table of contents introduction book i : the sons of parganas chapter i : the very beginning chapter ii : of mankind chapter iii : concerning the elves chapter iv : the brothers chapter v : the rise of ilvas chapter vi : the steelsmith chapter vii : the princess and the plan chapter viii : choices already made chapter ix : the longer road from the author about the author introduction there are none who know so well the value of history as do the elves , who , were it not for the might and valor of our own city , would have plunged the whole world under tyranny eternal .