Butler- Pulling Mulch

  Unhinging his jaw, the dwarf pointed himself torpedo-like through the hole in the floorboards. His heart calmed immediately as the scent of minerals filled his nostrils. Safe, he was safe. Nothing could catch a dwarf underground, not even a Skaylian rock worm.

  That was, of course, if he managed to get underground…

  Ten very powerful fingers gripped Mulch by the ankles. This just wasn't the dwarf's day. First wart-face, now this homicidal human.

  Some people never learn. Usually Mud People.

  'Egg go,' he mumbled, unhinged jaw flapping uselessly.

  'Not a chance,' came the reply. 'The only way you're leaving this house is in a body bag.'

  Mulch could feel himself being dragged backwards. This human was strong. There weren't many creatures that could dislodge a dwarf with a grip on something. He scrabbled in the dirt, cramming handfuls of wine-impregnated clay into his cavernous mouth. There was only one chance.

-Artemis Fowl, Chapter 7