TWENTY-ONE YEARS AFTER CHAPTERHOUSE

I have often wondered why Moneo has yet to conspire with a Duncan against me; I certainly have given him more than enough reason over the long years of his service. The "Pull my flipper" routine itself must wear on his nerves...seeing how I use it almost daily. Could it be perhaps that he finds the inevitable blast of oxygen invigorating?

—Leto II, The Hidden Journals

The Sand Chigger sat in his study in the tastefully appointed rooms he shared with the Chigger Bint and their progeny on the south side of Sietch Tigr, trying to decide what to do next....

It had been many years since he had tasted the heady elixir of battle juice, and he feared he might not be up to the task. This New Enemy was devious and powerful, and had gained much support throughout the Million Worlds. It would not be an easy fight.

But fortune favors the bold, he reminded himself. He sat up straight on the miniature chairpoodle and, knocking a wayward glowglobe out of the way, began to type again....