"Got it!" Dubman stated, looking up. "This thing is old, all right — the most ancient form of runic. The translation doesn't tell much. Listen to this–

Rune key am I,

Chaining dark evil,

Midgard snake, Fenris,

And Loki, arch-devil.

While I lie far,

The Aesir safe are,

Bring me not home,

Lest Ragnarok come."

A chill rippled through me, as though even the translation of those ancient runes could terrify me. Impatiently I shook off the feeling.