* Leto Atreides has discovered the horrifying truth behind Ix's success, calling House Vernius' true nature into question and possibly spelling the House's demise. * The Harkonnens' deadly influence continues to spread, forcing Duncan Idaho to take drastic measures; Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam to play her trump card with the Baron. * Pardot Kynes forms an alliance with the Freman that will change the course of Dune's history. * Meanwhile, Crown Prince Shaddam and Hasimir Fenring continue unraveling their plot to oust the Emperor Elrood...