Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Odrade escorts Waff and Sheeana into the desert to test Waff and publicly demonstrate Sheeana’s command of a worm. Sheeana summons a giant and takes Odrade and Waff riding, deepening Waff’s awe. Odrade’s Other Memories warn of the site where Leto II fell, and the worm heads there of its own accord.
Summary
Odrade, wary of a fragile three-way alignment on Rakis, leads Sheeana and the injured but compliant Waff from Dar-es-Balat toward the desert for a demonstration sanctioned by Taraza. Odrade studies Waff’s reverent fear of Sheeana, recognizing his Great Belief and the Tleilaxu ambition for ascendancy, while noting the risks posed by priestly intrigues and missing allies.
As they cross the causeway, Odrade is seized by an Other Memory warning tied to the ancient bridge over the Idaho River, where Leto II fell and the Tyrant’s dream began. Sheeana presses onward, sensing a worm, and draws them into a rocky avenue exposed by storm-scoured dunes. Overhead, ornithopters circle, amplifying the stakes.
Responding to Sheeana’s dance and calls, a giant worm crests a dune and lowers its burning mouth close to them. Waff kneels in awe. Odrade, cataloging sensory details and risks, joins Sheeana as the girl demonstrates control, then orders the worm to take riders. The three mount by lifting the leading edges of the rings.
After a tense pause the worm surges into motion, heading away from Dar-es-Balat. Odrade fears ambush from watchers but is drawn to a realization as the course aligns with the fallen stones marking the Tyrant’s bridge site. She understands the warning: the worms are drawn to the origin of Leto II’s endless dream, and Sheeana has not steered them— the worm goes there by its own will.
Who Appears
- Mother Superior Darwi OdradeBene Gesserit leader guiding a risky desert demonstration; studies Waff’s faith, senses a warning tied to Leto II’s fall.
- SheeanaYoung Rakian who summons and controls a worm; leads Odrade and Waff to ride it toward the Tyrant’s bridge site.
- Tleilaxu Master WaffFanatical envoy in awe of Sheeana; joins the ride, his faith and alliance prospects reshaped by the demonstration.