Mage w/ Troops Search: Part in Battle if Attacked?

[DonCorazon]

I think I know the answer but want to make sure: I have a mage with some troops. I want them to search the province for magic sites. If they happen to get attacked, they will still participate in the battle correct? I just want to make sure there is no trade off btw the "search" command and the "defend" command. Thanks.

[thejeff]

Except in provinces with castles, everyone not hiding will join the battle.

If there's a castle, they have to patrol.

(You could, I suppose, get lucky and find a site with a castle and then the mage would be inside before the battle. But that's rare)

[DonCorazon]

Thanks!