The epigraph explains that, when Paul Atreides first rode through Arrakeen with his family, some locals called out “Mahdi” as a hopeful question. Their attention also rested on Jessica because she was known to be Bene Gesserit, fitting part of their expectation of a prophetic figure from outside their world.

Duke Leto finds Thufir Hawat in a quiet room near newly installed communications equipment. Leto proposes attacking secret Harkonnen spice stockpiles, possibly even on Giedi Prime, because destroying what the Baron cannot openly admit to owning could embarrass the Harkonnens without giving them clear grounds for protest. Leto then reassures Hawat of his trust and shares Paul’s reports about possible traitors.

Hawat reveals the matter he has withheld: a damaged Harkonnen message under the Baron’s seal says Leto will be struck “from a beloved hand.” Hawat believes the fragment may point to Lady Jessica. Leto reacts with anger and disbelief, arguing that Jessica has had years to kill him and would not endanger Paul, but Hawat insists that the Harkonnens may be aiming for psychological destruction rather than simple murder.

Leto concludes that the note may itself be designed to make Leto suspect the woman Leto loves, but Leto allows Hawat to arrange discreet surveillance. Hawat suggests Duncan Idaho would be ideal and mentions possibly alerting Dr. Yueh, and Leto leaves the decision in Hawat’s hands. Before Leto departs, Hawat adds that Fremen shouts of “Mahdi” refer to Paul and come from a messianic prophecy about the child of a Bene Gesserit who will lead the Fremen to freedom.

Afterward, Leto walks alone through the palace, finds Paul asleep in the dark conference room, and goes to a balcony overlooking the landing field. Watching dawn break over Arrakis, Leto’s anger at the Harkonnens hardens into a resolve to make his stand on this planet. The morning’s beauty briefly lets him imagine Arrakis as a home for Paul, but the sight of workers collecting dew reminds him that water is desperately scarce and that the planet remains both beautiful and cruel.