Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [121]
“Holy war?” Hesban said. “Over what? What has Ix done now?”
“We have no idea, Monsieur Chamberlain. The Tleilaxu are known to be religious fanatics. Our suboids are bred to follow instructions, and thus are easily manipulated.” Yuta Brey hesitated, with a slight trembling of her lips. “Earl Dominic Vernius respectfully requests the immediate intervention of the Emperor’s Sardaukar against this illegal act.”
She recited extensive details on Ixian and Tleilaxu military positions, including the extent of the uprising, the manufacturing facilities crippled, and the citizens murdered. Prominent among the victims was the Ambassador’s own wife, a Guild banker, who had died in an explosion at the Guild Embassy Building.
“They’ve gone too far.” Indignant, Hesban appeared ready to issue the order himself for the defense of Ix. The request of House Vernius was eminently reasonable. Looking down at the Emperor, he said, “Sire, if the Tleilaxu wish to accuse Ix of violating any strictures of the Great Convention, let them do so in open Landsraad court.”
Although incense burned in the air, and spicy hors d’oeuvres sat arrayed on mother-of-pearl serving trays, Brey could still smell a sour odor of sickness hanging in the stuffy air of the anteroom. Elrood fidgeted under the weight of his heavy robe. He narrowed his rheumy eyes. “We will take your request under advisement, Courier. I feel as if I need to rest a bit now. Doctor’s orders, you know. We will discuss the matter tomorrow. Please take refreshment and select a chamber in our visiting dignitaries’ quarters. You may also wish to meet with the Ixian Ambassador.”
A look of alarm electrified the woman’s gaze. “This information is already several hours old, Sire. We are in a most desperate situation. I have been instructed to tell you that Earl Vernius believes any delay will be fatal.”
Hesban responded loudly, still confused as to why Elrood would not take immediate action. “One does not tell the Emperor anything, young lady. One makes requests of him, no more.”
“My deepest apologies, Sire. Please forgive my agitation, but today I have seen my world struck a deadly blow. What response may I give to Earl Vernius?”
“Be patient. I will get back to him in due time, after I have considered my reply.”
All color drained from Brey’s face. “May I ask when?”
“You may not!” Elrood thundered. “Your audience is concluded.” He glared back at her.
Taking charge, Chamberlain Hesban stepped forward, placing a hand on Brey’s shoulder and steering her toward the door as he looked curiously over his shoulder at the Emperor.
“As you wish, Sire.” Brey bowed, and the elite guards escorted her from the room.
Elrood had not failed to notice anger and despair in the Courier’s expression when she realized that her mission had failed. He had seen desperation and the beginnings of tears in her eyes. So tiresome, so predictable.
But everything had proceeded perfectly.
As soon as the Ixian Courier and the Court Chamberlain were gone, Crown Prince Shaddam and Fenring entered the anteroom and stood before Elrood. The old man knew they had been eavesdropping.
“Quite an education you two are getting, eh?” Elrood said. “Watch, and learn.”
“Ah, yes. You handled the situation masterfully, Father. Events are unfolding exactly as you predicted.” With a great deal of invisible help from me and Fenring.
The Emperor beamed, then fell into a bout of coughing. “My Sardaukar would have been more efficient than Tleilaxu, but I couldn’t risk showing my hand too early. A formal Ixian complaint to the Landsraad could spell trouble. We’ve got to get rid of House Vernius and put the Tleilaxu in place as our puppets, with legions of Sardaukar sent in afterward to crack down and ensure the takeover.”
“Hm-m-m-m-ah, perhaps it would be preferable to refer to it as ‘fostering a smooth and orderly transition.’ Avoid using the term ‘crack down.’ ”
Elrood smiled