Dear Councilmember Tyrell,

Let me start by saying that I am an admirer of yours, and that I have purchased all of your books that are for sale at Ebeneezra's shop. I am wondering whether you have any other works available, or whether there are any books you are currently writing.

If it isn't too much trouble, I would also be interested in knowing whether in your studies of history you have researched the canal leading from Lower Sanctuary to the Dark Lake. I was told that it was used by Sanctuary residents at some point, and it is no longer, and I don't know why. I don't want to trouble you, if answering my letter would take away from your busy schedule. Your work is too important.

If you need any help with research or anything, I would be very glad to help. I want to learn as much as I can. Thank you.

Sincerely, Ashur Chiron Care of: The Rock Bottom Inn

Mr. Chiron,

Always a pleasure to correspond a fan. I am indeed working on a number of other brief histories: information regarding Sanctuary's early years (minotaur assaults, a drow raid, a tremendous earthquake, plagues, and other tribulations) along with accounts of nearby settlements and regions. As for the canal, I can pass onto you what information I know. The canal is known to connect to the Dark Lake (also sometimes known as the Dark Sea), and was presumably used by the secretive svirfneblin of Dunwarren to conduct what little trade they were involved in. Early in Sanctuary's history some efforts were made to continue with its use. A boat was built and successfully brought through the canal several times, and Frederick Bresley even spent some time building a most remarkable explorer's vessel suitable for long-term exploration throughout the lake. It was supposedly a marvel of boat-craft, and was quite expensive to build, but I am aware of no record that indicates what happened to it. The "S.S. Freedom" it was called.

In any event, a few more boats were built -- but one day every boat and person that entered the canal for any distance did not come back, and due to the desperation of the time and with other distractions the Council declared the canal closed.

This is all I recall off the top of my head regarding these events, but I wanted to get back to you as soon as I could. Please feel free to speak with me personally regarding these or other issues.

Respectfully,

Councillor Adelia Tyrell