A rewrite of Androcles and the Lion by Glennellen...
I ran for my life that night, fleeting to the forest. I had managed to escape from my cruel master without being caught. I’d been his slave, his servant, all of my life. I’d dreamed about this escape since the day he bought me at the market. And now here I was, running through the cold, dark midnight, not daring to look back and praying fiercely.
I had finally reached the woody forest, and bundled up near a tree to try to catch some sleep when I was sure I was a great distance away from my original home…if that’s what you can call it. But I couldn’t sleep. How could I? So many thoughts were running through my head. Like the fact that I’d never have to feel the horrible pain of whenever my master would beat me when he was mad or upset with me; and not having to wake up in fear the next morning of what was to become of me that day. Not only were these thoughts keeping me awake, but my heart was pounding from all of the running.
Eventually, the sun began to rise; and I could see through the entire Greenwood. I began to wander around, breathing in the fresh air and feeling free. I was rather enjoying myself, until I came upon something that made me stop dead in my tracks, wide-eyed. There, about 4 yards in front of me, lay a lion in the grass. He seemed to be in pain; for he was moaning and groaning, and wallowing on his back in the meshy ground. Immediately, I turned to run away in fear it might attack me, hence its injury. But to my surprise, he did not pursue me. Instead, he remained where he was, looking desperate for help. Sorrow swept over me, and I began to walk towards the big lion.
As I knelt down beside him, I noticed his left paw was raised limply. It was swollen and bleeding, and after I brought myself to take it into my hands, I examined it. I realized that there was a huge thorn in his paw, and that it was the source of all the pain. I looked into the remarkable creature’s great, chestnut eyes, which gazed at me as if they were wondering what I was about to do to him. I took my thumb and index finger, gingerly removing the nasty, sharp object out of his furry skin and bound it up with some cloth from my rag shirt.
He then rolled over on his stomach, and gracefully stood on all fours when he was able to do so without it hurting him. I sat on my knees, watching the lion with curious and awe-struck eyes. He was truly a magnificent creature. His brownish-gold fur glistened in the sunlight. After looking at me for a moment, he suddenly started licking my hands, just as a puppy would do. He seemed so grateful and kind, and I couldn’t help but laugh with happiness, and relief, as he kept kissing my hand with his tongue.
Later on, the lion and I began to roam through the forest together. The sun was beginning to set, and the lion led me into his cave, giving me shelter for the night and a home. He even came back with fresh meat from his prey for us to eat at meals. For what seemed like the first time in my life, I felt like I was at home.
This lasted for about a week, when one day we heard other humans within the woods. I feared it was perhaps my old master with some other hunters to help him search for me. It turned out it wasn’t; but before I could feel safe again, the Lion and I were both captured by these strangers. I cried out to my dear friend in agony as they pulled us out of the forest. I knew that I’d probably be just a slave again to another human now, but what was to become of the Lion is what had me most concerned.
The strangers then held me captive without food or drink for several days. I then heard them discussing what was to be done with me after the horrible latter of hunger. “We’re to throw the boy to the Lion,” I heard them say. “Tomorrow morning.”
What? This couldn’t be happening! These horrible people were to make a savage of my friend in front of many people by making me its prey. How could one do such a thing? Would my lion friend really eat me?
The next day, I was taken to stand in the middle of an arena, which was crowded by many observers. I took in my surroundings, and saw that even the Emperor and all his Court had come to watch. He looked content and curious, his hands folded nicely in his lap and his eyes on me. Then finally came the event of the day. I heard a snarl come from behind me, and whipped my head around to see the Lion being let loose from his den. I stared at him, blankly. I felt myself freeze and not even attempt to make a run. Silent but powerful tears sprang to my eyes as I stared at the great Lion spot me. He bounded towards me, growling and roaring louder than ever. I clamped my eyes shut tight, waiting for the pain. But the pain didn’t come. I opened my eyes to see my friend staring at me with knowing eyes. Hope fluttered in my heart, and I gazed right back at him. Then, the most beautiful thing of all, the Lion fawned upon me and started licking me like a puppy, just like he had when we’d first met. I couldn’t help but let out tears of joy and love him back when he did this. I was once again reunited with my friend.
I heard gasps of shock from the crowd, along with utter confusion and much conversation. I looked in the Emperor’s direction to see his reaction to this, and he was absolutely shocked. He rose slowly from his chair, never taking his eyes off of the Lion and me. Then he summoned me to him.
After I walked toward him, he spoke. “Your name, child.”
“Androcles, sir,” I said.
“Androcles,” he said. “What is the purpose of this? Never in my life…” He didn’t even finish his next sentence. I took a deep breath, and told him the whole the story of when I’d run away and found the Lion in the forest. The Emperor looked at me with an amazed expression, and he looked at me as a father would who is proud of a child.
“I pardon and free you,” he said to me. “And your friend may return to his native forest, as well.”
I felt great joy within me, and my Lion friend and I soon returned back to the forest.
The beautiful purpose of this tale is based on gratitude and loyalty. In this case, it is known as the saying, “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.”
