"Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson - Dune 09 - House Corrino" - читать интересную книгу автора (Herbert Brian & Frank)

Behind him, two copper-skinned women dressed in garments of golden silkscales climbed the steps
and lit the ion torches flanking his throne. The crackling flames were balls of harnessed lightning:
blue and green, shot through with veins of light too bright to behold. The air carried a thunderstorm
scent of ozone and the hiss of consuming flames.

After the customary pomp and ceremony, Shaddam had arrived in the throne room nearly an hour
lateтАФhis small way of reminding these pitiful beggars how little importance he placed on their
visits. By contrast, all supplicants were required to arrive precisely on time or have their
appointments canceled.

Court Chamberlain Beely Ridondo had stepped before the throne and extended his sonic staff.
When he struck it against the polished stone floor, the staff sent out a ringing tone that made the
Palace foundations tremble. Bald and high-browed, Ridondo called out Shaddam's interminably
long name and titles, proclaiming the court to be in session. He then glided backward up the dais
steps without missing a beat.

Leaning forward, his narrow face wearing a stern expression, Shaddam had begun another day on
the throne. . . .

The morning progressed exactly as he feared, an endless recital of petty matters. But Shaddam
forced himself to appear compassionate, a great ruler. He had already commissioned several
historians to ensure that the appropriate details of his life and reign were recorded and emphasized.

During a short recess, Chamberlain Ridondo paused to go over the long list of matters on the
Imperial docket. Shaddam sipped from his cup of potent spice coffee, felt the electric rush of
melange. For once, the cook had

prepared it properly. The intricately decorated cup was carefully painted, one of a kind, so delicate
it seemed to be made of eggshell. Each cup Shaddam used was destroyed after he drank from it, so
that no one else could have the privilege of using the same china.

"Sire?" Ridondo stared at the Emperor with a disconcerting expression is he rattled off complex
names without consulting notes. The Chamber-ain, while not a Mentat, had a formidable natural
memory, enabling him :o keep track of the numerous details of the Imperial workday. "A newly
irrived visitor has requested an immediate audience with you." "They always say that. What House
does he represent?" "He is not from the Landsraad, Sire. Nor is he an official from CHOAM or the
Guild."

Shaddam made a rude noise. "Then your decision is obvious, Chamber' lin. I cannot waste my time
with commoners."

"He is ... not exactly a commoner, Sire. His name is Liet-Kynes, and e comes from Arrakis."

Shaddam was irritated at the audacity of any man who would assume tat he could simply walk in
and expect an audience with the Emperor of a [illion Worlds. "If I wish to speak with one of the
desert rabble, I will mmon him."

"He is your Imperial Planetologist, Sire. Your father appointed his fa-er to investigate spice on
Arrakis. I believe numerous reports have been bmitted." :