In the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, 12-year-old Ranofer works as a lowly porter in the goldhouse run by kindly Rekh, the goldsmith. Ranofer is the son of Thutra, a renowned goldsmith who taught him many of his advanced techniques before his death ten months ago. Before Thutra’s death, he was on track to be apprenticed to Zau, the city’s master goldsmith. Ranofer loved learning goldwork in Thutra’s workshop and even learned to read a little bit. Now, Ranofer’s life is horrible. He lives with his half-brother, Gebu, a stonecutter who beats and starves him. Gebu refuses to apprentice him to Rekh to learn more about goldwork. Instead, all Ranofer can do as a hireling are basic tasks like washing the gold sweepings and pouring ingots. He is bitter and resentful toward Gebu. Ranofer has few friends. The new apprentice Heqet is near Ranofer’s age and makes friendly overtures but asks too many questions about things Ranofer does not want to think about.

Ranofer distrusts the unctuous Babylonian porter, Ibni, who asks him to deliver full wineskins to Gebu. Ranofer does not understand why; he knows Gebu pours out the wine without drinking it.