Yep wait until you have finished all the side quests and THEN see Aran Linvail.
Once you visit him its on to chapter 4 and lots more fun. Either that or see Aran and finish the side quests later. Id see Aran lastly because the experience you get from the side quests is helpful before advancing to chapter 4.
Gaurded compound,as my learned friend Accord said, has nothing to do with the plot besides XP and loot.
good stuff though
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THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!