It appears I'm on hold -- waiting for the book to be translated, etc. I've exhausted the keep funds in upgrades....and the sword has been rebuilt. I've visited all the loctions again and have completed 2 of the tests. Is it safe to assume that after the 3rd test, the battle begins or a way into the Mere is found?? Because otherwise, I'm on hold, no matter how many times I sleep -- no events occur.

IIRC, you just have to tell Nevalle that you're ready. Nothing in the game is timed AFAIK, so it doesn't matter how long you take to do things, all that matters is what you've done.

Ahh thanks again.