"So, why exactly did you want me to come here?" Solam stood on the balcony of the house Nazel had prepared for him, holding a glass of wine as he turned to ask Nazel, who was arranging his room.
Solam had originally had no intention of stopping in Athkatla. He had planned to sail straight to Waterdeep, retrieve his father's remains there, and then head directly to the North. There, Solam would make those pointy-eared bastards return his mother's remains. After that, they would pass through Silvermoon Forest to the Spine of the World mountains, then finally return to Avalon.
Athkatla held very little importance in Solam's plans. All he needed to know was that his businesses in Athkatla were still turning a profit. He neither cared about nor understood anything else.
But while Solam was still in Ocasuan, Nazel had repeatedly insisted that he come to Athkatla. At the time, Solam had been holed up in the Grand Library and had no time to discuss the matter with her. Since Nazel had stressed again and again that he had to make a trip to Athkatla, Solam had to come, if only to give her face.
Nazel did not answer. Instead, she first directed the servants to redecorate Solam's room. In truth, she had prepared this house long ago, so there was no need to go to such trouble. But as a qualified subordinate, Nazel understood the ways of the workplace well. She did not mind letting her boss notice her effort and attentiveness. After all, that was how one demonstrated respect and thoroughness toward one's employer.
If Nazel had encountered a shrewd boss, this would naturally have been excellent flattery. But Solam had always been careless and broad-minded. He saw nothing special in all of Nazel's bustling about, and