The Final Stretch

Dreth, undaunted, raised his sword. "We're on the same side. Stand back and let us pass and I will let you live."

"Ha!" Steam snorted from the monster bulls massive nostrils. "Such is impossible! It iiiis you who must yield! Fleeee now and I will beee merciful!"

"Sorry, no can do," Dreth said. 

"Er, Fleeee! Fleee! I won't tell you again." The monster remained where it was, blocking the path.

"There's something not quite right here," Emerald said, frowning.

Dreth glared at the creature. "Step forth and do battle!" he demanded.

"Well… okay. Hold on a minute." 

The bull grunted strangely for a moment, and raised a leg slowly. And then stopped, leg still held high.

"Oh oh."

They watched as the guardian tilted to one side and, like a felled tree, slowly toppled over, landing with a deafening crash on the floor in front of them.