Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Leto furiously confronts Moneo over Duncan’s continued meetings with Hwi and orders the wedding accelerated, though still after Siona’s test. He instructs Moneo to inquire about a replacement Duncan, revealing rising peril. When Moneo probes whether Leto could truly mate with Hwi, the Worm stirs, forcing Moneo’s fearful retreat.
Rumor and tension spread among the Fish Speakers, sharpening the stakes around Leto’s marriage and Duncan’s defiance.
Summary
In the south tower aerie, Leto tells Moneo that Duncan has disobeyed the order to avoid Hwi Noree. Watching the Sareer, Leto demands the wedding be made as soon as possible, but not before Siona’s test. Moneo reports Hwi’s sympathy for Duncan; Leto insists Duncan is courting her and is especially dangerous in these times.
Pressed for action, Moneo warns that no Tleilaxu replacement is ready; Leto orders him to inquire anyway. Leto admits he cannot speak to or hurt Hwi, exposing his vulnerability. Moneo notes Leto’s unique attitude toward Hwi and, recalling Ghanima, tentatively asks if Leto could truly mate with Hwi.
The question triggers the Worm’s emergence: Leto’s hands twitch, his eyes glaze, and his voice grows distant. Moneo retreats toward the door, promises never to ask about “possibilities” again, and withdraws as heavy thumping begins within the aerie.
At the stair guard post, a wary Fish Speaker questions what disturbed Leto. Moneo deflects, claiming Leto is merely impatient for his marriage, then hurries away, recognizing that Duncan’s defiance and Hwi’s involvement now imperil them all as tensions rise among the Fish Speakers.
Who Appears
- Leto II AtreidesGod Emperor; enraged by Duncan’s defiance, accelerates wedding plans, contemplates replacing Duncan; the Worm stirs when mating is broached.
- MoneoSteward; mediates Leto’s orders, probes Leto’s feelings for Hwi, retreats in fear as the Worm emerges.
- Duncan Idaho (ghola)Offstage but central; disobeys Leto by meeting Hwi, prompting fears and talk of replacement.
- Hwi NoreeOffstage; the focus of Duncan’s attention and Leto’s vulnerability, catalyst for Leto’s crisis.
- Fish Speaker guardYoung sentinel; senses disturbance, presses Moneo for answers, reflecting rising troop tension.