50.
Idaho leans close to Leto and whispers urgently:
IDAHO
A crysknife. Sacred to his people.LETO
Let him pass!Stilgar enters. He is followed by two Fremen warriors: a man
and a woman. Both lean, dark, and poised as dancers.
Paul is fascinated: here is a Fremen leader, a warrior.
Stilgar’s eyes touch on Paul as well: son of the Bene
Gesserit, who some call the Lisan al-Gaib.
LETO (CONT'D)
Stilgar. Welcome. I respect the
personal dignity of any man who
respects mine.Stilgar bends over and spits on the table. A gasp of outrage.
Gurney leaps up snarling, a hand on his sword.
IDAHO
HOLD!
(to Stilgar, cordially)
Thank you, Stilgar, for the gift of
your body’s moisture. We accept it
in the spirit in which it is given.And he spits on the table in his own turn. Duke Leto looks at
Stilgar and Duncan, and spits on the table with a wry look.
LETO
Diplomacy!The Atreides officers chuckle -- but not Stilgar.
LETO (CONT'D)
I’m glad you’ve come. I think your
people and mine have much to offer
one another.Stilgar looks back at him without warmth.
STILGAR
You are Outworlders, come for the
spice. You take it, giving nothing
in return.Paul stares at Stilgar, moved by his words.
PAUL
It’s true.