Chapter 26

[Freakzilla]

The universe is just there; that's the only way a Fedaykin can view it and
remain the master of his senses. The universe neither threatens nor promises. It
holds things beyond our sway: the fall of a meteor, the eruption of a spiceblow,
growing old and dying. These are the realities of this universe and they must be
faced regardless of how you feel about them. You cannot fend off such realities
with words. They will come at you in their own wordless way and then, then you
will understand what is meant by "life and death." Understanding this, you will
be filled with joy.
-Muad'Dib to his Fedaykin

Wensicia has just revealed her plan to Farad'n. All he can think of is that his care free days in persuits of the mind may be over soon and he notices that Tyekanik no longer calls her "Princess" and has started calling her "Queen Mother". He questions the plan and the consequenses should it fail and how she plans to use Idaho in all of this. He accuses her of not doing this for him but for House Corrino, basically for herself and he finds the things done in his name disstastefull. He decides to wait and see how things turn out. For a moment, she was terrified thinking he might dissown her. Faraad'n can feel the desires of all those around him riding on him, but he can't pin down his own.

[Eyes High]

The first time reading this chapter gave me hope that he would turn out to be honorable. To be better than his mother and father.

[Freakzilla]

The first time reading this chapter gave me hope that he would turn out to be honorable. To be better than his mother and father.

Are you saying you are disappointed?

[Eyes High]

Nope, not saying that. Saying that I could see the potential there and was looking forward to seeing how he turned out.

[Nekhrun]

Nope, not saying that. Saying that I could see the potential there and was looking forward to seeing how he turned out.

I think this was part of Frank's genius. So many authors today are quick to write an entire family as evil. I liked that he took the opportunity to explore Farad'n's character a bit and didn't take the easy way out.

[Freakzilla]

I liked Farad'n.

[TheDukester]

Yeah, this is good stuff. Farad'n is a great reminder that no one is totally good or totally evil. It's all shades of gray for us silly humans.

It's been forever since I've read CoD, but this is one of about three or four chapters that I'll always remember vividly, no matter how many years might pass (along with the tiger hunt and Jessica's on-planet arrival).

[Freakzilla]

No revisions.

[mattyropes]

I liked how Farad'n said "I find some of the things done in my name disdainful." Seems like FH is trying to draw a clear parallel to Paul.