Chapter 20: Hilston Borough
### The Study Room
Arthur Pendragon's study was a testament to opulence and intellect, lined with towering bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. The large windows allowed sunlight to stream in, illuminating the polished mahogany furniture.
Maric and the blonde lady, who Klein now recognized as Sharon, exchanged glances, their expressions serious and focused.
Arthur sat behind a grand desk, his demeanor composed and commanding. "I have gathered all of you because I believe each of you brings unique skills essential for this mission. Maric and Sharon will handle the more... physical aspects of the investigation, while Mr. Klein and Mr. Isengard will focus on the detective work."
Klein nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie building. This was not just another job; it was a critical mission that could impact countless lives.
Arthur continued, "The disease in Hillston Borough is unlike any we have seen. It spreads rapidly and has eluded all attempts at containment. I trust that with your combined expertise, we will find the source and put an end to it."
Isengard leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "We will need access to all records and any prior investigations conducted in the area."
Arthur nodded. "You will have full access to all necessary documents and support. I will also provide any resources you may need."
Klein felt a surge of determination. This was the kind of challenge he had been preparing for, a chance to make a real difference and prove his worth. He looked around the room, feeling the weight of the responsibility but also the excitement of the opportunity.
### The Mansion Grounds
As they finished their meeting, Arthur escorted Klein and Isengard out of the study. The grand corridors of the mansion were adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures, each piece a testament to the Pendragon family's wealth and taste. The windows offered breathtaking views of manicured gardens and sprawling lawns.
Walking beside Arthur, Klein felt the importance of the mission settle in. The Pendragon estate was more than just a symbol of affluence; it represented a commitment to tackling the crises plaguing their world.
Arthur led them to a spacious parlor where Maric and Sharon were waiting. "Before you depart, I want to ensure that everyone is fully briefed and equipped for the task ahead," Arthur said, his voice steady and confident.
Maric, his expression stoic, gave a slight nod. Sharon, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and determination, smiled faintly at Klein and Isengard.
"We've prepared a comprehensive dossier on Hillston Borough," Arthur continued, handing over a thick folder. "Inside, you'll find maps, medical reports, and eyewitness accounts. Use this information wisely."
Klein accepted the folder, feeling its weight. He knew the contents could be crucial to their success. He glanced at Isengard, who was already flipping through the pages with keen interest.
### The Journey to Hillston Borough
The next morning, the team gathered in front of the Pendragon mansion. The same exquisite carriage awaited them, now accompanied by a second, larger one filled with supplies and equipment. Arthur was there to see them off, his presence a reassuring anchor.
"Remember," Arthur said, his golden eyes meeting each of theirs in turn, "you have the full support of the Pendragon family. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
Klein nodded, appreciating the confidence and resources being extended to them. The team climbed into the carriages, their destination clear: Hillston Borough, a place of mystery and danger.
As the carriages set off, Klein couldn't help but reflect on the gravity of their mission. The scenery shifted from the opulence of the Pendragon estate to the bustling streets of Backlund, and finally, to the outskirts of the city, where the signs of neglect and disease became evident.
Hillston Borough lay ahead, shrouded in a foreboding aura. The once-vibrant neighborhood now stood as a testament to the devastation wrought by the plague. Houses lay in ruins, and the few remaining residents moved like shadows, their faces etched with despair.
### Arrival at Hillston Borough
The carriages came to a halt at the edge of the borough. The team disembarked, their expressions somber as they took in the scene. The air was thick with the smell of decay, and an eerie silence hung over the area.
"Welcome to Hillston Borough," Isengard said, his voice low. "This is where our real work begins."
Klein nodded, his resolve hardening. He glanced at Maric and Sharon, both of whom seemed unfazed by the grim surroundings. They were professionals, and they had a job to do.
Arthur had arranged for a small command center to be set up in one of the few intact buildings. Inside, they found charts, maps, and medical supplies neatly organized. A team of assistants, provided by Arthur, was already at work, compiling data and preparing reports.
Klein and Isengard immediately got to work, poring over the documents and planning their approach. Maric and Sharon prepared to scout the area, their expertise in combat and stealth essential for navigating the dangerous terrain.
"We need to start by identifying the most likely sources of the outbreak," Isengard said, his eyes scanning a map of the borough. "Hospitals, water sources, and any areas with a high concentration of initial cases."
Klein nodded, his mind already racing through the possibilities. "We should also interview any remaining residents. They might have seen or heard something that could give us a clue."
### The Investigation Begins
The team split into pairs, each with a specific task. Klein and Isengard focused on gathering information and interviewing residents, while Maric and Sharon conducted a thorough search of the most affected areas.
Klein approached the first house, a dilapidated structure with boarded-up windows. He knocked on the door, and after a few moments, it creaked open to reveal an elderly woman with wary eyes.
"Good morning, ma'am," Klein said gently. "We're here to help find the source of the disease that's affecting this area. Could we ask you a few questions?"
The woman nodded slowly, opening the door wider. "Come in, then. But be quick about it."
Inside, the house was sparse but clean. Klein and Isengard sat down at the kitchen table, their notepads ready.
"Can you tell us when you first noticed the symptoms?" Isengard asked, his tone respectful.
The woman sighed, her gaze distant. "It started a few months ago. People got sick one by one. Fever, chills, then coughing and bleeding. It was like nothing we'd ever seen."
"Did you notice anything unusual in the days leading up to the outbreak?" Klein asked, his pen poised to write.
The woman thought for a moment. "There were strange noises at night, coming from the old well at the edge of town. Some folks said they saw shadows moving around it, but I never paid much mind to it. Thought it was just their imagination."
Klein exchanged a glance with Isengard. The old well sounded like a potential lead.
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