Дюна
Book One: Dune
Abouteighthundredtrainedhandsexpecttogooutonthespiceshuttleandthere’saGuildcargoshipstandingby.”
“MyLord....”Shebrokeoff,hesitating.
“Yes?”
Hewillnotbepersuadedagainsttryingtomakethisplanetsecureforus,shethought.AndIcannotusemytricksonhim.
“Atwhattimewillyoubeexpectingdinner?”sheasked.
That’snotwhatshewasgoingtosay,hethoughtAh-h-h-h,myJessica,wouldthatweweresomewhereelse,anywhereawayfromthisterribleplace—alone,thetwoofus,withoutacare.
“I’lleatintheofficers’messatthefield,”hesaid.“Don’texpectmeuntilverylate.And...ah,I’llbesendingaguardcarforPaul.Iwanthimtoattendourstrategyconference.”
Heclearedhisthroatasthoughtosaysomethingelse,then,withoutwarning,turnedandstrodeout,headedfortheentrywhereshecouldhearmoreboxesbeingdeposited.Hisvoicesoundedoncefromthere,commandinganddisdainful,thewayhealwaysspoketoservantswhenhewasinahurry:“TheLadyJessica’sintheGreatHall.Joinherthereimmediately.”
Theouterdoorslammed.
Jessicaturnedaway,facedthepaintingofLeto’sfather.Ithadbeendonebythefamedartist,Albe,duringtheOldDuke’smiddleyears.Hewasportrayedinmatadorcostumewithamagentacapeflungoverhisleftarm.Thefacelookedyoung,hardlyolderthanLeto’snow,andwiththesamehawkfeatures,thesamegraystare.Sheclenchedherfistsathersides,glaredatthepainting.
“Damnyou!Damnyou!Damnyou!”shewhispered.
