The story "happened long ago in the lowlands of Scotland." The location is real; in fact, the book is dedicated to "Anthony, who now owns the Dragon's Pool." Life in the Tundergarth castle is more earthy than is usual in a medieval romance.

The wooden castle is smoky and dirty.

During winter and when there is a war, farm animals are kept inside and there is a layer of manure on the floor. The dishes are washed only occasionally and the dogs sit by the table waiting for someone to throw them food. The children are unwashed and underfed, but the more well-to-do are not much better off. In spite of these conditions, the overall picture is not dismal, nor does the reader get a sense of suffering; instead, the setting shows an often humorous way of life which contrasts with the modern world.