Chapter 15

Leto’s cortege descends toward the Idaho River bridge. He confirms the Bene Gesserit were denied an Arrakis embassy, then delivers Moneo a harsh lesson on “rhetorical despotism,” warning how religious power bases breed hypocrisy, witch hunts, and zealots. Moneo watches anxiously as signs of the Worm intensify.

Turning to spice politics, Leto reverses course on announcing allotments, instructing Moneo to delay and draw out higher bribes. He asks if House Corrino has bribed Moneo, then commands Duncan Idaho to kill the Corrino—both to test this Duncan and to demonstrate that melange can also shorten lives.

Leto’s memories shift to his secret melange cavern and his long plan: to return to the sand, seed hybrid sandtrout, drain surface water, and restore Arrakis to desert within centuries. He predicts famine and culling, but insists the alternatives are worse, promising a new, more cunning sandworm and perilous spice.

Discussing Siona, Leto values her unpredictability and hints she may love a companion not chosen for breeding. The Worm side surges; Leto warns that in such states he merely observes reactions that could kill without choice. Pressed for insight, Moneo argues Leto does not fear the unknown because his memories once held all things as unknown.

Pleased, Leto grants a boon. Moneo asks to bring Siona back to the Citadel; Leto agrees, though it will hasten her testing. Calmed, Moneo resumes the descent but dreads the approaching Museum Fremen petition, fearing it could reignite Leto’s dangerous mood.