The Phantom Man 2 - The Book of the Dead

XX - Rasputin - The Mad Monk

Early — 20TH Century

IIn the palace of Russian tsar Nicolai Romanov, a man considered a wizard became increasingly famous due to his healing powers. It was also widely said all over Europe that that man could dominate human minds by using hypnotic methods. That man held a very important position within the royal family as a Counselor. It didn't take long before someone often thirsty for capturing powerful wizards to drain their energy heard of him.

Klaus was having a drink in his favorite tavern, as he used to do every Sunday, when he heard a man at the next table saying things about some man known as Rasputin.

"Pardon my intrusion, gentlemen. I heard you mentioning something about a wizard who is living with the Romanov family. What else do you know about him that you could share with me?" Even though Klaus was not often keen to politeness, it seemed that this time he was overly cordial.

"It's no problem at all! Rasputin is the talk of the day in every household and public space in Europe. As you know, Russia joined forces with Great Britain and France to beat Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. While the czar is away risking his life, Rasputin has been trusted to look after all of Romanov's affairs," said one of the men. "The man is living inside the royal palace. I would never allow a man to live under the same roof my wife is, especially if I'm risking my life at battle. I wouldn't trust a man that much, wizard or not!"

Everyone in the tavern laughed at the man's comment.

"Some say that he's having an affair with the czar's wife. Also, that he has healing powers... Partially because Rasputin has successfully prevented the progression of the czar's son's disease," someone else added.

"Quite interesting... So, in addition to having magical powers, the so-called Rasputin also holds a prominent position in politics... He's quite an interesting man, no doubt about it." Klaus' curiosity was increasingly high.

The bench on Klaus's side moved slightly. Everyone around looked at Klaus with fear. After all, they were talking about witchcraft, and then out of the blue the bench moved, even though there's no one sitting on it. Only Klaus knew the reason.

He opened some space for Fratello. The Doppelgänger was also in the tavern, though invisible. And he also wanted to be updated on the latest news.

"Please go on gentlemen," the warlock said. "Let me offer you another round of beer, my treat." Klaus wanted to make everyone drunk, so that they would say everything they knew about Rasputin.

Soon, this strategy proved to be unnecessary. Whenever Fernando, Augusto and Dicesari were together, they would gossip about everyone's lives unstoppably.

"I heard that the mad monk enjoys organizing orgies. He convinces women to take part on them by promising divine forgiveness." Fernando laughed, and so did his friends.

"He is a smart fellow, isn't he? He knows very well that there's no living soul without sins. He has a very cunning way to get what he wants with women," said Klaus, with a smile.

Klaus looked at Fratello, who was already showing his teeth in a large smile. The creature's thoughts were totally in sync with his master's. After a lot of chatting, Klaus learned several details about the life of his next victim.

A few days after, Klaus and Fratello went on a trip. Klaus took his usual baggage: the bottle of rum, the leather boots and the bag where he carried his belongings. The warlock opened a portal in his chamber. He entered it, then was followed by Fratello.

"Let's check out if Rasputin is as powerful as everyone says he is. If that's true, then I'll drain all his magic."

As soon as Klaus and Fratello stepped on the other side of the portal, they were in St. Petersburg, near the royal family's palace. The warlock decided to book themselves in a nearby hotel. After all the stealing he did throughout the centuries, he was richer than ever.