In one of my current campaigns I am playing a H/E R/C with a party. I have just completed the Umar Hills Quest and been given (thrust upon me actually, lol) the cabin. I assume that like some other strongholds I will be called back to do some things. I am anxious to leave to rescue an old friend. My questions are:
1. Can I leave now without screwing up the stronghold and come back later to do whatever is necessary?
2. Is there a compelling reason why I should kill time now and complete whatever I have to do to finish the stronghold before I leave?
3. How much time will it take to finish the stronghold? The only major quests I have not done are Windspear Hills, Keldorn's Quest (U.E.), and Maevar. I really didn't want to start any of those quests before I left although I suspect I could if I had to to kill time.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I should say that I am not looking for any spoilers regarding the stronghold. This is the one and only time I will do the ranger stronghold, so I would just assume not be spoiled. Thanks

No body expects the spanish inquisition!
you should be able to take however long you want unless it says so in a dialog

The ranger stronghold doesn't take too long - there are about four separate missions. If you're rushing off to rescue a certain someone for roleplaying reasons, then feel free to do this (provided you're not actually in the middle of one of the stronhold quests) - they're all put on hold whilst you're gone.

I concur. Once you begin Chapter 4, all your Stronghold quests are suspended for a while. But It's best to start Chapter 4 immediately after completing a stronghold quest, so that when you get back, you have more leeway for things like the Travel Time to get to the Umar Hills.

Thanks all for the info. I appreciate it. I wasted some time in the city and then went back. When I returned I got the first "quest". Pretty uneventful. Hopefully the remaining will be a little more violent, I mean interesting. I think I'll try and finish the stronghold before starting Chapter 4. Hopefully there won't be too long between events. Thanks again for the info.