Contents
Chapter 28
Overview
Odrade rides a great worm across the Sareer with Sheeana and the gloating Waff while priests shadow them in 'thopters. Through a tense recall of Dar-es-Balat, Odrade intimidates Priest Albertus into enforcing full priestly obedience to the Bene Gesserit and Sheeana, even lying that Sheeana wanted Waff included.
The chapter consolidates Bene Gesserit control over the Rakian priesthood and underscores growing friction with Waff as the party heads toward the Tyrant’s barrier wall.
Summary
As the sun drops westward over the Sareer, Odrade, Sheeana, and Waff ride a tireless worm toward the remnant mounds of the Tyrant’s barrier wall. Waff repeatedly gloats that God will judge them, needling Odrade, who parries him with Shariat cant to stir his doubts. Priestly 'thopters pace them overhead, confirming they are being watched.
Odrade’s thoughts range across memories of Fremen riders and recent questions about the worm’s chosen direction. She reflects on Rakian habits—people hiding from heat while worms surface—and on the priests’ reliance on moats and surveillance to feel safe.
A flashback to Dar-es-Balat reveals Odrade’s calculated confrontation with the city’s senior priest, Albertus. Surrounded by hidden watchers and potential assassins, she reads his weaknesses and fears, accusing him of plotting against the Bene Gesserit and of resenting their control of Sheeana and involvement with the Tleilaxu. Exploiting religious paradox—“God knows!”—she breaks his will without using Voice.
Pressed, Albertus admits priestly feelings of deprivation and anxiety about the Tleilaxu. Odrade lies that Sheeana wishes Waff to accompany them, then commands Albertus to carry her warning: absolute obedience to her and to Sheeana is essential to the survival of Rakis and the priesthood. She sends him away deliberately terrified, trusting the spread of “directed hysteria” to enforce compliance as their desert journey continues under priestly scrutiny.
Who Appears
- Darwi OdradeReverend Mother leading the desert venture; manipulates Albertus to secure priestly obedience and manages Waff’s zealotry.
- AlbertusSenior priest of Dar-es-Balat; intimidated into enforcing obedience to Odrade and Sheeana despite hidden assassins nearby.
- WaffTleilaxu Master riding with Odrade; gloats about divine judgment, provoking tension and doubt.
- SheeanaYoung Rakian who commands worms; silent centerpiece of power used by Odrade to dominate the priesthood.
- Priests of Rakis’Thopter-borne watchers shadowing the worm ride; their fear is harnessed to ensure submission.
- Mother Superior TarazaVoice of the epigraph, framing Bene Gesserit caution about belief and reality.