Riftwatch had traveled here with such a large party. In the seconds that had followed the telltale signs of an ambush, Ellis had understood instantly, immediately, that there was very little to be done for those among them who were not given to battle.

Ellis doesn't call out. He is moving, passing, the visor of his helmet flipped up. Metal frames his face. The world around them is cracking apart, and he is weighed down already with the potential of this moment, of how bad things can get.

His grip on Cosima's arm is very gentle, in spite of its firmness.

"Not that way," is brisk. Not that way because Ellis is running that way, towards the gleam of armor approaching at a distance.

This is a diversion, a brief break in his focus as he turns with Cosima, moving her along with him.

"Run to the edges, and then farther than that. Until you can't hear us anymore."