"Very little. But it's a fearful thing all the same."

"Your death is?"

"No, but this warning."

They stopped talking. A profound silence reigned. Neither of the
two men seemed to know what to do next, or where to go. Then both of
them heard the sound of drumming. It was slow, emphatic, and
impressive, a long way off and not loud, but against the background
of quietness, very marked. It appeared to come from some point out
of sight, to the left of where they were standing, but on the same
rock shelf. Maskull's heart beat quickly.

"What can that sound be?" asked Corpang, peering into the obscurity.

"It is Surtur."

"Once again, who is Surtur?"

Maskull clutched his arm and pressed him to silence. A strange
radiance was in the air, in the direction of the drumming. It
increased in intensity and gradually occupied the whole scene.
Things were no longer seen by Thire's light, but by this new light.
It cast no shadows.

Corpang's nostrils swelled, and he held himself more proudly. "What
fire is that?"