But Howard's not listening, not to Sam, not to Zac. He's listening to the basic impulse common to all humanity, that part that sees bad shit coming and wants to get out. He takes Nico's lead and bolts for the sleigh, moving quite fast for a guy with such short legs.

Whatever is coming can affect the weather. The fact that they're still going to take a risk with the flying sleigh means that whatever's on the ground is way worse.