He couldn't do anything, not even breathe, while those fingers were tightening round his throat. Everything was starting to darken around the edges of his vision, but then Bryn did something and Derwent's grip loosened while he was screaming so Dan swung the staff round in a wild arc and there was more screaming, and then the hand on his throat vanished. Yet again, Dan found himself on the floor as he tried to suck in as much air as he could. His throat was in agony, but he ignored it and forced himself to take deep breaths.
(hate this fucking place) he sent to Bryn as he struggled to his feet, and looked around for Derwent even as he continued to gasp for air.