The distraction certainly holds, because as the soldiers watch Link go through the motions first with the burning axe, and then an electrified spear - they are quick to realise that Codi's assertion that he's a weapons expert was entirely true.

Link may have memory issues. He may be poor at communication and at dealing with people in general. But weapons? Link knows weapons, right down to his bones.

Soon, the soldiers are all crowding around - trying to give suggestions, trying to point Link towards their favoured weapons. Link continues to say little - but he listens to them all carefully, and puts all the weapons they press into his hands through their paces.

With all this distraction, Codi should have more than enough time to cast her spell.