Duncan Idaho wakes in a spacious, modern room in Tuono, finding Siona absorbed in reading the stolen journals of Leto. The room's luxurious amenities, including a large bath and plastic desk, sharply contrast with Duncan’s memories of traditional Fremen austerity on Dune. Outside, an old man tends flowers in a protected garden, a scene that strikes Duncan as alien to true Fremen culture. Siona remains silent about her reading material, leaving Duncan to grapple with his intense jealousy regarding Hwi.
The silence is interrupted when Teishar, an aide to Garun, enters the room with news that stuns them both. Teishar announces that the God Emperor Leto will travel to Tuono to be wed in the ancient Fremen way. Consumed by anger and jealousy, Duncan glares at the messenger before Teishar quickly departs. Sensing the need for distraction, Siona begins reading a passage from the journals aloud, noting Leto's cynical views on governance, leadership, and the necessity of delegating dirty work.
The reading sparks a discussion between the two about Leto's tactics, their recent disastrous raid, and the brutal realities of facing the Emperor's wolves. Duncan criticizes Siona's leadership for the heavy casualties sustained during the theft, prompting a defensive response from Siona regarding the impossibility of fighting the beasts without proper preparation. Their conversation shifts to the nature of Leto's regime as they read further into the crystal paper volumes, examining the spiritual tension and cynicism woven into the fabric of the Empire.
Recognizing the impending arrival of the God Emperor, the two begin formulating a desperate plan to confront him. Despite lacking adequate arms and knowing the limitations of conventional weapons against Leto, Duncan insists on exploring their options. He suggests questioning Nayla about using her lasgun against the Emperor's transport, resolving to eliminate her if she refuses. As Siona prepares to leave and seek out information on how Leto will travel along the Royal Road, they reflect on the strange nature of their host Garun and the fading ideals of the ancient Fremen.