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.