© Tatty
Egypt – 2,700 B.C.
The acolytes of the sorcerer Montu had furtively retrieved his body from the Pharaoh’s palace guards, and his embalmers were in the process of snaking a long hook through his nose in order to remove his brain. Earlier, his body had been carefully washed with palm wine and water from the Nile, and Montu’s followers surrounded his body as the embalmers worked, chanting as Montu had taught them. Montu had angered Pharaoh and his priests by invoking ancient, forbidden gods. Pharaoh ordered Montu’s death, but the cunning sorcerer had planned for this defeat. His followers’ preparations would ensure his return.
Egypt – 30 B.C.
History remembers Cleopatra for her wiles and her ambition, but she was also a talented witch. She kneeled before the mummy of her dark patron, Montu.
“I have failed you,” she said. “Marc Antony is dead, like Caesar before him. Our plans to rule the world are at an end.”
For you, they most certainly are, Montu’s voice echoed in her head. An asp slithered from the base of Montu’s sarcophagus. I had hopes that we could shape the world to our will. But I will find another partner.
The asp bit Cleopatra on the arm, and she died painfully.
Egypt – 1799 A.D.
General Napoleon Bonaparte was stressed. The British had destroyed the French fleet, cutting off supplies supporting his Egyptian campaign. He planned to abandon his troops in Egypt and flee to Paris. He was seriously thinking of overthrowing the government. And now the spirit of an old Egyptian mummy was whispering to him.
Take me from this tomb, take me to Paris, it whispered. People once feared the magic of Montu. With me at your side, the world will be ours.
Bonaparte stared at the ancient mummy his troops had discovered. No, thought Bonaparte. I’m not in the mood to share.
USA – 1939 A.D.
The Nazi occultist had eluded the police, but no criminal escapes The Matador. The masked vigilante had tracked Hans to an abandoned warehouse; Hans was standing before the sarcophagus he had stolen from the City Museum, engaged in dark, arcane rituals.
Unsheathing his sword and dramatically twirling his red cape, The Matador confronted Hans.
“You’re done, Nazi!” shouted The Matador, as he thrust his sword into the villain’s chest, before Hans could fire his handgun.
“Nein,” said the dying Nazi. “So close. Montu would have helped the Reich conquer the world.”
Looking at the mummy, The Matador felt a chill.
USA – 1985 A.D.
The artist stepped back from the drawing board, admiring her work. Amanda’s commission to design a mascot character for Tasty Food Company’s “Cereal Monster” brand was her big break, and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect.
Amanda’s visits to the City Museum provided inspiration. The Egyptian mummy she sketched there evolved into her “Montu the Mummy” character. Soon cartoonish Montu would be on millions of cereal boxes, winning the devotion of kids everywhere.
At night, Amanda dreamed of Montu, and when she awoke she remembered his promises of fame and riches, but not his invocations to dark gods.
USA – The Age of Montu (Day One)
President Keaton and his Cabinet stood in the Oval Office, surrounding the sarcophagus of Montu, chanting. Keaton had been a boy when he first heard Montu’s voice. Montu had been a secret mentor to Keaton since his mother bought that first box of “Montu the Mummy” cereal. Keaton came to realize that he was not alone; others, including his Cabinet, were Montu’s friends. Museum officials were eager to honor his request that the mummy be brought to the White House. Outside, in Washington, and across America, thousands chanted. The sky turned red. Montu laughed as his gods came to Earth.
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Reed Beebe writes fiction and poetry in Kansas City, Missouri. His stories have been published by The Were-Traveler, Schlock!, and Inner Sins.
