The sun was rising over the horizon as Androcles awoke and prepared for another day.
Androcles gave a sigh as he looked out from his and the lions' cavern home. Three years had passed since he ran from the Roman Empire, and in that time, he'd grown a very thick beard.
"I must see creatures of my own species." He told the lion. "You are indeed a wonderful companion, but you can hunt on your own now."
The lion looked sad, for his friend was right.
And so, Androcles bid his lion friend adieu, walking across the desert sands for many miles. He tried not to let the pain of losing his friend get to him, and continued to walk.
Eventually, he came across a grand city. Eager to get there and start a regular life once again, he ran, until he fell to the ground, having been knocked out.
"You ain't goin' nowhere..." a voice said.
It was one of the Emperor's guards. He was tall, and carried a large stick with which to bludgeon people.
He picked up Androcles (he was surprisingly easy to grab) and carried him into the city, where the Emperor would give the final verdict on his life.
But what the guard didn't know, was that the lion was watching him the entire time, and had been following Androcles. The lion knew he had to save his friend, and he knew exactly how to do it.