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Book Two: Muad‘dib
Alowdeskwithmilkglasstopshotfullofyellowbubblesoccupiedtheroom’scenter.Foursuspensorchairsringedthedesk.
KynesmovedaroundPaul,heldachairforJessica.Shesatdown,notingthewayhersonexaminedtheroom.
Paulremainedstandingforanothereyeblink.Afaintanomalyintheroom’saircurrentstoldhimtherewasasecretexittotheirrightbehindthefilingcabinets.
“Willyousitdown,PaulAtreides?”Kynesasked.
Howcarefullyheavoidsmytitle,Paulthought.Butheacceptedthechair,remainedsilentwhileKynessatdown.
“YousensethatArrakiscouldbeaparadise,”Kynessaid.“Yet,asyousee,theImperiumsendshereonlyitstrainedhatchetmen,itsseekersafterthespice!”
Paulhelduphisthumbwithitsducalsignet.“Doyouseethisring?”
“Yes.”
“Doyouknowitssignificance?”
Jessicaturnedsharplytostareatherson.
“YourfatherliesdeadintheruinsofArrakeen,”Kynessaid.“YouaretechnicallytheDuke.”
“I’masoldieroftheImperium,”Paulsaid,“technicallyahatchetman.”
Kynesfacedarkened.“EvenwiththeEmperor’sSardaukarstandingoveryourfather’sbody?”
“TheSardaukarareonething,thelegalsourceofmyauthorityisanother,”
Paulsaid.
“Arrakishasitsownwayofdeterminingwhowearsthemantleofauthority,”
Kynessaid.
AndJessica,turningbacktolookathim,thought:There’ssteelinthismanthatnoonehastakenthetemperoutof...andwe’veneedofsteel.Paul’sdoingadangerousthing.
