Touched By The Gods (Tor Fantasy)

Malledd was "touched by the gods" when he was born; that is, he emerged from his mother's womb bearing a birthmark indicating he was the chosen champion of the gods, destined to one day defend the Domdur Empire. But the empire has long been at peace, and the gods have ceased dispensing their wisdom to humanity, so Malledd apprentices with his father to learn the trade of smithery. When the evil wizard Rebiri raises an army of the dead while simultaneously undermining Domdur's government from within, Malledd reluctantly comes to realize that he is the one who must rise to the challenge and save Domdur.