Read Online The Haunting Hour by R.L. Stine - Free Book Online Page B

no,” I said when I saw what stretched across the back of the room. An enormous square pit of bubbling tar.
    â€œWe have all heard of the plot against your life,” the High Priest said, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Your enemies plan to murder you—and leave your body unmummified. These evil ones plan to rob you of your afterlife!”
    I stared at him. My mouth dropped open. His words weren’t making any sense to me.
    Was he saying that someone planned to kill the Prince? And not turn him into a mummy?
    I knew that the ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. And I knew they believed that a body had to be mummified in order to have a life after death. But what did all that have to do with me?
    â€œFear not,” the High Priest said, taking my hand again. “I have taken care of you since childhood, my Prince. I shall not allow these enemies of Egypt to rob you of your afterlife. I will mummify you today !”
    â€œNo!” I finally found my voice. I finally understood what he was saying.
    â€œListen to me!” I screamed. “You’ve got it all wrong!”
    The six priests all gasped in shock. The High Priest took a step back.
    â€œYou’re trying to kill the wrong guy!” I told them. “I’m not your Prince Akor. My name is Connor Franklin. And I don’t come from here. I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio.”
    The men started to mutter. The High Priest waved to them to stop. He frowned at me, his blue eyes studying me hard.
    â€œI live in the United States!” I cried. “In the twenty-first century! This is all some kind of crazy mix-up.”
    By the time I finished, I was gasping for breath, my chest heaving up and down. I waited for the High Priest to speak.
    â€œYou have had these dreams before, Prince Akor,” he said softly. The priests all nodded.
    The High Priest reached forward and began to unwind the strips of cloth that still covered me. I gasped when I saw what I was wearing underneath. Not my jeans and T-shirt. A short white skirt!
    â€œThis is crazy!” I cried. “I don’t come from here. I come from far in the future!”
    â€œIf that is true, how do you understand us?” the High Priest asked, speaking softly and patiently. “How do you speak our language?”
    Good question.
    I stared at him openmouthed. I didn’t have an answer.
    â€œYou have dreamed before that you lived in a future time,” the High Priest said. “But you must realize that you are awake now. The dream is ended.”
    He placed his hand tenderly on my shoulder. “I promised your father, the Pharaoh, that I would always take care of you. And I will keep that promise. I will mummify you before the night falls.”
    My whole body shuddered. “No, please. Listen to me!” I begged.
    â€œOf course you are afraid, my Prince,” the High Priest said. “But you will be given a potion to dull your senses. You will not feel the burn of the hot tar. When the ceremony is over, you will be lost to Egypt. But you shall live forever with the gods in the afterworld.”
    A low cry escaped my throat.
    No thanks, I thought. I’m outta here! As soon as someone turns his back, I’m outta here!
    â€œPriests, take him to rest in his chamber while I prepare thetools,” the High Priest commanded.
    Once again the six men surrounded me and forced me to walk with them. They led me to a large chamber filled with brightly colored cushions. Hanging from the high ceiling, silky blue curtains fluttered in a gentle breeze.
    â€œRest, Prince Akor,” one of the priests said, bowing his head. “We will come for you soon.”
    The heavy door closed hard behind them.
    I realized I didn’t have a second to waste.
    I ran to the door and tried it. Bolted shut.
    I turned and saw the long curtains swaying gently. There is a breeze, I realized, so there must be a window.
    Yes! Hidden behind the