"Retreating instead of fleeing."

The only time he typed flee was at the Lich, before the first mage died. You're just changing your story now.

As for spamming misdirection, take it from someone who has experienced this situation many times. He was dead here, 100%. There was no way he could make it past the Lich and every guard/fish/mob to the safety of the Village with an air shifter on his ass.

If he'd eaten seaweed before thirsting he might make it into the sea.

However, if that 2nd mage was in a rush, unprepped, maybe you can get lucky with a few big DBs. Odds are low here too, but better than retreating imo.