Sandworms of Dune - Brian Herbert [147]
“Hello, Grandfather,” Paul said. “I remember you as being much older and fatter.” The Baron found the demeanor and tone irritating. And even worse, he felt an odd, swooning sensation . . . as if Paul had always been meant to say this, as if he had seen it in a dozen different visions.
Still, the Baron clapped his hands in mock applause. “Isn’t ghola technology marvelous? This is like an encore at the end of one of the Emperor’s tedious jongleur performances. All back together again for a second run, eh?”
Paul stiffened. “House Atreides crushed the Harkonnens into extinction long ago. I anticipate a similar outcome now.”
“Oh, ho!” Though amused, the Baron-ghola didn’t step any closer. He gestured to his Sardaukar guard. “Have a doctor and a dentist look them over before they get close to me. Pay particular attention to their teeth. Look for poison capsules.”
Having fulfilled his purpose, the Baron was about to march out of the no-ship when, among the gathered refugees, he spotted a small girl who stood quietly beside a thin boy of around twelve years, watching everything. Both had an Atreides look about them. He froze, recognizing Alia.
Not only had this bloodthirsty child jabbed him with the poison gom jabbar and haunted his thoughts, now she even stood before him! Look, Grandfather—now we can torment you inside and out! Her voice pierced him like ice picks in his head.
The Baron reacted, not caring about consequences. Snatching the ceremonial dagger from his hip, he grabbed the little girl by the collar and raised the blade. “They called you Abomination!”
Alia fought like a rabid animal, but didn’t scream. Her tiny feet drove with surprising power into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The Baron reeled, and without a second’s hesitation, thrust the poisoned tip deep into her side. It went in easily. He yanked the knife back out and stabbed again, this time directly into Alia’s heart.
Jessica screamed. Paul rushed forward, but too late. Duncan roared with anger and shock, and threw himself at the nearest Sardaukar guard, killing him with a bone-shattering blow to the throat. He struck a second guard, snapping his neck as well, and charged toward the Baron like a wild creature. The Baron didn’t even have time to feel fear before his guards closed ranks around him, and four others held Duncan back. The rest of the faux Sardaukar raised their guns to keep the shocked captives at bay.
Regaining his composure, the Baron sneered down at the little girl dying swiftly in his grip. “That’s turnabout for killing me.” Laughing at the blood on his hands, he tossed her to the floor like a discarded doll. And inside, not a sound from his tormentor. Was she gone as well?
Murderous desperation showed on the faces of the nearby captives, making the Baron uneasy. With Face Dancer Sardaukar surrounding him protectively, he backed away smiling. The two dead soldiers had reverted to Face Dancers, and none of the captives seemed the least bit surprised. The Atreides rabble gathered around the murdered child while the Sardaukar picked up their comrades.
Sheeana stopped Duncan from lunging forward in another suicidal attack. “One death is enough, Duncan.”
“No it’s not. It is only a start.” He controlled himself with a visible effort. “But it will have to do for now.”
The Baron laughed, and the Face Dancers hurried him away. When he looked at his escort, the shape-shifters showed disapproval at what he had done. “What? I don’t have to justify my reasons to you. At least that Abomination is gone now.”
Gone, you say? A little girl’s loud titter like breaking glass inside his skull. Gone? You can’t discard me so easily! I was rooted inside your head before that ghola was ever born. The voice grew louder. Now I shall torment you more than ever. You leave me no choice but to serve as your conscience, Grandfather.
The Baron marched away at a faster pace, trying to shut out her mocking