@awkwarddingo
Gravel tumbled down the cliff as the carriage tore around the edge. Five horsemen raced behind it, the black of their cloaks as their only shilouette against the darkness of the evening. Inside the carriage, a young woman clutched the pendant on her neck in one hand, and her bow in the other. She steeled her face against the challenge ahead of her.

And nocked an arrow.

Arrows whizzed past as the girl leaned out the window and pointed her bow. A soft twang, and a rider tumbled to the earth. She grinned in spite of herself. Maybe father will listen to me now. She moved to fire another when an arrow plunged into her arm. "Augh!" The girl shrieked and spun back inside the carriage. She studied the wound, watching her own blood pour onto her dress with a mixture of horror and curiosity. "I hope it didn't hit anything important..."

Another arrow struck the carriage driver in the neck, and within moments, the carriage started to wobble out of control. The cliff drew nearer. The girl glanced out both windows, calculated her chances, and leaped out the mountainside door just as the carriage tumbled off and shattered on the earth below. Rock bit into her skin and dirt got in her mouth as she rolled to a stop. She could feel the rumbling when the horsemen ground to a halt and leaped to the earth. The girl frantically crawled for the cliffside, but was stopped with a boot.

"Lift her up."

Two riders grabbed her arms and lifted the girl to her feet. A third rider studied her. "Is this the princess?" he asked, turning back to a fourth rider approaching.
"Yes," came the reply. The fourth rider came up and yanked the pendant off her neck. "We got what we came for. Kill her and dispose of the body."

They shoved the princess to her knees. "No...no!" she begged. "Please, I won't tell! I promise! I swear! Don't kill me, I beg of you!" She glanced up at the sword raised above her head. Fear gripped her. The princess twisted out of their grip and dove for the cliffside. The last thing she remembered was hitting her head on a rock as she rolled to certain death.

Along the roads covered in the shadows of the cliffside, a single courier trudged on, dressed in nomad's robes wielding nothing but a walking stick. He was already on a journey, delivering the orders of a local lord to a distant town. As he walked on, the sun rose above the cliffs, giving light to the road ahead, just enough light to reveal the unconscious body of the princess to the courier. The young man picked up his walking stick from the dirt and rushed to the body. He knelt down beside her and began to inspect her wounds. "There's no way I can treat all of these here." he said to himself.

He looked around for any sort of shelter and noticed an old abandoned barn house off to the side of the road past what once was a field of grain, now only a large patch of dirt and dead plants. At least the well adjacent to the barn looked usable He gently picked up the princess, doing his best not to worsen any wounds, and began carrying her to shelter off the main road.

A little cloud of light leaked through her eyelids. The princess lifted one, noted the rustic surroundings, and let it flutter shut. "Hrm- where am I?" She dragged her eyes open again and made to sit up. Hay rustled underneath and scraped at her elbows. The princess opened her mouth to complain, when her gaze fell upon the most handsome boy she'd seen in months. Her hand frantically clawed at the space around her until it found her chest, which she clutched to control her racing heart.

"Gods have mercy..."

The princess stared at him wide-eyed. Her mouth flapped as she struggled to find any words.

"Hello."

That was all she could manage to say to him.

The courier was kneeling next to her, washing her blood off of his hands with a bucket full of water. When she spoke, he immediately rose to his feet in surprise. "Er... Hello, stranger." He managed to say, trying to figure out where to start and how to ask the questions he had for her. He started to pace, slightly nervous that the lovely woman he thought dead was now alive and well, looking right at him. He brushed back his scruffy light brown hair, finally putting words together. "I found you off the side of the cliff, close to death. I am fortunate Providence put me in front of you, or you would have most likely succumbed to your wounds. Most likely scenario is that you fell from the cliffs above. What happened to you?"

The princess lowered her gaze and picked at the straw on the floor. I was wounded and close to death? By the gods...I could use this. Maybe he'll pamper me if I play it up a little. Besides, I definitely might still suffer some ill effects from my injuries! Yes, I'll run with that.

She put a hand to her forehead and swayed a little. "I might still succumb. I don't know. I feel a little dizzy. Some very bad men stole something very important from me and tried to murder me."

The barn wasn't exactly the cleanest place to be hosting a patient. Dirt, grime, straw, and the occasional defacation stain made the place reek. The cows hardly smelled much better. Out here in the village of Pi-Hol, the nearest trained healer was a full day's (or two) walk away at the city Diamont, and most people simply died before they could get halfway there. And before you ask, no, the Matriarch Hilda was a quack who thought drinking poop mixed with orange juice could cure anything and that bleeding out was a perfectly acceptable treatment for blood loss. Princess Amalthea had heard of her during another outbreak of the Plague.

"Where am I, exactly?" the princess added. "And...what is your name, kind sir?"

"My name is Solomon. I'm a courier for a local lord. We are on a farm just outside the village of Pi-Hol." Solomon brushed his hair back again. It seemed to be a nervous habit of his. "Look, if people are out to get you, and if you think the injuries can still get to you, we should bunk in PI-Hol's inn. I'll pay for everything. The only thing I want you to worry about is staying alive." He knelt down by her again. "So, what is your name, fair maiden?" He asked with a smile, his blue-grey eyes looking at her with curiosity.

"My name is Solomon," the boy replied. "I'm a courier for a local lord. We are on a farm just outside the village of Pi-Hol."
A local lord? Could that be old Fardsworth? No wonder the place looks run-down.
Solomon ran a hand through his hair as he considered his options. "Look, if people are out to get you, and if you think the injuries can still get to you, we should bunk in PI-Hol's inn. I'll pay for everything. The only thing I want you to worry about is staying alive."
Amalthea's heart fluttered again. Aw! He's so sweet! I should reward him somehow when I get out of this mess. She nodded. "Thank you so much."
Then, he knelt to her side and gazed at her with those kind, beautiful eyes. A warm smile graced his lips. She could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. "So, what is your name, fair maiden?" he asked.
The princess gazed back at him, contemplating how much reward she could offer without getting into trouble. But first, she had to give him a name. "It- it's Amalthea. Princess Amalthea. Of Dragan. In...the capital. It's nice to- I mean, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Much as she struggled not to smile, it continued its relentless march up her cheeks until she was all pearly whites and twirling hair on a finger. If she had a fan, she'd be flapping it furiously at this point. "Can you, perhaps, show me the way?" she asked, dropping her tone to a more flirtatious level.

Solomon's eyes widened. A princess?! he thought. That explains her... outlandish behaviors. He nodded to her question, her tone raising the hairs on the back of his neck, and the pretty smile of hers did nothing to help him calm his nerves. Something about her just made him feel, nervous, but at the same time, at ease. It was something Solomon himself couldn't describe fully. Despite all of her injuries and the obvious pain she might be in, she was something else to behold.

"R-Right. It's not too far north of here. In fact, we could probably see the town from outside." He walked out to the barn doorway and looked outside towards the town. There, he could see the few building that made up the small village, including the large, two story inn. Smoke was bellowing from the chimney. There was fresh meat over the fire oven inside. Solomon smiled at the idea of a hot meal instead of the bread and water he had to live off of as a courier. He turned back around and headed to Amalthea.

"Do you think you can walk? Or do you wish me to carry you if your injuries are persisting?" He asked

"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. 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?

"As you wish." He sigh with a smile. "If you would hold this for me as I carry you, please." Solomon says and hands her his walking stick. From how it felt and how heavy it was, it seems to be made for someone much heavier than Solomon if it was just for walking. After giving her his walking stick, he goes to pick her up, electing to hold her in his arms rather than over his shoulder or an awkward piggy back. After picking her up carefully to not disturb any wounds, he starts to make his way past the fields and towards town.

"From that smoke coming from the inn, I would say that we may be in time for a midday feast!" Solomon's smiled widens further. "I have been dying to have a roast for the longest time! Maybe they'll even have some roasted potatoes..." Here I am, carrying a beautfil princess in my arms, and All I can think about is food. My father and mother would get a kick out of that... he thought.

"As you wish. If you would hold this for me as I carry you, please." Solomon deposited his walking stick in her hands. Amalthea received it with a surprised "Oof!" Why was it so heavy? Was it a magic staff? Those things packed a whallop. Or maybe it was a hidden blade? The possibilities intrigued her, and she couldn't help turning it over and scouring it for seams or buttons.

Her feet gave out from under her. She released a delighted squeal when Solomon picked her up in his arms and started to walk. The princess stared at the thick muscles rippling in his arms, and trailed her fingers along his right arm in admiration. Why am I so smitten with him? He's just a farm boy. I should behave myself. With that depressing thought, she suppressed a pout and gazed back toward the town.

Solomon had other things on his mind. "From that smoke coming from the inn, I would say that we may be in time for a midday feast!" From the smile on his face, he was looking forward to it. "I have been dying to have a roast for the longest time! Maybe they'll even have some roasted potatoes..."

Amalthea covered her mouth and giggled. "You're excited to have potatoes? Then...so am I! And I am rather hungry."

They stepped inside the inn and were met with the aromas of grilled beef, roasted potatoes, and fresh vegetables. The innkeeper greeted them with a friendly wave. "Oy! Welcome back, Solomon m'boy! Who's the girl?"
The Matriarch Hilda also greeted them, though only with a raised eyebrow and a pleased "Hmph."

The princess looked back at Solomon, lips parted. "What wonderful friends you have..." she remarked quietly. "I'd give anything for people to greet me like that back home."

"The girl is an injured traveler." Solomon answered the innkeeper. "We need some medicine, a room for the night, and some of that fantastic roast you have cooking. It has been too long since I had something that wasn't either bread or bathed in salts." He laughed. "I would reach into my pocket for money, but my hands are -um- full at the moment."

Solomon looked down at the princess in his arms. "The innkeeper is a friend of mine. The town is along my main delivery route, though I hardly ever but a room. I just come for the meals, mostly. The best broth this side of the kingdom! Isn't that right, my friend?" He shouts out so the innkeeper can hear.

"We need some medicine, a room for the night, and some of that fantastic roast you have cooking."
A room? I'm liking the sound of that.

He conversed with the innkeeper a few moments longer before addressing the princess. "The innkeeper is a friend of mine. The town is along my main delivery route, though I hardly ever but a room. I just come for the meals, mostly." Then, he added in a louder voice, "The best broth this side of the kingdom! Isn't that right, my friend?"
The innkeeper whooped.

Amalthea chuckled. "You make the broth sound worthy of royalty! If so, then you mustn't deny me, eh?" She got to her feet, feigning unsteadiness. The chair roared against the wooden floor as she pulled it out to sit and deposited her elbows on the table.

I wonder if anyone's looking for me. Maybe father. Or...less savory forces. Oh no! They surely saw where I landed! They'll be here in no time! The princess sat ramrod straight and looked around for windows. She spotted one to the east, but it was far too dark out to see anyone coming. She reached for the pendant around her neck, only to find it missing.

Oh yeah, they took the Stone! I have to get it back!

With dinner on the way and a hot guy to attend to, she wasn't getting it back anytime soon.

Solomon sat in a chair next to Amalthea. "I do not plan on denying you anything, Thea. Two bowls of broth and two plates of roast, my friend!" he asked the innkeeper. He looked at Amalthea and sighed, seeing as they had a moment to relax since she woke up. "While we're waiting on the food and herbs, I have to admit something. I have quite a lot of questions for you and no idea where to start. I guess I'll just ask you what your story is. You seem like you live a rather interesting life, being a princess and all!"

He leaned forward, curious to listen to what she had to say. Then he saw her stand straight up, looking like she just remembered she left the fire burning at home. "Are you alright? Don't let the injuries get to you too much. The last thing I want to see is you in more pain."

Solomon's face darkened with worry. "Are you all right? Don't let the injuries get to you too much. The last thing I want to see is you in more pain."
Princess Amalthea continued staring out the window. The bright light of the inn made it quite impossible to see out. But if someone were to put their face to the window and look in...but who would do that? She leaned back in her chair again and turned back to Solomon with a smile that failed to reach her eyes. "Yes, I'm quite all right. I'm just scared that the men who got me might come back. I could use some distraction, so...maybe I'll tell that story you asked for."

She made one last glance at the window.

The shadows formed the slightest hint of a face.

Amalthea hiccuped. "My story...is...um...yes, I started life in the palace. I mean, of course, I was born there. And...goodness, I feel very tired. I'm so sorry. Please take me to bed."

She hadn't touched her soup.

Solomon raised an eyebrow. Something is obviously wrong. He thought to himself. "If you say so, your majesty." He nods, picking her up again gently.

"I have some herbal leaves in my pack. I use them as bandages. They secrete a harmless liquid that eases pain. I'll give you some to put on so you don't wake up in pain tomorrow morning." He says as he carries her upstairs. "And maybe I should get you some food as well. I noticed you didn't pay much attention to the broth." His voice carried a concerned tone.

He made it to the top of the stairs and started his way to their room, the farthest one on the right. "They're going to find us soon, aren't they?" This time, his tone was cold and hard to read.

"If you say so, your Majesty."
"I do."
Solomon picked her up again, this time with less fanfare from the lady, and carried her upstairs. "I have some herbal leaves in my pack," he told her. "I use them as bandages. They secrete a harmless liquid that eases pain. I'll give you some to put on so you don't wake up in pain tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, that would be nice." I wish I could have tasted the soup, though. Shame to waste it.
Solomon's thoughts were along the same lines. "And maybe I should get you some food as well. I noticed you didn't pay much attention to the broth."
The princess raised her brows. "Ha, yes, I was just thinking the same. I do believe I'll be needing a bite soon."

They reached the peak of the staircase and made their way through the dark hall. Solomon spoke again, his tone now devoid of inflection. "They're going to find us soon, aren't they?"
Amalthea nodded. "Mhm."

An uneasy silence fell over the couple by the time they entered their room. Once deposited on the bed, the princess withdrew a knife from her leg holster and stuffed it under her pillow.

"Please, stay with me tonight?" she begged.

"I'm sorry, but I must decline. I need to grab supplies, maybe some of the not-so-terrible remedies from the woman downstairs. Keep that knife close to you. If they are coming as soon as you think, you might need it..." He reached for his pack and pulled out a small satchel. "Here are the leaves. Put them over your wounds."

He started walking towards the door. "I'll be back to check on you in a few hours. If anyone comes into the inn, they'll just assume I'm some nomad. I'll be able to warn you and we can sneak out the window." He said, gesturing to it.

He took a deep sigh and looked to the floor as he opened the door to their room. "Be brave. Alright? I promise they won't get you."

The princess reached out to grab him. "No- no, wait"
And then he was gone.

Downstairs, five black-robed individuals burst through the inn doors. The innkeeper drew his sword. "What do you hooligans want?" he barked.
The rangers fanned out through the room. Most sat at tables, while the shortest one retreated to a corner. The biggest ranger approached the counter and slammed his palms on it.

"Dinner."

An uneasy silence hung over the room.

The short ranger snorted. "You forgot something Price..."

Price flinched. "Please."

More uneasy silence. The innkeeper didn't move.

"Pay the man," the short ranger reminded.

Price forked over a few coins and folded his arms.

The innkeeper sheathed his sword. "Very well. I'll look over your attitude just this once. Thelma! Start making the appetizers." He went back into the kitchen, leaving the five enemy rangers alone in the dining room.

Solomon made his way downstairs and noticed the five rangers. At this point, if he retreated to his room, they would have most likely noticed his caution and regard it. He decided to act casual. He made his way to the bottom floor and took a seat when he noticed he left his staff with Amalthea. He would have to get creative if a fight were to occur, especially given the numbers. "Can I have some mead? Biggest, heaviest mug you have. Someone's passing out tonight!" He requested, looking like a casual heavy drinker.

Meanwhile, he kept a very cautious eye on all five rangers, especially the tallest one, Price. That's the name he was able to overhear.