Xenthor sat in the study of his castle alone. He was located on the island of Treptar. He and his companions were the guardians of their world yet none of the inhabitants knew of their existence. Each guardian was also gifted with an orb. Each orb contained either an element or ability to help them protect the world. Their job was mainly to make sure the elements in the world were at peace, to make sure there was a world to wake up to the next morning.

His brown eyes gazed at old books, pages, and journals which all contained the history of his people. His long brown hair fell over his face as he leaned over his desk. It had been several days since he had stepped outside. It had been even longer since he had slept. He wanted to sleep but as leader of the council he was forced to work until the problem was solved. He continued to read as a man wearing a black hooded cloak much like his own walked inside the room. He removed his hood and spoke.

“Sir, they’re growing impatient. They’re demanding an answer.” Xenthor looked up and removed his hood as the man before him had done. “Tell me, Lanchor. Do they doubt my decision merely because it’s taking too long or because you’ve been slowly poisoning their minds?” Lanchor paused a moment and said

“Don’t blame this on me. It’s your own fault. Why can’t you allow us to use them?”

“They’re unnatural, that’s why. If we were meant to do that it would be one of our abilities.”

“Xenthor, use your head. What about the other ones? We use those without hesitation. Besides, someone obviously created them. If it’s unnatural how do you explain their existence? Whoever created the first ones has obviously come back and placed them in front of us. This was meant to happen.”

“Lanchor, I have made my decision. You can go tell the others I will not allow you to use the orbs of time. Tomorrow I will have Drenzil dispose of them”

“Drenzil? He’s not even on the council! Why would you have him do it?”

“Well, for one he’s very strong. He’s also very wise and…”

“Oh, I suppose the fact that he’s your oldest friend has nothing to do with it?” Lanchor interrupted.

“Lanchor, that actually does have something to do with it. I feel I can trust him more than I trust the rest of this council.”

Fine.” Lanchor snapped as he marched out of the study. He slammed the door behind him as he turned right down a long hallway. The floor had black tiles and the walls were made of thick black stone. He walked fast until his walk became a sprint. He was so fast and light no one would have ever known he was there. Finally he stopped at the very end of the passage when he came to a large metal door. He slowly stepped inside the room where the other three council members had been waiting. They said nothing to him as he entered. It was obvious what they wanted to know. Lanchor took a deep breath and spoke.

“Gentlemen and mistress, it seems our leader has finally come up with a decision. He has decided that for the benefit of our people we will not be using the new orbs we have received.”

The older of the two men spoke up. His name was Xandin. He was tall, had brown eyes, sort of a long face, and dark black hair that he had slicked back. “Why not, did he suspect something?”

“I would not be surprised. Despite the fact that he is out numbered on the council those off the council may have over heard things from those who can’t learn to bite their tongues.” Lanchor answered as he glared at the woman standing beside Xandin.

“What, you think this is my fault?” Vexaus asked. Her blue eyes began to water. Lanchor ignored her and continued to speak. “Don’t you three worry one bit. As usual, I will arrange everything. I have a plan. You see tomorrow Drenzil will be disposing of the three new orbs.”

The other male broke into the conversation. His name was Xenchir. He had red eyes, short, messy blonde hair, and he himself was short. Not too short, but shorter than the other men.

“Do you actually plan on intercepting Drenzil? Council member or not, he has the orb of strength. He won’t be defeated easily.”

Lanchor smiled for a moment and said. “Very true, possessing the orb of strength makes him very powerful. Although, I think you forget which orb I control. Did you forget I have the orb of agility? Strength does nothing if you can’t hit your target.”

The others began to smile along with him. “Once we get the orbs of time we will be able to access the ultimate power, the one we’ve always dreamed of, the one that was said to be impossible to obtain.”