The Royal Overseer had heard the King was someone with a fascination with history and so had expected several questions based on the unique arrangements. "Well Your Majesty" Keynes had started walking towards the
first boat where a Naval officer helped the first few people into the vessel.
"Welcome aboard Your Majesties" the officer saluted as the King and Queen boarded. He waited for everyone to be assembled, Keynes and the royals in the lead with the Ministers behind with several of their counterparts from Eksdale. The boats little engines gurgled into life and the boat headed off down the river. It was clear the banks here at the airport weren't well manicured as the reeds and grass were tall but soon as they began to run beside wide open fields and forests pleasant footpaths ran along either side.
"The story of this boat ride" Keynes started his story. "Is because our 17th Century King Richard II was blessed with triplets. At the time it wasn't the case that when the King died the eldest child automatically took the throne. As a result it was always common for the King to issue a decree declaring his heir and as such this would often change. In Richard's case though he couldn't pick between the three and so issued a decree saying his wife was to find a way for all three to take a part of the crown. Exactly what Richard meant though was a mystery but his wife Queen Anne followed his instructions and came up with a plan, a very detailed plan to split the Kingdom into three with an overarching system to ensure they all stayed united in some way. To ensure some neutral ground the capital here, Westlinton, was kept originally under the control of Queen Anne, when she died the city was to be passed onto a Royal Overseer and so was always outside the control of the three royal families. That tradition has continued and the river here makes up the majority of the border until you reach the East of the city so we'll actually pass through what is classed as one of the kingdoms but the river was always the Overseer's territory, so think of it like a territory within a territory." By now the river was branching to the right. "There is an old canal that was made to allow the wool industry in the 1700's to get deliveries across the nation. It still gets used today by pleasure craft as in summer the river here can get a little low, the canal ensure that it can get through all year." The various lock systems could be seen as they maintained their route on the river until such a time as the river crossed under a viaduct carrying the canal. "There are some wonderous old engineering practices here, the locks are still largely original." Keynes was proud to say as they now ran parallel to the canal. Soon the houses of the city parted into a green parkland with a
house at the centre. "Each of the three monarchs has their own residence here in the city, mainly used only when the Council was in session. That is the King of Papcastle's one" As if with perfect timing the two naval crew blew a short whistle blast and saluted to where the Papcastle flag flew at a landing dock, as the greenary parted a four man unit wearing the uniform of the Papcastle Guards Regiment came into view and a volley of saluting gunfire was fired as a mark of respect as the visiting monarch cruised past. "Today the city functions pretty much under my authority fully although by right its only the very heart I control." With yet more excellent scheduling a pair of large white and blue poles flanked the river. "Speaking of which you are now officially in the Commonwealth Quarter of the city" Homes had returned again, many of them in the old converted textile mills that had at one time dominated the city. A landing ramp came into view and stood on it were the three monarchs, Queen Diane closest to the water, then King Henry and finally King Robert. The boat came to a rather skilled stop at the pontoon, the crew having had numerous practice runs and a swiftly working team of young Naval Cadets lashed the boat to its mooring before offering to help ashore those on the boat. Keynes waited for the King and Queen to be helped ashore before making his own unaided arrival back onto dry land. "Your Majesties may I present the monarchs of the Commonwealth." He went down the line introducing each on.
"Welcome to Eskdale Queen Stasya" Queen Diane addressed Stasya first. "I'm thrilled to meet you. I have watched your involvement with changing education in East Moreland and I have some ideas I can't wait to discuss with you. It'll also be nice to get away from the boys club, it seems every government meeting is me surrounded by them." She smiled hoping Stasya understood her attempt to appear friendly. "But that's for a few days time I hope you get to enjoy your stay as well."
King Henry shook David by the hand, "I am delighted you accepted our invitation. I think you'll be right at home at Papcastle, I hope my boys by the river didn't mess up by the way. I think you'll find our landscape and that of say Rockhampton are not to dissimilar. My youngest daughter Mary is keen to make your acquintance too, she's a bit of a daredevil and enjoys the climbing so I hope your back is healing nicely and up to some. I trust you're recovery is going well?" Henry inquired.
Robert meanwhile found himself chatting with Olivia Cole. He was fascinated by Technology and read of some very interesting projects within East Moreland. "Mrs.Cole. I hope you've had a pleasant introduction to Eskdale. I'm looking forward to some talks about a few joint projects I have in mind. I'm very excited. Perhaps you could pass on my regards to Martin Dawson when you next see him and let him know I would be fascinated to meet him." Robert had read a great deal about the young man's work, particularly with Swarm-Bots and wanted to find out more.
The three monarchs introduced it was a short walk up the quayside and through a park to the Grand Council building where it seemed every representative and office staff member had assembled to greet the guests. "On days when a monarch is visiting the Grand Council it is customary that they lead people into the chamber, perhaps we could ask you to lead the way. Thankfully today the Grand Council chamber is serving as a function hall and not debating chamber, we wouldn't dream of making you sit through the lengthy hell of one. Once you've had chance to meet a few people we'd like to show you each of the Quarters of the city, if you are agreeable." Keynes walked half a step behind the two Morelanders as they entered the large grey stone building and then people filed in behind. The Grand Council chamber was in the very centre of the building which wasn't exactly as Grand in size as the name suggested however the chamber itself was sunken into the basement but extended up through the three floors above with a large dome above. It was designed for around 100 people and a large square desk at is centre had benches arranged all the way around. Normally the Overseer and his staff sat at the central table with the round seating separated into thirds being for each Kingdom's representative. Today though rather than a ceremonial axe which indicated the Council was in session sitting on the table a variety of buffet foods and drinks were arranged. "Please help yourself and feel free to mingle."