Do you ean there is another way to the fort, without going up the hill?

No, you have to go up the hill to get inside the fort. If you are worried you will get killed, it puts you closer to the desk when you come out of jail.

Be sure you have tonic/elixir to re-gain health when you got to find the desk.

Good luck!

I went into the court yard. ran across and saw a desk on the left, however there is apparently an invisible wall around it. I can not get near the desk. Maybe this is the wrong desk?

thats the desk. there is a doorway, if you are inside the nook or hallway, and look towards the desk, the door should be maybe a little to the left.

careful guards can walk thru the walls, cuz if you get in still gotta get out.

I got it, whew. Thanks for all the help. :D