Rufus presents a life or death question to Pappas and Elisha. How does Elisha respond?

Elisha chooses to help Rufus but only if Rufus spares the life of Pappas. Elisha remembers the vow he made to Manto, deciding that he must stay alive to continue his quest. This was indeed an act of self-preservation by Elisha, but he saves one friend and keeps a promise to another in the process.