Futility
pointlessness
To scramble down
to hurry to do something
To eddy
to move in a circular way
Genial
friendly
To falter
to lose strength unexpectedly for a short period of time
Belfry
a bell tower or the area where bells are stored
Obstinate
stubbornly refuse to accept something because of pride
Ominously
suggest something bad will happen in the near future
Cinder
a piece of burnt coal which still give off heat
Courtier
a person living at a royal court
Clement
in this context, merciful