As told in the prologue in the beginning of the Seeress of Kell, there are five ages in which the events in the world of the Belgariad and the Malloreon take place. As the ages moved toward the final Event, the ages grew shorter. The Second Age began when Torak stole the Orb from Aldur, and cracked the world. The Second Age ended when Belgarath, Riva Iron-Grip, Dras Bull-neck, Cherek Bear-Shoulders, and Algar Fleet-foot went to the City of Endless Night and stole back the Orb from Torak.