A book, two hostages, and a series of miscommunications

Upon arriving in Grymnon, the Archduke set about translating the Book of Olaf through mundane means, fully remembering what effect it had had on him when he used divining magic on it.

Uncertain of the Magda and Bjarne Max's fate, the party worked on how they could retrieve the two while also retaining the original book. They sent an envoy to Ardheim, requesting an exchange of the hostages for a copy of the book.

Due to a breakdown in communications (the surrounding mountains may have hindered proper divination reception), a prearranged (and strategically determined) site proved unusable and the meeting between the heroes and the Ardheim representatives (a Daughter, the priest Ardric, a couple of his retainers, and their two hostages) was relocated to the Grymnon monastery, under the auspices of the Grymnon clergy.

Forty additional dwarven warriors, who served Ardric, waited outside for the duration of the discussion (and the ensuing combat).

***

Thankfully, the party was now joined with Werton, a dwarven fighter.