As much as Much was being very wary around Artemis (don’t let her know you hate her twin! Don’t make a face!) he had to admit she had the right idea when it came to arming up. Under his coat he had several knives (‘like that knife granddad on the internet’ he said to the others, but was too all over the place to explain further) and another in his right boot, and his collapsible staff in his left, and he was feeling like it all wasn’t enough. He’d protected himself from darts as best he could, with one of the stabproof vests he’d bought them all with part of Aphrodite’s twenty grand (he’d tested them thoroughly by dressing his pillow in one and stabbing it as hard as he could, which might not have been effective but was pretty satisfying) and his homemade puncture proof pants, and a thick scarf round his neck (ends tucked in so they couldn’t be grabbed) and sheepskin hat with ear flaps, and gloves. His helmet would be better, but he wanted visibility and stealth and motorcycle helmets didn’t afford either.
Steelcap boots, too, a suggestion from Will, building on Tuck’s go straight for the kick.
And in his heart, a promise. A promise to Marian, his sister, his friend, his family. One that ran clear and true, shining like the sun on the streams that used to run through the forest, one that sang out in an echo of Rob’s whistle, a sound that made him feel so at home he didn’t even realise he’d been homesick.
He crouched silently, still, watching and listening for any warning, but mostly watching and listened for Rob, waiting for his orders. His frantic energy was now tucked away with his knives, not needed yet, held back where it couldn't do any damage.