The Journey to Salvation

Professor Namfoodle,
 
I'm still amazed by the lightning rail. I don't know whether I'm more impressed by the complexity of the artificing or the fact that they are ruthlessly punctual, but I suppose I have more appreciation for the former, but I'll get to that later.
 
After boarding, I had the fortune of meeting a goblin salvager who seemed familiar with the Mournland, and I hoped to learn more of the artifacts I might find and send back. It became quickly apparent, however, that his knowledge of treasures from the area was lacking; poor bastard's greatest find was a cleansing stone that I fixed for him, if not out of pity than at least a good practice of my abilities. His descriptions of the deadzone did seem authentic though, as he described jagged cliff faces and lakes of orange. Perhaps I might get more useful information out of the eccentric adventurer in a local tavern.
 
I'm sure you'll likely catch wind of it soon, but towards the end of the journey, as we passed what must have been Vathirond, I noticed the train was accelerating when it should have been doing the opposite. I went to inquire as to what was happening along with some other passengers, a dragonborn warrior and an human magic caster, but our investigation quickly turned into an altercation as we learned the train had been hijacked. Unfortunately, the culprits escaped the now out of control train and left us to deal with it, with no options to chase, though there power seemed to beyond that I've most anything I've ever encountered. Upon entering the control room we found the bound air elemental breaking loose from its binding, a situation for which I don't think any of my studies and practice had prepared me. The other passengers were capable fighters, thankfully, and we were able to defeat the rampaging creature. My knowledge of the binding process is limited, but if it is anything like what I experienced fighting the monster, I am most grateful I found employment outside of House Orien.
 
Sadly, one casualty of the incident was a Cyran elf returning to the Mournland for the first time since the disaster. He did bequeath some information prior to his passing about things found beyond the mist, but without any definite information I'll spare you the details. It seems that I will, however, likely be headed into that ruined land, so I would appreciate if you would post the normal funds to my work account so I can find lodging and supplies for myself prior. I'm not sure what the journey will hold for me, so I'll write again when I'm able to once again.
 
I hope this report finds you in better shape than me, although I'm certain you probably prefer my situation than the annoyance of repetitive and foolish questions from your students, so at least my misfortune is keeping one of us in high spirits.
 
Sincerely,
Tinker