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.