Eager to move on and reach your destination before the end of the day you press on into the tundra.  Cold winds whip up now and then and occasionally a light snow falls from the sky.  As you get close to the Sea of Moving Ice you note a large outcrop of stone and make your way towards it.

Soon enough you can make out the details of the fortress prison. Situated on the frigid, misty coast of the Sea of Moving Ice, the prison is a single-story structure topped with battlements. 

Perched on a high cliff overlooking the Sea of Moving Ice is a bleak stone fortress carved out of a gigantic, blade-shaped rock. A central tower looms above the rest of the fortress, and light leaks from its arrow slits. Four smaller towers rise from the outermost corners of the fortress, and guards can be seen atop them. The prison, hewn from stone, has 20-foot-high outer walls.  A trail leads to the south entrance.

As the group approaches the fortress, Krom examines from afar the walls and the tower "An impressive structure indeed. It could, of course, use some improvement here and there, maybe another ring of walls...but we are not here for that." says with a big smile.
The dwarf pats the pocket of his backpack containing the letter from the Speaker of Bryn Shander. "Hopefully Speaker Shane's letter will be sufficient to make this Vaelish Gant cooperates with us. I'm sure that he has very interesting information about the Codicil and the hidden city of Ythryn." The dwarf scratches his beard removing some of the snow "Considering that this Gant has been excommunicated from the Arcane Brotherhood, it may not be wise to say to him that we have met Vellynne Harper."
 

“The fortress is impressive indeed Master Krom.” Says Kazri, relieved that the group was able to find their destination this far north. “I just hope this Mr. Gant will not waste our efforts to make our way here.” Kazri then thinks about the vision regarding the orb. She wonders if they would be able to find it around this area, since they are here already.

"Yes, it is a daunting place.   Never been a fan of prisons.  Not that I've ever been in one mind you."

He says quickly

"Just never wanted to be in one,  even to visit."

Looking up at the towers and walls he takes it all in.

"We aren't here to scale the walls so we just knock right?   I'm sure they have already seen us."

"We will try to not stay too long, Chill." replies Krom to the Tabaxi "And considering my past experience with scaling and climbing things, I really hope that we will be able to use the doors."  continues the dwarf reviving in his mind the events of Gnomengarde.

Kazri stops inspecting the fortress, for she might not as affected as her companions by the cold, specially so up north. “Gentlemen perhaps, we should request entry. Hopefully, that at the very least, we can get some respite from the cold.”

"Alright then.   Looks like I'm going to prison."

Chill, leading the group forward, reaches the entry and knocks on the door.

Krom nods in agreement at Kazri's statement. "You are right, let's move closer and request entry. I'm eager to sit down and drink a pint or two of ale from my Tankard of Plenty." says the dwarf looking at Rhogar "I really appreciate the gift you made me Rhogar. When we have finished this eternal winter's business, if you are willing of course, could you make a few more, or maybe one or two kegs with the same enchantment?" 

As he finishes to speak, Krom takes out from his backpack the letter from the Speaker. "We will probably going to need this in order to being allowed entry."

"Heheh... Phrasing Chill, phrasing." Rhogar comments as he'd fall in line behind Chill, as much as such seemed necessary, before glancing back to Krom. "You are most welcome, Master Krom. A keg might be a touch tricky, but a few more mugs is something I can do when time and coin allows it." He admits.

"As for the letter, that is a good idea. At the very least, it should get those inside to consider our request.  Though any jesting on the other hand should be kept to a minimum here, or so I at least suspect. As this place and this far up north... There's no telling how such things will swing in so grim a place."

Rekuberk stays quiet as they travel for the most part, being at the ready for any sign of a fight. He keeps his sword drawn, only lowering and then sheathing it once the settlement comes into sight. "I for one think that we should find a place to rest."

Chill pounds on the door and a few moments later the right door on the south wall opens and a guard appears.  Behind him you can see some others guards.  At least two are present.  You are aware that other guards on the towers can see you.

"State your business and make it fast.  It be cold out here."

You show the guard the letter you have for Gant and advise of your instructions to speak with him from Duvessa Shane, the speaker of Bryn Shander.  The guard looks you over for a moment and grunts.

"Axe beaks can be stabled here, as can that, er owl bear?" he asks with a hint of interest in his voice.  He shows you the stables (R5).  "Stow your weapons as well.  No weapons allowed in the prison.  You will be searched prior to entry.  They will be safe in the stables and you can collect them when your business here is done."

 Kazri being familiar with penal procedures nods to her friends to comply. "I will stay in the stables with Oli, and you all can leave your weapons with our mount." She turns to the guard. "Would that be acceptable?" (Does the guard have a rank?)

Chill looks around at the others.  He's not sure he wants to leave his weapons but at the same time he understands the no weapon policy.   Most of his companions can wield magic, they would not be weaponless, but not so for him.

Reluctantly he sets his crossbow and rapier and other weapons inside the stables.  But in an act of defiance he hides one of his daggers on his body.   He won't go in completely unarmed.

Chill roll a Sleight of Hand check

Krom nods to the guard as he informs the group that they will have to leave their weapons and then proceeds to stow, as instructed, his shield with all his weapons. "Hopefully we will not have to fight anything" thinks the dwarf touching Moradin's Holy symbol on his neck.

Quote from Paladin54 >>

Chill roll a Sleight of Hand check

 19

Rhogar's grip tightened on his staff for just a few moments, before the hand relaxed alongside a sigh. As much as he hated to be even remotely apart from treasure, it was not a wholly unreasonable request. Even so, he still looked at it, considering a few moments more, before being drawn from his thoughts at Kazri's declaration. He winces, but then nodded and was ready to hand over both staff, bag of holding, and whatever other weapon happened to be on his person.

When Gorrah finally pokes her head out of the saddlebag and looked ready to climb out, a smiling Rhogar shakes his head and gently nudges her back inside. "Somehow I doubt they'll allow you and your stinger on the premises, my dear. Keep Lady Kazri company." He requests aloud, but mentally adds for her to keep a close eye out for trouble.

Rekuberk frowns at having to leave his weapon behind, making sure to carefully stow them near the owl bear. As he moves to go back to the others he drops a hand into his bag to pull out the small statue that would summon his Gryphon.

The guard looks at Kazri.  "You wish to stay in the stables?  I see no reason why not but it is not necessary.  Your animals and mounts and equipment will be safe enough, they will be regularly checked on.  There is no one here who would steal them, the Lord's Alliance would never tolerate such an act.  Besides, where would those who might steal them go?  There is nothing but ice and tundra for miles in any direction. There is no ship at the docks at this time and none expected within a tenday."  You don't see anything that would designate rank and he has not given a name or rank to you so you cannot tell.

The guard see Rekuburk take the gryphon statue out.  "What is that, a weapon of some type?  What does it do?"

"You misunderstand me, my good sir." Kazri replies to the guard. "My concern is not necessary that our weapons might be misappropriated. I choose to remain here so that my friend." She points to Oli. "Does not cause any trouble." Kazri looks around her colleagues to that she will guard the party's belongings, and that they should not have to worry about it.

"Guard, may I ask for your name? You mentioned that there will not be a ship in this fortress for at least another tenday? Why is that so? If I may ask." Kazri was hoping in searching for Nass Lantomir's body would be easier with a ship that is able to navigate the Sea of Moving Ice.