[The explanation seems to be enough for the staff, who had been staring in the direction of the stairway— where Balthier currently stands, halfway up, having leapt over the bannister and taken the wearying thief by surprise. It wasn't much, but it had been enough.]

I can hardly take credit— he didn't have much left in him, thanks to your effort. A good startle and the rear-end of a gun and he went flying.

[The thief himself is at the bottom of the stairs in a crumpled heap, groaning.]

I'm usually on the other end. Let's just say I know the mind of a man being chased.