I expect you to use that damn brain of yours I've heard so much about!

You are so sure that if you don't appease the bastard, he'll strike, but your words cannot control his actions. You say you intend to protect your allies, and then you focus not on them but on your enemy.

This isn't about attacking him. It's about defense. If you are as helpless as you say you are, then you need to set up defenses. You cannot bargain with someone you don't trust and not set up safeguards. You need solid defenses that will allow your allies time to retreat.