Mummy Dearest (3rd Place)

The King tried to brush away the thick layers of silvery dust and cobwebs that clung to him like a shroud. At one time, such nuisances would have caused havoc to his allergies but things like this did not bother him anymore. Stretching his neck from side to side, the sound of brittle bones brought a cacophony of rippling cracks. A satisfied sigh rustled in the gloom around him.

He opened eyes that were gritty and dry, staring at the ebony dark that surrounded him. In the distance, he could hear the faint echoes of muffled voices approaching. Finally – guests! he mused, trying to stifle his excitement.

Stepping out of his ornate closet, he was thankful to be free of its interminable confines. Brushing off the rest of the lingering cobwebs, the King tried his best to make himself more presentable. After all, it had been ages since he had stepped out and had proper company.

Boney knees moved with agonizing slowness, but he managed to lean himself up against the aged stone wall. As he waited for the first torchlight to approach closer, the King could barely contain his glee.

When the first man came into view and saw him standing there partially concealed in the shadows, the shrill sound of the stranger's scream reverberated down the ancient passageway of the tomb. Then to the King’s horror, the poor man fell over in a dead faint. The sputtering flame of the torch winked out as the others approached more cautiously, wondering what had happened.

Well, it’s now or never, he thought. Stepping out into the dim lit passageway, the Egyptian King turned and presented himself as best as he could. Extending out a frayed and bandaged arm, he flourished the strangers with a polite bow. “Welcome to my humble abode and please, make yourselves at home,” his hoarse voice whispered like claws scratching against the inside of a sarcophagus. “The housekeeper has been gone for ages and I have had little time to find a suitable replacement, so I must apologize for the horrid disarray. I do suspect, however, that there are some dried yams and nuts in those canopic jars, well aged by the way.” He frowned, and then paused for a moment before continuing. “Oh dear … where are my manners? Please, come in and relax. Sit down and let us talk. It’s been so long since I have heard news of the outside world.”

Pale, slack-jawed faces of the explorers stared back at him. Shaking his head, the King sighed. “I must say … and I hate to ask, but ... would any of you happen to have a first aid kit handy – and perhaps an extra toothbrush?” he asked with a hopeful glint in his lidless eyes.