Hello! The "A Distant Friend" quest has to be completed AFTER the Well Inspection quest.
The solution to the puzzle for getting into the well in the City of the Four is:
1. Use "Inspect Area".
2. Use "Unseal" on the STATUE near the well.
3. Use a Rope key item on the well.
I hope that helps!
Thank you for playing, and thank you for the kind words! ♥