"R-Right," the boy stuttered. "It's not too far north of here. In fact, we could probably see the town from outside." He peered out the window to locate the inn, then turned back to the princess. "Do you think you can walk? Or do you wish me to carry you if your injuries are persisting?"

The princess nearly swooned at the thought of this strong, handsome man carrying her. If she were lucky, he'd pick her up in his arms instead of drape her over his back. She bit her lip to keep from making any unladylike noises. "Could you carry me please? I'm not sure I can walk just yet," came her breathless reply.
__________

Meanwhile, a few miles away...

"What happened out there?"
"I'm sorry, commander. She got away."
"So I gathered. How?"
"The prisoner knocked herself out after rolling down the cliff. No sane man would have followed down the same path, so we hiked down to the base of the mountain. When we finally got there, she was gone."
"Dead or unconscious people don't move around. She must have had help. Did you search the villagers in that area?"
"We- we didn't think to."
"Get on it."
"Yes commander."

The soldier scurried away. Fairmont blew a hair away and returned to studying the maps. [i]Patience. These are the tools I have to work with. Make them work. Who would have helped the princess? Or, more precisely, who wouldn't have helped the princess?[/i]