SSiT: Meet the Mummy

Characters in this scene
Sleuth Serpent (Noah)
Mia (Marybeth)
The Mummy (Hisspan)

Setting and props
Mansion hallway.  A gigantic vase near stage left (NOT against the wall!), and a bookshelf full of books at stage right.

Scene synopsis
This is the scene where the Mummy is introduced.  After their close call with the werewolf, Sleuth and Mia split up to look for clues.  While Sleuth investigates the bookshelf, the Mummy shows up and introduces herself in monologue.  The Mummy then hypnotizes Sleuth, and Mia returns just in time to see this happening.  Finally, the Mummy leaves with Sleuth in tow, and Mia follows them.

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(Sleuth and Mia walk in from stage right in that order, out of breath and panting.  They pause at center stage.)

Mia. Okay, from now on I'm a cat person.

(They regain their breath.)

Sleuth. Well, we're out of danger for now.  Let's split up and search for clues as to where the Princess ended up.  You search that way (pointing towards stage left); I'll check around here.

Mia. (She nods her head.) Right.

(Mia runs off stage left.  Sleuth approaches the bookshelf and begins to examine the books on it, occasionally taking one off the shelf and leafing through it before putting it back.  This activity continues until further notice.  After about ten seconds, the Mummy enters from stage left, walking slowly.  She stops and jumps in surprise upon noticing Sleuth.)

Mummy. By Anubis's ankh!  I thought I sensed a new presence in here!  (Bows head in sadness.) I've been so lonely in my sarcophagus... every Queen needs a King, even long-dead Egyptian queens.  (Looks up at Sleuth again.) He's cute, too.  He'll be perfect!  (Aside to audience; puts one hand to her mouth as if whispering.) He may not be willing to spend the rest of eternity at my side, but I have ways of fixing that...

(The Mummy tiptoes up to Sleuth, stopping a foot or so away from him.  She puts one hand up and waves it in a circle as if casting a spell, her fingers aimed at Sleuth's head.)

Mummy. (firmly) Kalla... kalla sakalla... kalla sakalla shakay...

Sleuth. (He stops searching the bookcase and starts to turn to face the Mummy.) Oh, hello, Mia.  Did you... (He stops mid-sentence, now directly facing the Mummy.  He freezes, his eyes wide.  After a moment, his muscles go slack.)

(Around now, Mia returns from stage left.  During the next two lines, she walks onstage and stops in surprise upon seeing the Mummy hypnotizing Sleuth.  She doesn't say a word.)

Mummy. Yes.  Yes.  Do not resist the hypnotic curse.  Let it take you in.  Obey me.

Sleuth. (sluggishly, as if hypnotized) Yes, Mistress.

(The Mummy takes a step back.  Mia gasps and hides behind the vase.  The Mummy glances back in confusion, but doesn't notice Mia.)

Mummy.  Come, darling.  (She beckons to Sleuth with her hand.)  I'll show you your new home.  I've even prepared a nice meal for you.

Sleuth. Yes, Mistress.

(The Mummy turns and walks off stage left.  Sleuth slowly follows.  With both gone, Mia comes out of hiding, glances towards stage left in confusion, then back at the audience.)

Mia. (exasperated) This is going to be a long night.

(Then she silently heads off to stage left as well.  End scene.)