The Story of the Amulet · Chapter
VII: “The Deepest Dungeon Below the Castle Moat” explained
The children attend the Queen of Babylon's public justice session, then enjoy a banquet and perform songs for the court.
What happens
The children attend the Queen of Babylon's public justice session, then enjoy a banquet and perform songs for the court. Robert rashly asks the King for the half of the Amulet bearing the name Ur Hekau Setcheh, causing everyone to fall prostrate.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene marks the dramatic climax because Cyril articulates the central crisis—that searching the Past for…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Wish Fulfillment and Consequences
Robert's impulsive request for the Amulet half leads to a dramatic reaction from the court.
- Friendship and Cooperation
The children work together to sing and entertain the court, despite missing Jane and the Psammead.
Characters to notice
- Anthea
Discusses scales and singing with the Queen; worries about Jane and the Psammead.
- Cyril
Interrupts the Queen's justice to question her logic; suggests enjoying the banquet despite worries.
- Robert
Excitedly asks the King for the half of the Amulet with the name Ur Hekau Setcheh.
- Jane
Missing; separated from the group with the Psammead after the guard's child was bitten.
- The Psammead
Missing with Jane; bit the guard's child and fled.
- The Babylonian Queen
Holds public justice, hosts the children, and tells the story of the foreign bride.
- Ritti-Marduk
Reports that Jane and the Psammead are missing; police have a clue.
Key passages
“The Queen threw three of the red and gold embroidered cushions off the throne on to the marble steps that led up to it. “Just make yourselves comfortable there,” she said. “I’m simply dying to talk to you, and to hear all about your wonderful country and how you got here, and everything, but I have to do justice every morning. Such a bore, isn’t it?””
The Queen makes the children comfortable on the throne steps and expresses eagerness to chat, but explains she must first hold her daily justice sessions.
The Queen's informal and friendly demeanor is established.
““Give us the half of the Amulet that has on it the name Ur Hekau Setcheh,” he said, adding as an afterthought, “O King, live-forever.” As he spoke the great name those in the pillared hall fell on their faces, and lay still.”
Robert boldly asks the King for the specific half of the Amulet, and uttering the sacred name causes everyone in the hall to prostrate themselves.
The power of the Amulet's name is demonstrated.
