Aago shakes his head. "I'm afraid it's something I'll have to deal with alone. My sister...well, anyway. Good luck to you all." He gives a curt nod to the group and makes his way out of the tavern and off into the night.
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Aago lowers his tankard to read the note and sits very still for a moment. His customary smile is gone now, and he runs a hand nervously through his hair. He takes one long swallow of ale before regretfully putting it down and standing up. "You'll have to excuse me," he tells his companions. "Something has come up. Sorry...but family must take precedence."
Aago laughs. "If you don't agree with anything else I say, Corinna, trust me in this: You don't want to sleep in anything that a goblin has used. The stench alone would ruin your sleep, to say nothing of the filth." He shrugs and turns back the way they'd come. "Very well, let's return to the burnt ruins then. I still think the so-called trail could be anything and completely worthless to boot but ultimately Gilfroy is right: neither ship nor cave are going anywhere."
"But see, we don't even know about the skeletons," Aago says thoughtfully. "We know that the goblins were attacked by skeletons but we have no idea where they came from. For all we know, some necromancer found that his...whatever...was taken by goblins, found a bunch of dead people there -- at a ship perhaps -- waved his fingers and said a lot of strange words and the dead people sat up and started shambling off to kill the goblins. We also have no idea how big the treasure was; we see that something was dragged along the path and the first thought is that it must be a bag of treasure. But perhaps the thing the goblins stole was only a ring, or something equally small. We just don't know anything except that the same people who stole the treasure and was attacked by the skeletons made that map." Aago shrugs. "I just want to follow the map because that's the only thing we are certain is connected to the skeletons. If certainty can come from anything that old hag said, anyway. And I don't even entirely trust the map, which is why I want to follow the coast. There's no where else that the ships can be. I'm more reluctant to follow the trail because it could literally be anything that made those marks. I'm sure you've heard the same stories of terrible beasts that live in the swamps that I have."
Aago sighs. "I don't understand how you can be so certain of things, Corinna. How many times have goblins taken dogs captive? That's what brought us out here in the first place. Now you expect them to behave normally in every other instance too?" He rubs his hand through his hair again and barks a laugh. "But to hell with it! If no one else wants to know about these ships, let's just go to the cave. The sooner we've done that, the sooner we're back at Ameiko's, drinking beer and telling exciting stories about how we wandered aimlessly into the swamp and left again. I'd much rather do a lot of talking there with a mug in my hand than stand around doing it here."
Aago ponders Corinna's last statement. "It seems that we need to come to a clearer consensus before we leave the village. That makes sense, really. Live and learn, right? We are looking for the skeletons but without a guide I believe it's safer to follow the coast. It's a lot harder to get lost that way. It's not just curiosity that leads me to the ships: as I said earlier, the ships and that cave are simply the only concrete information we have." He turns to look at the ship and sighs. "Granted, I'd hoped to find more than has been left here for us. You're right, we should have discussed things more before we left but we're here now and I just want to make the most of it."
Aago pulls out a waterskin with a smile. After rummaging in his pack for a moment he frowns. Snapping his fingers in disgust he says, "I did drink too much last night! I forgot to bring the food. Ah well, water's more important anyway. To answer your question, however, no I don't intend to blunder. We know the ships are along the coast. We've found the coast so that's easy enough to follow. I suggest we cross the water now so we can continue at least in the hopes of finding the second ship. Camp when it gets dark, sleep, continue on the next day. Perhaps there's fish we can catch for supper. Or a few snakes for breakfast."
Aago bites his lip to hide a smile. "It's an adventure, Corinna. Sometimes that means you have to stay outside without shelter or a fire. Why, I bet Sandru and Ameiko have both spent whole weeks out in the wild while they were on their adventures. If we spend all our time traveling back and forth between Sandpoint and the river we'll never get anything done!" He gestures back at Sandpoint. "Do we really want to go back to town and tell them all at the Dragon tonight that we traveled until it looked like we were going to get wet and a little muddy so we came back home?" Gods forbid we have to spend a night away from our comfy little beds!
Disappointed at the wreckage of the ship, Aago moves a little closer, looking for some sign of what the name had been, if nothing else.
Frustrated, he turns to look at where the river empties itself into the ocean (bay, lake?). "Well we could just cross here. It probably won't be too difficult and swimming will just help to cool us all and maybe clean us up a little."
Annoyed by Malan's tone, Aago opens his mouth to say something but forgets what it might have been when the elf grabs Corinna's hand and takes her with him into the lead. He glances at Melon, shrugs and follows after, slingshot still in hand.
Aago grins. "I've never heard of skeletons hunting goblins down to take back what they've stolen either. Or, for that matter, goblins stealing a bunch of dogs from town. So who's to say what a hermit will do when the rest of the world's gone mad? Nonetheless, my point remains: It could be anything that's making the trail." He runs a hand through his hair and glances up at the sun. "Well we either decide to swim across or walk downriver or give up the whole thing. I suppose we could try to build a raft but that'll take even more time. Time's a-wasting...what'll it be?"
"We don't even know what made the trail. It could be skeletons, some giant swamp lizard with a long tail or an old hermit dragging a sack for all we know." Aago points out.
Aago is surprised at Corinna's question. "I thought you, more than any of us, would recognize the value of knowledge. We don't know anything about the ships, the skeletons, or what exactly the goblin's stole. We do know that the goblins thought it important to mark the locations of the ships as well as the cave." He glances at the river. "We don't know where the skeletons came from. The cave might make more sense than the ships, but are we sure? If the goblins thought the ships were important enough to mark on the map then it must have meant something to them. If we check the ships along the way we might have more information than we currently do. We might learn where the fireworks came from, or who the ships belong to. Each of those marks on the map are a mystery and I, for one, want to know the answer to them all."
"I'm interested in the ship on the map myself, and the river will lead us to that. Maybe there'll be another place to cross, maybe not but at least we'll know for sure we're heading for something."
Aago looks startled by Corinnna's quiet words. Blushing a surprising scarlet red, he does his best to keep his voice down. "I don't care to tell such tales myself, la...ahem, Corinnna, especially in polite company. I thought he was going to tell us stories of genuinely dangerous women. At the academies, the women were often the ones you had to watch out for during training. So much more, ah, limber and even when their not as strong as you are, they're fast and can hit you twice as often. The masters used to emphasize the importance of remembering that appearances can be deceiving." He coughs. "But yes, I understand better now why you left." He laughs in an effort to mask his embarrassment and he raises his voice. "Believe me, nothing you say of a personal nature here will go beyond my lips."
When the topic changes from Tian Xhi to Corinna's story Aago drops back amongst the others to listen it, fascinated to hear Corinna say more in the last few minutes than the entire time he'd know her put together. "Families are always complicated. No one ever wanted me to leave home either, being the runt of the litter as I am. My mother was especially...protective. So I admire you, Corinna, for standing up for yourself and living the life you choose and not the one chosen for you. That's a courageous act of its own."
Aago strides at an easy pace ahead of many of the others, casual in appearance but eyes alert for the first sign of danger. He is too busy watching the road ahead to listen to the conversation between the others. After a while he pulls a sling out of his pouch and loosely carries it in one hand, idly tugging at the leather between his fingers.
Aago watches Sandru walk off, stricken momentarily speechless by the revelation.
"I knew that she'd gone adventuring but I didn't know you went together. What do you mean by tried? I thought she did quite well out there."
Aago lifts a hand in greeting to Sandru and nods. "Turns out we just can't get enough of the wonders of the swamp. Particularly since we get all that free food and drink at Ameiko's every time we come back alive."
Aago shrugs his broad shoulders, confused by Melon's obsession with Tian Xhi. "I said most people, not me. I've never met anyone from there, myself. As for Ameiko...I've always thought she was from Sandpoint. Her family's been out here forever, right?"
Aago shrugs. "I've spent most of my time in Varisia, Melon. Tian Xia is so far away that most of the people I've met think of it as a legend. I wouldn't know an object made there from a...Sargavan tea cup."
Aago is at first startled and then impressed by Corinna's wit. "But of course," he says with a short bow. He turns to lead the way down the road, with only a quick glance at Gilfroy, wondering how he'd known Corinna would be along. He decided that the gnome must have somehow planned the whole thing. Gnomes were tricky like that and they seemed to enjoy making people look like fools in the process.
Aago studies the reactions of his companions and is surprised to find himself in agreement with Rajah for a change. Corinna had always been a rather reluctant participant in their adventures and he wasn't particularly surprised to find that they had been barred entry. Speaking quietly, he addresses Malan and Gilfroy. "Do we really want to cause trouble here? If Corinna doesn't want to come, that's her choice. And even if she's not responsible for this...attitude...is it really for us to make her life more difficult? You both know that what we do here will reflect on her."
Aago nods and shoulders his pack. "Thanks again, Ameiko. Have a good day." He makes his way to the door and holds it open for the others. "So Corinna is coming? I wasn't sure she'd want to trudge back into the swamp again."
Aago looks down at the mug and smiles. "Interesting," he says as he examines the contents, his nose twitching involuntarily at the smell and even his lips pulling back in distaste. The large man takes several deep breaths in rapid succession and then lifts the mug to his lips and tilts it back. His throat works as he does his best to swallow it quickly, his unoccupied hand pressed hard against the table as he does so. When he's done, he slams the mug back on the table and closes his eyes, both hands clenched into fists. Nothing of his smile remains, his lips now twisted in an effort to hold the concoction down. Finally he leans back and sighs, opening red-rimmed eyes. "Ye gods, that was entirely worth its reputation." He shudders violently and then laughs. "Never tell me what you put in that thing, Ameiko. I think I'd be better off not knowing." Getting unsteadily to his feet, he turns to look at the others. "Well, I'm ready. Death itself doesn't have anything on that!"
"You know," Ameiko says with a conspiratorial smirk, "I know a very good concoction for hangovers. I could whip one up for you, but I warn you, some people consider it a situation where the cure is worse than the illness. What do you say?" She waits for Aago's reply. Aago brightens. "See, that's the thing I was asking for when I first came down this morning. Bring it on! Let it not be said that Aago Belwas fears any concoction!"
"Yes. She did." He then sits and looks at Aago as if waiting for him to say more. "Good then. I was worried she might have had too much to drink, wee slip of a girl that she is." Aago winces at a throb of his head and hurriedly swallows another spoonful of porridge. "As soon as my head is ready, I'm thinking of heading back into the swamp in search of those skeletons. The sheriff doesn't seem that interested but I'd rather do it now than later. Anyone else want to come?"
"Rainbows? Aago whispers under his breath, rolling his eyes. "Did Corinna get home safely?" He asked after taking a bite of oatmeal.
Aago shades his eyes with his hands. "Why does it have to be so bright outside," he complains, and drops himself into a chair. "Gods above, that Bevelek can drink. Not as much as I can, of course, but still." He looks with bleary eyes at Ameiko. "Do you have that thing that helps with the head?"
Aago shrugs. "I just can't help but notice that Corinna always gets a bit jumpy when you're in the immediate vicinity of her, Melon. And the poor girl is already jumpy enough! I'd hoped she'd have an opportunity to relax and enjoy good company for a change. Instead, she seems just as tightly wound as she was before." He frowns briefly. "Malan better treat her kindly." "I don't know. I think Aago would make a very dangerous woman!" At Gilfroy's jest, Aago bursts out laughing. "It sounds like you might have met some of my sisters, Gilfroy!"
Licking grease from his fingers, Aago looks over to Corinna and then frowns at Melon. "What'd you say to her this time?" He sets down the piece of bread he'd been holding in his other hands and studies Corinna a little more closely.
"Don't go so soon, La -- Corinna. I haven't had a chance to talk to you yet! Tell us about your schooling! I'm sure you've got some good stories from the city."
Aago grins and swallows some more ale as well. "Dangerous women always make for a good tale!"
Aago studies Malan warily from a distance, wondering what might be wrong with the elf. He'd never seemed inclined to smile, much less laugh, before. He decided it must be a ploy of some kind, though to what end, he couldn't know. After the story of their adventure in the swampmire had been told, he looks across the table to Bevelek. "I imagine you have your share of stories to tell. Lots of adventure on the road, right? Any news of what's going on in the world these days?"
Aago grins and holds up his cup in salute to Ameiko. "P'raps the next job will pay better and then we'll not only be able to decline the offer of free meat and mead but also be able to tip outrageously!" He takes a long swallow of beer and belches in appreciation. When Sandru arrives with his other men in tow, Aago wipes his greasy fingers on his shirt and stands to greet them. "Aago Belwas," he says and grips each of their hands in turn. "Please join us, the more the merrier!"
Aago ignores the word play and nods to Hemlock. "Well, that's that. All's well that ends well, eh?" He slaps his belly hard. "Now if you'll excuse me, sheriff, I've a mind to head down to the 'Dragon and get a bite to eat. Killin' goblins hungry work! And thirsty too." He heads for the door and pauses to look over at Corinna. "Are you coming? There's sure to be plenty a good time to be had." With a grin, he heads out into the night.
Aago offers the sheriff a firm grip. "My pleasure, truly," he rumbles. "But, ah, there is one more thing. The goblins were fighting skeletons. Granted, the skeletons came after they stole something from someone but skeletons running amuck in the swamp may be of some concern."
Aago casts a look at the blushing Corinna and a small smile touches his lips. "Enough of this chatter. In my family, talking about someone like this is enough to get one's arse kicked." He keeps his voice low and picks up his pace after the last word.
As the group resumes its journey to the sheriff, Aago falls in beside Melon and quirks a smile as he whispers back. "Oh, I'm sure. But she's a timid thing and perhaps it'd be wise to ease up just a little ere you startle her half to death."
Aago agreeably stands between Melon and Corinna. "It was a good fight," he adds with a grin. "Hordes of goblins fell at our feet and now the village is little more than ashes. Do join us for our celebration; the more the merrier."
Aago's astonishment over Malan's extreme lack of tact fortunately overwhelms his sense of outrage and though his fists clenched briefly, he remembered Shalelu and pushed the ire down. "I suspect that you're unaccustomed to human ways, Malan, but there's an old saying that may be of use to you: You'll catch more bees with honey than vinegar. I'm sure that's difficult for you to understand so why don't you think about it for a while." He turns to Corinna. "I don't know you well but I know you're better educated than the likes of us; both in social conduct" he looks pointedly at Malan, "and also the sorts of knowledge that can be gleaned from books. That knowledge may be useful with Sheriff Hemlock. So please accept my apology on Malan's behalf and accompany us. You may be of more help to us than you yet know. Besides," he finishes with a grin, "there's sure to be some good food and drinks awaiting us at Ameiko's! You really must share in the celebration so you can see the best part of an adventure."
Aago stands awkwardly to the side after he has helped to place the dog's stiff form in the grave, though his eyebrows raise with surprise and curiosity when the grave begins to fill itself after a few strange words from Corinna. When all is said and done, he moves closer to the young woman and lightly touches her shoulder. "Again, I'm sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it can be to find such true friendship as I have no doubt Lady offered you."
He studies her face for a moment, trying to see what might lay behind her careful composure but she is quite closed to him. Shifting uncomfortably he offers, "I am sure you want to be left with your grief and find solace with your family, but...truthfully, your presence would be welcome as we speak to the sheriff. That way you can represent your family and also have more to share with them when the meeting is done."
Aago pauses. "I was planning to report to the Sheriff but if you need my assistance with your dog, I can do that first."
Before leaving, Aago goes through some trouble to pile as much flammable material as possible throughout the nearest huts and finding a place for the poor town's dogs who had been slayed so cruelly. Once everything is arranged, he creates a makeshift torch with some old cloth, dry grass and a piece of wood and lights it with his flint and steel. He rapidly sets fire to the kindling he has arranged and watches with satisfaction as the goblinoid town goes up in flame. "That's that. Good riddance to bad rubbish." He grins and turns to follow the others down the road back to town.
Aago nods sadly. "I think that's the least we can do."
"Have we even decided what we're doing yet? The news of these walking skeletons trouble me as well. I think they bear investigation. But it seems reasonable to return to town first with news of what we've found and these bits and pieces of coin. And of course, the poor creature, Lady, must be seen to as well."
With a shrug, Aago says, "Far as I know, goblins aren't smart enough to build chests. If they stole the chest from someone, they might have gotten a trap along with it."
Aago looks askance at the Rajah and his friend. "You actually believe what that ol' crone said? Be careful opening that chest; I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was rigged to bite back."
Aago grunts as his few bruises heal away. "My thanks," he says with a smile and nod for the cleric. He kicks the chair the chief had been sitting in and kneels beside the chief. "Now then. Is there anything of value to be found here?"
Aago cracks his knuckles. "There were two other goblins in here; a wench with some sort of wig, I think, and a male. They seem to have escaped." He looks closely at Malan. "Are you well?"
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