Ok, so here is Tim's line of reasoning:
1) Tim told Mani that he would deal harshly with any escape attempts.
2) Mani's encouragement "Paint each other to death!" clearly demonstrates that he would desire the opportunity to escape.
3) Tim knows that he CANNOT allow Mani to fall into Phelix's hands.
4) The fact that obtaining Mani is one of Phelix's goals is a GREAT incentive for Tim to kill Mani, just to prevent his capture by these guards.
5) The fact that Phelix would experiment on Mani after interrogation, means that Tim killing Mani now, in a quick, humane manner (Coup De Grace), would save Mani the excruciating pain of torture. (Which is yet another incentive to kill Mani NOW.)
HOWEVER:
1) Tim also knows that getting to the Palace is the priority.
2) Tim feels confident that he could carry Mani in his free hand, and fend off the guards long enough to get a good, running start.
CAVEAT:
1) If Tim flees now with Mani, he is leaving his friends to face the guards without his help. That does NOT sit well with Tim.
2) If Tim stays and fights it out, without killing Mani first, then there is a chance that a) Mani will escape, or b) one of the other guards will grab Mani and run off with him.
SO... CONCLUSION:
Tim is about 75% kill Mani, 25% fight it out / try to protect Mani.
What do you guys think?