Iron Waters by Mark B. Gilgam

Abandoned by his family, Kitt sails away from his home island, Isenkliff. On the mainland, in Nordheim, he finds out more about his origins, and new battles await him.

The young blacksmith goes upriver in his boat until he reaches the steel mill of Domalki, where the Black Master holds all the workers in his thrall with the power of knowledge drawn from seven books of wisdom and power.

Next, Kitt goes to Wanninge Castle to learn more about his vanquished people. Meanwhile, a sorcerous countess is amassing an undead army and she has plans for the last descendant of the Kri warriors.

Kitt finds the old battlefield of the Bloodswamp, and from there a god sends him to Lalland. A grey tower has appeared on the seashore, and inside it are strangers bearing the most powerful weapons ever seen. Faced with them, the greatest strength is of little use.