He ground his teeth and cursed.

His curse was half a prayer.

For answer there was the unearthly chuckle just below his ear.

His hand was moved back, down, around! He was helpless as a child in the arms of its father--no, helpless as a sheep in the constricting coils of a python.
An impulse of frantic horror and shame and fear gave him redoubled strength for an instant.

He tore himself clear and reeled back.