Prequel to The Belgariad series. But must not be read until after Belgariad and Mallorean series as major spoilers included. A headstrong orphan boy sets out to explore the land beyond his village. So begin the extraordinary adventures that will transform a young vagabond into a man, and the man into Belgarath, the great sorcerer learned in the Will and the Word on whom the fate of the world will depend. The monumental task of setting Destiny aright will cost Belgarath all that he holds most dear. As the instrument of Prophecy, his life will be seven thousand years long. He will become known to us as the Ancient One, the Old Wolf. And until now, he has been a figure of great mystery and hidden power.