Padisah Emperor Shaddam IV and his worst enemy Yaxson Aru circle each other like two seasoned predators, but hesitate to deliver the decisive blow. Duke Leto Atreides has started a dangerous double game, planning to destroy Aru's conspiracy from the inside. But the message to the emperor, which was supposed to be conveyed to Garni Hollik, was not delivered, and the monarch is convinced that the duke has joined the rebels. Lady Jessica, by order of the Bine Gesserit order, is sent to the planet Elegy to carry out a very unpleasant mission there. Remaining on Caladan, Paul is faced with many difficulties and dangers, for it is not easy to rule the Great House in his young years - even with the help of the wise and experienced Safir Hawat. And Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, as usual, weaves sophisticated intrigues, hoping to lure the Atreides family into a cunningly and skillfully laid out network...