Yori glanced up from the game of knucklebones. ‘As Confucius said, before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.’

‘Well, let’s hope those two graves are for Kazuki and the kunoichi, then!’ said Akiko, returning her attention to the bow.

There was a double knock at the door, the lock was turned and Signor Horatio entered with Rose. She could now walk unaided and the colour was back in her cheeks, her gunshot wound healing fast thanks to a combination of Yori’s herbal medicine and healing mantras.

‘Good news!’ said Signor Horatio, beaming at Jack. ‘I’ve found the Hosiander. She is still docked at Somers Quay.’

‘That’s wonderful news!’ cried Jack, jumping up from the bed. ‘Where’s she bound for?’

Signor Horatio now turned his smile upon Akiko and Yori. ‘The Far East. Captain Spilbergen informs me that he’s casting off in the next day or so, as soon as all the supplies are stowed. He says we’re all welcome aboard.’

Akiko let out a long, contented sigh and fell back on her pillow. ‘Yori, we’re going home!’

Closing his eyes, Yori put his hands together in silent prayer. At seeing their euphoric reactions, Jack experienced a bittersweet pang in his heart. As much as he was pleased for his friends, he was also disappointed that their time in England had been so fraught and full of danger. It was not how he’d imagined his homecoming would be.

‘This is so exciting!’ said Jess, clapping her hands in delight. ‘I’ve always had to stay at home, listening to Father’s tales of adventure. Now I get to sail round the world, just like my brother.’ She looked at Jack. ‘Will we cross the Atlantic or the Indian Ocean? Will we see dolphins? Whales? Penguins? Will we visit the Spice Islands? The Golden Pavilion at Kyoto perhaps? Yori’s been telling me the temple’s painted in pure gold!’

Jack grinned at his sister’s enthusiasm. He’d felt exactly the same way when he embarked on his first voyage with his father. He nodded in answer to Jess’s outpouring of questions and she almost burst with joy.

Jack turned to Rose and Signor Horatio. ‘Are you coming with us too?’

Rose gently shook her head, then looked at Signor Horatio and smiled. ‘No, we have other plans, don’t we?’

Signor Horatio proudly put his arm round Rose. ‘We do, signorina. We’re travelling back to my homeland,’ he announced. ‘I’m going to show Rose the delights and marvels of Rome, Milan, Florence, Verona, N–’

‘And Venice!’ Rose interrupted, planting a kiss on Signor Horatio’s cheek. ‘That’s where we’re getting married.’

Signor Horatio blinked in apparent shock, then laughed. ‘Certo! Anything for my Rose!’