Nathaniel, a 12-year-old apprentice magician, summons Bartimaeus of Uruk, a spirit called a djinni, and binds him to his will. Despite his attempts to scare the child, Bartimaeus is forced to follow his directives: He must retrieve the Amulet of Samarkand, an artifact that protects against magical power, from the house of Simon Lovelace, a master magician. Though he tries to warn Nathaniel of his purpose, the boy threatens him with a spell, and Bartimaeus leaves to do his bidding.

Bartimeus makes his way to Simon’s home, complaining about London the entire way. He observes the tight security that Simon has put in place on several different planes of perception; powerful beings like djinn can see all seven of the earth’s overlapping planes. Bound to obey Nathaniel’s command, Bartimaeus transforms into a mole and digs his way to the house.

Bartimaeus transforms into a fly and flies into the house through the window.