Otto, the main character of the story, is an innocent twelve-year-old when the most dramatic action of the novel occurs. The son of Baron and Baroness Conrad, Otto has grown up at a monastery, sheltered from the lawless, rough environment at his father's castle.

Baron Conrad, a robber baron, plunders, steals, and wages war for a living.

His gentle wife begs him to give up his thievery, but the Baron, who takes pride in his role as leader, warrior, and provider, refuses her request. When the Baron returns home from a rampage critically wounded, his wife swoons, goes into childbirth, and dies. Although the grief-stricken Baron honors his wife's last request and gives up robbing, he does not forgive his enemy, the Baron Frederick, who injured him, indirectly causing the death of Baroness Conrad.

Baron Conrad later kills Baron Frederick, thus incurring the wrath...