‘I only survived by the grace of God and the kindness of a local samurai warrior, Masamoto Takeshi,’ Jack explained. He then told Sir Henry how Masamoto had taken him in, adopted him and trained him in the Way of the Warrior. How, following a civil war, he’d journeyed across Japan to Nagasaki, where he’d had the good fortune to meet with the captain of the Hosiander, the Dutch trading vessel that had eventually brought him home.

As Jack related his tale, Sir Henry’s demeanour brightened. ‘So, you are well acquainted with the Japans and the Japanese? You speak their language, know their customs?’

Jack nodded. ‘Yes, but I returned to Eng–’

‘Then return to the Japans you must! With a new fleet. As soon as possible. You still have your father’s rutter, don’t you? May I …?’

Jack hesitated. The rutter was with him in his shoulder bag. He hadn’t dared leave it at the Bunch of Grapes. However, as honourable as Sir Henry Wilkes seemed, Jack didn’t yet know the man well enough to trust him with such a valuable heirloom. ‘I’m sorry, Sir Henry, but I can’t return to Japan.’

Sir Henry blanched. ‘Why ever not?’

‘I need to find my sister. She’s missing.’ Jack pulled out the silver locket and showed him her picture. Sir Henry squinted at the portrait. ‘I believe she might be in Stratford-upon-Avon,’ said Jack.

Sir Henry frowned. ‘I thought you lived in Limehouse, so why on earth would you think she’s in Stratford?’

‘I’m baffled myself,’ replied Jack, ‘but the artist Rowland Bodley said he overheard her talking about going there.’

‘Did he, now? Hmm, it’s unusual for a young woman to travel so far alone.’ But, after a moment’s consideration, Sir Henry patted Jack amiably on the shoulder. ‘Of course, Jack, family must come first. Visit my stables before you go and take whatever horses you require for your journey.’

‘Really?’ gasped Jack, stunned by Sir Henry’s offer. Rose had been right about enlisting Sir Henry’s help. Having horses at their disposal would cut days off their journey to Stratford.

Sir Henry nodded. ‘Yes, really. We can talk more about your return to the Japans when you get back to London. But do be careful on the roads. Trust no one – these are dangerous times.’

‘Of course, Sir Henry. I thank you for your generosity –’

Jack felt a tug on his sleeve and looked round to find Yori at his side, a strained expression on his face.

Pulling Jack closer, Yori whispered in his ear, ‘We have to leave. Right now!’

‘Why?’ breathed Jack.

Yori nodded towards the door. A guest with a tight crop of copper-red hair and a preened moustache was entering the room. ‘Sir Toby Nashe is here!’

17: Shadow

‘Are you leaving so soon?’ said Sir Isaac, a disappointed pout on his lips as Jack extricated Akiko from his company.