They were too strong. The gryphons could pulp Gordon in one slash or masticate him with one bite. Their terrible beaks were could pressure cut right through him, the muscles of their jaws bulked out and obviously exercised often. These grooms couldn't be faulted for the care of their beasts. Feathers gleamed in the sun and their manes for the males a mixture of both feathers and hair waved about as each gryphon exerted itself in excellently trained cooperation.
Two of the four gryphons executed charges which they interrupted halfway through to rear and sweep their wings. This was an effort to destabilize Gordon's footing, which worked. While the last two gryphon's executed containment dashes to Gordon's left and right.