In ancient times, there was an Arab land where comely and perfectly formed 14-year-old boys were prized by men of the bazaar and temple priests alike who vied to cover such a boy during his 14th year. Karim, the son of the wood merchant, has reached 14 and is among the most comely boys in the kingdom. He is placed in a wine shop to be initiated and serve out his 14th year under men, but there are those in the palace who want to have the say in his initiation and training.