Riding the Worm

[Paul Atreides]

Paul seemed more concerned with dealing with the worm than dealing with Matrix. His eyes were locked on the desert before him. Paul didn’t know that this, in the eyes of the omniverse, was considered a vehicle for him and would do him (or his passengers) no harm. He hadn’t even known, truly, that he had summoned it. It would take time, but he would eventually come to understand this- just not this day.

“To me, the rest of the world seems strange. In a way, this worm is the only expected thing I’ve seen since I got here.” He explained as the desert raced by under them- the great worm rhythmically sliding at a breakneck speed. Duncan and Gurney seemed more than a little nervous about their master’s mount but did not let it impact their duty to their duke.

It was not long before the form of a low tower could be seen in the distance. Paul dismissed the worm, urging his passengers to disembark before he did himself. Once off he trotted for a few steps to kill the momentum, as the correct way to leave one was to leave from the tail as it sunk below the sandy dunes. Meeting the other he pointed at the looming form.

“It is doubtful they have made notice of us. We should lay low until the sun had finished clearing the horizon before we make our approach.”

Paul was not convinced that this would be, in any way, easy prey. They would have to employ every advantage. Then again- only a fool would not do so.