Saving the Romanov family #14

ГА РФ, ф. 683 оп. 1 д. 125 л. 14

Murmansk, July 1918

Woke up one morning to discover an insignia of Anastasia's regiment, the 148th Caspian Infantry, on my shoulder sleeve. Anastasia took my jacket while I was asleep and sewed it on. It bothered her that we have no insignias, so she made me a soldier of her regiment, affectionately calling me her darling Caspian. The actual regiment was disbanded after the revolution. Still, I won't disappoint her.

We've split into two groups. Aragorn believes he can rescue the other Romanov relatives in Petrograd, but he needed Master Chief and Geralt to go with him. It was a risky operation which I reluctantly agreed to. They were joined by Sergei Mikhailovich, Vladimir Paley, Ioann Konstantinovich and his brother Konstantin. Ioann's brother Igor stayed with the convoy because of his fragile health. After the convoy reached the outskirts of Arkhangelsk, the rescue party headed off to Petrograd, into the lion's den.

I warned the refugees about the deadly influenza pandemic before we entered Arkhangelsk. The city was bustling with Allied and White Army troops. We left our vehicles behind when we reached the port, using them to barter for passage across the White Sea. After crossing the sea by boat, we got on a train to Murmansk, finally getting there at dusk. The train station was guarded by the Finnish Legion, a Royal Navy unit composed of communist volunteers. It was only because I was in British Army uniform that they didn't detain Nicholas and Alexandra.

The admiral of the British North Russia Squadron has good relations with the Murmansk Soviet and he preferred to keep the peace by refusing to help the Romanov family. His priority was to defend Murmansk from the German-backed White Guard, hence the Finnish Legion. He gave his word that they won't harm the Romanov family, but I'll be keeping an eye on them. There has also been no word from the king, thus we're stranded in Murmansk unless we can find a ship that will take us abroad. With potential hostiles in the town and my companions away, I supplied Igor with ammunition for his rifle and gave Olga my M1911 pistol. I told her to be careful with it. Hopefully she won't need to use it.

Once the refugees had settled into temporary accommodations, Igor took the first watch while Tatiana and I went to have a look around. She's elated to see the sea again, something she'd missed so much in captivity. Alexandra and Alexei's health have improved both physically and mentally since leaving Ekaterinburg. Tatiana fears I may have burdened her family with a debt they can never fully repay. I'm just glad she's happy. On the way back to our lodgings, I lifted Tatiana off her feet and carried her the rest of the way. She's never looked at me with a blush before. I would've locked eyes with her too if only I didn't have to watch the road. Her life was in my hands.

Saving the Romanov family #13

ГА РФ. Ф. 683. Оп. 1. Д. 125. № 433

En route to Arkhangelsk, July 1918

The convoy didn't cover much distance today. Empress Alexandra was tired so we had to stop to let her rest. The four of us scouted the surrounding area and harassed a few Red Army patrols that strayed too close. Upon returning to the camp, we reviewed a map of the area. Anastasia took an interest in our meeting and silently watched us from behind.

Nicholas and his daughters were smoking cigarettes. I felt compelled to let them know that it was bad for their health, something that wasn't known during the Great War. People still smoke in the future, but the lives of the Romanovs are important to me and I hope I can encourage them to quit, especially OTMA. If the Bolsheviks don't kill them, smoking will. It was another vital piece of medical knowledge for Dr Botkin.

Anastasia later went for a walk with her pet dog Jimmy. I accompanied her in case she ventured too far from the camp. While we were walking along a river bank, she bent over to look into the water. She lost her balance and nearly fell forward, but I caught her with my hands. That was when I felt jewels hidden in her blouse, and there was a lot of them. Anastasia was embarrassed. She said the jewels are her family's valuables. Her sisters also have them sewn into their underclothes and they're carrying them for their mother. Not that they don't trust us, they just didn't think of another way to carry them. I promised to keep her secret.

The grand duchesses took the phonograph from their luggage and used it to play music in the evening. Ioann Konstantinovich danced with his wife Helena to lift the refugees' spirits. The couple later asked me if it was safe for them to go to Petrograd to pick up their two children, who are being looked after by Ioann's mother Elizabeth Mavrikievna. I advised against it as the Petrograd Soviet will recognize Ioann. Come to think of it, in preventing the murders at Ekaterinburg and Alapaevsk, we may have unwittingly endangered the lives of other Romanov relatives still in Petrograd. The Bolsheviks could unleash their anger on them.

Went behind a vehicle to run diagnostics on my cyberware optics. The program was almost done scanning when Maria appeared. She expressed her gratitude for the rescue. It's been a while since armed men treated her family with kindness and respect. She feels like a grand duchess again. Before Maria left, she could've sworn she saw my eyes glowing orange. Lines of code would appear in my optics during diagnostics, making the iris glow. Next time I'll be sure to keep my eyes closed.

Saving the Romanov family #12

"Потопление Мордвинова"
ГА РФ ф. 683 оп. 1 д. 125 л. 20

En route to Arkhangelsk, July 1918

We cautiously infiltrated the enemy frontline under the cover of darkness. The diversion we created gave the Red Army soldiers the impression they were under attack by a large force. While they were distracted, the convoy was able to pass through unnoticed. The refugees were in awe at the flares, explosions and gunfire when we rejoined them and continued on our way. Most of them have never seen combat before.

A few miles into enemy territory, we came across an abandoned Gulag. The prisoners had been massacred by the retreating Cheka, probably to prevent the Czechoslovaks from liberating them. The half-dug graves suggest they left in a hurry. The bodies had been stripped and mutilated similar to what Yurovsky would've done to the Romanov family. I warned the refugees to stay back but some of them wanted to see it for themselves. Despite Empress Alexandra's protests, we didn't bury the bodies and moved on. We had lingered long enough.

We set up camp in the evening. Our Mosin-Nagant rifles were passed on to the princes Ioann, Konstantin, Igor and Vladimir Paley, seeing as they were decorated war heroes before the revolution, though I stopped short of supplying them with ammunition. For now I only trust my companions with loaded firearms. Giving them bayonets for fixing to their rifles is enough.

A few refugees were gathered around a small campfire. They couldn't sleep after such an eventful day. I tried to take Olga's mind off it by asking her to think of a good memory, something that made her really happy. That was when she began reminiscing about one of her family trips to Mogilev in the summer of 1916, when they messed around with an officer by the name of Anatoly Mordvinov and sort of tried to drown him in the Dnieper river. Her sisters also remembered that day and spoke fondly of it, giggling for a bit. I finally saw Olga smile, though it slowly disappeared when she wondered what happened to him and the officers in the tsar's escort.

The grand duchesses speak to us in English nowadays. They had long suspected from our accents that we were not Russians. It disappointed them once I confirmed their suspicions, for they had hoped to be rescued by their compatriots, particularly someone they knew. But anyone still loyal to their father is either dead or powerless to help. Now their fates are in the hands of us mysterious foreigners. Nonetheless, they are deeply indebted to us for our aid.

Saving the Romanov family #11

ГА РФ, ф. 673. оп. 1 д. 203 л. 24 об.

Ekaterinburg, 25 July 1918

Geralt has returned, bringing Dr Botkin's children, Tatiana and Gleb, from Tobolsk. Finding them was not easy for him.

A Czechoslovak detachment came to the Ipatiev House this afternoon. We met them disguised as British troops. They didn't get in our way, so long as we vacated the compound which they intend to use as their headquarters. The local nuns have been told they don't have to deliver food anymore. The Romanovs presented them with gifts for their generosity. Maria regrets that she never had a chance to explore Ekaterinburg, having been kept in strict isolation almost throughout her time here. She'll never know if she likes the city. A priest and deacon arrived at the Ipatiev House to conduct prayers and bless the captives on their journey.

Thomas Preston from the British consulate visited the captives again and offered his advice when he heard we were leaving Ekaterinburg. The British North Russia Squadron is based in Murmansk. Preston suggested that if we can get there, a warship could transport us out of Russia. He will try and telegraph London informing the king of the Romanov family's whereabouts. Murmansk seems a fitting choice for the captives, after all its original name was Romanov-on-Murman. It's regrettable we can't take the Romanovs to the Crimea and I can see their disappointment.

Elizabeth Feodorovna and her companion Barbara opted to stay with the nuns at the local monastery, even though I warned her the communists will kill her. A few members of the imperial entourage have also decided to part ways with the Romanov family. On the bright side, this meant less people for us to worry about.

Anastasia thinks we look funny wearing Brodie helmets. Alexei, on the other hand, was quite impressed with our gear. Maria tried to snap a picture of me but I asked her not to because I was camera-shy, even though I wear a mask. I suggested she focus on taking pictures of her family as they're more important than I ever will be. The grand duchesses noticed our lack of insignias. In the event we were to cross paths with real British troops, our unmarked uniforms will make them think we're secret service agents.

With everyone accounted for and the vehicles' engines in working order, we waited until dark before moving out towards the frontline. Geralt took Cisco to scout ahead of the convoy. The Romanovs won't miss the House of Special Purpose and neither will I. Their captivity is finally over. Now they're imperial refugees fleeing Red Terror. Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Saving the Romanov family #10

ГА РФ, ф. 601 оп. 1 д. 1670 л. 15 об.

Ekaterinburg, 24 July 1918

Word reached us that another group of Bolsheviks was planning to attack the Ipatiev House. They were led by Pyotr Ermakov, another regicide. Aragorn and I found them in a saloon, all drunk, so we overcame them with ease. I wasted no time with Ermakov, slashing his throat and leaving him to die while we killed the others. He and his gang will not harm another soul again. We took their ammo and one of their horses. I named it Cisco.

The pain in Alexei's leg is subsiding. He still cannot walk but the clotting factor is working splendidly. Alexandra was in tears. It's a miracle she feared she wouldn't witness again. The downside of helping Alexei is that we've become more of a mystery to the captives. The questions keep coming. At least the boy will be ready for the long journey ahead. I've instructed the captives to begin packing their bags because we'll be leaving tomorrow after the Czechoslovak Legion arrives.

We gathered the captives in the living room to discuss our destination. Regrettably, we told them that going to the Crimea would be suicide because we'd have to fight our way through many miles of hostile terrain to get there, and even then the island is under German control. Murmansk is under Allied control but it's also behind enemy lines. The best option is probably Vladivostok. It's the farthest, but with the Red Army retreating from the east, our journey would be a breeze compared to the Crimea or Murmansk. We gave the captives until tomorrow to make their decision. One thing's for sure is they cannot stay in Ekaterinburg.

Today I asked Olga if she needed anything. I was a bit surprised when she asked for a gun. She used to have a Browning pistol which she concealed after the revolution in case the guards tried to harm her family. It was confiscated while they were imprisoned in Tobolsk. I gave her my M1911 pistol since I already use a tomahawk for close combat. To show her how to use it we had to go somewhere else. Once all the captives were asleep, I took Olga with me on Cisco to the Koptyaki forest under the cover of darkness.

We visited the mine that was meant to be used by Yurovsky to strip, mutilate and dispose of the bodies. Looking into the mineshaft gave me chills even though we prevented the murders. Still, I wanted to see it for myself. I didn't tell Olga what would've happened here had we not rescued her family, but she could tell something was bothering me. We stayed awhile after I taught her a few gun safety tips. She appreciates the advice, but ultimately chose not to keep the pistol as she's not confident of using it.

While we were sitting near a tree, Olga spoke of her anger at the bogus officer letters, how she was so naive as to believe they were authentic. For a while she remained hopeful that there were still people loyal to her father. The revolution and civil war we find ourselves in has shaken her patriotic resolve. We rode back to the Ipatiev House when we heard heavy gunfire from a distance, a sign the Czechoslovaks are in the city. Whoever we are, Olga thanks God we're here.

Saving the Romanov family #9

ГА РФ, ф. 640 оп. 3 д. 25 л. 78 об. фото 1168

Ekaterinburg, 23 July 1918

Was making my rounds when I overheard Tatiana talking to her parents in their bedroom. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation. The tsar and empress were enquiring about us. It was really nice to hear Tatiana vouching for us. She stayed indoors the whole day to help her mother look after Alexei.

Preparations for the journey are underway. Went down to the local garage to obtain tools and petrol for the vehicles. Also visited local shops to stock up on supplies, most of which had been requisitioned by the Red Army. I managed to find a few film cartridges which are hopefully compatible with the Romanovs' box camera.

During the captives' recreation in the garden, I gave chocolates to Tatiana's sisters. A smile creeped over Anastasia's face when she took her first bite. She enjoyed it so much that I gave her another bar. Maria and Anastasia plied me with questions to know more about us. Olga asked about the Bolsheviks' plan to kill them. Her parents told them of the attempted execution after all. It made them feel even more miserable, and they remained wary of us until we fought off the Bolsheviks. I asked the grand duchesses where they would want to go to if they were not under house arrest. The three of them were unanimous, they long for the Crimea.

The tsar was admiring the seized vehicles in the courtyard. He noted that the engines were in poor condition and believes their former owners were bad mechanics. I updated him on current events in Russia, though he was also interested in any news of the Great War. It sickens him to learn that the Bolsheviks had no intention of sparing his wife, children and servants. He's worried for them. I couldn't stress enough the danger they were still in.

It's strange to see the once powerful tsar like this, condemned to die in a basement and rot for decades under a muddy road. But I don't hate him. Whatever his blunders, he paid for them dearly with his life and the lives of his family and loyal servants, at least in my time. I asked Nicholas to think about their evacuation, reminding him that staying in Russia was impossible. After he went indoors, Maria said her father needed time as he's still mourning Mikhail's death. Whatever his decision, we'll be leaving Ekaterinburg anyway and he will have to decide on a new home for his family abroad. Stay in Russia and it will mean the death of them all.

Saving the Romanov family #8

Ekaterinburg, 22 July 1918

Geralt is leaving for a few days to locate Dr Botkin's children and bring them to Ekaterinburg. He hopes to be back before the Czechoslovak Legion reaches the city. I wished him luck and told him to stay in contact.

The Professor asked us to collect a blood sample from the tsarevich. Alexei cannot walk and we can't begin our escape from Russia unless he's fully healthy for the journey. The bumpy ride alone would probably kill him. Modern research determined that Alexei had hemophilia B, but we had to be sure.

Empress Alexandra reluctantly permitted us to try and treat Alexei, but under the watch of doctors Botkin and Derevenko. We sent the sample to the Professor and he identified the type of hemophilia the boy suffers from. Once we received the special delivery which included the appropriate clotting factor, Chief got to work administering it. Tatiana assisted while the doctors observed. Alexandra kept a close watch on the procedure, silently praying. Chief has detailed files on human anatomy which makes him an efficient killer but also proficient at treating injuries.

Whether Alexandra wishes to learn the truth about hemophilia or continue to believe only in faith healing is up to her. I just want to help Alexei recover. Chief taught both Botkin and Derevenko how to administer the clotting factor to the tsarevich, though he will always be around to supervise. Maybe they will be able to pass on their newfound knowledge of the disease to future generations of physicians. All we can do now is wait for the clotting factor to take effect.

The supply of clotting factor should be enough for Alexei to last the journey. Other crate contents from the special delivery include SMLE Mk III rifles, M1911 pistols, Brodie helmets, 1902 Pattern Service Dress uniforms, 1914 Pattern Leather Equipment and some treats for the tsar's children. To save us the hassle of wearing puttees, we'll be using modern combat boots instead of ammunition boots. The grand duchesses were quite impressed with the contents.

The shipment also included footwear and orthotics specially made for Anastasia to help with her bunions. She thinks she has a secret admirer.

Saving the Romanov family #7

Ekaterinburg, 21 July 1918

Sensors detected movement approaching the house this morning and Chief identified them as hostiles. Took them long enough. It was a pretty large convoy. We took the captives to the basement before heading outside to meet the threat. The thugs were led by Pyotr Voykov of the Ural Soviet. Beside him was Yurovsky and his assistant Grigory Nikulin.

They tried to arrest us but we outfought them, taking a few of them out. Chief ID'd the regicides and targeted them first. I dealt with Yurovsky and Nikulin, disarming the former and knocking him to the ground before he could shoot. Nikulin tried to flee and I threw my tomahawk at him, hitting him squarely in the back. The remainder quickly surrendered without a fight.

Death was too good for Yurovsky, so instead of killing him, I had him restrained and used a bayonet to carve a large hammer and sickle symbol into his forehead. Since he loves communism, he shall wear it for the rest of his life. I threatened to do the same to Voykov if he ever breathed a word of this back to Moscow. Broke his nose so he will remember it. The thugs were allowed to carry off their dead and wounded comrades but forced to leave their vehicles behind which we plan to use to transport the captives out of Ekaterinburg. All the weapons we confiscated were destroyed.

Regrettably, we couldn't avoid a violent confrontation and as a result the captives were greatly distressed when they heard gunfire and screaming. All I could do was explain the situation to them. I couldn't hide the fact that we're not Bolsheviks anymore. Now they know we're on a covert mission to rescue them. To Nicholas and Alexandra's disappointment, I'm not the monarchist officer who smuggled letters to the Ipatiev House weeks ago promising to rescue them. I'm quite sure it was the work of the Bolsheviks to give them false hopes. As far as I know, besides us, no one ever came for them.

I think that's the last we'll see of Yurovsky. I tried talking to him at first, just to see what kind of person he is, maybe reason with him. But he was stone-hearted. His attempts to intimidate me was the last straw. I have never punched someone so hard in my life. If the mark of shame doesn't make him regret the way he treated the Romanov family, then he isn't human at all. Still, there's no better satisfaction than knowing we've defended the captives from evil.

P.S. No point disguising ourselves in Bolshevik uniforms anymore. Time to contact the Professor about that special delivery.

Saving the Romanov family #6

Ekaterinburg, 20 July 1918

Another day of chores. Moved the grand piano back to the dining room and returned the phonograph and its records to the Romanov family. All the electric bells linked to the guard posts have been taken down. I'm undoing almost everything Yurovsky did to isolate and torment the Ipatiev House captives. One downside is that the Romanovs need more water for their copious baths. The addition of the Alapaevsk captives and the imperial entourage at the Ipatiev House meant we have to make regular trips to the city pond each day to collect water.

On the bright side, the next time Grand Duchess Tatiana came to me with a request, I asked her to accompany me to the pond. We brought along a water barrel cart. Chief could easily perform this task, but just this once I hope to use this opportunity to know a little more about Tatiana. It has bothered me that no matter how many times she approached me for something, she's still a mystery to me. She's good at hiding her emotions. A beautiful enigma. What's the key to her?

Tatiana was pretty quiet on our way to the pond. While we were filling the barrel with water, she asked why we wear masks. Only the upper half of our faces are visible. She admits our appearance frightened her a bit when she first saw us. The masks hide our identities and protect the people closest to us. In secret, the masks prevent us from inadvertently spreading modern bacteria to the Romanovs. Their immune systems would struggle against microorganisms that has evolved over a century. I also want them to judge us by our actions, not our looks.

On our way back to the Ipatiev House, Tatiana thanked me for taking her out for a walk and is grateful for letting her family go out for prayers. She's especially appreciative that I've been very accommodating. Neither Yurovsky nor his predecessors were as kind-hearted, but for her family's sake she never stopped trying. Whatever she needed, I would do as she wished. It gives me pleasure to serve the Romanov family.

Tatiana gave me a tour of OTMA's bedroom while her family was in the garden. The walls were decorated with religious objects. No doubt the Romanovs are devoted Orthodox Christians. Tatiana's sisters entered the room while we were sweeping the floor. Maria and Anastasia greeted me, though Olga did not. She just sat on a chair with her head down, clearly despondent. It's the same when she's in the garden. This was the Bolsheviks' doing. I swear, if Yurovsky had harmed her in any way, I will not hesitate to kill him if I see him again.