The snake's striking head missed the fast-retreating fingers by less than a hair's breadth.

The fangs met on the wards of the rusty key Brice had caught up in his fingertips.

The force of the stroke knocked the key clatteringly to the floor.
Stepping back.

Brice flung a second and better aimed handful of the dwindling fire in front of the re-coiling reptile.

It drew back hissing.