Chapter 9

Sheeana wakes in the priestly complex, surrounded by anxious attendants. Sensing their fear, she labels the gathered priests haram and has them dismissed, keeping only attendants Cania and Alhosa near. Her reaction cements a dynamic of deference and alarm around her.

In the corridor, historian-locutor Dromind links Sheeana’s name to Siona Atreides and urges intense study. High Priest Tuek, eager to elevate Sheeana, moves her into his own quarters. When Dromind presses for tests, Tuek asserts Sheeana’s sanctity and quietly orders Dromind taken into the desert and sacrificed to the worms.

Over time, “Study her” becomes the temple’s rule. Sheeana is pampered, measured for the finest stillsuit, and given new robes. She calls up street children as playmates, while the priesthood scrutinizes every interaction. Sheeana gradually recognizes her power to command and manipulates her environment, even as she withholds the truth of Shaitan’s destruction of her village.

Sheeana reduces her desert excursions, concluding the mystery of Shaitan’s forbearance will not be solved on open sand. Meanwhile, Bene Gesserit observers report steadily. Taraza, convinced Sheeana is the long-awaited figure, orders continued surveillance and protection, delaying intervention until the proper moment.