Next Yori bowed his respects and gave Signor Horatio and Rose a pair of matching origami paper cranes. ‘For peace,’ he explained.

Finally it was Jack’s turn. ‘Signor Horatio, you’re a loyal friend, a fine gentleman and a true sword master. I know my guardian, Masamoto Takeshi, will be fascinated to learn the fencing skills you’ve taught me. The way of the rapier is another world to the way of the katana.’

‘Certo, signor! That’s what makes it such a fine weapon.’ Then Signor Horatio unsheathed his slender steel rapier and handed it to Jack. ‘Take it. You now have the best of both worlds.’

‘I can’t accept this,’ said Jack, taken aback at such a generous gift.

Signor Horatio clasped Jack’s shoulder. ‘I can’t think of a better student to wield such a blade … apart from Akiko, of course.’ He then produced another rapier with a finely crafted handguard, which he presented to Akiko, who bowed deeply in appreciation.

As Signor Horatio stepped away, Rose came forward. ‘I’m afraid I don’t have anything for you, Jack …’ she said demurely, ‘except this –’ and she planted her lips on his cheek. In that moment, the memory of a young red-haired girl kissing him beneath Moorgate awoke in Jack’s mind. He smiled and gave his childhood friend a fond hug.

‘Are you coming or what?’ yelled a sailor from the Hosiander’s main deck, breaking up the tender moment.

After a final flurry of goodbyes, Jack, Akiko, Yori and Jess grabbed their packs and hurried up the gangplank. As the Hosiander cast off, they bid a final farewell to Rose and Signor Horatio down on the quay. Then, with the ship easing out of port, they ran to the stern. Their two friends still stood arm in arm at the far end of the quay, all the time waving, until the ship rounded a bend in the river and they disappeared from view.

Leaning on the stern gunwale, Jack gazed at the wake of the ship as it ploughed through the sea and at the thin line of land fast disappearing behind the darkening horizon. After three days’ good sailing, the Hosiander had left the Thames Estuary, passed through the Strait of Dover and along the English Channel, and was now heading for the open ocean.

‘I hope you’re not too sad to be leaving your home so soon after arriving,’ said Akiko, who leant beside him with Jess and Yori. Her long black hair rippled in the breeze.