Hunters of Dune – Entry #1

     Hunters of Dune begins with a good summary of what has transpired over the past 1500 years since Leto II was transformed back to sand trout by Siona Atreides.  It is provided as the very first chapter starter and is indicated to be from the Guild Bank Records, Gammu Branch.  Recall that Gammu is what once was Geidi Prime, planet home of House Harkonnen.  Gammu is also where the current ghola of Duncan Idaho was reawakened to his memories and where he and Murbella bonded to each other.  It is worth including it, so here it is ...

Following the 3,500-year reign of the Tyrant Leto II, an empire was left to fend for itself.  During the Famine Times and the subsequent Scattering, the remnants of the human race cast themselves far into the wilderness of space.  They fled to unknown realms where they sought riches and safety, to no avail.  For fifteen hundred years these survivors and their descendants endured terrible hardships, a whole reorganization of humanity.
     Stripped of its energy and resources, the ancient government of the Old Empire fell away.  New power groups took root and grew strong, but never again would humans allow themselves to depend upon a monolithic leader or a key, finite substance.  Single points of failure.
     Some say the Scattering was Leto II's Golden Path, a crucible in which to strengthen the human race forever, to teach us a lesson we could not forget.  But how could one man -- even a man-god who was partially a sandworm -- willingly inflict such suffering upon his children?  Now that descendants of the Lost Ones are returning from the Scattering, we can only imagine the true horrors our brothers and sisters faced out there.

--Guild Bank Records, Gammu Branch

(Hunters of Dune, p. 1)

     Although I am excited about reaching what could be seen as the home stretch, it is an odd sensation switching back to Brian Herbert's writing after just finishing Chapterhouse: Dune.  The son's writing is by far more direct, easier reading, and less hidden meanings.  However, the language is not as rich even though the meaning more plain.