenttotheFrementhatKyneswasnotamadmantotally, just
madenoughtobeholy.Hewasoneoftheumma,thebrotherhoodofprophets.
TheshadeofUlietwasadvancedtothesadus,thethrongofheavenlyjudges.Kynes—direct, savagely intentKynes—knew that highlyorganized research
is guaranteed to produce nothing new. He set up small-unit experiments withregularinterchangeofdataforaswiftTansleyeffect,leteachgroupfinditsownpath.Theymust accumulatemillions of tiny facts.He organized only isolatedandroughrun-throughteststoputtheirdifficultiesintoperspective.Coresamplingsweremadethroughoutthebled.Chartsweredevelopedonthe
long drifts of weather that are called climate. He found that in the wide beltcontainedbythe70-degreelines,northandsouth,temperaturesforthousandsofyearshadn’tgoneoutsidethe254-332degrees(absolute)range,andthatthisbelthadlonggrowingseasonswheretemperaturesrangedfrom284to302degreesabsolute: the “bonanza” range for terraform life ... once they solved thewaterproblem.Whenwill we solve it? the Fremen asked.Whenwill we see Arrakis as a
paradise?Inthemannerofateacheransweringachildwhohasaskedthesumof2plus
2,Kynestoldthem:“Fromthreehundredtofivehundredyears.”A lesser folk might have howled in dismay. But the Fremen had learned
patiencefrommenwithwhips.Itwasabitlongerthantheyhadanticipated,buttheyallcouldseethattheblesseddaywascoming.Theytightenedtheirsashesand went back to work. Somehow, the disappointment made the prospect ofparadisemorereal.The concern on Arrakis was not with water, but with moisture. Pets were
almost unknown, stock animals rare. Some smugglers employed thedomesticateddesertass,thekulon,butthewaterpricewashighevenwhenthebeastswerefittedwithmodifiedstillsuits.Kynes thought of installing reduction plants to recover water from the
hydrogenandoxygen locked innative rock,but theenergy-cost factorwas fartoohigh.Thepolarcaps(disregardingthefalsesenseofwatersecuritytheygavethe pyons) held far too small an amount for his project ... and he alreadysuspected where the water had to be. There was that consistent increase ofmoistureatmedianaltitudes,andincertainwinds.Therewasthatprimaryclueintheairbalance—23percentoxygen,75.4percentnitrogenand.023percentcarbondioxide—withthetracegasestakinguptherest.Therewasararenativerootplantthatgrewabovethe2,500-meterlevelinthe
northern temperatezone.A tuber twometers longyieldedhalfa literofwater.And therewere the terraform desert plants: the tougher ones showed signs of
thrivingifplantedindepressionslinedwithdewprecipitators.ThenKynessawthesaltpan.His’thopter,flyingbetweenstationsfaroutonthebled,wasblownoffcourse
byastorm.Whenthestormpassed,therewasthepan—agiantovaldepressionsomethreehundredkilometersonthelongaxis—aglaringwhitesurpriseintheopendesert.Kyneslanded,tastedthepan’sstorm-cleanedsurface.Salt.Now,hewascertain.There’d been open water on Arrakis—once. He began reexamining the
evidence of the drywellswhere trickles ofwater had appeared and vanished,nevertoreturn.Kynes set his newly trained Fremen limnologist to work: their chief clue,
leatheryscrapsofmattersometimesfoundwiththespice-massafterablow.Thishadbeenascribedtoafictional“sandtrout”inFremenfolkstories.Asfactsgrewinto evidence, a creature emerged to explain these leathery scraps—asandswimmerthatblockedoffwaterintofertilepocketswithintheporouslowerstratabelowthe280°(absolute)line.This “water-stealer” died by themillions in each spice-blow.A five-degree
change in temperature could kill it. The few survivors entered a semidormantcyst-hibernation to emerge in six years as small (about three meters long)sandworms. Of these, only a few avoided their larger brothers and pre-spicewater pockets to emerge into maturity as the giant shai-hulud. (Water ispoisonoustoshai-huludastheFremenhadlongknownfromdrowningtherare“stuntedworm” of theMinorErg to produce the awareness-spectrumnarcotictheycallWaterofLife.The“stuntedworm” is aprimitive formof shai-huludthatreachesalengthofonlyaboutninemeters.)Now they had the circular relationship: littlemaker to pre-spicemass; little
makertoshai-hulud;shai-huludtoscatterthespiceuponwhichfedmicroscopiccreaturescalledsandplankton;thesandplankton,foodforshai-hulud,growing,burrowing,becominglittlemakers.Kynesandhispeopleturnedtheirattentionfromthesegreatrelationshipsand
focusednowonmicro-ecology.First,theclimate:thesandsurfaceoftenreachedtemperatures of 344° to 350° (absolute).A foot belowground itmight be 55°cooler; a foot above ground, 25° cooler. Leaves or black shade could provideanother18°ofcooling.Next,thenutrients:sandofArrakisismostlyaproductofwormdigestion;dust(thetrulyomnipresentproblemthere)isproducedbytheconstant surface creep, the “saltation” movement of sand. Coarse grains are
foundonthedownwindsidesofdunes.Thewindwardsideispackedsmoothandhard.Olddunesareyellow(oxidized),youngdunesare thecolorof theparentrock—usuallygray.Downwindsidesofolddunesprovidedthefirstplantationareas.TheFremen
aimedfirstforacycleofpovertygrasswithpeatlikehairciliatointertwine,matandfixthedunesbydeprivingthewindofitsbigweapon:movablegrains.AdaptivezoneswerelaidoutinthedeepsouthfarfromHarkonnenwatchers.
Themutatedpovertygrasseswereplantedfirstalongthedownwind(slipface)ofthechosendunesthatstoodacrossthepathoftheprevailingwesterlies.Withthedownwind face anchored, the windward face grew higher and higher and thegrass was moved to keep pace. Giant sifs (long dunes with sinuous crest) ofmorethan1,500metersheightwereproducedthisway.When barrier dunes reached sufficient height, the windward faces were
plantedwithtougherswordgrasses.Eachstructureonabaseaboutsixtimesasthickasitsheightwasanchored—“fixed.”Now,theycameinwithdeeperplantings—ephemerals(chenopods,pigweeds,
andamaranthtobegin),thenscotchbroom,lowlupine,vineeucalyptus(thetypeadapted forCaladan’s northern reaches), dwarf tamarisk, shore pine—then thetruedesertgrowths:candelilla,saguaro,andbis-naga,thebarrelcactus.Whereitwouldgrow, they introduced camel sage, oniongrass, gobi feather grass,wildalfalfa,burrowbush,sandverbena,eveningprimrose,incensebush,smoketree,creosotebush.They turned then to thenecessary animal life—burrowingcreatures toopen
thesoilandaerateit:kitfox,kangaroomouse,deserthare,sandterrapin...andthepredators tokeep them incheck:deserthawk,dwarfowl,eagleanddesertowl; and insects to fill the niches these couldn’t reach: scorpion, centipede,trapdoor spider, thebitingwaspand thewormfly ... and thedesertbat tokeepwatchonthese.Nowcame thecrucial test:datepalms,cotton,melons,coffee,medicinals—
morethan200selectedfoodplanttypestotestandadapt.“Thethingtheecologicallyilliteratedon’trealizeaboutanecosystem,”Kynes
said,“isthatit’sasystem.Asystem!Asystemmaintainsacertainfluidstabilitythat can be destroyed by a misstep in just one niche. A system has order, aflowingfrompoint topoint. If somethingdams that flow,ordercollapses.Theuntrainedmightmiss thatcollapseuntil itwas too late.That’swhythehighestfunctionofecologyistheunderstandingofconsequences.”Hadtheyachievedasystem?
Kynes and his peoplewatched andwaited.TheFremen nowknewwhat hemeantbyanopen-endpredictiontofivehundredyears.Areportcameupfromthepalmaries:At the desert edge of the plantings, the sand plankton is being poisoned
through interaction with the new forms of life. The reason: proteinincompatibility.PoisonouswaterwasformingtherewhichtheArrakislifewouldnot touch.Abarren zone surrounded the plantings and even shai-huludwouldnotinvadeit.Kynes went down to the palmaries himself—a twenty-thumper trip (in a
palanquinlikeawoundedmanorReverendMotherbecauseheneverbecameasandrider).He tested the barren zone (it stank to heaven) and cameupwith abonus,agiftfromArrakis.Theadditionofsulfurandfixednitrogenconvertedthebarrenzonetoarich
plantbedforterraformlife.Theplantingscouldbeadvancedatwill!“Doesthischangethetiming?”theFremenasked.Kynes went back to his planetary formulae. Windtrap figures were fairly
securebythen.Hewasgenerouswithhisallowances,knowinghecouldn’tdrawneatlinesaroundecologicalproblems.Acertainamountofplantcoverhadtobesetasidetoholddunesinplace;acertainamountforfoodstuffs(bothhumanandanimal);acertainamounttolockmoistureinrootsystemsandtofeedwateroutinto surrounding parched areas. They’d mapped the roving cold spots on theopenbledby this time.Thesehad to be figured into the formulae.Even shai-huludhadaplace in thecharts.Hemustneverbedestroyed,elsespicewealthwouldend.Buthisinnerdigestive“factory,”withitsenormousconcentrationsofaldehydesandacids,wasagiantsourceofoxygen.Amediumworm(about200meters long) discharged into the atmosphere as much oxygen as ten squarekilometersofgreen-growingphotosynthesissurface.He had the Guild to consider. The spice bribe to the Guild for preventing
weathersatellitesandotherwatchersintheskiesofArrakisalreadyhadreachedmajorproportions.NorcouldtheFremenbeignored.EspeciallytheFremen,withtheirwindtraps
andirregularlandholdingsorganizedaroundwatersupply;theFremenwiththeirnewecologicalliteracyandtheirdreamofcyclingvastareasofArrakisthroughaprairiephaseintoforestcover.Fromthechartsemergeda figure.Kynes reported it.Threepercent. If they
could get three per cent of the green plant element on Arrakis involved informingcarboncompounds,they’dhavetheirself-sustainingcycle.
“Buthowlong?”theFremendemanded.“Oh,that:aboutthreehundredandfiftyyears.”So itwas true as this ummahad said in thebeginning: the thingwouldnot
come in the lifetime of any man now living, nor in the lifetime of theirgrandchildreneighttimesremoved,butitwouldcome.Theworkcontinued:building,planting,digging,trainingthechildren.ThenKynes-the-Ummawaskilledinthecave-inatPlasterBasin.By this timehis son,Liet-Kynes,wasnineteen,a fullFremenandsandrider
whohadkilledmorethanahundredHarkonnens.TheImperialappointmentforwhichtheelderKynesalreadyhadappliedinthenameofhissonwasdeliveredasamatterofcourse.Therigidclassstructureofthefaufrelucheshaditswell-orderedpurposehere.Thesonhadbeentrainedtofollowthefather.The course had been set by this time, the Ecological-Fremen were aimed
along their way. Liet-Kynes had only to watch and nudge and spy upon theHarkonnens...untilthedayhisplanetwasafflictedbyaHero.
AppendixII:TheReligionofDune
BEFORETHEcomingofMuad’Dib,theFremenofArrakispracticedareligionwhoseroots in theMaomethSaariare thereforanyscholar tosee.Manyhavetraced the extensive borrowings from other religions. The most commonexampleistheHymntoWater,adirectcopyfromtheOrangeCatholicLiturgicalManual,callingforraincloudswhichArrakishadneverseen.Buttherearemoreprofound points of accord between the Kitab al-Ibar of the Fremen and theteachingsofBible,Ilm,andFiqh.Anycomparisonof thereligiousbeliefsdominant in theImperiumupto the
timeofMuad’Dibmuststartwiththemajorforceswhichshapedthosebeliefs:1. The followers of the Fourteen Sages, whose Book was the OrangeCatholicBible,andwhoseviewsareexpressedintheCommentariesandotherliteratureproducedbytheCommissionofEcumenicalTranslators.(C.E.T.);
2.TheBeneGesserit,whoprivatelydeniedtheywereareligiousorder,butwhooperatedbehindanalmostimpenetrablescreenofritualmysticism,and whose training, whose symbolism, organization, and internalteachingmethodswerealmostwhollyreligious;
3.Theagnosticrulingclass(includingtheGuild)forwhomreligionwasa
kindofpuppetshowtoamusethepopulaceandkeepitdocile,andwhobelieved essentially that all phenomena—even religious phenomena—couldbereducedtomechanicalexplanations;
4. The so-called Ancient Teachings—including those preserved by theZensunniWanderersfromthefirst,second,andthirdIslamicmovements;the Navachristianity of Chusuk, the Buddislamic Variants of the typesdominant at Lankiveil and Sikun, the Blend Books of the MahayanaLankavatara, theZenHekiganshuof IIIDeltaPavonis, theTawrahandTalmudic Zabur surviving on Salusa Secundus, the pervasive ObeahRitual,theMuadhQuranwithitspureIlmandFiqhpreservedamongthepundiricefarmersofCaladan,theHinduoutcroppingsfoundallthroughtheuniverseinlittlepocketsofinsulatedpyons,andfinally,theButlerianJihad.
There is a fifth force which shaped religious belief, but its effect is souniversalandprofoundthatitdeservestostandalone.Thisis,ofcourse,spacetravel—andinanydiscussionofreligion,itdeserves
tobewrittenthus:
SPACETRAVEL!
Mankind’smovement throughdeepspaceplacedauniquestamponreligionduring theonehundredand tencenturies thatpreceded theButlerianJihad.Tobegin with, early space travel, although widespread, was largely unregulated,slow, and uncertain, and, before theGuildmonopoly, was accomplished by ahodgepodgeofmethods.Thefirstspaceexperiences,poorlycommunicatedandsubjecttoextremedistortion,wereawildinducementtomysticalspeculation.Immediately,spacegaveadifferentflavorandsensetoideasofCreation.That
difference isseenevenin thehighest religiousachievementsof theperiod.Allthroughreligion,thefeelingofthesacredwastouchedbyanarchyfromtheouterdark.ItwasasthoughJupiterinallhisdescendantformsretreatedintothematernal
darkness to be superseded by a female immanence filled with ambiguity andwithafaceofmanyterrors.Theancientformulae intertwined, tangled togetheras theywerefitted to the
needs of new conquests and new heraldic symbols. It was a time of strugglebetweenbeast-demonson theone side and theoldprayers and invocationsontheother.Therewasneveracleardecision.
Duringthisperiod,itwassaidthatGenesiswasreinterpreted,permittingGodtosay:“Increaseandmultiply,andfill theuniverse,andsubdueit,andruleoverall
mannerofstrangebeastsandlivingcreaturesintheinfiniteairs,ontheinfiniteearthsandbeneaththem.”Itwasatimeofsorceresseswhosepowerswerereal.Themeasureofthemis
seeninthefacttheyneverboastedhowtheygraspedthefirebrand.Then came the Butlerian Jihad—two generations of chaos. The god of
machine-logicwasoverthrownamongthemassesandanewconceptwasraised:“Manmaynotbereplaced.”Thosetwogenerationsofviolencewereathalamicpauseforallhumankind.
Menlookedattheirgodsandtheirritualsandsawthatbothwerefilledwiththatmostterribleofallequations:fearoverambition.Hesitantly, the leadersof religionswhose followershad spilled thebloodof
billions began meeting to exchange views. It was a move encouraged by theSpacingGuild,whichwasbeginning tobuild itsmonopolyoverall interstellartravel,andbytheBeneGesseritwhowerebandingthesorceresses.Outofthosefirstecumenicalmeetingscametwomajordevelopments:1.Therealizationthatallreligionshadatleastonecommoncommandment:“Thoushaltnotdisfigurethesoul.”
2.TheCommissionofEcumenicalTranslators.C.E.T. convened on a neutral island of Old Earth, spawning ground of the
mother religions. They met “in the common belief that there exists a DivineEssence in the universe.” Every faithwithmore than amillion followerswasrepresented, and they reached a surprisingly immediate agreement on thestatementoftheircommongoal:“We are here to remove a primary weapon from the hands of disputant
religions.Thatweapon—theclaimtopossessionoftheoneandonlyrevelation.”Jubilationatthis“signofprofoundaccord”provedpremature.Formorethan
a standard year, that statement was the only announcement from C.E.T.Menspokebitterlyofthedelay.Troubadourscomposedwitty,bitingsongsabouttheonehundredandtwenty-one“OldCranks”astheC.E.T.delegatescametobecalled.(Thenamearosefrom
aribaldjokewhichplayedontheC.E.T.initialsandcalledthedelegates“Cranks—Effing-Turners.”)Oneofthesongs,“BrownRepose,”hasundergoneperiodicrevivalandispopulareventoday:
“Considerleis.
Brownrepose—andThetragedyInallofthoseCranks!AllthoseCranks!Solaze—solazeThroughallyourdays.Timehastoll’dforM’LordSandwich!”
Occasional rumors leaked out of theC.E.T. sessions. Itwas said theywerecomparing texts and, irresponsibly, the texts were named. Such rumorsinevitably provoked anti-ecumenism riots and, of course, inspired newwitticisms.Twoyearspassed...threeyears.The Commissioners, nine of their original number having died and been
replaced, paused to observe formal installation of the replacements andannounced they were laboring to produce one book, weeding out “all thepathologicalsymptoms”ofthereligiouspast.“WeareproducinganinstrumentofLovetobeplayedinallways,”theysaid.Many consider it odd that this statement provoked the worst outbreaks of
violence against ecumenism. Twenty delegates were recalled by theircongregations.Onecommittedsuicidebystealingaspace frigateanddiving itintothesun.Historiansestimatetheriotstookeightymillionlives.Thatworksouttoabout
six thousand for each world then in the Landsraad League. Considering theunrestofthetime,thismaynotbeanexcessiveestimate,althoughanypretenseto real accuracy in the figure must be just that—pretense. Communicationbetweenworldswasatoneofitslowestebbs.Thetroubadours,quitenaturally,hadafieldday.Apopularmusicalcomedyof
theperiodhadoneoftheC.E.T.delegatessittingonawhitesandbeachbeneathapalmtreesinging:
“ForGod,womanandthesplendorofloveWedallyheresansfearsorcares.Troubadour!Troubadour,singanothermelodyForGod,womanandthesplendoroflove!”
Riotsandcomedyarebutsymptomsofthetimes,profoundlyrevealing.Theybetray the psychological tone, the deep uncertainties ... and the striving for
somethingbetter,plusthefearthatnothingwouldcomeofitall.Themajor dams against anarchy in these timeswere the embryoGuild, the
Bene Gesserit and the Landsraad, which continued its 2,000-year record ofmeeting in spiteof the severestobstacles.TheGuild’spart appearsclear: theygavefreetransportforallLandsraadandC.E.T.business.TheBeneGesseritroleismoreobscure.Certainly,thisisthetimeinwhichtheyconsolidatedtheirholdupon the sorceresses, explored the subtle narcotics, developed prana-bindutrainingandconceivedtheMissionariaProtectiva,thatblackarmofsuperstition.Butit isalsotheperiodthatsawthecomposingoftheLitanyagainstFearandthe assembly of the Azhar Book, that bibliographicmarvel that preserves thegreatsecretsofthemostancientfaiths.Ingsley’scommentisperhapstheonlyonepossible:“Thoseweretimesofdeepparadox.”Foralmostsevenyears,then,C.E.T.labored.Andastheirseventhanniversary
approached,theypreparedthehumanuniverseforamomentousannouncement.Onthatseventhanniversary,theyunveiledtheOrangeCatholicBible.“Hereisaworkwithdignityandmeaning,”theysaid.“Hereisawaytomake
humanityawareofitselfasatotalcreationofGod.”ThemenofC.E.T.werelikenedtoarcheologistsofideas,inspiredbyGodin
thegrandeurofrediscovery.Itwassaidtheyhadbroughttolight“thevitalityofgreatidealsoverlaidbythedepositsofcenturies,”thattheyhad“sharpenedthemoralimperativesthatcomeoutofareligiousconscience.”With the O.C. Bible, C.E.T. presented the Liturgical Manual and the
Commentaries—inmanyrespectsamoreremarkablework,notonlybecauseofits brevity (less than half the size of the O.C. Bible), but also because of itscandorandblendofself-pityandself-righteousness.Thebeginningisanobviousappealtotheagnosticrulers.“Men,findingnoanswerstothesunnan[thetenthousandreligiousquestions
from the Shari-ah] now apply their own reasoning. All men seek to beenlightened.Religionisbut themostancientandhonorablewayinwhichmenhavestriventomakesenseoutofGod’suniverse.Scientistsseekthelawfulnessofevents.ItisthetaskofReligiontofitmanintothislawfulness.”Intheirconclusion,though,theCommentariessetaharshtonethatverylikely
foretoldtheirfate.“Muchthatwascalledreligionhascarriedanunconsciousattitudeofhostility
towardlife.Truereligionmust teachthat life isfilledwithjoyspleasingtotheeyeofGod,thatknowledgewithoutactionisempty.Allmenmustseethatthe
teachingof religionby rulesandrote is largelyahoax.Theproper teaching isrecognizedwith ease.Youcanknow itwithout fail because it awakenswithinyouthatsensationwhichtellsyouthisissomethingyou’vealwaysknown.”Therewasanoddsenseofcalmasthepressesandshigawireimprintersrolled
andtheO.C.Biblespreadoutthroughtheworlds.SomeinterpretedthisasasignfromGod,anomenofunity.But even the C.E.T. delegates betrayed the fiction of that calm as they
returnedtotheirrespectivecongregations.Eighteenofthemwerelynchedwithintwomonths.Fifty-threerecantedwithintheyear.TheO.C.Biblewasdenouncedasaworkproducedby“thehubrisofreason.”
Itwassaidthatitspageswerefilledwithaseductiveinterestinlogic.Revisionsthat catered to popular bigotry began appearing. These revisions leaned onaccepted symbolisms (Cross, Crescent, Feather Rattle, the Twelve Saints, thethin Buddha, and the like) and it soon became apparent that the ancientsuperstitionsandbeliefshadnotbeenabsorbedbythenewecumenism.Halloway’s label for C.E.T.’s seven-year effort—“Galactophasic
Determinism”—was snapped up by eager billions who interpreted the initialsG.D.as“God-Damned.”C.E.T.ChairmanToureBomoko, aUlema of the Zensunnis and one of the
fourteen delegates who never recanted (“The Fourteen Sages” of popularhistory),appearedtoadmitfinallytheC.E.T.haderred.“We shouldn’t have tried to create new symbols,” he said. “We should’ve
realizedweweren’tsupposedtointroduceuncertaintiesintoacceptedbelief,thatweweren’tsupposedtostirupcuriosityaboutGod.Wearedailyconfrontedbytheterrifyinginstabilityofallthingshuman,yetwepermitourreligionstogrowmorerigidandcontrolled,moreconformingandoppressive.WhatisthisshadowacrossthehighwayofDivineCommand?Itisawarningthatinstitutionsendure,that symbols endurewhen theirmeaning is lost, that there is no summaof allattainableknowledge.”The bitter double edge in this “admission” did not escapeBomoko’s critics
andhewasforcedsoonafterwardtofleeintoexile,hislifedependentupontheGuild’spledgeofsecrecv.He reportedlydiedonTupile,honoredandbeloved,his last words: “Religion must remain an outlet for people who say tothemselves,‘IamnotthekindofpersonIwanttobe.’Itmustneversinkintoanassemblageoftheself-satisfied.”It is pleasant to think that Bomoko understood the prophecy in his words:
“Institutions endure.” Ninety generations later, the O.C. Bible and the
Commentariespermeatedthereligiousuniverse.WhenPaul-Muad’Dibstoodwithhisrighthandontherockshrineenclosing
hisfather’sskull(therighthandoftheblessed,notthelefthandofthedamned)hequotedwordforwordfrom“Bomoko’sLegacy”—“Youwhohave defeated us say to yourselves thatBabylon is fallen and its
workshavebeenoverturned. I say toyou still thatman remainson trial, eachmaninhisowndock.Eachmanisalittlewar.”TheFremensaidofMuad’DibthathewaslikeAbuZidewhosefrigatedefied
theGuild and rode one day there and back.There used in thisway translatesdirectly from theFremenmythology as the landof the ruh-spirit, the alamal-mithalwherealllimitationsareremoved.The parallel between this and the Kwisatz Haderach is readily seen. The
KwisatzHaderachthattheSisterhoodsoughtthroughitsbreedingprogramwasinterpretedas“Theshorteningoftheway”or“Theonewhocanbetwoplacessimultaneously.”But both of these interpretations can be shown to stem directly from the
Commentaries:“Whenlawandreligiousdutyareone,yourselfdomenclosestheuniverse.”Ofhimself,Muad’Dibsaid:“Iamanetintheseaoftime,freetosweepfuture
andpast.Iamamovingmembranefromwhomnopossibilitycanescape.”Thesethoughtsarealloneandthesameandtheyharkento22Kalimainthe
O.C.Biblewhereitsays:“Whetherathoughtisspokenornotitisarealthingandhaspowersofreality.”It iswhenweget intoMuad’Dib’sowncommentaries in“ThePillarsof the
Universe”asinterpretedbyhisholymen,theQizaraTafwid,thatweseehisrealdebttoC.E.T.andFremen-Zensunni.Muad’Dib:“Lawanddutyareone;sobeit.Butremembertheselimitations—
Thusare you never fully self-conscious. Thus do you remain immersed in thecommunaltau.Thusareyoualwayslessthananindividual.”O.C.Bible:Identicalwording.(61Revelations.)Muad’Dib: “Religion often partakes of themyth of progress that shields us
fromtheterrorsofanuncertainfuture.”C.E.T. Commentaries: Identical wording. (The Azhar Book traces this
statementtothefirstcenturyreligiouswriter,Neshou;throughaparaphrase.)Muad’Dib:“Ifachild,anuntrainedperson,anignorantperson,oraninsane
person incites trouble, it is the fault of authority for not predicting andpreventingthattrouble.”
O.C. Bible: “Any sin can be ascribed, at least in part, to a natural badtendency that is an extenuating circumstance acceptable to God.” (TheAzharBooktracesthistotheancientSemiticTawra.)Muad’Dib:“ReachforththyhandandeatwhatGodhasprovidedthee;and
whenthouarereplenished,praisetheLord.”O.C.Bible:aparaphrasewithidenticalmeaning.(TheAzharBooktracesthis
inslightlydifferentformtoFirstIslam.)Muad’Dib:“Kindnessisthebeginningofcruelty.”FremenKitabal-Ibar:“TheweightofakindlyGodisafearfulthing.Didnot
God give us the burning sun (Al-Lat)? Did not God give us the Mothers ofMoisture(ReverendMothers)?DidnotGodgiveusShaitan(Iblis,Satan)?FromShaitandidwenotgetthehurtfulnessofspeed?”(This is the source of the Fremen saying: “Speed comes from Shaitan.”
Consider: foreveryonehundredcaloriesofheatgeneratedbyexercise[speed]the body evaporates about six ounces of perspiration. The Fremen word forperspiration is bakka or tears and, in one pronunciation, translates: “The lifeessencethatShaitansqueezesfromyoursoul.”)Muad’Dib’s arrival is called “religiously timely” by Koneywell, but timing
hadlittletodowithit.AsMuad’Dibhimselfsaid:“Iamhere;so....”It is,however,vital toanunderstandingofMuad’Dib’sreligiousimpact that
youneverlosesightofonefact:theFremenwereadesertpeoplewhoseentireancestrywas accustomed to hostile landscapes.Mysticism isn’t difficultwhenyousurviveeachsecondbysurmountingopenhostility.“Youarethere—so....”With such a tradition, suffering is accepted—perhaps as unconscious
punishment,butaccepted.Andit’swelltonotethatFremenritualgivesalmostcomplete freedom from guilt feelings. This isn’t necessarily because their lawand religionwere identical,makingdisobediencea sin. It’s likelycloser to themark to say they cleansed themselves of guilt easily because their everydayexistencerequiredbrutaljudgments(oftendeadly)whichinasofterlandwouldburdenmenwithunbearableguilt.This is likely one of the roots of Fremen emphasis on superstition
(disregarding the Missionaria Protectiva’s ministrations). What matter thatwhistlingsandsareanomen?Whatmatter thatyoumustmake thesignof thefist when first you see First Moon? A man’s flesh is his own and his waterbelongstothetribe—andthemysteryoflifeisn’taproblemtosolvebutarealityto experience. Omens help you remember this. And because you are here,
becauseyouhavethereligion,victorycannotevadeyouintheend.As theBeneGesserit taught for centuries, longbefore they ran afoul of the
Fremen:“Whenreligionandpoliticsridethesamecart,whenthatcart isdrivenbya
livingholyman(baraka),nothingcanstandintheirpath.”
AppendixIII.ReportonBeneGesseritMotivesandPurposes
HerefollowsanexerptfromtheSummapreparedbyherownagentsattherequestoftheLadyJessicaimmediatelyaftertheArrakisAffair.Thecandorofthisreportamplifiesitsvaluefarbeyondtheordinary.
BECAUSE THE Bene Gesserit operated for centuries behind the blind of asemi-mystic schoolwhile carrying on their selective breeding program amonghumans,we tend toaward themwithmore status than theyappear todeserve.Analysis of their “trial of fact” on the Arrakis Affair betrays the school’sprofoundignoranceofitsownrole.ItmaybearguedthattheBeneGesseritcouldexamineonlysuchfactsaswere
available to them and had no direct access to the person of the ProphetMuad’Dib.But the school had surmountedgreater obstacles and its error heregoesdeeper.The BeneGesserit program had as its target the breeding of a person they
labeled“KwisatzHaderach,”atermsignifying“onewhocanbemanyplacesatonce.” In simpler terms, what they sought was a human with mental powerspermittinghimtounderstandandusehigherorderdimensions.Theywerebreedingforasuper-Mentat,ahumancomputerwithsomeofthe
prescientabilitiesfoundinGuildnavigators.Now,attendthesefactscarefully:Muad’Dib,bornPaulAtreides,was thesonof theDukeLeto,amanwhose
bloodline had been watched carefully for more than a thousand years. TheProphet’smother,Lady Jessica,was a natural daughter of theBaronVladimirHarkonnenandcarriedgene-markerswhosesupremeimportancetothebreedingprogramwas known for almost two thousand years. Shewas aBeneGesseritbredandtrained,andshouldhavebeenawillingtooloftheproject.TheLadyJessicawasorderedtoproduceanAtreidesdaughter.Theplanwas
to inbreed thisdaughterwithFeyd-RauthaHarkonnen, anephewof theBaronVladimir, with the high probability of a Kwisatz Haderach from that union.Instead, forreasonssheconfesseshaveneverbeencompletelyclear toher, theconcubineLadyJessicadefiedherordersandboreason.
ThisaloneshouldhavealertedtheBeneGesserittothepossibilitythatawildvariable had entered their scheme. But there were other far more importantindicationsthattheyvirtuallyignored:
1.Asayouth,PaulAtreides showedability topredict the future.Hewasknowntohavehadprescientvisionsthatwereaccurate,penetrating,anddefiedfour-dimensionalexplanation.
2.TheReverendMotherGaiusHelenMohiam,BeneGesseritProctorwhotestedPaul’shumanitywhenhewasfifteen,deposesthathesurmountedmoreagonyinthetestthananyotherhumanofrecord.Yetshefailedtomakespecialnoteofthisinherreport!
3. When Family Atreides moved to the planet Arrakis, the FremenpopulationtherehailedtheyoungPaulasaprophet,“thevoicefromtheouterworld.”TheBeneGesseritwerewellawarethattherigorsofsuchaplanetasArrakiswithitstotalityofdesertlandscape,itsabsolutelackofopenwater, its emphasison themostprimitivenecessities for survival,inevitably produces a high proportion of sensitives. Yet this FremenreactionandtheobviouselementoftheArrakeendiethighinspicewereglossedoverbyBeneGesseritobservers.
4.WhentheHarkonnensandthesoldier-fanaticsofthePadishahEmperorreoccupiedArrakis,killingPaul’sfatherandmostoftheAtreidestroops,Paul and his mother disappeared. But almost immediately there werereports of a new religious leader among the Fremen, a man calledMuad’Dib,who againwas hailed as “the voice from the outerworld.”Thereports statedclearly thathewasaccompaniedbyanewReverendMother of the Sayyadina Rite “who is the woman who bore him.”Records available to the Bene Gesserit stated in plain terms that theFremenlegendsoftheProphetcontainedthesewords:“HeshallbebornofaBeneGesseritwitch.”(Itmay be argued here that theBeneGesserit sent theirMissionaria
Protectiva ontoArrakis centuries earlier to implant something like thislegendassafeguardshouldanymembersoftheschoolbetrappedthereandrequiresanctuary,and that this legendof“thevoice fromtheouterworld”wasproperlytobeignoredbecauseitappearedtobethestandardBeneGesserit ruse.But thiswouldbe trueonly ifyougranted that theBeneGesseritwerecorrectinignoringtheothercluesaboutPaul-Muad’Dib.)
5.WhentheArrakisAffairboiledup,theSpacingGuildmadeoverturesto
theBeneGesserit.TheGuildhintedthatitsnavigators,whousethespicedrugofArrakis toproduce the limitedpresciencenecessaryforguidingspaceships through the void, were “bothered about the future” or saw“problems on the horizon.”This could onlymean they saw a nexus, ameetingplaceofcountlessdelicatedecisions,beyondwhichthepathwashidden from the prescient eye. This was a clear indication that someagencywasinterferingwithhigherorderdimensions!
(A few of theBeneGesserit had long been aware that theGuild could notinterfere directlywith the vital spice source becauseGuild navigators alreadyweredealingintheirownineptwaywithhigherorderdimensions,atleasttothepoint where they recognized that the slightest misstep they made on Arrakiscouldbecatastrophic.ItwasaknownfactthatGuildnavigatorscouldpredictnoway to take control of the spice without producing just such a nexus. Theobviousconclusionwasthatsomeoneofhigherorderpowerswastakingcontrolofthespicesource,yettheBeneGesseritmissedthispointentirely!)In the face of these facts, one is led to the inescapable conclusion that the
inefficientBeneGesseritbehaviorinthisaffairwasaproductofanevenhigherplanofwhichtheywerecompletelyunaware!
AppendixIV:TheAlmanaken-Ashraf(SelectedExcerptsoftheNobleHouses)
SHADDAMIV(10,134—10,202)
ThePadishahEmperor,81stofhis line (HouseCorrino) tooccupy theGoldenLion Throne, reigned from 10,156 (date his father, Elrood IX, succumbed tochaumurky) until replaced by the 10,196 Regency set up in the name of hiseldestdaughter,Irulan.HisreignisnotedchieflyfortheArrakisRevolt,blamedby many historians on Shaddam IV’s dalliance with Court functions and thepompofoffice.TheranksofBursegsweredoubledinthefirstsixteenyearsofhisreign.AppropriationsforSardaukartrainingwentdownsteadilyinthefinalthirty years before theArrakisRevolt.He had five daughters (Irulan,Chalice,Wensicia, Josifa, and Rugi) and no legal sons. Four of the daughtersaccompaniedhim into retirement.Hiswife,Anirul,aBeneGesseritofHiddenRank,diedin10,176.
LETOATREIDES(10,140—10,191)
Adistaff cousinof theCorrinos,he is frequently referred toas theRedDuke.House Atreides ruled Caladan as a siridar-fief for twenty generations untilpressured into themove toArrakis.He isknownchieflyas thefatherofDukePaulMuad’Dib,theUmmaRegent.TheremainsofDukeLetooccupythe“SkullTomb”onArrakis.HisdeathisattributedtothetreacheryofaSukdoctor,andisanactlaidtotheSiridar-Baron,VladimirHarkonnen.
LADYJESSICA(Hon.Atreides)(10,154—10,256)
A natural daughter (Bene Gesserit reference) of the Siridar-Baron VladimirHarkonnen.MotherofDukePaulMuad’Dib.ShegraduatedfromtheWallachIXB.G.School.
LADYALIAATREIDES(10,191—)
LegaldaughterofDukeLetoAtreidesandhisformalconcubine,LadyJessica.Lady Alia was born on Arrakis about eight months after Duke Leto’s death.Prenatal exposure to an awareness-spectrum narcotic is the reason generallygivenforBeneGesserit references toheras“AccursedOne.”She isknowninpopularhistoryasSt.AliaorSt.Alia-of-the-Knife. (Foradetailedhistory, seeSt.Alia,HuntressofaBillionWorldsbyPanderOulson.)
VLADIMIRHARKONNEN(10,110—10,193)
Commonly referred to as Baron Harkonnen, his title is officially Siridar(planetary governor) Baron. Vladimir Harkonnen is the direct-line maledescendantoftheBasharAbulurdHarkonnenwhowasbanishedforcowardiceaftertheBattleofCorrin.ThereturnofHouseHarkonnentopowergenerallyisascribed toadroitmanipulationof thewhalefurmarketandlaterconsolidationwithmelangewealthfromArrakis.TheSiridar-BarondiedonArrakisduringtheRevolt.Titlepassedbrieflytothena-Baron,Feyd-RauthaHarkonnen.
COUNTHASIMIRFENRING(10,133—10,225)
AdistaffcousinofHouseCorrino,hewasachildhoodcompanionofShaddamIV. (The frequently discredited Pirate History of Corrino related the curiousstorythatFenringwasresponsibleforthechaumurkywhichdisposedofElroodIX.) All accounts agree that Fenring was the closest friend Shaddam IVpossessed. The Imperial chores carried out byCount Fenring included that ofImperialAgentonArrakisduringtheHarkonnenregimethereandlaterSiridar-AbsentiaofCaladan.HejoinedShaddamIVinretirementonSalusaSecundus.
COUNTGLOSSURABBAN(10,132-10,193)
Glossu Rabban, Count of Lankiveil, was the eldest nephew of VladimirHarkonnen. Glossu Rabban and Feyd-Rautha Rabban (who took the nameHarkonnenwhenchosen for theSiridar-Baron’shousehold)were legal sonsofthe Siridar-Baron’s youngest demibrother, Abulurd. Abulurd renounced theHarkonnen name and all rights to the title when given the subdistrictgovernorshipofRabban-Lankiveil.Rabbanwasadistaffname.
TerminologyoftheImperium
INSTUDYINGthe Imperium,Arrakis, and thewholeculturewhichproducedMuad’Dib,manyunfamiliartermsoccur.Toincreaseunderstandingisalaudablegoal,hencethedefinitionsandexplanationsgivenbelow.
A
ABA:looserobewornbyFremenwomen;usuallyblack.ACH:leftturn:aworm-steersman’scall.ADAB:thedemandingmemorythatcomesuponyouofitself.AKARSO:aplantnative toSikun(of70OphiuchiA)characterizedbyalmostoblong leaves. Its green and white stripes indicate the constant multipleconditionofparallelactiveanddormantchlorophyllregions.ALAM AL-MITHAL: the mystical world of similitudes where all physicallimitationsareremoved.AL-LAT:mankind’soriginalsun;byusage:anyplanet’sprimary.AMPOLIROS:thelegendary“FlyingDutchman”ofspace.AMTALorAMTALRULE: a common rule on primitiveworlds underwhichsomething is tested to determine its limits or defects. Commonly : testing todestruction.AQL: the test of reason.Originally, the “SevenMysticQuestions” beginning:“Whoisitthatthinks?”ARRAKEEN: first settlement on Arrakis; long-time seat of planetarygovernment.ARRAKIS:theplanetknownasDune;thirdplanetofCanopus.ASSASSINS’HANDBOOK: Third-century compilation of poisons commonlyused in a War of Assassins. Later expanded to include those deadly devicespermittedundertheGuildPeaceandGreatConvention.AULIYA: In the ZensunniWanderers’ religion, the female at the left hand ofGod;God’shandmaiden.AUMAS: poison administered in food. (Specifically: poison in solid food.) Insomedialects:Chaumas.AYAT:thesignsoflife.(SeeBurhan.)
B
BAKKA:inFremenlegend,theweeperwhomournsforallmankind.BAKLAWA:aheavypastrymadewithdatesyrup.BALISET: a nine-stringedmusical instrument, lineal descendant of the zithra,tuned to the Chusuk scale and played by strumming. Favorite instrument ofImperialtroubadors.BARADYEPISTOL:astatic-chargedustgundevelopedonArrakis for layingdownalargedyemarkerareaonsand.BARAKA:alivingholymanofmagicalpowers.BASHAR(oftenColonelBashar):anofficeroftheSardaukarafractionalpointabove Colonel in the standardized military classification. Rank created formilitaryrulerofaplanetarysubdistrict.(BasharoftheCorpsisatitlereservedstrictlyformilitaryuse.)BATTLELANGUAGE:anyspeciallanguageofrestrictedetymologydevelopedforclear-speechcommunicationinwarfare.BEDWINE:seeIchwanBedwine.BELA TEGEUSE: fifth planet of Kuentsing: third stopping place of theZensunni(Fremen)forcedmigration.BENE GESSERIT: the ancient school of mental and physical trainingestablishedprimarilyforfemalestudentsaftertheButlerianJihaddestroyedtheso-called“thinkingmachines”androbots.B.G.:idiomaticforBeneGesseritexceptwhenusedwithadate.Withadateitsignifies Before Guild and identifies the Imperial dating system based on thegenesisoftheSpacingGuild’smonopoly.BHOTANIJIB:seeChakobsa.BI-LAKAIFA:Amen.(Literally:“Nothingfurtherneedbeexplained.”)BINDU: relating to the human nervous system, especially to nerve training.OftenexpressedasBindu-nervature.(SeePrana.)BINDUSUSPENSION:aspecialformofcatalepsis,self-induced.BLED:flat,opendesert.BOURKA:insulatedmantlewornbyFremenintheopendesert.BURHAN:theproofsoflife.(Commonly:theayatandburhanoflife.SeeAyat.)BURSEG:acommandinggeneraloftheSardaukar.BUTLERIANJIHAD:seeJihad,Butlerian(alsoGreatRevolt).
C
CAID: Sardaukar officer rank given to a military official whose duties callmostlyfordealingswithcivilians;amilitarygovernorshipoverafullplanetarydistrict;abovetherankofBasharbutnotequaltoaBurseg.CALADAN:thirdplanetofDeltaPavonis;birthworldofPaul-Muad’Dib.CANTOandRESPONDU:aninvocationrite,partofthepanopliapropheticusoftheMissionariaProtectiva.CARRYALL: a flying wing (commonly “wing”), the aerial workhorse ofArrakis,usedtotransportlargespicemining,hunting,andrefiningequipment.CATCHPOCKET:anystillsuitpocketwherefilteredwateriscaughtandstored.CHAKOBSA: the so-called “magnetic language” derived in part from theancient Bhotani (Bhotani Jib—jib meaning dialect). A collection of ancientdialectsmodified by needs of secrecy, but chiefly the hunting language of theBhotani,thehiredassassinsofthefirstWarsofAssassins.CHAUMAS (Aumas in some dialects): poison in solid food as distinguishedfrompoisonadministeredinsomeotherway.CHAUMURKY(MuskyorMurky in somedialects): poisonadministered in adrink.CHEOPS:pyramidchess;nine-levelchesswiththedoubleobjectofputtingyourqueenattheapexandtheopponent’skingincheck.CHEREM:abrotherhoodofhate(usuallyforrevenge).CHOAM: acronym for Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles—theuniversaldevelopmentcorporationcontrolledbytheEmperorandGreatHouseswiththeGuildandBeneGesseritassilentpartners.CHUSUK:fourthplanetofThetaShalish;theso-called“MusicPlanet”notedforthequalityofitsmusicalinstruments.(SeeVarota.)CIELAGO: any modified Chiroptera of Arrakis adapted to carry distransmessages.CONEOFSILENCE:thefieldofadistorterthatlimitsthecarryingpowerofthevoiceoranyothervibratorbydamping thevibrationswithan image-vibration180degreesoutofphase.CORIOLISSTORM: anymajor sandstormonArrakiswherewinds across theopenflatlandsareamplifiedby theplanet’sownrevolutionarymotion to reachspeedsupto700kilometersperhour.CORRIN,BATTLEOF:thespacebattlefromwhichtheImperialHouseCorrinotookitsname.ThebattlefoughtnearSigmaDraconisintheyear88B.G.settled
theascendancyoftherulingHousefromSalusaSecundus.COUSINES:bloodrelationsbeyondcousins.CRUSHERS:military spacevesselscomposedofmanysmallervessels lockedtogetheranddesignedtofallonanenemyposition,crushingit.CUTTERAY: short-range version of lasgun usedmostly as a cutting tool andsurgeon’sscalpel.CRYSKNIFE:thesacredknifeoftheFremenonArrakis.Itismanufacturedintwo forms from teeth taken fromdead sandworms.The two formsare “fixed”and“unfixed.”Anunfixedkniferequiresproximitytoahumanbody’selectricalfieldtopreventdisintegration.Fixedknivesaretreatedforstorage.Allareabout20centimeterslong.
D
DARAL-HIKMAN:schoolofreligioustranslationorinterpretation.DARK THINGS: idiomatic for the infectious superstitions taught by theMissionariaProtectivatosusceptiblecivilizations.DEATHTRIPOD:originally,thetripoduponwhichdesertexecutionershangedtheir victims. By usage: the three members of a Cherem sworn to the samerevenge.DERCH:rightturn;awormsteersman’scall.DEWCOLLECTORSorDEWPRECIPITATORS:nottobeconfusedwithdewgatherers. Collectors or precipitators are egg-shaped devices about fourcentimeters on the long axis. They are made of chromoplastic that turns areflectingwhitewhensubjectedtolight,andrevertstotransparencyindarkness.The collector forms a markedly cold surface upon which dawn dew willprecipitate.TheyareusedbyFrementolineconcaveplantingdepressionswheretheyprovideasmallbutreliablesourceofwater.DEWGATHERERS:workerswhoreapdewfromtheplantsofArrakis,usingascythelikedewreaper.DEMIBROTHERS:sonsofconcubines in thesamehouseholdandcertifiedashavingthesamefather.DICTUM FAMILIA: that rule of the Great Convention which prohibits theslayingofaroyalpersonormemberofaGreatHousebyinformaltreachery.Therulesetsuptheformaloutlineandlimitsthemeansofassassination.DISTRANS:adeviceforproducingatemporaryneuralimprintonthenervous
system of Chiroptera or birds. The creature’s normal cry then carries themessageimprintwhichcanbesortedfromthatcarrierwavebyanotherdistrans.DRUMSAND:impactionofsandinsuchawaythatanysuddenblowagainstitssurfaceproducesadistinctdrumsound.DOORSEAL: a portable plastic hermetic seal used for moisture security inFremenoverdaycavecamps.DUMPBOXES:thegeneraltermforanycargocontainerofirregularshapeandequippedwithablationsurfacesandsuspensordampingsystem.Theyareusedtodumpmaterialfromspaceontoaplanet’ssurface.DUNEMEN: idiomatic for open sandworkers, spice hunters and the like onArrakis.Sandworkers.Spiceworkers.DUSTCHASM:anydeepcrevasseordepressionon thedesertofArrakis thathasbeenfilledwithdustnotapparentlydifferentfromthesurroundingsurface;adeadlytrapbecausehumanoranimalwillsinkinitandsmother.(SeeTidalDustBasin.)
E
ECAZ: fourth planet of Alpha Centauri B; the sculptors’ paradise, so calledbecauseitisthehomeoffogwood,theplantgrowthcapableofbeingshapedinsitusolelybythepowerofhumanthought.EGO-LIKENESS: portraiture reproduced through a shigawire projector that iscapableofreproducingsubtlemovementssaidtoconveytheegoessence.ELACCA DRUG: narcotic formed by burning blood-grained elacca wood ofEcas.Itseffectistoremovemostofthewilltoself-preservation.Druggeeskinshowsacharacteristiccarrotcolor.Commonlyused toprepareslavegladiatorsforthering.EL-SAYAL:the“rainofsand.”Afallofdustwhichhasbeencarriedtomediumaltitude (around 2,000 meters) by a coriolis storm. El-sayals frequently bringmoisturetogroundlevel.ERG:anextensivedunearea,aseaofsand.
F
FAI:thewatertribute,chiefspecieoftaxonArrakis.
FANMETAL:metalformedbythegrowingofjasmiumcrystalsinduraluminum;notedforextremetensilestrengthinrelationshiptoweight.Namederivesfromitscommonuseincollapsiblestructuresthatareopenedby“fanning”themout.FAUFRELUCHES:therigidruleofclassdistinctionenforcedbytheImperium.“Aplaceforeverymanandeverymaninhisplace.”FEDAYKIN: Fremen death commandos; historically: a group formed andpledgedtogivetheirlivestorightawrong.FILMBOOK:anyshigawire imprintused in trainingandcarryingamnemonicpulse.FILT-PLUG:anosefilterunitwornwithastillsuittocapturemoisturefromtheexhaledbreath.FIQH: knowledge, religious law; one of the half-legendary origins of theZensunniWanderers’religion.FIRE,PILLAROF:asimplepyrocketforsignallingacrosstheopendesert.FIRSTMOON: themajorsatelliteofArrakis, first to rise in thenight;notableforadistincthumanfistpatternonitssurface.FREETRADERS:idiomaticforsmugglers.FREMEN: the free tribes of Arrakis, dwellers in the desert, remnants of theZensunniWanderers.(“SandPirates”accordingtotheImperialDictionary.)FREMKIT:desertsurvivalkitofFremenmanufacture.FRIGATE: largestspaceship thatcanbegroundedonaplanetand takenoff inonepiece.
G
GALACH:official languageof the Imperium.Hybrid Inglo-Slavicwith strongtracesof cultural-specialization termsadoptedduring the longchainofhumanmigrations.GAMONT: third planet of Niushe; noted for its hedonistic culture and exoticsexualpractices.GARE:butte.GATHERING:distinguishedfromCouncilGathering.Itisaformalconvocationof Fremen leaders to witness a combat that determines tribal leadership. (ACouncilGatheringisanassemblytoarriveatdecisionsinvolvingallthetribes.)GEYRAT:straightahead;awormsteersman’scall.GHAFLA:givingoneselfuptogadflydistractions.Thus:achangeableperson,
onenottobetrusted.GHANIMA: something acquired in battle or single combat. Commonly, amementoofcombatkeptonlytostirthememory.GIEDIPRIME:theplanetofOphiuchiB(36),homeworldofHouseHarkonnen.Amedian-viableplanetwithalowactive-photosynthesisrange.GINAZ, HOUSE OF: one-time allies of Duke Leto Atreides. They weredefeatedintheWarofAssassinswithGrumman.GIUDICHAR: a holy truth. (Commonly seen in the expression Guidicharmantene:anoriginalandsupportingtruth.)GLOWGLOBE:suspensor-buoyedilluminatingdevice,self-powered(usuallybyorganicbatteries).GRABEN: a long geological ditch formedwhen the ground sinks because ofmovementsintheunderlyingcrustallayers.GREATCONVENTION:theuniversaltruceenforcedunderthepowerbalancemaintained by the Guild, the Great Houses, and the Imperium. Its chief ruleprohibits the use of atomic weapons against human targets. Each rule of theGreatConventionbegins:“Theformsmustbeobeyed....”GREAT MOTHER: the horned goddess, the feminine principle of space(commonly:MotherSpace),thefemininefaceofthemale-female-neutertrinityacceptedasSupremeBeingbymanyreligionswithintheImperium.GREATREVOLT:commontermfortheButlerianJihad.(SeeJihad,Butlerian.)GRIDEXPLANE:adifferential-chargeseparatorusedtoremovesandfromthemelangespicemass;adeviceofthesecondstageinspicerefining.GRUMMAN: secondplanetofNiushe,notedchiefly for the feudof its rulingHouse(Moritani)withHouseGinaz.GOMJABBAR:thehigh-handedenemy;thatspecificpoisonneedletippedwithmeta-cyanide used by Bene Gesserit Proctors in the death-alternative test ofhumanawareness.GUILD:theSpacingGuild,onelegofthepoliticaltripodmaintainingtheGreatConvention. The Guild was the second mental-physical training school (seeBeneGesserit) after theButlerian Jihad. TheGuildmonopoly on space travelandtransportanduponinternationalbankingistakenasthebeginningpointoftheImperialCalendar.
H
HAGAL: the “Jewel Planet” (II Theta Shaowei), mined out in the time ofShaddamI.HAIIIII-YOH!:commandtoaction;wormsteersman’scall.HAJJ:holyjourney.HARJ:desertjourney,migration.HAJRA:journeyofseeking.HALYAWM:“Now!Atlast!”aFremenexclamation.HARMONTHEP:IngsleygivesthisastheplanetnameforthesixthstopintheZensunnimigration.ItissupposedtohavebeenanolongerexistentsatelliteofDeltaPavonis.HARVESTER or HARVESTER FACTORY: a large (often 120 meters by 40meters) spice mining machine commonly employed on rich, uncontaminatedmelange blows. (Often called a “crawler” because of buglike body onindependenttracks.)HEIGHLINER: major cargo carrier of the Spacing Guild’s transportationsystem.HIEREG:temporaryFremendesertcamponopensand.HIGH COUNCIL: the Landsraad inner circle empowered to act as supremetribunalinHousetoHousedisputes.HOLTZMANEFFECT:thenegativerepellingeffectofashieldgenerator.HOOKMAN:FremenwithMakerhookspreparedtocatchasandworm.HOUSE:idiomaticforRulingClanofaplanetorplanetarysystem.HOUSESMAJOR:holdersofplanetaryfiefs;interplanetaryentrepreneurs.(SeeHouseabove.)HOUSESMINOR:planet-boundentrepreneurclass(Galach:“Richece”).HUNTER-SEEKER: a ravening sliver of suspensor-buoyedmetal guided as aweaponbyanear-bycontrolconsole;commonassassinationdevice.
I
IBAD, EYESOF: characteristic effect of a diet high in melange wherein thewhites and pupils of the eyes turn a deep blue (indicative of deep melangeaddiction).IBN QIRTAIBA: “Thus go the holy words....” Formal beginning to Fremenreligiousincantation(derivedfrompanopliapropheticus).ICHWANBEDWINE:thebrotherhoodofallFremenonArrakis.
IJAZ:prophecythatbyitsverynaturecannotbedenied;immutableprophecy.IKHUT-EIGH!: cry of the water-seller on Arrakis (etymology uncertain). SeeSoo-SooSook!ILM: theology;scienceof religious tradition;oneof thehalf-legendaryoriginsoftheZensunniWanderers’faith.IMPERIALCONDITIONING:adevelopmentoftheSukMedicalSchools: thehighest conditioning against taking human life. Initiates are marked by adiamond tattoo on the forehead and are permitted towear their hair long andboundbyasilverSukring.INKVINE:acreepingplantnativetoGiediPrimeandfrequentlyusedasawhipintheslavecribs.Victimsaremarkedbybeet-coloredtattoosthatcauseresidualpainformanyyears.ISTISLAH:aruleforthegeneralwelfare;usuallyaprefacetobrutalnecessity.IX:seeRichese.
J
JIHAD:areligiouscrusade;fanaticalcrusade.JIHAD,BUTLERIAN:(seealsoGreatRevolt)—thecrusadeagainstcomputers,thinkingmachines, and conscious robots begun in 201B.G. and concluded in108B.G.ItschiefcommandmentremainsintheO.C.Bibleas“Thoushaltnotmakeamachineinthelikenessofahumanmind.”JUBBACLOAK:theall-purposecloak(itcanbesettoreflectoradmitradiantheat, converts to a hammock or shelter) commonly worn over a stillsuit onArrakis.JUDGE OF THE CHANGE: an official appointed by the Landsraad HighCouncil and the Emperor tomonitor a change of fief, a kanly negotiation, orformal battle in a War of Assassins. The Judge’s arbitral authority may bechallengedonlybeforetheHighCouncilwiththeEmperorpresent.
K
KANLY:formalfeudorvendettaundertherulesoftheGreatConventioncarriedonaccording to the strictest limitations. (See Judgeof theChange.)Originallytherulesweredesignedtoprotectinnocentbystanders.
KARAMA:amiracle;anactioninitiatedbythespiritworld.KHALA:traditionalinvocationtostill theangryspiritsofaplacewhosenameyoumention.KINDJAL:double-bladedshortsword(orlongknife)withabout20centimetersofslightlycurvedblade.KISWA:anyfigureordesignfromFremenmythology.KITABAL-IBAR:thecombinedsurvivalhandbook-religiousmanualdevelopedbytheFremenonArrakis.KRIMSKELL FIBER or KRIMSKELL ROPE: the “claw fiber” woven fromstrandsofthehufufvinefromEcaz.Knotstiedinkrimskellwillclawtighterandtightertopresetlimitswhentheknot-linesarepulled.(Foramoredetailedstudy,seeHoljanceVohnbrook’s“TheStranglerVinesofEcaz.”)KULLWAHAD!:“Iamprofoundlystirred!”AsincereexclamationofsurprisecommonintheImperium.Strictinterpretationdependsoncontext.(ItissaidofMuad’Dibthatoncehewatchedadeserthawkchickemergefromitsshellandwhispered:“Kullwahad!”)KULON:wildassofTerra’sAsiaticsteppesadaptedforArrakis.KWISATZHADERACH:“ShorteningoftheWay.”ThisisthelabelappliedbytheBeneGesserit to theunknown forwhich they sought a genetic solution: amaleBeneGesseritwhoseorganicmentalpowerswouldbridgespaceandtime.
L
LA,LA,LA:Fremencryofgrief.(Latranslatesasultimatedenial,a“no”fromwhichyoucannotappeal.)LASGUN:continuous-wave laserprojector. Itsuseasaweapon is limited inafield-generator-shieldculturebecauseoftheexplosivepyrotechnics(technically,subatomicfusion)createdwhenitsbeamintersectsashield.LEGION,IMPERIAL:tenbrigades(about30,000men).LIBAN:Fremenlibanisspicewaterinfusedwithyuccaflour.Originallyasourmilkdrink.LISAN AL-GAIB: “The Voice from the Outer World.” In Fremen messianiclegends,anoff-worldprophet.Sometimes translatedas“GiverofWater.” (SeeMahdi.)LITERJON: a one-liter container for transporting water on Arrakis; made ofhigh-density,shatterproofplasticwithpositiveseal.
LITTLEMAKER: the half-plant-half-animal deep-sand vector of the Arrakissandworm.TheLittleMaker’sexcretionsformthepre-spicemass.
M
MAHDI: in the Fremen messianic legend, “The One Who Will Lead Us toParadise.”MAKER:seeShai-hulud.MAKER HOOKS: the hooks used for capturing, mounting, and steering asandwormofArrakis.MANTENE: underlying wisdom, supporting argument, first principle. (SeeGiudichar.)MATING INDEX: the Bene Gesserit master record of its human breedingprogramaimedatproducingtheKwisatzHaderach.MAULA:slave.MAULAPISTOL:spring-loadedgunfor firingpoisondarts; rangeabout fortymeters.MELANGE: the “spice of spices,” the crop for which Arrakis is the uniquesource. The spice, chiefly noted for its geriatric qualities, is mildly addictivewhen taken in small quantities, severely addictivewhen imbibed in quantitiesabove two grams daily per seventy kilos of bodyweight. (See Ibad,Water ofLife,andPre-spiceMass.)Muad’Dibclaimedthespiceasakeytohispropheticpowers.Guildnavigatorsmakesimilarclaims.ItspriceontheImperialmarkethasrangedashighas620,000solaristhedecagram.MENTAT: that classof Imperial citizens trained for supremeaccomplishmentsoflogic.“Humancomputers.”METAGLASS: glass grown as a high-temperature gas infusion in sheets ofjasmium quartz. Noted for extreme tensile strength (about 450,000 kilos persquare centimeter at two centimeters’ thickness) and capacity as a selectiveradiationfilter.MIHNA: the season for testing Fremen youths who wish admittance tomanhood.MINIMIC FILM: shigawire of one-micron diameter often used to transmitespionageandcounterespionagedata.MISH-MISH:apricots.MISR:thehistoricalZensunni(Fremen)termforthemselves:“ThePeople.”
MISSIONARIA PROTECTIVA: the arm of the Bene Gesserit order chargedwith sowing infectious superstitions on primitive worlds, thus opening thoseregionstoexploitationbytheBeneGesserit.(SeePanopliapropheticus.)MONITOR: a ten-section space warcraft mounting heavy armor and shieldprotection.Itisdesignedtobeseparatedintoitscomponentsectionsforlift-offafterplanet-fall.MUAD’DIB: the adapted kangaroomouse ofArrakis, a creature associated intheFremenearth-spiritmythologywithadesignvisibleon theplanet’ssecondmoon.ThiscreatureisadmiredbyFremenforitsabilitytosurviveintheopendesert.MUDIR NAHYA: the Fremen name for Beast Rabban (Count Rabban ofLankiveil),theHarkonnencousinwhowassiridargovernoronArrakisformanyyears.Thenameisoftentranslatedas“DemonRuler.”MUSHTAMAL:asmallgardenannexorgardencourtyard.MUSKY:poisoninadrink.(SeeChaumurky.)MUZEINWALLAH!:Muzeinliterallymeans“nothinggood,”andwallahisareflexive terminal exclamation. In this traditional opening for a Fremen curseagainst an enemy,Wallah turns the emphasis back upon the words Mu zein,producingthemeaning:“Nothinggood,nevergood,goodfornothing.”
N
Na-:aprefixmeaning“nominated”or“nextinline.”Thus:na-Baronmeansheirapparenttoabarony.NAIB:onewhohasswornnevertobetakenalivebytheenemy;traditionaloathofaFremenleader.NEZHONISCARF:thescarf-padwornattheforeheadbeneaththestillsuithoodbymarriedor“associated”Fremenwomenafterbirthofason.NOUKKERS:officersoftheImperialbodyguardwhoarerelatedtotheEmperorbyblood.Traditionalrankforsonsofroyalconcubines.
O
OILLENS:hufufoilheldinstatictensionbyanenclosingforcefieldwithinaviewing tube as part of a magnifying or other light-manipulation system.
Becauseeachlenselementcanbeadjustedindividuallyonemicronatatime,theoillensisconsideredtheultimateinaccuracyformanipulatingvisiblelight.OPAFIRE:oneoftherareopalinejewelsofHagal.ORANGE CATHOLIC BIBLE: the “Accumulated Book,” the religious textproducedbytheCommissionofEcumenicalTranslators.Itcontainselementsofmost ancient religions, including the Maometh Saari, Mahayana Christianity,ZensunniCatholicismandBuddislamictraditions.Itssupremecommandmentisconsideredtobe:“Thoushaltnotdisfigurethesoul.”ORNITHOPTER(commonly:’thopter):anyaircraftcapableofsustainedwing-beatflightinthemannerofbirds.OUT-FREYN:Galachfor“immediatelyforeign,”thatis:notofyourimmediatecommunity,notoftheselect.
P
PALMLOCK:anylockorsealwhichmaybeopenedoncontactwiththepalmofthehumanhandtowhichithasbeenkeyed.PAN:onArrakis,anylow-lyingregionordepressioncreatedbythesubsidingofthe underlying basement complex. (On planets with sufficient water, a panindicates a region once covered by openwater.Arrakis is believed to have atleastonesucharea,althoughthisremainsopentoargument.)PANOPLIAPROPHETICUS:termcoveringtheinfectioussuperstitionsusedbytheBeneGesserittoexploitprimitiveregions.(SeeMissionariaProtectiva.)PARACOMPASS: any compass that determines direction by local magneticanomaly; used where relevant charts are available and where a planet’s totalmagneticfieldisunstableorsubjecttomaskingbyseveremagneticstorms.PENTASHIELD:afive-layershield-generatorfieldsuitableforsmallareassuchasdoorwaysorpassages(largereinforcingshieldsbecomeincreasinglyunstablewith each successive layer) and virtually impassable to anyone notwearing adissemblertunedtotheshieldcodes.(SeePrudenceDoor.)PLASTEEL:steelwhichhasbeenstabilizedwithstravidiumfibersgrown intoitscrystalstructure.PLENISCENTA:anexoticgreenbloomofEcaznotedforitssweetaroma.POLING THE SAND: the art of placing plastic and fiber poles in the opendesert wastes of Arrakis and reading the patterns etched on the poles bysandstormsasacluetoweatherprediction.
PORITRIN: third planet of Epsilon Alangue, considered by many ZensunniWanderers as their planet of origin, although clues in their language andmythologyshowfarmoreancientplanetaryroots.PORTYGULS:oranges.PRANA(Prana-musculature): thebody’smuscleswhenconsideredasunits forultimatetraining.(SeeBindu.)PRE-SPICEMASS:thestageoffungusoidwildgrowthachievedwhenwaterisfloodedinto theexcretionsofLittleMakers.At thisstage, thespiceofArrakisformsa characteristic “blow,”exchanging thematerial fromdeepundergroundforthematteronthesurfaceaboveit.Thismass,afterexposuretosunandair,becomesmelange(SeealsoMelangeandWaterofLife.)PROCESVERBAL:asemiformalreportallegingacrimeagainsttheImperium.Legally:anactionfallingbetweenalooseverbalallegationandaformalchargeofcrime.PROCTORSUPERIOR:aBeneGesseritReverendMotherwhoisalsoregionaldirectorofaB.G.school.(Commonly:BeneGesseritwiththeSight.)PRUDENCEDOORorPRUDENCEBARRIER(idiomatically:pru-doororpru-barrier): any pentashield situated for the escape of selected persons underconditionsofpursuit.(SeePentashield.)PUNDI RICE: a mutated rice whose grains, high in natural sugar, achievelengthsuptofourcentimeters;chiefexportofCaladan.PYONS: planet-bound peasants or laborers, one of the base classes under theFaufreluches.Legally;wardsoftheplanet.PYRETICCONSCIENCE: so-called “conscienceof fire”; that inhibitory leveltouchedbyImperialconditioning.(SeeImperialconditioning.)
Q
QANAT:anopencanalforcarryingirrigationwaterundercontrolledconditionsthroughadesert.QIRTAIBA:seeIbnQirtaiba.QUIZARATAFWID:Fremenpriests(afterMuad’Dib).
R
RACHAG: a caffeine-type stimulant from the yellow berries of akarso. (SeeAkarso.)RAMADHAN: ancient religious period marked by fasting and prayer;traditionally, the ninth month of the solar-lunar calendar. Fremen mark theobservanceaccordingtotheninthmeridian-crossingcycleofthefirstmoon.RAZZIA:asemipiraticalguerrillaraid.RECATHS:body-functiontubeslinkingthehumanwastedisposalsystemtothecyclingfiltersofastillsuit.REPKIT:repairandreplacementessentialsforastillsuit.RESIDUAL POISON: an innovation attributed to the Mentat Piter de Vrieswherebythebodyisimpregnatedwithasubstanceforwhichrepeatedantidotesmustbeadministered.Withdrawaloftheantidoteatanytimebringsdeath.REVERENDMOTHER:originally,aproctoroftheBeneGesserit,onewhohastransformedan“illuminatingpoison”withinherbody,raisingherselftoahigherstateofawareness.TitleadoptedbyFremenfortheirownreligiousleaderswhoaccomplished a similar “illumination.” (See also Bene Gesserit and Water ofLife.)RICHESE: fourthplanet ofEridaniA, classedwith Ix as supreme inmachineculture.Notedforminiaturization.(ForadetailedstudyonhowRicheseandIxescaped themore severe effects of theButlerian Jihad, seeTheLast Jihad bySumerandKautman.)RIMWALL: second upper step of the protecting bluffs on the ShieldWall ofArrakis.(SeeShieldWall.)RUH-SPIRIT: in Fremen belief, that part of the individual which is alwaysrootedin(andcapableofsensing)themetaphysicalworld.(SeeAlamal-Mithal.)
S
SADUS:judges.TheFrementitlereferstoholyjudges,equivalenttosaints.SALUSA SECUNDUS: third planet of GammaWaiping; designated ImperialPrisonPlanet after removal of theRoyalCourt toKaitain.SalusaSecundus ishomeworldofHouseCorrino,andthesecondstoppingpointinmigrationsoftheWandering Zensunni. Fremen tradition says theywere slaves on S.S. for ninegenerations.SANDCRAWLER: general term for machinery designed to operate on theArrakissurfaceinhuntingandcollectingmelange.
SANDMASTER:generalsuperintendentofspiceoperations.SANDRIDER: Fremen term for onewho is capable of capturing and riding asandworm.SANDSNORK: breathing device for pumping surface air into a sand-coveredstilltent.SANDTIDE:idiomaticforadusttide:thevariationinlevelwithincertaindust-filled basins onArrakis due to gravitational effects of sun and satellites. (SeeTidalDustBasin.)SANDWALKER:anyFrementrainedtosurviveintheopendesert.SANDWORM:SeeShai-Hulud.SAPHO: high-energy liquid extracted from barrier roots of Ecaz. CommonlyusedbyMentatswhoclaimitamplifiesmentalpowers.Usersdevelopdeeprubystainsonmouthandlips.SARDAUKAR: the soldier-fanatics of the PadishahEmperor. Theyweremenfrom an environmental background of such ferocity that it killed six out ofthirteen persons before the age of eleven. Their military training emphasizedruthlessnessandanear-suicidaldisregardforpersonalsafety.Theyweretaughtfrom infancy to use cruelty as a standardweapon,weakening opponentswithterror. At the apex of their sway over the affairs of the Universe, theirswordsmanshipwassaidtomatchthatoftheGinaztenthlevelandtheircunningabilitiesatin-fightingwerereputedtoapproachthoseofaBeneGesseritadept.Any one of them was rated a match for any ten ordinary Landsraad militaryconscripts.By the timeofShaddam IV,while theywere still formidable, theirstrength had been sapped by overconfidence, and the sustaining mystique oftheirwarriorreligionhadbeendeeplyunderminedbycynicism.SARFA:theactofturningawayfromGod.SAYYADINA:feminineacolyteintheFremenreligioushierarchy.SCHLAG:animalnativetoTupileoncehuntedalmosttoextinctionforitsthin,toughhide.SECONDMOON: the smaller of the two satellites ofArrakis, noteworthy forthekangaroomousefigureinitssurfacemarkings.SELAMLIK:Imperialaudiencechamber.SEMUTA: the second narcotic derivative (by crystal extraction) from burnedresidueofelaccawood.Theeffect (describedas timeless,sustainedecstasy) iselicitedbycertainatonalvibrationsreferredtoassemutamusic.SERVOK: clock-set mechanism to perform simple tasks; one of the limited“automatic”devicespermittedaftertheButlerianJihad.
SHAH-NAMA:thehalf-legendaryFirstBookoftheZensunniWanderers.SHAI-HULUD:SandwormofArrakis,the“OldManoftheDesert,”“OldFatherEternity,” and “Grandfather of the Desert.” Significantly, this name, whenreferred to inacertain toneorwrittenwithcapital letters,designates theearthdeity of Fremen hearth superstitions. Sandworms grow to enormous size(specimenslongerthan400metershavebeenseeninthedeepdesert)andlivetogreat age unless slain by one of their fellows or drowned in water, which ispoisonoustothem.MostofthesandonArrakisiscreditedtosandwormaction.(SeeLittleMaker.)SHARI-A:thatpartofthepanopliapropheticuswhichsetsforththesuperstitiousritual.(SeeMissionariaProtectiva.)SHADOUT:well-dipper,aFremenhonorific.SHAITAN:Satan.SHIELD,DEFENSIVE:theprotectivefieldproducedbyaHoltzmangenerator.ThisfieldderivesfromPhaseOneofthesuspensor-nullificationeffect.Ashieldwillpermitentryonly toobjectsmovingatslowspeeds(dependingonsetting,thisspeedrangesfromsixtoninecentimeterspersecond)andcanbeshortedoutonlybyashire-sizedelectricfield.(SeeLasgun.)SHIELDWALL: amountainous geographic feature in the northern reaches ofArrakiswhichprotects a small area from the full forceof theplanet’s coriolisstorms.SHIGAWIRE:metallicextrusionofagroundvine(Narvinarviium)grownonlyon Salusa Secundus and III Delta Kaising. It is noted for extreme tensilestrength.SIETCH:Fremen:“Placeofassembly in timeofdanger.”Because theFremenlived so long in peril, the term came by general usage to designate any cavewarreninhabitedbyoneoftheirtribalcommunities.SIHAYA:Fremen: the desert springtimewith religious overtones implying thetimeoffruitfulnessand“theparadisetocome.”SINK: a habitable lowland area on Arrakis surrounded by high ground thatprotectsitfromtheprevailingstorms.SINKCHART:map of theArrakis surface laid outwith reference to themostreliableparacompassroutesbetweenplacesofrefuge.(SeeParacompass.)SIRAT: the passage in the O.C. Bible that describes human life as a journeyacrossanarrowbridge(theSirat)with“Paradiseonmyright,Hellonmyleft,andtheAngelofDeathbehind.”SLIP-TIP:anythin,shortblade(oftenpoison-tipped)forleft-handuseinshield
fighting.SNOOPER, POISON: radiation analyzer within the olfactory spectrum andkeyedtodetectpoisonoussubstances.SOLARI: officialmonetary unit of the Imperium, its purchasing power set atquatricentennial negotiations between the Guild, the Landsraad, and theEmperor.SOLIDO:thethree-dimensionalimagefromasolidoprojectorusing360-degreereference signals imprinted on a shigawire reel. Ixian solido projectors arecommonlyconsideredthebest.SONDAGI:theferntulipofTupali.SOO-SOOSOOK!:water-seller’scryonArrakis.Sook isamarketplace.(SeeIkhut-eigh!)SPACINGGUILD:seeGuild.SPICE:seeMelange.SPICEDRIVER: anyDunemanwhocontrols anddirectsmovablemachineryonthedesertsurfaceofArrakis.SPICEFACTORY:seeSandcrawler.SPOTTERCONTROL: the light ornithopter in a spice-hunting group chargedwithcontrolofwatchandprotection.STILLSUIT:body-enclosinggarmentinventedonArrakis.Itsfabricisamicro-sandwichperforming functionsofheatdissipationand filter forbodilywastes.Reclaimedmoistureismadeavailablebytubefromcatchpockets.STILLTENT: small, sealable enclosure of micro-sandwich fabric designed toreclaimaspotablewatertheambientmoisturedischargedwithinitbythebreathofitsoccupants.STUNNER: slow-pellet projectile weapon throwing a poison- or drug-tippeddart. Effectiveness limited by variations in shield settings and relativemotionbetweentargetandprojectile.SUBAKHULKUHAR:“Areyouwell?”:aFremengreeting.SUBAKHUNNAR:“Iamwell.Andyou?”:traditionalreply.SUSPENSOR: secondary (low-drain) phase of a Holtzman field generator. Itnullifies gravity within certain limits prescribed by relative mass and energyconsumption.
T
TAHADDIAL-BURHAN:anultimate test fromwhich therecanbenoappeal(usuallybecauseitbringsdeathordestruction).TAHADDICHALLENGE:Fremenchallenge tomortalcombat,usually to testsomeprimalissue.TAQWA: literally: “The price of freedom.” Something of great value. Thatwhichadeitydemandsofamortal(andthefearprovokedbythedemand).TAU, THE: in Fremen terminology, that oneness of a sietch communityenhanced by spice diet and especially the tau orgy of oneness elicited bydrinkingtheWaterofLife.TEST-MASHAD: any test inwhich honor (defined as spiritual standing) is atstake.THUMPER:shortstakewithspring-drivenclapperatoneend.Thepurpose:tobedrivenintothesandandset“thumping”tosummonshai-hulud.(SeeMakerhooks.)TIDALDUSTBASIN:anyoftheextensivedepressionsinthesurfaceofArrakiswhichhavebeenfilledwithdustoverthecenturiesandinwhichactualdusttides(seeSandtides)havebeenmeasured.TLEILAX:loneplanetofThalim,notedasrenegadetrainingcenterforMentats;sourceof“twisted”Mentats.T-P:idiomaticfortelepathy.TRAINING: when applied to Bene Gesserit, this otherwise common termassumesspecialmeaning,referringtothatconditioningofnerveandmuscle(seeBinduandPrana)whichiscarriedtothelastpossiblenotchpermittedbynaturalfunction.TROOPCARRIER:anyGuildshipdesignedspecificallyfortransportoftroopsbetweenplanets.TRUTHSAYER: a Reverend Mother qualified to enter truthtrance and detectinsincerityorfalsehood.TRUTHTRANCE: semihypnotic trance induced by one of several “awarenessspectrum” narcotics in which the petit betrayals of deliberate falsehood areapparent tothetruthtranceobserver.(Note:“awarenessspectrum”narcoticsarefrequently fatal except to desensitized individuals capable of transforming thepoison-configurationwithintheirownbodies.)TUPILE: so-called “sanctuary planet” (probably several planets) for defeatedHousesof the Imperium.Location(s)knownonly to theGuildandmaintainedinviolateundertheGuildPeace.
U
ULEMA:aZensunnidoctoroftheology.UMMA:oneofthebrotherhoodofprophets.(AtermofscornintheImperium,meaningany“wild”persongiventofanaticalprediction.)UROSHNOR:oneofseveralsoundsemptyofgeneralmeaningandwhichBeneGesseritimplantwithinthepsychesofselectedvictimsforpurposesofcontrol.Thesensitizedperson,hearingthesound,istemporarilyimmobilized.USUL:Fremen:“Thebaseofthepillar.”
V
VAROTA:famedmakerofbalisets;anativeofChusuk.VERITE:oneoftheEcazwill-destroyingnarcotics.Itrendersapersonincapableoffalsehood.VOICE: thatcombined trainingoriginatedby theBeneGesseritwhichpermitsanadepttocontrolothersmerelybyselectedtoneshadingsofthevoice.
W
WALI:anuntriedFremenyouth.WALLACHIX:ninthplanetofLaoujin,siteoftheMotherSchooloftheBeneGesserit.WAROFASSASSINS: the limited formofwarfarepermittedunder theGreatConventionandtheGuildPeace.Theaimistoreduceinvolvementofinnocentbystanders.Rulesprescribeformaldeclarationofintentandrestrictpermissibleweapons.WATERBURDEN:Fremen:amortalobligation.WATERCOUNTERS:metal ringsofdifferent size, eachdesignatinga specificamount of water payable out of Fremen stores.Watercounters have profoundsignificance (far beyond the idea of money) especially in birth, death, andcourtshipritual.WATERDISCIPLINE: thatharsh trainingwhichfits the inhabitantsofArrakisforexistencetherewithoutwastingmoisture.WATERMAN: a Fremen consecrated for and charged with the ritual duties
surroundingwaterandtheWaterofLife.WATER OF LIFE: an “illuminating” poison (see Reverend Mother).Specifically,thatliquidexhalationofasandworm(seeShai-hulud)producedatthemomentof itsdeathfromdrowningwhichischangedwithinthebodyofaReverend Mother to become the narcotic used in the sietch tau orgy. An“awarenessspectrum”narcotic.WATERTUBE:anytubewithinastillsuitorstilltentthatcarriesreclaimedwaterintoacatchpocketorfromthecatchpockettothewearer.WAY,BENEGESSERIT:useoftheminutiaeofobservation.WEATHERSCANNER: a person trained in the specialmethods of predictingweatheronArrakis,includingabilitytopolethesandandreadthewindpatterns.WEIRDING:idiomatic:thatwhichpartakesofthemysticalorofwitchcraft.WINDTRAP: a device placed in the path of a prevailingwind and capable ofprecipitating moisture from the air caught within it, usually by a sharp anddistinctdropintemperaturewithinthetrap.
Y
YAHYACHOUHADA:“Long live the fighters!”TheFedaykinbattle cry.Ya(now) in this cry is augmented by the hya form (the ever-extended now).Chouhada (fighters) carries this added meaning of fighters against injustice.Thereisadistinctioninthiswordthatspecifiesthefightersarenotstrugglingforanything,butareconsecratedagainstaspecificthing—thatalone.YALI:aFremen’spersonalquarterswithinthesietch.YA! YA! YAWM!: Fremen chanting cadence used in time of deep ritualsignificance. Ya carries the rootmeaning of “Now pay attention!” The yawmform is a modified term calling for urgent immediacy. The chant is usuallytranslatedas“Now,hearthis!”
Z
ZENSUNNI:followersofaschismaticsectthatbrokeawayfromtheteachingsofMaometh(theso-called“ThirdMuhammed”)about1381B.G.TheZensunnireligionisnotedchieflyforitsemphasisonthemysticalandareversionto“theways of the fathers.” Most scholars name Ali Ben Ohashi as leader of the
original schismbut there is someevidence thatOhashimayhavebeenmerelythemalespokesmanforhissecondwife,Nisai.
CARTOGRAPHICNOTES
Basisforlatitude:meridianthroughObservatoryMountain.Baselineforaltitudedetermination:theGreatBled.PolarSink:500m.belowBledlevel.Carthag:about200km.northeastofArrakeen.CaveofBirds:inHabbanyaRidge.FuneralPlain:openerg.GreatBled:open,flatdesert,asopposedtotheerg-dunearea.Opendesertrunsfromabout60°north to70°south. It ismostlysandandrock,withoccasionaloutcroppingsofbasementcomplex.GreatFlat:anopendepressionof rockblending intoerg. It liesabout100m.above the Bled. Somewhere in the Flat is the salt pan which Pardot Kynes(fatherofLiet-Kynes)discovered.Therearerockoutcroppingsrisingto200m.fromSietchTabrsouthtotheindicatedsietchcommunities.HargPass:theShrineofLeto’sskulloverlooksthispass.OldGap:acrevasseintheArrakeenShieldWalldownto2240m.;blastedoutbyPaulMuad’Dib.PalmariesoftheSouth:donotappearonthismap.Theylieatabout40°southlatitude.RedChasm:1582m.belowBledlevel.RimwallWest:ahighscarp(4600m.)risingoutoftheArrakeenShieldWall.WindPass:cliff-walled,thisopensintothesinkvillages.Wormline: indicating farthest north points whereworms have been recorded.(Moisture,notcold,isdeterminingfactor.)
AfterwordbyBrianHerbert
IKNEWFrankHerbertformorethanthirty-eightyears.Hewasamagnificenthuman being, a man of great honor and distinction, and the most interestingpersonatanygathering,drawinglistenersaroundhimlikeamagnet.Tosayhewasanintellectualgiantwouldbeanunderstatement,sinceheseemedtocontainalloftheknowledgeoftheuniverseinhismarvelousmind.Hewasmyfather,andIlovedhimdeeply.Nonetheless, a son’s journey to understand the legendary author was not
alwaysasmoothone,asIdescribedinmybiographyofhim,DreamerofDune.Growing up in Frank Herbert’s household, I did not understand his need forabsolute silence so that he could concentrate, the intense desire he had tocompletehis importantwritingprojects,or theconfidencehehad thatonedayhiswritingwouldbe a success, despite the steady streamof rejections that hereceived. Tomy young eyes, the characters he created inDune and his otherstories were the children of his mind, and they competed with me for hisaffections.Intheyearsittookhimtowritehismagnumopus,hespentmoretimewithPaulAtreidesthanhedidwithme.Dad’sstudywasoff-limitstome,tomysisterPenny,and tomybrotherBruce. In thosedays,onlymymotherBeverlyreally understood Dad’s complexities. Ultimately, it was through her love forhim,and the lovehegaveback toher, that Icametosee thenurturing, lovingsideoftheman.By that time Iwas inmymid-twenties,having rebelledagainsthisexacting
waysforyears.WhenIfinallysawthesoulofmyfatherandbegantoappreciatehim for the care he gave my mother when she was terminally ill, he and Ibecame the best of friends. He helped me with my own writing career byshowingmewhateditorswantedtoseeinbooks;hetaughtmehowtoconstructinteresting characters, how to build suspense, how to keep readers turning thepages.AfterperusinganearlydraftofSidney’sComet(whichwouldbecomemyfirstpublishednovel),hemarkedupseveralpagesandthenwrotemethisnote:“Thesepages...showhoweditingtightensthestory.Gonowanddolikewise.”Itwashiswayoftellingmethathecouldopenthedoorformeandletmepeekthrough,butIwouldhavetocompletetheimmenselaborsinvolvedwithwritingmyself.BeverlyHerbert was thewindow into FrankHerbert’s soul. He shared that
realitywithmillionsofreaderswhenhewrotealoving,three-pagetributetoherat the end ofChapterhouse:Dune, describing their life together. His writingcompanionandintellectualequal,shesuggestedthetitleforthatbook,andshedied in 1984 while he was writing it. Earlier in Dune, Frank Herbert hadmodeledLadyJessicaAtreidesafterBeverlyHerbert,withherdignified,gentleways of influence, and even her prescient abilities,whichmymother actuallypossessed.Healsowroteof“LadyJessica’slatent(prophetic)abilities,”andinthishewasdescribingmymother,thinkingofalltheamazingparanormalfeatsshehadaccomplishedinherlifetime.Inanendearingtone,heoftenreferredtoherashis“whitewitch,”orgoodwitch.Similarly, throughout theDuneseries,hedescribedtheheroicBenGesseritwomenas“witches.”Duneisthemostadmiredsciencefictionnoveleverwrittenandhassoldtens
ofmillionsofcopiesallovertheworld,inmorethantwentylanguages.ItistosciencefictionwhattheLordoftheRingstrilogyistofantasy,themosthighlyregarded,respectedworksintheirrespectivegenres.Ofcourse,Duneisnotjustscience fiction. It includes strong elements of fantasy and contains so manyimportantlayersbeneaththestorylinethatithasbecomeamainstreamclassic.Asonedimensionofthis,justlookatthecoveronthebookinyourhands,thequietdignityexpressedintheartwork.The novelwas first published in hardcover in 1965 byChiltonBooks, best
knownfortheirimmenseauto-repairnovels.Nootherpublisherwouldtouchthebook, inpart becauseof the lengthof themanuscript.They felt itwas far toolong at 215,000words,whenmost novels of thedaywereonly a quarter to athird that length. Dune would require immense printing costs and a highhardcoverpriceforthetime,inexcessoffivedollars.Nosciencefictionnovelhadevercommandedaretailpricethathigh.Publishersalsoexpressedconcernaboutthecomplexityofthenovelandallof
thenew,exoticwordsthattheauthorintroducedinthebeginning,whichtendedtoslow the storydown.Oneeditor said thathecouldnotget through the firsthundred pages without becoming confused and irritated. Another said that hemight be making a huge mistake in turning the book down, but he did soanyway.Initial sales of the book were slow, but Frank Herbert’s science fiction—
writingpeersandreadersrecognizedthegeniusoftheworkfromthebeginning,awarding it thecovetedNebulaandHugoawardsforbestnovelof theyear. Itwas featured in The Whole Earth Catalog and began to receive excellentreviews,includingonefromtheNewYorkTimes.Agroundswellofsupportwas
building.In1969,FrankHerbertpublishedthefirstsequel,DuneMessiah,inwhichhe
warnedaboutthedangersoffollowingacharismaticleaderandshowedthedarksideofPaulAtreides.Manyfansdidn’tunderstand thismessage,because theydidn’twanttoseetheirsuperherobroughtdownfromhispedestal.Still,thebooksoldwell,andsodiditspredecessor.LookingbackatDune,itisclearthatDadlaidtheseedsofthetroublesomedirectionheintendedtotakewithhishero,buta lot of readers didn’twant to see it. JohnW.Campbell, the editor ofAnalogwhomademanyusefulsuggestionswhenDunewasbeingserialized,didnotlikeDuneMessiahbecauseofthisPaulAtreidesissue.Having studied politics carefully, my father believed that heroes made
mistakes...mistakesthatweresimplifiedbythenumberofpeoplewhofollowedsuch leaders slavishly. In a foreshadowing epigraph, Frank Herbert wrote inDune: “Remember,we speaknowof theMuad‘Dibwhoorderedbattledrumsmadefromhisenemies’skins,theMuad’Dibwhodeniedtheconventionsofhisducalpastwithawaveofthehand,sayingmerely:‘IamtheKwisatzHaderach.Thatisreasonenough.’”Andinadramaticscene,asLiet-Kyneslaydyinginthedesert,herememberedthelong-agowordsofhisownfather:“NomoreterribledisastercouldbefallyourpeoplethanforthemtofallintothehandsofaHero.”By the early 1970s, sales ofDune began to accelerate, largely because the
novelwasheraldedasanenvironmentalhandbook,warningaboutthedangersofdestroyingtheEarth’sfiniteresources.FrankHerbertspoketomorethan30,000peopleatthefirstEarthDayinPhiladelphia,andhetouredthecountry,speakingto enthusiastic college audiences.The environmentalmovementwas sweepingthe nation, andDad rode the crest of thewave, a breathtaking trip.When hepublishedChildren of Dune in 1976, it became a runaway bestseller, hittingeveryimportantlistinthecountry.ChildrenofDunewas the first science fiction novel to become aNew York
Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, and sales reached into themillions.After that,othersciencefictionwritersbegantohave theirownbest-sellers,butFrankHerbertwasthefirsttoobtainsuchahighlevelofreadership;hebrought science fictionoutof theghettoof literature.By1979,Dune itselfhad soldmore than10million copies, and sales kept climbing. In early 1985,shortlyafterDavidLynch’smovieDunewasreleased,thepaperbackversionofthe novel reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. This was aphenomenal accomplishment, occurring twentyyears after its first publication,andsalesremainbrisktoday.
In1957,DadflewtotheOregoncoasttowriteamagazinearticleaboutaU.S.Department of Agriculture project there, in which the government hadsuccessfullyplantedpovertygrasseson thecrestsof sanddunes, tokeep themfrom inundating highways. He intended to call the article “They Stopped theMovingSands,”butsoonrealizedthathehadamuchbiggerstoryonhishands.FrankHerbert’slifeexperiencesarelayeredintothepagesoftheDuneseries,
combinedwithaneclecticassortmentof fascinating ideas that sprang fromhisresearches.Amongother things, theDuneuniverse isaspiritualmeltingpot,afar future in which religious beliefs have combined into interesting forms.Discerningreaderswill recognizeBuddhism,SufiMysticismandotherIslamicbelief systems,Catholicism,Protestantism, Judaism, andHinduism. In theSanFranciscoBayArea,myfatherevenknewZenMasterAlanWatts,wholivedonanoldferryboat.Daddrewonavarietyofreligiousinfluences,withoutadheringtoanyoneofthem.Consistentwiththis,thestatedpurposeoftheCommissionof Ecumenical Translators, as described in an appendix to Dune, was toeliminateargumentsbetweenreligions,eachofwhichclaimedtohave“theoneandonlyrevelation.”When he was a boy, eight of Dad’s Irish Catholic aunts tried to force
Catholicismonhim,butheresisted.Instead,thisbecamethegenesisoftheBeneGesseritSisterhood.Thisfictionalorganizationwouldclaimitdidnotbelieveinorganizedreligion,butthesisterswerespiritualnonetheless.Bothmyfatherandmotherwerelikethataswell.During the 1950s, FrankHerbertwas a political speechwriter and publicity
writer forU.S. senatorialandcongressionalcandidates. In thatdecade,healsojourneyed twice toMexicowithhis family,wherehestudieddesertconditionsandcropcycles,andwassubjectedunwittinglytotheeffectsofahallucinogenicdrug.Allofthoseexperiences,andagreatdealfromhischildhood,foundtheirwayontothepagesofDune.ThenovelbecameascomplexandmultilayeredasFrankHerberthimself.As I said in Dreamer of Dune, the characters in Dune fit mythological
archetypes.Paulistheheroprinceonaquestwhowedsthedaughterofa“king”(hemarriesPrincessIrulan,whosefatheristheEmperorShaddamCorrinoIV).Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam is a witch mother archetype, whilePaul’s sister Alia is a virginwitch, and Pardot Kynes is thewise oldman ofDune mythology. Beast Rabban Harkonnen, though evil and aggressive, isessentiallyafool.
For thenamesofheroes,FrankHerbertselectedfromGreekmythologyandothermythologicalbases.TheGreekHouseAtreus,uponwhichHouseAtreidesinDunewasbased,wastheill-fatedfamilyofkingsMenelausandAgamemnon.A heroic family, it was beset by tragic flaws and burdened with a cursepronouncedagainstitbyThyestes.ThisforeshadowsthetroublesFrankHerberthadinmindfortheAtreidesfamily.TheevilHarkonnensofDunearerelatedtotheAtreides by blood, sowhen they assassinatePaul’s fatherDukeLeto, it iskinsmen against kinsmen, similar to what occurred in the household ofAgamemnonwhenhewasmurderedbyhiswifeClytemnestra.Duneisamodern-dayconglomerationoffamiliarmyths,ataleinwhichgreat
sandworms guard a precious treasure of melange, the geriatric spice thatrepresents, among other things, the finite resource of oil. The planet Arrakisfeatures immense, ferocious worms that are like dragons of lore, with “greatteeth”anda“bellowsbreathofcinnamon.”Thisresembles themythdescribedbyanunknownEnglishpoetinBeowulf,thecompellingtaleofafearsomefiredragonwhoguardedagreat treasurehoardina lairundercliffs,at theedgeofthesea.ThedesertofFrankHerbert’sclassicnovelisavastoceanofsand,withgiant
worms diving into the depths, themysterious and unrevealed domain of Shai-Hulud.Dunetopsarelikethecrestsofwaves,andtherearepowerfulsandstormsoutthere,creatingextremedanger.OnArrakis,lifeissaidtoemanatefromtheMaker (Shai-Hulud) in thedesert-sea; similarly all lifeonEarth is believed tohave evolved fromour oceans. FrankHerbert drewparallels, used spectacularmetaphors, and extrapolated present conditions into world systems that seementirelyalienatfirstblush.Butcloseexaminationrevealstheyaren’tsodifferentfromsystemsweknow...andthebookcharactersofhisimaginationarenotsodifferentfrompeoplefamiliartous.PaulAtreides (who is themessianic “Muad’Dib” to the Fremen) resembles
LawrenceofArabia(T.E.Lawrence),aBritishcitizenwholedArabforcesinasuccessful desert revolt against the Turks during World War I. Lawrenceemployedguerrillatacticstodestroyenemyforcesandcommunicationlines,andcameclosetobecomingamessiahfigurefortheArabs.ThishistoricaleventledFrank Herbert to consider the possibility of an outsider leading native forcesagainstthemorallycorruptoccupiersofadesertworld,intheprocessbecomingagodlikefiguretothem.OnetimeIaskedmyfather ifhe identifiedwithanyof thecharacters inhis
stories, and to my surprise he said it was Stilgar, the rugged leader of the
Fremen.IhadbeenthinkingofDadmoreasthedignified,honorableDukeLeto,ortheheroic,swashbucklingPaul,ortheloyalDuncanIdaho.Mullingthisover,I realized Stilgar was the equivalent of a Native American chief inDune—apersonwhorepresentedanddefendedtime-honoredwaysthatdidnotharmtheecologyoftheplanet.FrankHerbertwasthat,andagreatdealmore.Asachild,hehadknownaNativeAmericanwhohintedthathehadbeenbanishedfromhistribe,amannamedIndianHenrywhotaughtmyfathersomeofthewaysofhispeople,includingfishing,theidentificationofedibleandmedicinalplantsintheforest,andhowtofindredantsandprotein-richgrubwormsforfood.When he set up the desert planet of Arrakis and the galactic empire
encompassing it,FrankHerbertpittedwesterncultureagainstprimitivecultureandgavethenodtothelatter.InDunehewrote,“Polishcomesfromthecities;wisdomfromthedesert.”(Later,inhismainstreamnovelSoulCatcher,hewoulddo something similar andwould favor oldways overmodernways). Like thenomadicBedouinsoftheArabianplateau,theFremenliveanadmirable,isolatedexistence, separated from civilization by vast stretches of desert. The Frementakepsychedelic drugsduring religious rites, like theNavajo IndiansofNorthAmerica.And like the Jews, theFremenhavebeenpersecuted, driven to hidefromauthoritiesandsurviveawayfromtheirhomeland.BothJewsandFremenexpecttobeledtothepromisedlandbyamessiah.The words and names inDune are from many tongues, including Navajo,
Latin,Chakobsa(alanguagefoundintheCaucasus),theNahuatldialectoftheAztecs,Greek,Persian,EastIndian,Russian,Turkish,Finnish,OldEnglish,and,ofcourse,Arabic.InChildren ofDune, Leto II allowed sandtrout to attach themselves to his
body, and this was based in part uponmy father’s own experiences as a boygrowingupinWashingtonState,whenherolleduphistrousersandwadedintoastreamorlake,permittingleechestoattachthemselvestohislegs.The legendary life of the divine superhero Muad’Dib is based on themes
found inavarietyof religious faiths.FrankHerbertevenused loreandbitsofinformationfromthepeopleoftheGobiDesertinAsia, theKalahariDesertinSouthwestAfrica, and the aborigines of theAustralianOutback. For centuriessuch people have survived on very small amounts of water, in environmentswherewaterisamorepreciousresourcethangold.TheButlerianJihad,occurringtenthousandyearsbeforetheeventsdescribed
inDune was a war against thinking machines who at one time had cruellyenslaved humans. For this reason, computerswere eventuallymade illegal by
humans, as decreed in the Orange Catholic Bible: “Thou shalt not make amachineinthelikenessofahumanmind.”Therootsofthejihadwentbacktoindividualsmyparentsknew,tomymother’sgrandfatherCooperLandisandtoourfamilyfriendRalphSlattery,bothofwhomabhorredmachines.Still, there are computers in theDune universe, long after the jihad.As the
series unfolds, it is revealed that theBeneGesserits have secret computers tokeep track of their breeding records. And the Mentats of Dune, capable ofsupreme logic, are “human computers.” In large part these human calculatorswere based uponmy father’s paternal grandmother,MaryStanley, an illiterateKentucky hill-woman who performed incredible mathematical calculations inherhead.MentatsweretheprecursorsofStarTrek’sSpock,FirstOfficerofthestarship Enterprise ... and Frank Herbert described the dangers of thinkingmachinesbackinthe1960s,yearsbeforeArnoldSchwarzenegger’sTerminatormovies.Remarkably, no aliens inhabit the Dune universe. Even the most exotic of
creatures, the mutant Guild Navigators, are humans. So are the vile geneticwizards,theTleilaxu,andthegholasgrownintheirfleshvats.AmongthemostunusualhumanstospringfromFrankHerbert’s imagination, thewomenof theBene Gesserit Sisterhood have a collectivememory—a concept based largelyuponthewritingsandteachingsofCarlGustavJung,whospokeofa“collectiveunconscious,” that supposedly inborn set of “contents andmodesofbehavior”possessed by all human beings. These were concepts my father discussed atlength with Ralph Slattery’s wife Irene, a psychologist who had studied withJunginSwitzerlandinthe1930s.Frank Herbert’s life reached a crescendo in the years after 1957, when he
focusedhisunusualexperiencesandknowledgeoncreatinghisgreatnovel. Inthe massive piles of books he read to research Dune, he recalled readingsomewhere that ecologywas the science of understanding consequences. Thiswas not his original concept, but as he learned fromEzraPound, he “made itnew” and put it in a form that was palatable to millions of people. With aworldview similar to that of an American Indian, Dad saw western maninflictinghimselfontheenvironment,notlivinginharmonywithit.DespitealltheworkDunerequired,myfathersaiditwashisfavoritebookto
write. He usedwhat he called a “technique of enormous detail,” inwhich hestudiedandpreparednotesoverafouryearperiod,between1957and1961,thenwroteandrewrotethebookbetween1961and1965.As Dad expanded and contracted the manuscript, depending upon which
editorwasgivinghimadvice,anerrorfounditswayinto thefinalmanuscript.The ageofEmperorShaddamCorrino IV is slightly inconsistent in thenovel,but it is one of the fewglitches in the entireDune series.This is remarkable,consideringthefactthatFrankHerbertwrotethebooksontypewriters...morethanamillionwordswithouttheuseofacomputertokeepalloftheinformationstraight.Late in 1961, in themidst of his monumental effort, Dad fired his literary
agent Lurton Blassingame, because he didn’t feel the agent was supportiveenough and because he couldn’t bear the thought of sending anymore storiesintotheNewYorkpublishingindustry,whichhadbeenrejectinghimforyears.Acoupleofyears later,whenthenewnovelwasnearlycomplete,hegotbacktogether with Blassingame and went through the ordeal of rejection afterrejection—morethantwentyofthem—untilChiltonfinallypickedupthebookandpaid an advance of $7,500 for it. If not for a farsighted editor atChilton,Sterling Lanier,Dune might never have been published, and world literaturewouldbethepoorerforit.Whenmy father and I became close inmy adulthood andwe began towritetogether,hespoketomeoftenoftheimportanceofdetail,ofdensityofwriting.Astudentofpsychology,heunderstoodthesubconscious,andlikedtosaythatDune could be read on any of several layers that were nested beneath theadventure story of amessiah on a desert planet. Ecology is themost obviouslayer, but alongside that are politics, religion, philosophy, history, humanevolution,andevenpoetry.Duneisamarvelous tapestryofwords,sounds,andimages. Sometimes hewrote passages in poetry first, which he expanded andconverted to prose, forming sentences that included elements of the originalpoems.Dadtoldmethatyoucouldfollowanyofthenovel’slayersasyoureadit,and
thenstartthebookalloveragain,focusingonanentirelydifferentlayer.Attheendofthebook,heintentionallyleftlooseendsandsaidhedidthistosendthereadersspinningoutofthestorywithbitsandpiecesofitstillclingingtothem,sothattheywouldwanttogobackandreaditagain.Aneattrick,andhepulleditoffperfectly.Ashiseldestson,Iseefamilialinfluencesinthestory.Earlier,Inotedthatmy
motherismemorializedinDuneandsoisDad.Hemusthavebeenthinkingofhimselfwhen hewrote thatDukeLeto’s “qualities as a father have long beenoverlooked.”Thewords have deep significance tome, because at the time he
andIwerenotgettingalongwellatall.Iwasgoingthrougharebelliousteenagephase,reactingtotheuncompromisingmannerinwhichheruledthehousehold.AtthebeginningofDune,PaulAtreidesisfifteenyearsold,aroundthesame
ageIwasatthetimethebookwasfirstserializedinAnalog.IdonotseemyselfmuchinthecharacterizationofPaul,butIdoseeDadinPaul’sfather,thenobleDukeLetoAtreides.Inonepassage,FrankHerbertwrote:“YetmanyfactsopenthewaytothisDuke:hisabidingloveforhisBeneGesseritlady;thedreamsheheldforhisson...”Lateinhislife,Dadrespondedtointerviewquestionsaboutmyownwritingcareerbysaying,“Theacorndoesn’tfallfarfromtheoaktree.”Heoftencomplimentedmetoothers,morethanhedidtomedirectly.Tomostofhisfriendsheseemedlikeanextrovert,butinfamilymattershewasoftenquitetheopposite,preferringtoretiretohisstudy.Frequently,hisstrongestemotionswentonthepage,soIoftenfeelhimspeakingtomeasIreadhisstories.Once,Iaskedmyfatherifhethoughthismagnumopuswouldendure.Hesaid
modestly that he didn’t know and that the only valid literary critic was time.NowithasbeenfortyyearssinceDunewaspublishedinhardcover,andFrankHerbertwould be pleased to know that interest in his fantastic novel, and theseries it spawned, has never waned. An entire new generation of readers ispickingupDuneandenjoyingit,justastheirparentsdidbeforethem.Like our own universe, the universe of Dune continues to expand. Frank
Herbert wrote six novels in the series, and I have written six more incollaborationwithKevinJ.Anderson.KevinandIhavefourmoreDunebooksunder contract, including the chronological grand finale that millions of fanshavebeenawaiting,Dune7.FrankHerbertwasworkingonthatprojectwhenhedied in1986,and itwouldhavebeen the thirdbook ina trilogy thathebeganwithHereticsofDuneandChapterhouse:Dune.Inthosenovelshesetupagreatmystery,andnow,almost twodecadesafterhisdeath, the solution is themostcloselyguardedsecretinsciencefiction.By the time we complete those stories, there will be sixteen Dune novels,
along with the 1984 movie directed by David Lynch and two televisionminiseries—“FrankHerbert’sDune”and“FrankHerbert’sChildrenofDune”—bothproducedbyRichardRubinstein.Weenvisionotherprojectsinthefuture,butallofthemmustmeasureuptotheloftystandardthatmyfatherestablishedwithhisownnovels.Whenallofthegoodstorieshavebeentold,theserieswillend.Butthatwillnotreallybeaconclusion,becausewecanalwaysgobacktoDuneitselfandreaditagainandagain.BrianHerbert
Seattle,Washington
Frank Herbert was born in Tacoma, Washington, and educated at theUniversityofWashington,Seattle.Heworkedawidevarietyofjobs—includingTVcameraman,radiocommentator,oysterdiver, junglesurvival instructor, layanalyst, creative writing teacher, reporter and editor of several West Coastnewspapers—beforebecomingafull-timewriter.In 1952, Herbert began publishing science fiction with “Looking forSomething?” inStartlingStories. But his true emergence as awriter ofmajorstaturedidnotoccuruntil 1965,with thepublicationofDune.DuneMessiah,ChildrenofDune,GodEmperorofDune,HereticsofDune,andChapterhouse:Dunefollowed,completingthesagathattheChicagoTribunewouldcall“oneofthemonumentsofmodern science fiction.”Herbert is also theauthorof sometwentyotherbooks, includingTheJesusIncident,TheDosadiExperiment,andDestination:Void.Hediedin1986.
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