I think sending the cadet back would be best to avoid grisly incident. I'm thinking that going into the barrens might be a good move if Felix is describing assailants that are not ogres. Also there are plenty of biggish creatures in the barrens from tauren and centaurs.

Aslo would it be possible to flag Balandar down and convince him to transport Felix to the watchtower? I don't know if hawkstriders can carry more than one person.