The elder son Sithas is raised expecting to be heir to the throne, while the younger son Kith-Kanan is given the freedom of a second son. Sithas holds strong beliefs in favor of the purity of elven people and thus makes allies of the court aristocrats in Silvanost, while Kith-Kanan feels Silvanesti will require trade with outsiders to forge its future, such as the humans who live in Ergoth.
Firstborn is a novel which takes place in the ancient elf city Silvanost, where Sithel rules all elves as Speaker of the Stars, and becomes a father to twin sons. A prophecy is made on that same night that "They both shall wear crowns" even though the Silvanesti can only have one ruler.