An imperial economic command opens the chapter, emphasizing Paul Muad’Dib’s absolute rule over production, income, and energy in his empire. The narrative then follows Paul after the old Fremen guide leaves him in a new Arrakeen suburb near Otheym’s house. Paul recognizes the decay of old Fremen discipline in the wasteful smell of an improperly sealed reclamation still, though a nearby household argument reminds him that some still remember water’s value.

Paul hesitates because the route and destination match his prescient vision, and he knows the scene must unfold precisely. As Paul walks through sand-clogged streets, memories of rain on Caladan contrast painfully with the aridity and power-driven civilization Paul has helped create. At Otheym’s door, Paul encounters Bijaz, a dwarf who was not in Paul’s vision, giving Paul a brief hope that the future may contain exploitable differences.

Inside, Paul finds Otheym gravely ill and impoverished, with his wife Dhuri nearby. Otheym greets Paul as Usul, their old sietch name, and Paul answers as a former comrade and Fedaykin leader. Otheym explains that he contracted a wasting disease after the victory on Tarahell, while Dhuri’s bitterness and the stripped walls reveal the cost of medical care and the family’s decline.

Otheym tells Paul that Fremen are plotting against him. The supposed Lichna who summoned Paul is indirectly exposed as false, because the real Lichna is dead, though Dhuri and Otheym believe she reached Paul safely. Otheym reveals that Bijaz, a Tleilaxu-made human distrans, carries the names of the traitors, and that Otheym’s household has posed as poor sellers of the dwarf so Paul can plausibly leave with him.

Paul realizes that Bijaz’s absence from the vision may reflect another prescient force, not freedom from fate. Bijaz speaks in riddles, recognizes Paul, and describes himself as more than he appears. As Paul delays to preserve the exact sequence of his vision, Bijaz grows increasingly frightened and insists they must leave immediately, revealing a form of “now-sense” that suggests prescient awareness.

Paul hears the final words he expected from Otheym and Dhuri, completing the pattern of the vision. Though Paul is shaken by Otheym’s suffering, Dhuri’s resentment, and the moral price of his choices, Paul accepts the necessity of leaving. Paul departs with Bijaz, who mutters about bygones and calls the day dirty, while Otheym and Dhuri remain behind.