Moneo expresses frustration over their sudden departure from the Citadel as Leto and Hwi Noree prepare for a lengthy journey across the landscape. The caravan includes a procession of courtiers in brilliant attire and anxious Fish Speakers who are forbidden from carrying lasguns. As the party moves out, Leto reflects on Moneo's internal struggles, noting that the majordomo is burdened by the painful realization of time, mortality, and his inability to live in the past, present, or future simultaneously. Leto observes that Moneo mistakenly believes the God Emperor's vast ancestral memories hold the key to personal freedom.
During the grueling ascent along the Sareer perimeter wall, Leto and Hwi engage in a profound conversation regarding souls, history, and humanity's relationship with technology. Hwi challenges Leto's reluctance to share his inner self and recounts her uncle Malky's perspective on Leto as a master prober of souls. When Hwi inquires about Malky, Leto reveals his past conflict with him, explaining that he once warned Malky about dangerous inventions. Malky responded that humanity will invent anything in any world, teaching Leto that history is an endless race between invention and catastrophe where education alone is never enough and one must constantly run.
As the journey continues, Hwi pierces through Leto's emotional armor with deep insight, perceiving that he lives in the delicate intersection between the fear of being and the love of being. She recognizes him as a mystic driven entirely by love and faith in life. Moved profoundly by her words and touch, Leto experiences an emotional release as tears burn his cowl, and he finally accepts her offer to share his soul.