A small town of Arnigue, off the hills of Capla lived a little old man. The locals referred to him as Justinian. Justinian was a bit of a hermit, always kept to himself and rarely came out of his hut. If the locals only knew that Justinian possessed secret powers, powers that enabled Justinian to annihilate evil villains with the power of his ocular blast, a ray that shot dangerous levels of radiation from a medallion he displayed on his forehead.

Justinian however was not alone in his battles, he was accompanied by Danielthi, a mutated rat. Danielthi bared the powers of flight, he often used his ability to attack adversaries by landing on their heads and chewing on their eyebrows.

It was only days before the Festival of Grundle, a celebration of the freedom and independence of the Arniguians from their homeland, Lamkle. Word had spread across the town that a fierce troop of Lamkies were going to invade the town of Arnigue during their gala. Justinian having heard this news was all too prepared. Justinian spent three weeks sharpening his saber and axe, and polishing his magical medallion. Danielthi rested peacefully near the table, he would need his strength. Justinian nourished himself upon a hearty stew, a special occasion aside from his unceremonious feast of pasta and broth. Justinian concluded his meal with several sweet crackers filled with a savory paste.

As the sun began to fall the center of town began to glow with the light of torches, displayed for the Festival. Two young children were taking a walk along the hillside when they heard a distant rumble.
“What is that sound?” The fiery hair girl cried.
“Could it be?” “A herd of wild yaks?” The short haired boy asked sarcastically.
“No, you buffoon!” She hissed.
“Do you think it’s the…..the Lamkies?!” The boy gazed into the distance with widened eyes and dashed down the hillside.
The young girl stood there for a moment and soon galloped after him, “Wait! Wait, you fool!”
The children ran towards the village, as they approached Justinian heard shouts, “The Lamkies! Run, the Lamkies are coming!” The adults were at the Festival of Grundle, and at the first did not hear the childrens’ wails. Soon enough the youngsters were in the middle of the crowd warning them of the approaching evil. The Lamkies were clever folk and had planned their attack well, the men were too intoxicated to fight and the women were of no use with their little experience in battle. Justinian however was just ascending the crest of the hill as the Lamkies arrived. There he stood, clothed in black, arms raised above his head. “I AM JUSTINIAN!” He roared. “WHO DARES TO CHALLENGE ME?” The men on horseback marveled at Justinian with fear in their eyes. Half the men receded, turned their horses and headed back to Lamkle.

Justinian proved to be a challenge. All that remained in the distance was three brave, if not naïve souls. A thin man with hairs of curls and flounce, a boy of short stature who spoke with dramatic tones, and the last was a pygmy-like girl with golden hair. They stared at Justinian as the thin man, obviously their leader, approached. “I am Cornelius, leader of the Lamkies, I have twelve wives and they are abounding with adolescence! No man has challenged me, for I am much too profienct with tensile strength!”
“Baaa,” Justinian uttered, “I would spit peanuts in your eye!” Cornelius looked confused.
The girl advanced and Justinian looked at her through one eye. She opened her mouth in word of protest as Danielthi rose above their heads, “Ooh, mousy!” She ran after Danielthi jumping for him as he lead her back to Lamkle, “Come on mousy, I just want to pet you!” She whimpered in the distance.
Justinian returned his one-eye stare toward the thin man, “I see you have brought a perilous battalion to wage war against me.” Justinian mused.
Just then the young boy appeared, with arms and head waving as if he was engaged in a dance. “Have I ever shown you my interpretation of a seagull flying against the rough winds of the seas?” He questioned, as his arms began to flap harder. “Or maybe a Lakespearian drama…..King Robert the Third perhaps?” The young man wandered away spinning and waving his arms.
“Oh poo,” the thin man announced, “I can’t do this myself! I must leave, there ought to be a young damsel in distress somewhere!” He quickly turned and ran down the hill, arms swaying at his side.

Justinian remained at the top of the hill in case the Lamkies returned. Soon after Danielthi landed at Justinian’s feet. He curled himself around Justinian’s ankles and layed there patiently.
The fiery haired girl and short haired boy returned, “Justinian, you’ve saved the day and our Festival! You are truly a wise leader.” The children chimed. Justinian patted their heads as they walked back to the village. The next day Justinian was summoned to the center of town where he was declared the Mayor of Arnigue, to protect the town and all its inhabitants for years to come. Danielthi did not go unnoticed, he was designated town rat, and given the key to the village. Justinian and Danielthi lived peacefully in their new hut and the town of Arnigue was never bothered by the Lamkies again.