Firefoot,
This is what I was thinking (that is, if it's all right with you and all others)...
Falco is a stubborn character. He's not going to go back with Sondo now that he's made up his mind to go South. He's going to try to get as many of the boys on his side as he possibly can, and then move on South with them. Something or other will come up, something somewhat similar to that which has already been delaying the characters... something that will be enough to make his followers either openly 'mutiny' against him, or sneak away to get back to Sondo and the others. Falco will hold out stubbornly for as long as possible, but eventually he'll head back... though not necessarily humbled and asking for forgiveness.
How does this sound?