It doesn't, but that turns out to be a boon for Ellis.

The man's head turns, seeking to assess threat or clock promising developments, and Ellis grabs a rotting wooden crate from atop a barrel and slaps him across the face with it.

A spray of splintered wood explodes through the air, possibly all over Astarion as much as the burly assailant in question staggers sideways. Ellis kicks one of his knees out, and spins to try and grab hold of Astarion and yank him free.

Tug of war, always a great development.