When Zet's father left home to fight the Hyksos, his only option was to leave siblings Zet and Kat in charge. It turns out keeping food on the table is easier said than done. The once popular family market stall is empty - except for the dizzy array of unsold pottery. It seems adults don't approve of two children running the place. Back home, Zet and Kat's cupboards are growing bare. They need a solution and they need it now.

One day, Zet spots a thief running through their market square. The thief is clutching a mysterious scroll, and chasing him are three well-armed medjay police. When the thief gets away, the medjay announce a reward for the man's capture.

Zet jumps at the chance. The medjay, however, laugh at him. How can a 12-year-old capture a criminal?

Zet cares little what they think. Braving the city's mysterious alleys - and a dangerous thief - are a small price to pay to save his family. Kat reluctantly agrees.

The siblings soon set off on a dangerous investigation - an investigation that brings them into forbidden temples, into chapels whispering with the voices of ancient gods, drawing them ever closer to a frightening truth that threatens to crush their family forever.