Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
Under orders for safety, Duncan Idaho and Siona divert to Goygoa, the former Jacurutu. There, Duncan confronts his predecessor’s family, including Irti, whose face evokes Jessica. The encounter exposes Siona’s manipulation, her hatred of Leto’s constricting empire, and Leto’s breeding designs for Duncan and Siona. Duncan rejects being used.
Summary
An epigraph from the Stolen Journals declares that humans seek peace yet sow turmoil, and that Leto’s enforced tranquility will be a lasting lesson. At dawn, Fish Speaker captain Inmeir flies Duncan Idaho and Siona from Onn to a “safe place.” Prompted by Siona, Duncan orders a detour to Goygoa, a peaceful village built over the notorious Shuloch/Jacurutu.
Landing, Siona presses for freedom to walk the village without guards. She probes Duncan about Leto’s past and reveals an Oral History of Leto’s lost brides. Duncan senses she is waiting for something. A young boy runs up, recognizes Duncan as not his father, and flees, shocking Duncan with the child’s Idaho features.
Siona admits she brought Duncan to confront his predecessor’s family. She says the previous Duncan entered the Citadel and never emerged. On a side street, Duncan glimpses Irti—his predecessor’s Fish Speaker wife—whose face startles him with a resemblance to Jessica. Irti’s older son, stern and composed, asks Duncan to leave to spare Irti pain. Duncan agrees and rebukes Siona for the manipulation.
Retreating to an orchard hill, they argue about Leto’s empire. Siona calls the village-world a prison and recalls Leto’s words to Moneo: he denies crises and has become the people’s affliction. Duncan remembers ordering a Fish Speaker to kill a Corrino conspirator and questions realities under Leto.
Returning toward quarters, Siona reveals the Fish Speakers will house Duncan and her together because Leto wants them to breed. Idaho refuses, asserting he chooses his own partners, and rejects being Leto’s stud.
Who Appears
- Duncan IdahoGhola commander taken to Goygoa; confronts predecessor’s family; recalls Jessica; rejects Leto’s breeding plan.
- Siona AtreidesArranges detour to Goygoa to confront Duncan with his predecessor’s family; denounces Leto’s oppressive peace.
- InmeirFish Speaker pilot-captain escorting Duncan and Siona to safety; reluctantly diverts to Goygoa.
- IrtiFish Speaker and wife (old rite) of the previous Duncan; her Jessica-like face deeply affects Idaho.
- Irti’s older sonTeenage son of the previous Duncan; firmly asks Idaho to leave to spare his mother pain.
- Irti’s younger sonChild who runs to Duncan, recognizes he is not his father, triggering Duncan’s shock.