Butler sorted the mail as usual, to make sure nobody had sent anything harmful to his employer. It wasn't strictly necessary, now that Artemis had decided not to steal from individuals or non-profit organizations. But it was routine. Especially since his job had required less violence recently, and he had time to focus on his more domestic capacities.
For the first time in months he found an envelope addressed to himself as opposed to a member of the Fowl family. Unusual. It wasn't from Juliet, either. There was no return address, yet his carefully trained instincts felt no danger.
Upon opening, the envelope turned out to contain a heavy metal object and a handwritten note. Butler pulled out the thick disk, which was attached to a ribbon and appeared to be made of gold. Further testing proved that it indeed was gold. The only design was a raised image of a plain, golden acorn.
The note failed to shed much light upon the origins of this mysterious gift. This was what it said:
Dear Butler,
I always thought it was a shame you never got the recognition you deserve for how you have worked above and beyond the expectations for a bodyguard. It's even worse that you don't realize it yourself. So here's a little something to let you know there are – let's say individuals – who appreciate your courage and loyalty.
Sincerely,
Someone who owed life and repaid it
Mysterious indeed. About as strange as the anonymous birthday gifts that Master Artemis continued to receive every year, though it was ridiculous to think there could be a connection. Then again, Butler knew full well that he had saved more than a few lives besides his young charge…could this be one of those people? But he could not think of anyone who had saved his life.
The Eurasian manservant stared at the medallion, turning it over and over in his hands. The acorn meant something, he knew, something he had forgotten, something that strayed in the periphery of his memory.
He shook his head. He really was getting old.