Jack stood surveying the aftermath of their escape, his and the bear’s. The tiered benches round the arena were abandoned and in disarray, having been knocked over during the audience’s hysterical flight. Some spectators were still present, wandering around in a daze or tending to the shocked and injured. A few more unprincipled individuals were scouring the ground for dropped coins and lost possessions. But most had retreated into the relative safety of the town. Surrounding Jack in a ring lay the groaning and writhing bodies of Rakesby’s gang, each nursing a painful and potentially fatal wound.

The threat over, Signor Horatio resheathed his rapier. ‘May I have my dagger back, per favore, signor?’ he asked, holding out a gloved hand.

‘By all means,’ said Jack, returning the fine stiletto blade. ‘Thank you for saving me. I owe you my life.’

‘Pah! It was nothing!’ replied the swordsman, flicking a speck of dust off his velveted shoulder.

‘Your sword work cannot be described as nothing!’ exclaimed Jack, astounded at the man’s blasé attitude. ‘Your skill with a blade is extraordinary!’

His saviour puffed up like a peacock at the compliment.

Jack studied the man’s dark and handsome face. ‘I don’t believe we’ve met before. I’m Jack Fletcher. May I ask you why you came to my aid?’

Signor Horatio pursed his lower lip and shrugged nonchalantly. ‘I was impressed by your fighting spirit.’ He raised a slender finger and pointed at Jack. ‘Also, your balanced posture suggests you’re a trained swordsman too. I am right, no?’

Jack nodded and Signor Horatio beamed at his educated guess. ‘What school did you train at, and who was your master?’ he asked.

‘The Niten Ichi Ryū,’ Jack replied. ‘Under Masamoto Takeshi.’

Signor Horatio frowned. ‘I’ve not heard of that sword school.’

‘It’s in the Japans,’ explained Jack.

‘Ah! That must be why,’ said Signor Horatio, nodding to himself. ‘Well, you’ve no doubt heard of mine,’ he said, then paused dramatically before announcing: ‘Signor Horatio’s School of Fencing!’

From the way the swordsman spoke, it was obvious he was supremely proud of his institution. Jack hated to disappoint his saviour, but replied honestly, ‘I’m afraid not, Signor Horatio … I’ve been out of the country a while.’

For a moment the swordsman appeared somewhat deflated. Then he smiled again. ‘No matter. One day everyone will have heard of Signor Horatio’s School of Fencing!’

Of that Jack had no doubt, not only because the man kept announcing the school’s name so loudly and emphatically, but also because of the spectacular skill he had shown earlier with his rapier. Aside from Masamoto Takeshi himself, Jack had never witnessed such a consummate display of swordsmanship.

‘I hope one day I can repay the courage and kindness you have shown me,’ said Jack with a grateful bow, ‘but I must go now.’