Downtime

After defeating the Lamia Noble Xanesha, the Local Heroes were invited to Lord Mayor Grobaras' mansion to attend a well-deserved feast in their honor.
Afterwards he aided them in 'selling' evil items found on the cultists as well as a few baubles owned by Xanesha.

Finn, Fletcher, Sagerius and Barthel each went their own way for a while to process their recent adventures, spent time with loved ones and/or enjoy the rest.

Oblivious to the trouble brewing up north in Hook Mountain;
Finn helped out in Ven Vinder's general store,
Fletcher invested in a brewery as well as a gambling hall,
Barthel used their adventures as inspiration for new songs and rhymes,
Sagerius went out stalking goblins with Ameiko.

And when they were called upon to investigate Fort Rannick's recent silence, each was bored of the mundane life.
Gladly they accepted Grobaras' invitation to come to Magnimar to be briefed about recent events..

Apparantly the letter delivered by Shalelu was written by Xanesha's sister.
The creature wrote she was hiding near Hook Mountain and plans to take Fort Rannick..
As well as sacrifice each and every soul she encounters..