Chting! Chtung!
While the other battles were teetering from one side having the advantage to the other, Kardon put all of his efforts into fending off Elder Onark from the get-go. Kardon had no room to wiggle out and escape or to rush off for help and support.
With one arm gripping his spear and one arm dangling at his side, Kardon was seemingly stranded between the battle against the gust commanders and Baston's battle against Feerah. Both battles were close enough to hear Kardon's shouts but they were just too far out of reach. If Kardon decided to make a break for one, he would either get caught in another battle's crossfire or his vengeful, former comrade in betrayal would rush in with a killing blow.
Fighting against Onark was Kardon's other option. But that was the first choice Kardon wanted to rule out.
