Ehm, what? No, no, I don't... not by a long shot. Usually takes a turn getting to him when combat starts cause he runs so fast away. Good thing for healing spells.
I found this statement so bizarre that I had to check for myself again. I see what you're doing wrong. This is an escort mission, and you are standing still waiting for him to move first. You're letting your escortee take the lead. There's a good five seconds or so where you have control of your party before he starts to move. Plenty of time for you to take the lead.
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I agree with Koin. You shouldn't get equal XP for not doing anything. Then there's no choice on a meta-game perspective either... get all XP for trying to save him, or get all XP for doing nothing. Gee, what would the best option be?