Pages 253-305 Summary

Odrade and Tam go to observe some large dunes forming. Bell communicates that the Honored Matres have taken the bait on Buzzell. Odrade suspects Bell's contact with Idaho. Tam warns of a connection between Idaho and Sheeana. Odrade and Sheeana meet upstairs in Sheeana's quarters. Odrade studies the art in Sheeana's rooms. Sheeana, the youngest ever Reverend Mother, hopes to avoid a full confession to Odrade. As Sheeana goes to meet the search team, Odrade wonders what Sheeana is concealing. Sheeana returns announcing a large spice find, and Odrade leaves after confiding several things to Sheeana.

Murbella awakens from a nightmare and Idaho warns that until she learns instinctively to use words as weapons, she will not be admitted to deeper training. The prospect of the Agony frightens Mrbella and Idaho having to cause Teg pain to reawaken him is upsetting...