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.
The upbringing of the two sons leads to differing views on succession. Sithas is raised expecting to be king, while Kith-Kanan is given more freedom and develops a vision for Silvanesti's future that involves cooperation with outsiders, including the humans living in Ergoth.