"But I don't WANT to carry that thing...and anyhow, I only said I wouldn't put it in my bag; if we find another in the smelly oaf's cave, I could be persuaded to carry it in that."


"On the contrary, thank you for volunteering yourself, my dear human shield," says Aortal with a mirthless laugh at Jacob. He has collected himself by now, and, seeing that it seems no one intends to kill him outright, he offers, "After all, since no one else seems to be willing to play your silly game, you have rolled the lowest. Therefore, by your own rules, you shall have to carry the stinking head."

With that Aortal wanders into the mouth of the cave.