A Hero Born (Realms of Chaos: The First Book)

the long version

An apprentice swordsman, Locke has ridden the narrow trail to the City of the Sorcerers to see with his own eyes the Ward Walls that hold back the realms of Chaos. It is Locke’s dream to become a Chaos Rider, and seek his destiny beyond the Wall. It is Locke’s hope that somewhere, in the Wildness where time and change rage out of control, his lost father still survives. But more than just survival is at stake. For on the other side of the Wall awaits a Darkness beyond all ken – an evil inchoate that will test the steel of one young hero and, indeed, all of that bold and foolish race called humankind. (from the back cover)