Nostradamus free e-book novel - The Greatest Sinner Ever

“Where are you going now?” Bertrand and Hector exclaimed, surprised.
But Michel wouldn’t say and followed the narrow lane toward an archway
that led outside of the town. Beneath the stone arc he stopped for a
moment, closed his eyes and smelled. Here, the scent was at its strongest.
He deeply inhaled the peculiar odor, which was sweet and dark at the same
time. A few minutes later he returned, fulfilled, and found his brothers
playing in the square. The days flew by in this fantastic town and
tomorrow would be extra exciting: they were to visit a well-known
perfumery. Grandfather Pierre was friends with Amalfi, the proprietor of
the factory. She had promised him that his family could have a tour. That
morning, they went among the potential buyers who had flocked from far
and near, and Amalfi personally gave them a guided tour. The
distinguished people all saw Hector elaborately picking his nose and
Father chastised him. Amalfi, meanwhile, told them all about her famous
line of scents.
“These azure flasks hold various types of eau de toilet and Soliflores for
women.” After her introduction, the group shuffled towards the next table,
while the other son started to be troublesome. Bertrand tried to
surreptitiously open the flasks.
“Don’t touch those, Bertrand,” his father warned. The madam fortunately
didn’t notice and continued: “Soliflores are scent water made from only
one type of flower, plant or fruit.” After an elaborate listing of the
assortment, the guests followed her to another room, where ingenious
devices were set up.
“These are our distillation alambics. Distillation was developed by the
Arabs.” While attentively listening, Michel and his grandfather heard
Hector whining at his mother that he needed to pee. It distracted the
factory owner from her story and she coughed agitatedly.
“Okay, go outside quickly, but be quiet!” Reynière commanded her child.
“Jasmine originally comes from India and Spanish sailors introduced the
flower in Grasse via North-Africa not long ago. Maître Gantier managed
to get a monopoly on it,” continued Madam.
“This is a good opportunity to buy some perfume,” Reynière whispered to
her husband. Jacques idly agreed because he was completely caught up in
taking care of the little ones. Fortunately, they were hanging around Pierre
and were behaving themselves for the moment. Father even managed to
catch the last part of the story.
“When I compare it to jasmine from abroad, I always notice that Jasmin
Grassois has more depth and volume. Oh, I could tell you so much more
about our perfumery, but it is time to finish the tour. Are there any
questions or comments?” Unexpectedly, Michel came forward with
panache and asked if he could say a few words. Father was starting to get
a headache from all the unpredictable behaviors of his youngsters, whereas
Madam Amalfi was quite charmed with the childish request and agreed.
Michel’s heart started to beat faster. The little prophet squared his
shoulders and with great force pronounced his first prophesy.
8