The year is 1568, in a country called Berbrano. In berbrano, there is a caste system. 'Dols' at the very bottom. 'Borje' being the middle class. And the 'Amtebelo(s)' being the rulers of the land. The head family of the amtebelos are the rulers of berbrano and they are very oppressive.
Tomas is the child of vesana, the ruler of berbrano. Tomas actually doesn't like the caste system, is known for being nice to lower castes, despite his parents dismay.