Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [287]
“No reparations!” Shaddam said in a much sterner tone than the Guildsman managed to duplicate. “And no restoration of House Vernius to its position on Xuttah, formerly Ix. Ah, yes. The Bene Tleilax have in fact presented extensive, conclusive documentation to me, and I am satisfied as to its veracity. For reasons of Imperial security I cannot divulge details. You have taxed my patience enough.”
Irritated, Leto growled, “Any evidence that is denied scrutiny is no evidence at all, Sire. It should be presented before a court.”
“What about my father and other surviving members of House Vernius?” Rhombur said into the microphone Leto had been using. “Can he have your amnesty as well, wherever he is? He’s not hurting anybody.”
Shaddam’s response, directed at Leto, was swift and stinging, like the bite of a venomous serpent. “I’ve been lenient with you, Cousin—but I caution you not to press your luck. If I weren’t so favorably inclined toward you, personally, I would never have committed myself by testifying on your behalf, nor would I have granted this impromptu audience today—or the concessions for your friends. Amnesty for the two children, and that is all.”
Hearing the harsh relayed words, Leto reeled, but maintained his composure. It was clear he could not push Shaddam further.
“We suggest you accept these terms while we remain in a mood to grant them,” Shaddam said. “At any moment additional evidence could be presented to me against House Vernius, causing me to judge them less kindly.”
Away from the voice pickup, Leto conferred with Rhombur and Kailea. Reluctantly, the siblings leaned toward acceptance. “At least we’ve won a small victory, Leto,” Kailea said in her soft voice. “We’ll have our lives, and our personal freedom—if not our heritage. Besides, living here with you is not so terrible. Like Rhombur always says, we can make the best of things.”
Rhombur put a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “If that’s good enough for Kailea, it’ll be good enough for me.”
“The bargain is sealed then,” Shaddam said; their acceptance had been sent through the Guildlink intermediaries. “The official papers will be prepared.” Then his words became like razors. “And I expect never to hear of this matter again.”
Abruptly, the Emperor ended the Guildlink, and the two separated Navigators broke their mental contact. Leto drew both Rhombur and Kailea into a hug, knowing that at last they both were safe.
Only fools leave witnesses.
—HASIMIR FENRING
I am going to miss Kaitain,” Fenring said in an odd, somber tone. Within the day, he was scheduled to report to Arrakis as Shaddam’s Imperial Observer. Exiled into the desert! But Margot had told him to see the opportunities . . . Fenring was good at that. Could the Emperor have more in mind than simple punishment? Could this be turned into a powerful position after all?
Fenring had grown up at the side of Shaddam, both of them more than two decades younger than Fafnir, the former heir apparent to the Golden Lion Throne. With an elder Crown Prince in place and a brood of daughters by his various wives, Elrood had not expected much from the junior Prince, and on the quiet suggestion of his Bene Gesserit mother, Fenring had been allowed to attend classes with him.
Over the years Fenring had made himself into an “expediter,” a person willing to complete necessary tasks for his friend Shaddam, no matter how unpleasant they might be—including the murder of Fafnir. The companions shared many dark secrets, too many for them to split up now without serious repercussions . . . and both men knew it.
Shaddam owes me, dammit!
Given time to reconsider, the new Emperor would understand that he couldn’t afford to have Fenring as an enemy, or even as a disgruntled Imperial servant. Before long, Shaddam would summon him back from Arrakis. It was only a matter of time.
Somehow he would find a way to turn every circumstance to his advantage.
Lady Margot, whom he had married in a simple ceremony three days earlier, took command of the subchamberlains and unattached servants. Issuing orders