‘A little lower,’ advised the upright-man, standing behind his doxy and adjusting her arm.

Hazel closed her eye and took aim for a second time. The gun went off, the bullet blasting another chunk out of the tree … and this time clipping Lady Catherine’s ear. The woman screamed as blood splattered down her white smock.

‘So, so close,’ said the upright-man, relishing the look of horror and panic on Lord Percival’s face. ‘One last go, my sweet.’

Jack hurriedly whispered his plan to Akiko and Yori, then nodded a silent command, and they spread out round the clearing. While Hazel reloaded for a third and final shot, Guy delighted in further taunting his captives.

‘Ear, ear! Cheer up!’ he laughed. ‘Hazel’s definitely getting better. I reckon the next bullet will be dead on target –’

Jack stepped out into the clearing. The robbers all stopped their rifling of the saddlebags and turned to face the intruder. Lord and Lady Percival stared at him, their eyes pleading for rescue.

‘You’re surrounded!’ Jack declared, with as much confidence and authority in his voice as he could muster. ‘Put down your weapons and surrender.’

‘And who might you be?’ demanded the upright-man, unfazed.

‘Jack Fletcher,’ he replied, ensuring the gang leader could see the swords on his hip. ‘Now do as I say and no one need get hurt.’

Guy stroked his beard and measured Jack up. Then his grey eyes scanned the forest. ‘I admire your gall, young man. But I call your bluff. I don’t believe there’s anyone –’

An arrow whistled through the air and pierced the apple on the woman’s head, pinning the fruit to the tree.

The robbers looked nervously around, suddenly fearful of the hidden enemy. A clump of bushes shook to their right giving the impression of several men approaching. Some of the gang immediately dropped their weapons, a couple even bolted for the woods. Jack tried to suppress a grin – their plan was working!

‘Impressive bowman you have,’ acknowledged the upright-man, still unperturbed. He took a step towards Jack.

‘The next arrow will go through your eye, if you don’t release the two captives,’ warned Jack, his hand on his sword. ‘Let’s avoid any more bloodshed, shall we?’

Scowling, Guy turned to his doxy as if to issue the command, then he spun back and whipped the end of his staff up so fast that he caught Jack under the chin.

‘The only blood that will be shed today is yours!’ he spat.

Jack saw stars and reeled backwards. An arrow shot past in instant retaliation, flying straight for the robber’s right eye. But, forewarned of the attack, he blocked it with his weapon, the arrow tip embedding itself deep into the wood. He then jabbed Jack in the gut.

Jack doubled over and crumpled to the ground. This wasn’t part of the plan.