Touched by the Gods - Lawrence Watt-Evans

The book Science Fiction Chronicle named one of the two best fantasy novels of 1997 is finally available in e-book form!
All the lands beneath the Hundred Moons have been at peace for two hundred years under the benign rule of the Domdur Empire. During the long centuries when the gods guided the Empire's expansion, in each lifetime a single individual was chosen to receive certain divine gifts and lead the Domdur in battle; now that the world is at peace, the champions are no longer needed, and the last two have lived out their lives in peaceful anonymity.
Malladd, son of Hmar, a village smith, expects to do the same. He considers the gods' choice of him to be not a blessing but a nuisance.
When the oracles fall silent and the gods withdraw their guidance, the Domdur are not unduly concerned; their mastery of the world is complete, and they have no more need of divine meddling.
But then the heir to one of the warlords who fought the Domdur stumbles upon dark magic that may give him the power to avenge his ancestor's defeat and overthrow the Empire. That this may cast the world into chaos does not trouble him; he cares about nothing but vengeance upon his ancient foes.
When this dark wizard raises an army of the undead to march on the Domdur capital, will Malledd give up his anonymity to battle this threat?
And without any oracles to confirm his claim, will anyone even recognize him as the divine champion?
Can it be that the gods have forsaken the Domdur, and that the rebel wizard is the new object of divine favor?