Author's Note: These are fairly short chapters, I know. Just bare with me. This is really the bulk of the backstory here and we'll be getting back to the main event soon. Comments – both negative and positive – are always appreciated.

Chapter Four: "The Council of Elders"

The rise of He-Ro was heralded by an amazing event on Eternia. A visitor from another world crash landed on the planet. His name was Hordak and with his ship destroyed, he sought guidance on his new homeworld. He was brought into the Council of Elders as an apprentice and worked with them in constructing the massive Great Towers. It was from the Great Towers that the Council of Elders sought to bring peace to the world torn apart by war.

But war was brewing anew.

Snake Mountain, which was Serpos' body, was filled with the activity of the Snake-Men. King Hiss, master of the Snake-Men unleashed his first assault upon the city that was called Eternos. The residents of Eternos were the descendants of King Grayskull and the united clans. King Tarvan was killed in the attack, though is heir was declared dead, the boy was in fact hidden among the people. The Elders helped save Eternos that dark day, but Eternos was without a king.

King Hiss rebuilt his army at Snake Mountain and fifteen years time, prepared a new attack. By this time, the hidden heir was ready and King Gray was brought forth. More than that, it was decided that the boy needed to be far more than just King – he needed to be a champion of Grayskull. The Sorceress at the time – Loriana – brought Gray to the Hall of Secrets. It was in the Hall of Secrets that the four blades of Grayskull and the Staff of Power sat, along with gifts from the Ancients.

Young King Grayskull chose the Staff of Power. With its power, he became the mighty He-Ro, a champion of Grayskull. He was given great strength in a mature body, and the mastery of the elements. He-Ro assembled warriors known as the Light Warriors and they clashed with the Snake-Men and defeated them.

However, this upset the balance of Good and Evil on Eternia. Zodak returned to the world to see to it that it was restored. He gave to King Hiss the ability to augment beasts and creatures with technology. This increased the strength of the Snake-Men and the war between Eternos and the Elders against the Snake-Men escalated. Hiss had even managed to kill the Sorceress of Grayskull, forcing her to be replaced by Kodac Ungll.

Both Adam and Adora were familiar with the story up to this point. They had in fact wondered just how Hiss had received the technology. What they did not know was what happened after they had left this era during their time traveling adventure . . .

Eldor walked into the Evergreen Forest three weeks after He-Man and She-Ra had returned to their own time. He came alone, despite representing the entire Council of Elders. As he neared his destination, one of his companions spoke. The mighty Skytree, oldest of all creatures on Eternia, addressed Eldor.

"I know why it is you have come," Skytree told the old wizard.

"I believe we have no choice," Eldor replied.

"The affairs of Mankind are not mine to meddle with, wise one," Skytree replied. "Master trusted me, and so I trust you."

"I do not care for the subject of this gathering," came the voice of Shorn. The Elf-King of Dellos arrived in short order. "Technology is untrustworthy. Master was right to condemn it."

"I agree," came a voice from above. Granamyr landed next to them all. "You are foolish to trust in it."

"These are desperate times. We were barely able to hold the Great Towers only three weeks ago. King Hiss has technology. It has increased the ferocity of his creatures. He is far greater a foe than before," Eldor explained. "We do not have a choice."

"There is always a choice," Shorn stated. "Always."

"And what would you have me to, Shorn? Stand aside while Hiss conquers the Great Towers and Eternos. You will not aide me. Granamyr helped, but his pride has stopped him from doing so again."

"Your people insulted us!" Granamyr shouted.

"We were unable to repay, Granamyr. Were you a true ally, then you would help us without needing repayment," Eldor replied.

"Enough of this," Skytree said suddenly. "An agreement was made by your predecessors. A vote must be made. I see for Eldor and the Council of Elders. Let the technology be brought forward."

A branch extended and upon it was the key to the chamber beneath Mount Eternia.

"I vote against Eldor. Let the technology lie," Shorn grunted.

"I vote against Eldor as well," Granamyr agreed. "Eldor, your decision is obvious. What of the Sorceress of Grayskull?"

Eldor pulled out her key from his robes. "She has sided with me."

Shorn snarled and cursed in Elvish. He pulled his key down out from his pocket and tossed it to the ground. "Our affairs on Eternia are over and done with," he remarked. "This ends the Elves of Dellos."

Granamyr dropped his key to the ground. "It will be a long time before the Dragons and Men associate."

The Dragon-King lifted into the sky was rarely seen for a thousand years.

As one would expect, the Council of Elders brought forth technology in limited spurts – only to aide in He-Ro in his war against the Snake-Men. In due time, the battle went the very halls of Snake Mountain. In the lowest chamber of the mammoth fortress, He-Ro and all of the Elders cast Hiss and his army into the Void, but at the cost of He-Ro's life.

The technology was sealed back up, but much of it was installed in Castle Grayskull to help monitor for threats and to help protect it.

A decade later, Hordak revealed himself to be a spy for the vast interstellar Horde Empire. He assassinated all of the Apprentices, but was stopped by the Elders from doing any more harm. However, Hordak was still able to flee Eternia.