I'm thinking the traditional overcoming of earth, air, fire and water in some way.
(I hate this medication; it's like thinking through fog. It's necessary, but I hate it.
earth - a landslide or maybe an earthquake? (the gargoyles live in caves so it could just be navigating through the darkness and the twisty cavern system)
air - a major thunderstorm?
fire - going through a volcanic land?
water - ocean voyage?
but the gargoyle prince has to overcome the same set of obstacles, so it has to be something that a creature carved out of rock can surmount as well.
generally, in my stories, obstacles are overcome through being clever rather than brute force.
water
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