Saix wondered if Axel had more to tell, but shelved the thought in favour of the immediate concern. "I'd be willing to attempt it," he answered, "but it's a high risk tactic, especially with non-combatants in tow." Which, Saix considered, was an argument for leaving the crowd behind, even if it wouldn't give them time to save them. "You seem to be more familiar with them than I am, perhaps you're the better judge of their likely combat abilities."

He added, after a very short pause, "And how screwed we will be if they have back up."