It wasn't publicly announced, but everyone with some contacts either into the palace or in the temple of Abadar has heard of the king being ill. And for sure Ernhild has heard talks about the desperate attempts of saving him.
Ernhild:
Well it's not a lie, but you get the feeling, the wand isn't empty. Otherwise you are sure she tells the truth.
"I'm just someone liveing in the Shingles, as I'm too poor to live somewhere else. And I'm good at running away - well not good enough obviously. And yes, I can use some magic tricks. As can at least one of you. And this stick" she pulls out the wand "could be from a garbage bin and empty for all you know."
Narciso looks levelly at Trinia and replies "If that story was true, you could hand me the 'wand' (he makes air quotes with his fingers) with no harm done at this point. And I don't think you will..."