Lift

"This is not going to work," said the Wisest Stone.

"I am trying as hard as I can, my friend," said Taku. He was bent nearly double, sweating under the weight of the Wisest Stone.

"I can see the Weed-King's armies from here."

"As always, you are most encouraging." Taku forced himself another step up the slope.

"You know," said the Wisest Stone conversationally, "in many ways you are lucky to be carrying me."

"Oh?" said Taku, thinking he knew the end of this familiar song.

"You can choose to put me down and not bear my weight any longer."