Дюна
Book Two: Muad‘dib
“AreyoutheLisanal-Gaib?”theyhadasked.AndPaulhadsensedthejihadintheirwords,shruggedoffthequestionwithoneofhisown—learningthenthatKaleff,theelderofthetwo,wasten,andthenaturalsonofGeoff.Orlop,theyounger,waseight,thenaturalsonofJamis.
Ithadbeenastrangedaywiththesetwostandingguardoverhimbecauseheaskedit,keepingawaythecurious,allowinghimthetimetonursehisthoughtsandprescientmemories,toplanawaytopreventthejihad.
Now,standingbesidehismotheronthecavernledgeandlookingoutatthethrong,hewonderedifanyplancouldpreventthewildoutpouringoffanaticlegions.
Chani,nearingtheledge,wasfollowedatadistancebyfourwomencarryinganotherwomaninalitter.
JessicaignoredChani’sapproach,focusingallherattentiononthewomaninthelitter—acrone,awrinkledandshriveledancientthinginablackgownwithhoodthrownbacktorevealthetightknotofgrayhairandthestringyneck.
Thelitter-carriersdepositedtheirburdengentlyontheledgefrombelow,andChanihelpedtheoldwomantoherfeet.
SothisistheirReverendMother,Jessicathought.
TheoldwomanleanedheavilyonChaniasshehobbledtowardJessica,lookinglikeacollectionofsticksdrapedintheblackrobe.ShestoppedinfrontofJessica,peeredupwardforalongmomentbeforespeakinginahuskywhisper.
“Soyou’retheone.”Theoldheadnoddedonceprecariouslyonthethinneck.“TheShadoutMapeswasrighttopityyou.”
Jessicaspokequickly,scornfully:“Ineednoone’spity.
