>>strap old man to back as well, begin rousing game of rottamari damacy

You are having some trouble thinking of how to implement that.

>>Leave old man to angry gobbos, run for your life

You climb out of the rubble-filled pit, waving the old man goodbye. Your quest is complete! Eik seems to be somewhat concerned about the guy, but you’re sure he’ll be fiiine.
With the villain unmasked, and confident the Goblins will not fall for his tricks a second time, you make your leave.

The Goblins seem to have taken a liking to you! Judging by their bowing to you as you stride out of the caverns, it appears you have been appointed their new person of worship, what with their false god having been cast down by you and all.

Your magnificent hairdo might also be a factor.

The lines that your adoring fans formed have lead you right to the closest exit of the caverns! The light burns your eyes as they adjust to the brightness, ascending to the surface world once again and abandoning the dank musty grotto behind you.

Now where exactly are you…?

Ah! Why, the exit has lead you to the peninsula across from Thornspie! This area was very popular among the fishermen for the bountiful supply of crabs to be caught here, though recently their numbers seem to have dwindled.
Considering the miniscule size of the cave’s opening, the sudden increase in size of the crabs within might explain that.

Oh fretr. You have been in that cave for a lot longer than you thought! The sun, while not being particularly low in the sky, is still signaling the fact that the day is dangerously close to its end! You’d best hurry!

Your mission completed, Eik sets off to report to Thornspie of the deeds done here this day. You wave eachother goodbye, and all that you have left to do is attend the birthday party of your friend! Jubilations!

You can now simply walk from here to Felldetta. It’s only a short journey across the field! Or is there something you’d still like to do here first?