Elemental Spheres

The ancients had mastered the control of the elements to such a degree that they were able to contain the raw elements within magical spheres. These spheres could then be used by a master wizard in his own magical spells, adding an immense power previously undreamed of.

Of course, some cynics said that the wizards simply put water and a stone inside glass spheres, had an empty one to represent air, and the fire one was just a small flame magnified by the glass.

Naturally, they were branded as unbelievers and hunted down.