Chapter 885 Leader’s Declaration!
Such a successful retreat has pushed the Fremen's belief in Muad'Dib to a new peak like a surging tide.
However, in this wave of fanatical worship, the perceptive Paul vaguely sensed that a dangerous atmosphere that was gradually out of control was quietly spreading.
As the Fremen's admiration for him grew deeper and deeper, some glorious deeds that should not have belonged to him were inexplicably imposed on him.
It seems that every victory and every miracle have become an immortal symbol of his divinity.
Now, those fanatical believers even proposed that Paul kill Stilger and ascend to the throne of the tribal leader in a legitimate way.
Because on this extremely harsh planet of Arrax, if someone wants to successfully obtain the supreme leadership power of a tribe, then the successor must put the previous leader to death in the challenge.
This is undoubtedly a cruel tradition formed by the Fremen in order to snatch extremely limited survival resources over a long period of time. It is also a true portrayal of the bloody struggles and tragic conflicts that are difficult to avoid in their daily lives.
This barbaric rule ruthlessly magnifies the dark side of cruelty and bloodlust in human nature, making the entire Fremen society remain in the primitive tribal form for a long time and unable to move forward.
In this fanatical belief atmosphere that is almost out of control like a wildfire, Paul gradually captured the huge shadow of the prophecy of the holy war,
which is spreading like a plague, gradually eroding the hearts and souls of the Fremen people.
Faced with this situation, Paul is determined to play his position and strong influence as a religious leader, correctly guide these crazy people,
lead them out of this dark and confused abyss, and step back on a golden path full of light and hope.
So he summoned all the Fremen to prepare for an unprecedented public speech,
the news spread quickly like wildfire, people put down their work, gathered from all directions, and formed a surging flow of people.
As the crowd gradually gathered together, the noise filled the entire underground space.
Paul walked through the noisy crowd and climbed onto the high platform.
Standing on the high ground, he looked down at the restless crowd below, and countless pairs of eyes stared at him, full of expectation and admiration.
At this time, a shout suddenly came from the crowd: "Do you want to challenge him?"
Then, another voice shouted: "Muad'dib, now is the time, otherwise they will think you are a coward!"
Hearing these words, Paul straightened up suddenly and responded with a voice as loud as thunder:
"Who dares to say I am a coward?"
At this moment, his eyes were like torches, burning with anger and determination, scanning the eager faces below the stage.
After a pause, Paul raised his voice slightly and continued:
"You think the time is ripe now, and think I should challenge Stilgar to seize the leadership of the army.
Do you think Lisan Al Geb, the savior of the Fremen, would be so stupid?
What is our real goal?
It is to overthrow the cruel and merciless Harkonnen warlord, rebuild our ravaged homeland,
and turn this barren land into a paradise with abundant water and green grass, so that our relatives and tribes can live and work in peace and lead a happy life!"
"Difficult tasks often require great leaders with indomitable will and determination to lead us forward. You must pass the test!"
The Fremen below retorted loudly and emotionally.
For these Fremen with extremely firm beliefs, the traditional concepts deep in their hearts have long been deeply rooted.
In their eyes, the inheritance ceremony of the leader has a supreme status, and its importance is unquestionable and must not be shaken, even if it is the savior.
"Will you break your own blades before the battle begins?"
Paul looked at the restless people in front of him with a sharp gaze, and then shouted:
"No one here, including Stilger, can defeat me in a duel. If anyone wants to try, just come up~"
Paul took the lead in emphasizing his powerful force, and the noisy and opposing crowd gradually quieted down.
Then Paul reached into his pocket and took out a ring.
Then, he raised the ring high above his head so that everyone could see it clearly, demonstrating his authority:
"This is my father's duke's seal. I swore that I would never wear it until I was ready to lead my army across the entire Arrax and declare it my legal territory~"
"Who is the ruler here?
It's me. I rule every inch of Arrax. It is my duke's fiefdom, whether the emperor says yes~ or no~"
When all the Fremen had nothing to say, Paul began to promise huge benefits:
"When I take back the ruling power that should belong to me, some people here will have an important position in Arrax, and Stilgar is one of them.
I don't want to bribe him, nor out of gratitude, although I owe him a life-saving grace like many people.
For nothing else, just because of his wisdom and strength,
Because he led the army with his wisdom, not just discipline, would I weaken my own strength when I needed talents the most?
I am your ruler, and I want to tell you: it is time to stop killing each other.
Stop killing our best warriors, we must unite and point our blades at our real enemies, the Harkonnens.
"
……
……
As this shocking speech came to an end, thunderous applause and cheers broke out at the scene.
Then, Paul imitated his father and was awarded the medal by Stilger.
Stilger knelt on his knees with respect, slowly stretched out his hands, and solemnly took the crystal dagger that symbolized honor and power from Paul's hands.
Stilger stared at Paul firmly, and swore in a loud and excited voice:
"I, Stilger, at this solemn moment, take this sacred crystal dagger from my duke, the great Paul!
From now on, wherever my duke points, my sharp blade will cut!
As long as there is blood flowing in my veins, my sword will always belong to my Duke!
I swear on my life that I will fight to the death to destroy all enemies who threaten the Duke's safety! "