In a Swiss village, the compassionate Romeo catches the eye of the sinister Luini, a child trafficker known as 'The God of Death.' When Luini sets fire to Romeo's family's cornfield to claim him, Romeo sacrifices his freedom to save his injured father, selling himself to the notorious man. En route to Milan, he befriends Alfredo Martini, who later gets separated. Pledging enduring loyalty, they endure harsh conditions as chimney sweeps, enduring mistreatment from their masters and a ruthless gang, the Wolf Pack. Reunited, Romeo and Alfredo establish 'The Black Brothers,' a unity of sweeps combating the Wolf Pack's tyranny and offering mutual support in their struggles.