This final book in the Young Samurai series was the hardest of my life to write. Not only did I have to ensure the writing was at its very best in order to meet the expectations of my long-patient readers, but I was dealing with a personal family crisis that resulted in depression and my being unable to write for almost a year. So this story has literally been forged in a furnace of fire and tears.

The Return of the Warrior was only possible because of the support and love of my friends and close family. I wish to express my eternal gratitude to them …

My hypnotherapist Alex Vrettos, the man who performed a miracle and got me writing again; Mary, your healing powers are a gift; my acupuncturist Jeremy Marshall (is there any point on my body you haven’t stuck with a pin?!); Paweena Promkot (Toto), for reviving me with your East–West therapy; Sara Davison for setting me up for a better, brighter and happier future; and my solicitor Robert Williams, for your calm guidance and compassion through a most challenging time.

My agent Charlie Viney, I will always treasure our friendship over and above our excellent working relationship; my publishers for their understanding and flexibility in delivering this book, in particular Tig Wallace and Wendy Shakespeare; my accountants Dawn, Denise and Heidi, for not only providing numbers but listening and caring; and Trevor Wilson, Camilla Kenyon, Lisa Thompson and all the team at Authors Abroad for their support and understanding.

All my friends; only when you are truly in need do you discover who your true friends are. I am blessed to have you all in my life: the HGC – Dan, Dax, Larry, Siggy, Riz, Kul and Andy; Farah, Dotty, Becky, Cat, Debs, Stepanka and Nicky; Geoff (and Lucy), Charlie and Matt; Mark and Kate Dyson (and my god-daughter Lulu!); my neighbour and comrade-in-arms David Leppenwell; Brian and Kate Corr; Thomas Corr for your early advice; Emma Gibbins; Helen Caithness; Russell and Jackie Holdaway; Rob Rose for our cinema-therapy sessions; Sarah Hitt; Lisa and Simon Martin; Rob and Robbie Cooper; Nick Coward; Philippa Luscombe; Rob Dunkerley and Oli Bishop; and B, you have a heart of gold – thank you for being my burst of sunshine!

My neighbours and friends in the village who offered their support and helped me through: Jan and Scott Holt for their kindness and prayers; my dear neighbour Jan; Russell and Lucy Driver; Andy Hitt; Rachel Felton; Will and Caroline Kemp for their prayers too; Naomi and Ian McBain; Dr Thomson, Dr Graham and Dr Cook for their care; Chris at the greengrocer’s; my Hurst Colt football friends Scott, Christian, Mike, Kieran and Neil; Sarah McCaffery for being there always for the boys; Colin and Heather; my counsellors, Beverly Nolan, Jaki Watkins and Dorothy Orchard; Philip Carter for your friendship and counsel; and Cynthia Davies, my rescuer on the street.