In her seven years of life Molly has had no guidance; she is crude and harsh with no evidence of manners. Everything she knows she has learned from the streets. Only now that she is old enough does her father notice her and quickly sends her to the castle to labor for the King. Her mother is unstable and kept behind locked doors. Molly sees her before her father takes her away and it is then that her mother realizes that Molly has visions. Like many mothers she gives her daughter advice but also a special silver chain to aid her in times of need.
At the castle Molly befriends donkey boy who teaches her about expected behavior in the castle. She must never look any of the royalty directly in the eye but instead look down. He explains that servants are as "common as lice and just as interesting". Changes are coming for Molly when she improves her position and is put in charge of polishing the king's precious ceremonial bowl.
