Дюна
Book One: Dune
WindowsoneachsideofheroverlookedthecurvingsouthernbendoftheriverandthegreenfarmlandsoftheAtreidesfamilyholding,buttheReverendMotherignoredtheview. Shewasfeelingheragethismorning,morethanalittlepetulant. SheblameditonspacetravelandassociationwiththatabominableSpacingGuildanditssecretiveways. ButherewasamissionthatrequiredpersonalattentionfromaBeneGesserit-with-the-Sight. EventhePadishahEmperor’sTruthsayercouldn’tevadethatresponsibilitywhenthedutycallcame.
DamnthatJessica!theReverendMotherthought. Ifonlyshe’dborneusagirlasshewasorderedtodo!
Jessicastoppedthreepacesfromthechair,droppedasmallcurtsy,agentleflickoflefthandalongthelineofherskirt. Paulgavetheshortbowhisdancingmasterhadtaught—theoneused“whenindoubtofanother’sstation.”
ThenuancesofPaul’sgreetingwerenotlostontheReverendMother. Shesaid:“He’sacautiousone,Jessica.”
Jessica’shandwenttoPaul’sshoulder,tightenedthere. Foraheartbeat,fearpulsedthroughherpalm. Thenshehadherselfundercontrol. “Thushehasbeentaught,YourReverence.”
Whatdoesshefear?Paulwondered.
TheoldwomanstudiedPaulinonegestaltenflicker:faceovallikeJessica’s,butstrongbones... hair:theDuke’sblack-blackbutwithbrowlineofthematernalgrandfatherwhocannotbenamed,andthatthin,disdainfulnose;shapeofdirectlystaringgreeneyes:liketheoldDuke,thepaternalgrandfatherwhoisdead.
