The Eternity Code (Artemis Fowl, #3)

by Eoin Colfer

A large part of Artemis wanted to drape his arms across the bodyguard’s frame, and cry as he would for a brother. But Artemis repressed that instinct. Now was the time for quick thinking. Butler interrupted his train of thought. “Artemis…is that you?” he said, the words coming in short gasps. “Yes, it’s me,” answered Artemis, his voice trembling. “Don’t worry. Juliet will protect you. You’ll be fine.” “Don’t talk, Butler. Lie still. The wound is not serious.” Butler spluttered. It was as close as he could get to a laugh. “Very well, it is serious. But I will think of something. Just stay still.” With his last vestige of strength, Butler raised a hand. “Good-bye, Artemis,” he said. “My friend.” Artemis caught the hand. The tears were streaming now. Unchecked. “Good-bye, Butler.” The bodyguard’s sightless eyes were calm. “Artemis, call me Domovoi.” The name told Artemis two things. First, his lifelong ally had been named for a Slavic guardian spirit. Second, graduates of the Madam Ko school were instructed never to reveal their first names to their Principals. It helped to keep things clinical. Butler would never have broken this rule…unless it no longer mattered. “Good-bye, Domovoi,” sobbed the boy. “Good-bye, my friend.”