"Yvaine," he starts, turning to look at her briefly.

He really ... well, he appreciates it, but he would rather she be safe and sound (and not to mention, she does have a broken leg that isn't fully healed yet), and being behind him is the last place to stay safe as far as he's concerned.

"Please, Yvaine. You'll be safer out of harm's way. If the eagle tries to grab you --"

Well, he really doesn't know what he would do.