Great Schools of Dune, #2
Mentats of Dune
by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Contents
Chapter 31 (Humans never stop looking)
Overview
Tula completes accelerated Sisterhood training under Valya’s guidance and proves combat-capable and adept at manipulation. The Harkonnen sisters reaffirm their plan to target the Atreides. Tula formally departs the Sisterhood with Raquella’s guarded approval, while Raquella subtly signals Valya as likely successor, raising stakes for internal Sisterhood politics.
Summary
On Wallach IX, Tula dedicates herself to months of intense Sisterhood training, striving to master techniques as quickly as possible. Valya observes Tula’s transformation from shyness to focused confidence and measures her progress in combat drills, seduction arts, and self-control.
Privately, Valya and Tula reinforce their shared vendetta against the Atreides. Valya hones Tula’s allure and tactical deception with the explicit goal of deploying Tula to ensnare a young Atreides on Caladan. When Tula consistently challenges Valya in sparring, Valya judges her ready.
They meet Mother Superior Raquella, where Tula—carefully projecting meekness—requests to leave the Sisterhood, citing obligations to House Harkonnen and threats from House Bushnell. Raquella discerns omissions but acknowledges the necessity of a clear choice between Sisterhood identity and House loyalty.
Raquella permits Tula’s departure and advises wholehearted commitment if she returns, hinting that any such decision would fall to the next Mother Superior. This glance toward Valya suggests Raquella views Valya as her likely successor, startling Valya and elevating her internal standing.
As they part, Valya recognizes that Tula departs not only with new skills but also with knowledge from the breeding index, including Atreides descendant locations—crucial intelligence for their planned strike against the Atreides.
Who Appears
- Tula HarkonnenAccelerates training on Wallach IX, proves adept at combat and seduction, then leaves the Sisterhood to pursue a mission against the Atreides.
- Valya HarkonnenGuides and tests Tula, plans Atreides vengeance, recognizes Tula is ready, and perceives Raquella’s hint she may be successor.
- Mother Superior Raquella Berto-AnirulApproves Tula’s departure despite doubts, emphasizes commitment, and subtly signals Valya as potential next Mother Superior.