Sisterhood of Dune (Schools of Dune series Book 1) by Herbert Brian & Anderson Kevin J

Author:Herbert, Brian & Anderson, Kevin J. [Herbert, Brian]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2012-01-02T16:00:00+00:00

All jungles are unique ecosystems, and the tropical forests of Rossak are even more so, and more important because of the biochemical resources they provide. It is in our interest to exert as much control as possible over the resources of that planet.

—Combined Mercantiles, confidential report

Raquella summoned Valya and Dorotea to her private library and office, but before she could state her business, Dorotea interrupted, clearly agitated. “Reverend Mother, I am concerned. One of the new acolytes, Sister Ingrid, has not appeared for her classes since yesterday. She is not in her quarters. No one has seen her.”

Valya tensed, but the Reverend Mother studiously avoided looking in her direction. “Your concern is admirable, Sister Dorotea. I will send out inquiries and ask the other proctors to look into the matter.” She narrowed her eyes, sat at her desk facing the two women she had summoned. “But I have eleven hundred students on Rossak, and I called you here to discuss one in particular—Anna Corrino. Because of the stakes, we must make sure she is treated properly. Sister Dorotea, you were with the Corrinos for a year. I would like to hear your assessment of the Princess.”

“But Sister Ingrid—”

“We are talking about Anna Corrino at the moment. Your assessment, please.” Her voice was startlingly powerful, snapping both Valya and Dorotea to attention.

Dorotea blinked, drew a quick breath. “I’m sorry, Reverend Mother.” While Valya remained seated across from Raquella, the other Sister paced the room. “Yes, I know the Corrinos well, and I know Anna’s personality. Do not pamper her. She behaves in a spoiled manner, frequently complains or uses passive resistance techniques. She has not been given responsibility, nor has she learned to understand the consequences of her actions.”

“She’s never had the chance,” Valya added. “All her life, her brothers took care of any problems, saved her from herself. She acts out where she can, as she did in pursuing an inappropriate romance with a young chef in the Palace, forcing her brothers to send her here to Rossak, just to put her someplace where she can’t cause further trouble.”

Raquella nodded. “It would be better if she learned to be strong and competent herself. I don’t believe the Emperor has any particular expectations from our school, other than to keep her out of trouble. But we would be ignoring an important opportunity if we did not try to make her one of us. One day, Anna Corrino will return to her family, and we should make certain she is dedicated to the Sisterhood.”

Valya allowed her frustration to creep into her voice. “She shows no interest in her classroom studies nor in her mental exercises.”

Dorotea frowned at her. “You’re essentially her warden, watching to make sure she isn’t hurt—but what good is that doing her? Just hiding and protecting her will not make her stronger. She needs to undergo the same vigorous training all acolytes must endure.”

“She’s the Emperor’s sister,” Valya said. “We don’t dare let her come to harm.”

The Reverend Mother nodded in agreement.

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