Chapter 13

In a secluded sietch alcove, Leto and Ghanima debate a dangerous mental “consultation” using their ancestral memories to seek protection from possession. Speaking in an ancient private tongue, they agree to proceed, with Ghanima singing Chani’s song to ease Leto into Paul’s persona.

Leto slips into Paul’s imprint, who confirms that his last vision has not yet occurred, that Jacurutu figured in his fate, and that Alia has failed. Paul insists the Golden Path is the only viable future and warns that precise, power-loving ancestors are strongest threats within. Leto resists the lure of spice-born prescience, vowing not to become a trapped oracle.

Ghanima, embodying Chani, is nearly possessed until Leto forces withdrawal using a harsh echo of Voice. After hours of struggle, Chani’s imprint releases her. The twins share what they learned: Jessica may have returned to Bene Gesserit priorities; the Sisterhood could abandon or breed them, including the abhorrent option of mating the twins, which they reject.

At dawn, they pledge to the Golden Path and form a delicate plan: one will “accompany the other into deathliness,” with realistic mourning and even a tomb—“funeral murder”—so convincing that a single misstep would destroy the design. They resolve to take what they need rather than submit to Alia’s Regency, noting Alia’s foul “odor” of corruption.

Ghanima senses Leto hides parts of his vision. He recounts a recurring dream of being the sun casting a Golden Path, then a stick figure with a living scepter and invisible armor granting immense strength. Leto argues they “ride with” their inner lives rather than resist them, avoiding Alia’s fate, and anticipates tests in the desert and a perilous Trial of Possession.

They reject telling Jessica everything, fearing Bene Gesserit manipulation; they refuse incest as a solution and dismiss assassinating Alia as futile and traceable. Ghanima ultimately accepts Leto’s plan, while Leto grimly wonders what moral stain it will leave.