It's quite possible. After all, we do not know how much of this was constructed by the creature from the beginning. He may have constructed the game to make us scramble, and use our power and sand to try and achieve a purpose to his own end.

When we didn't play along, he may have grown agitated.

Let us how the next oracle is not... quite so roundabout, hm? Perhaps with fewer tiny furry creatures, as well.

[ That, at least, is said with some disgust. Mr. Tibbs is Heimerdinger coded, to Silco ]