Nash was done. He didn’t want to snuff out the life of a young boy for the sake of politics, he was going home. King Sargus was going to have to be happy with the one Prince being dead. Nash waited for the Royal caravan to get some distance between them before he followed along.
While he rode, he contemplated what he had learned in Bogmor and thought about how he could block the scent of jasmine if it was what was affecting his ability. “Would covering the scent with something stronger be enough, or would he have to block it out completely?” he wondered.
When he arrived in Kheozia, Nash stopped at one of the shops. He bought some strongly scented oils, peppermint, and cedar.
The woman who sold them said, “Be careful with those. They can burn your skin if you are sensitive to them.”
“How do you use them?” Nash asked her.
She smiled at him, “I mix them with an oil like this one,” she said, pointing to a small bottle.
Nash took one and added to his purchase and paid the woman.
Before reporting to King Sargus, Nash needed to know if it was indeed jasmine that was playing with his ability. There were quite a few in the wet area north of his small home. It was nearing evening when he arrived. His neighbor was finishing up feeding the animals and closing the gate.
“Hey, Tom!” he greeted his old friend across the distance.
“Hiya, Nash!” he said as he waved. “You back for a bit or just passing through?” Tom asked.
“I should be back for good,” Nash said with a grin. “It depends on the King,” he said.
Tom frowned. He didn’t know what Nash did for the King, but he knew it wasn’t something he would approve of. “Well, they’re all set for tonight,” he said, indicating the animals behind him.
“Thanks, Tom,” Nash said, “I can always count on you.”
“Not a problem, Nash,” Tom replied. “Time to take care of my own animals, though, or I’d sit for a spell with you and catch up.”
Nash dismounted from his horse and groaned a bit. “Tomorrow, maybe,” Nash said. “I’m about spent for the day.”
“See you tomorrow then,” Tom said and began to walk the trail between their homes. Tom’s place was just over the next rise, it was about a twenty-minute walk, and over the years he had worn a path into the terrain.
While he waited for Tom to disappear from sight, Nash watered and fed his horse. Once clear, he remounted and rode north to the wet area where the jasmine grew thick. It was dark by the time he got there, and he could smell the jasmine flowers. He stopped and attempted to use his ability, but nothing happened. Carefully he mixed some of the peppermint oil with the carrier oil in a third bottle. He applied some of it under his nose, and all he could smell was sweet peppermint. After waiting a few moments, he tried to use his ability, and the world around him stopped.
“That seems pretty conclusive,” he said to himself, releasing the flow of time. He rode back to his home, satisfied with his experiment.
Nash arrived early at the castle and waited in the throne room for King Sargus. The king sailed into the room with his robes billowing out behind him. His advisor was running to keep up. As soon as he was there, he waved the guards out of the room.
“Close the door,” King Sargus said to the last guard and waited until it was shut. He looked expectantly at Nash. “Is it done?” he asked cryptically.
“Yes, Sire,” Nash said. “The eldest Prince is dead.”
The King’s face grew stern. “I thought the plan was to kill the two eldest Prince’s at a minimum,” he said with a growl.
“I did not see a need,” Nash said. “Political assassination…”
“Stop!” King Sargus yelled. “You were sent to kill the Princess of Praetha or two Princes of Drenad. It sounds like you are not done with the mission yet.”
Nash gnashed his teeth. “Political assassination should not be taken lightly,” he said.
Agamen spoke while Sargus collected his thoughts. “Are you saying you refuse to finish the job?” he asked.