Part 5
In the shadow of the night, the three sisters made their move. The only problem they had to face where the guards who kept a tight watch over the Village at nightfall. Nothing could leave or enter the village under their watchful eyes. At least in theory. Hancock however was aware of a fatal weak point in this surveillance. It had the name of Tulip.
Tulip was a huge, bulky guard, who watched over the east side of the village. She was imposingly strong, but good-natured and painfully naïve … And she loved nothing more than a good meal…
"Good night Tulip! How is the watch doing?"The guard turned around in shock but calmed down the moment she recognized the small frame approaching her
"Hancock, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting by now?"
"Yes, but it is such a wonderful night, I felt like looking at the stars for a little bit" Hancock said and sat down next to her. It was a shameless lie, but Tulip was way too naïve to see through it.
"You are right; the stars look lovely tonight!"Tulip stared at the sky with awe
"Being on the watch all night sure is exhausting, hm ? How about a small midnight snack?" Hancock asked innocently. The young girl turned away and started shuffling through her pouch. As she turned back she was holding plenty of delicious food in her hands. Tulip beamed at the goodies, there was delicate meat, and mouth-watering cakes.
"But…you know I am not allowed to eat during my watch…"Tulip stuttered, the wonderful smell of the groceries had reached her nose.
"Is that so? You really do not want to try?" Hancock started swinging a piece of meat in front of Tulip's Face before she moved it to her own lips with pleasure. Slowly she took a big bite.
"Ooh, I cannot believe it!" Hancock squealed with utmost bliss „ So good…! You must take one bite!"
Tulip was shaking now; as if the only sight of the food caused her physical pain. She couldn't resist this temptation any longer. With trembling hands she took a piece of luscious meat. She would only take one bite; to see how it tasted and get back to duty…
The second the meat met her lips, Tulip tasted pure paradise. All intentions were forgotten, instead she was longing for more. The moment she had eaten up, Hancock reached her more delicacies anew.
"Here Tulip, I brought some Sake from the village. I heard it is your favorite!"Hancock said gleefully as she reached Tulip the bottle. The guard accepted it gratefully
"You are really mindful!"
Soon the stuffed Tulip was leaning against Hancock, drunk and sleepy.
There was a reason why Tulip was not allowed to eat during her watch… After a good meal she would fall asleep faster than a toddler…
"How about a small nap, Tulip? One or to minutes will not do any harm…" The girl spoke with a lulling whisper and reached the guard a fluffy cushion.
"You are right" the Guard murmured with weary eyes" Only a minute…"
After three seconds the big guard was lying on the floor and snoring loudly. Not even a herd of rampaging rhinos could wake her up now. With a short whistle, Hancock gave her sisters the signal to come out of their hiding. The two girls arrived and looked at the snoozing Tulip
You are sure she will not wake up?" Sandersonia asked with worry, her eyes still resting on the guard.
"Yes, she ate up almost everything…And she drank so much Sake; it would put a whole army to sleep." Hancock answered dryly while she covered the Guard with a warm blanket."We have at least three hours before she wakes up again. That should be more than enough to get to the jungle and return."
At these words an upset hiss went through the night. Tulips Snake had loosened form her body and stood up in front of them. It was glaring with suspicion. Hancock bowed down and petted the angry animal."We are just taking a small walk, I am sure you have no reason to object?" Hancock said tenderly and reached the reptile a big piece of meat. The snake hissed again, this time with delight. It lay down next to its sleeping owner, and started to feast on its bribe. Now the girls could step out to their adventure….