I take a step. Ripples extend from my foot as if I stepped into water. The ripples grow and snap the ground apart. Springing from the sudden wounds in the earth are large creatures. A chimeric mix of frog, wolf, and eagle, they surround me on all sides. Armored with the same vivid purple color as the hills, I know they are guardians. They roar at me menacingly. I am not to pass. They make no move towards me, but their posture tells me they are ready for battle.
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