TableofContents

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

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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.