The Golden Goblet

Gebu visits the shop more frequently during harvest season, so Ranofer leaves during the noon break to escape Gebu and Pai. Walking down the Street of Goldsmiths, which he usually avoids because his desire to be a goldsmith is so painful, he runs into Heqet. At first, Ranofer is self-conscious, but Heqet’s jokes make him smile. The two friends agree to meet after work. They find a secluded nook in a cool thicket by the river, and Heqet urges Ranofer to tell him everything that has happened. He realizes that confiding in Heqet lightens his spirits. Heqet offers to teach Ranofer what he learns each day in the shop. Ranofer agrees but worries he will be embarrassed by not having food to share for their midday meal.

The boys meet at lunch. Ranofer has little to share but a lotus root. Heqet has a hearty lunch, and he offers to trade his food for the lotus root. Ranofer is furious at what he sees as Heqet’s pity, while easygoing Heqet is frustrated by Ranofer’s pride. Their fight is interrupted by the Ancient and his donkey: The boys’ nook is where the Ancient stops for a midday break so he and Lotus can rest.