"Originally the city was founded to secure trade down the river," Eméron said as he turned toward them on his horse, " It was called by a different name that has sadly been lost to the ages. Over time, due to it's central location amoung the Princes and it's control of the converging point of two major rivers, it became a stop for traders."
As they crossed the moat into the Inner Baileys and the Inner wards of the city, Eméron pointed down at the dried canal.
"During the late summer and early winter, the outer canals are often closed and dry for cleaning and to maintain a certain water level in the river. During the spring melt and the fall rains, the moats are filled to prevent flooding and water surges, though they still happen in particularly wet seasons."
After they passed over the canal and through the Inner Bailey's Walls, the streets seemed to look cleaner and the houses better maintained.
"This is the Inner Merchant Quarter, mostly populated by rich Merchants and various wealthy Artisans."