Story: Stone Breaker MAGNETUS
Story by Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover Photo by: Gail Nobles
Stone Breaker Magnetus was a formidable presence within the confines of the chain gang. His unique ability to manipulate stones with a magnetic grip not only set him apart but also earned him respect among his fellow prisoners. The nickname "Stone Breaker" was well-deserved—he could shatter the toughest of rocks with the makeshift hammer he crafted from a giant stone, which was as much a tool as it was an extension of his strength.
Under the grueling sun, as they toiled away at their daily hard labor, it was Magnetus's magnetic handles that transformed the difficult task of stone collection into a more manageable endeavor. With a flick of his wrist, he could attract several stones to him at once, creating a chain of rocks that floated effortlessly in the air—almost as if defying gravity. This not only sped up the process but also inspired ingenuity among his fellow inmates, who began to look to him for leadership.
Thomas Chain Gang, the unofficial leader of the group, recognized Stone Breaker’s abilities and quickly positioned him as his right-hand man. The bond they forged was built on mutual respect and the shared goal of survival within the brutal confines of prison life. Thomas’s strategic mindset combined with Magnetus's raw physicality made them an effective duo. They devised methods to maximize efficiency, turning their burdens into lighter loads.
Together, they rallied their fellow inmates, organizing them into teams that utilized their strengths for better productivity. Some prisoners gathered smaller stones using the magnet handles that Magnetus fashioned, while others focused on breaking down larger rocks for construction purposes. With Thomas directing efforts and Stone Breaker providing the muscle and tools, the prisoners found a sense of camaraderie that made their daily struggles a bit more bearable.
As days turned into weeks, the chip-chip of hammers against stone began to blend with laughter and shouts of encouragement. The prison yard, once a place of despair, transformed into a bustling, if makeshift, community under the guidance of two unlikely leaders. They began to hope that their efforts might one day lead to freedom, a flickering light at the end of a very long tunnel.
Through innovation and teamwork, Stone Breaker Magnetus and Tim not only molded stones but also forged a sense of purpose and resilience among their band of prisoners. Even in the darkest of places, they managed to summon a spirit of unity and strength, teaching each other that they were more than just inmates—they were a family, resilient against the weight of their chains.
You’re listening to Thomas Chain Gang the Railroad Story by Gail Nobles Copyright © 2025.
