"Fourteen," Artemis said flatly. He obviously wasn't pleased at being taken for younger than he actually was. It was an obstacle that he was constantly trying to get over. And usually, he could. Now, however, he was trying to deny the fact that he was a child, while crying his eyes out. What a wonderful situation.

"And I agree with you on that point--I would look ridiculous. Not to mention I would give my nurse a heart-attack."