Free Creatures

I think "Stone-Bones" is a much more evocative name than what I was originally going to write, even if it cose me two extra words.

Free Creatures

By Mark L. S. Stone

“Why are you helping us?” I asked. “You serve the Dark Queen.”

The stone-bones spoke in a voice like falling rocks. “You fight for freedom, no?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

The stone-bones paused to adjust the straps that bound me to its body. I swung sickeningly and my broken leg throbbed. The chasm swam beneath me. Looking up, I saw how far we had yet to climb. To my right and left, other stone-bones carried the rest of my companions, some of them injured as well.

“We have never been free creatures,” it rumbled. “But, we would like it, I think.”