Great Schools of Dune, #2
Mentats of Dune
by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Contents
Chapter 66 (The universe does not always allow)
Overview
Harian reinforces the Butlerian siege of the Mentat School, forcing Gilbertus Albans to confront likely defeat. Gilbertus rejects escape, entrusts Erasmus’s core to Anna, and negotiates with Manford under promises to spare the school and students. Manford agrees, but doubts remain about his sincerity.
Summary
The Mentat trainees’ traps and swamp defenses hold the Butlerians at bay for six days until Deacon Harian arrives with a thousand reinforcements, amphibious armor, and artillery. The enlarged force surrounds the school, and Manford Torondo issues a one-hour ultimatum demanding unconditional surrender and custody of Anna Corrino.
In private, Gilbertus meets Anna, secures his office, and consults the Erasmus memory core. Anna proposes using herself as a bargaining chip, but Erasmus warns that, isolated on Lampadas, Manford could destroy the school and craft any narrative. Erasmus urges a night escape through the swamps using spy-eyes for guidance.
Gilbertus refuses to abandon the school, insisting the survival of Mentat training outweighs his personal safety. He sweeps aside his chessboard, resolves to save the institution, and, if necessary, accept personal surrender. He entrusts the Erasmus core to Anna, charging her to protect it should anything happen to him.
Gilbertus then addresses the besiegers, urging reason over violence and demanding solemn guarantees before parley. After initial resistance from his followers, Manford promises protection for Gilbertus and, at Gilbertus’s insistence, for the school and its trainees during negotiations.
Despite Zendur’s warning that Manford’s oath may be hollow, Gilbertus accepts these terms as the best available and prepares to negotiate, wagering the future of the school on Manford’s promises.
Who Appears
- Gilbertus AlbansHeadmaster under siege; rejects escape, entrusts Erasmus to Anna, and compels Manford to guarantee safety before negotiating.
- Manford TorondoButlerian leader; issues an ultimatum, then promises protection for negotiations under pressure from Gilbertus.
- Anna CorrinoProtected guest; receives Erasmus’s core and offers herself as bargaining leverage.
- ErasmusIndependent robot in a memory core; urges escape, warns of Manford’s potential deceit.
- Deacon HarianArrives with a thousand reinforcements and heavy equipment, tightening the siege.
- ZendurAdministrator who doubts Manford’s promises and cautions Gilbertus.
- Anari IdahoSwordmaster carrying Manford during the parley approach.