Jessica waits in her sietch chamber while Paul undergoes his sandrider test, aware that the others have tried to hide the timing from her. She reflects on the Fremen way of life, the danger Paul faces, the growing success of Fremen raids against the Harkonnens, and the long wait still required before any open attempt to seize Arrakis from Rabban.

Harah arrives with Alia, upset because Alia watched Subiay give birth, touched the newborn, and stopped the baby from crying. Harah explains that the incident has renewed muttering among the people about Alia’s unnatural maturity, her knowledge of old memories, and her Bene Gesserit exercises. Jessica recognizes that Alia’s condition still frightens the tribe because Alia awakened before birth during Jessica’s Water of Life ordeal.

Harah reveals that she understands more than Jessica expected and that she has protected Alia out of love. Alia decides that they need Harah to explain the truth to the people, and Harah agrees to tell them that Alia has never truly been a normal little girl. Alia describes awakening in the womb, sensing Jessica, and then receiving the old Reverend Mother’s memories during the spice transformation, a revelation that confirms both her power and her isolation.

The women pause for the ritual remembrance of the Fremen slave raids, reciting the inherited grief of Bela Tegeuse and ending with Harah’s fierce declaration that the Fremen will never forgive or forget. Immediately afterward, Tharthar enters with alarming news: young Fremen men know Paul is taking his worm-riding test and are forming a northern raid. They intend to force Paul, after his success, to challenge Stilgar for leadership of the tribes.

Jessica realizes that Fremen impatience has reached a dangerous point; Paul’s training and victories have made the young warriors hungry for open action. Because the Reverend Mother cannot intervene in the succession, Alia leaves with Tharthar to listen and look for another way. Harah stays with Jessica and argues that Paul killing Stilgar would weaken the tribe despite being the traditional path, then hints that Chani herself may support whatever political arrangement best serves Paul.