Saarthax starts to mutter a reply to Arcata, obviously caught off guard.
"But the villagers... the orcs attacked... I mean..."
Then U'Tempei addresses the crowd, and before the paladin knows it, many of the townsfolk are starting to turn back on their intent to chase down the orcs. For a moment the dragonborn stands conflicted; on the one hand it is his firm belief that good people should stand up for what is right, but on the other hand he cannot deny that the simple villagers are no match for the orcish forces. He looks at Bertold for support, but his friend is clearly as conflicted as Saarthax is.
He closes his eyes for a moment, whispering a prayer to the Gods to grant him insight.
Then, opening his eyes again, Saarthax turns back to Arcata. "You may be right. We can't lead them on a chase where we know many will perish; I cannot take on that burden. It is for the best that we face this thread without their help."
His bluster somewhat diminished, the paladin merely nods to U'Tempei's suggestion of starting their chase immediately, remaining silent for now.