draw his sword and rush to the rescue!

Your typical self-proclaimed hero, he drew his sword, and, with a yell, kicked his horse into a gallop and charged at the man. The man drew his own sword and swung at him. However, not having had the benefit of over fourteen years of training with arms, and having the disadvantage of being on foot and only lightly armoured, the man soon fell beneath the rapid succession of blows the Earl rained upon him.

The maiden walked towards him, her eyes shining. "My thanks, sir. We had best begone, however, before his friends find him - and us."

He protested. "I am a knight, milady. Think you that I cannot deal with them?"

She nodded. "But they outnumber you, and they might hurt me."

He considered for a second, then decided she was right. He swung her up onto the horse behind him, and, her hands about him to keep her steady, he spurred his steed into a canter to take the maiden to safety.