Artemis was roused from his scheming by the doorbell. "I'll get it!" He called to Butler and descended the stairs carefully. When he had reached the imposing front door of Fowl Manor, the mail man had left already.
Sitting on the porch was a plain, brown box. Artemis kneeled down and examined it from all angles. There was a note taped to one side. Pulling the piece of printer paper off, Artemis read:
Artemis Fowl II,
It has been a while since I contacted you. I wanted to thank you for allowing me to continue with my series of books about your life. Based on your most recent adventure, I present to you the latest installment in my bestselling series: The Atlantis Complex.
Humbly yours,
Eoin Colfer
Artemis frowned. What a strange note. He vaguely remembered a man by that name calling him and asking about continuing a biography. Artemis hadn't granted permission, per se, but he also hadn't forbidden it. Sighing, Artemis lifted the box and carried it into the kitchen. He cut through the tape and freed a hard cover book from the layers of packing peanuts. As the letter had mentioned, the title was Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex. Artemis sat down in puzzlement. He had never heard of an Atlantis Complex. The name sounded like some fantasy building. Could this all be an elaborate prank, orchestrated by Foaly? Stranger things had happened to the child genius.
Butler appeared in the doorway. "Someone sent you a book, Artemis?"
"Yes, old friend," Artemis answered without looking up. "It seems someone has. I guess there is only one thing left to do." Butler looked puzzled then smiled.
"Read it," He filled in for Artemis.
Artemis had read the book, but he was still confused. He leaned back in the plush chair in his study. Maybe Foaly could shed some light on this whole situation. Alas, Foaly wasn't responding to any forms of communication at the moment. Artemis stared at the strange book. He opened to the author's brief biography in the end.
Butler knocked softly on the study door, bringing Artemis a mug of tea. "Did reading the book shed any light on the matter, Master Artemis?" the man asked kindly.
Artemis thanked him for the tea. "Not exactly. The previous books in the series were remarkably accurate re-tellings of our adventures, but this one..." Artemis trailed off.
Butler seemed amused. "So the author took some liberties. I'm sure it only helped his career."
Artemis was taking this a little less lightly. "I am worried that Haven could be revealed because of these books. This Colfer could be more dangerous than we give him credit for."
"Artemis, I think his readers believe the books to be merely works of fiction."
"But how could they? When all the stories are true? I feel Foaly should be informed." Artemis was startled by Butler's sudden laughter. "I'm serious, Domovoi. What if other humans discover Haven and the fairies? Holly and Foaly and everyone else would be in serious danger!"
Butler gathered up the tea tray. "Artemis, I really don't believe this is that big of an issue. Let the readers believe what they will. No one is smart enough to infiltrate Haven, aside from you, of course." They both smiled at this.
Artemis stood up, holding the book. "Well, I do hope you're right. And that this Orion fellow never shows up." Butler laughed as he was exiting the study. Artemis walked to the bookshelves and cleared a space for The Atlantis Complex next to the six other books.