A Very Alert Stone Guardian

You begin sneaking quietly around the perimeter of the room. The stone lion remains completetly still until you are near the exit, when he springs to life with dizzying speed, and before you notice he's moving his blade is hovering between you and the way out. He addresses you in a deep and reverberant voice.

"Another rat sneaking into the caverns? It has been a long time. I know not your business here, but I am a guard and I cannot let you pass."

If you had longer, you might admire his efficient, businesslike swordwork. Unfortunately, that swordwork is directed at you, and there's no time for admiring. You die!