Out of the veil of darkness rode Akuma and his bandits. Like black ghosts, they charged down the road. Caught in the flickering light of the sentry fire, their faces appeared savage and bloodthirsty. They descended upon the village, swords and weapons drawn to massacre any who stood in their way.

Jack now comprehended the utter terror the farmers harboured for Black Moon. Even in his worst nightmares, he couldn’t imagine a more fearsome and bone-chilling sight.

Only at the last moment did Akuma register the barricade in the darkness. He furiously brought his horse to a halt. The bandits around him did the same. But a number, too intent upon the attack to notice, continued the charge. As the barricade loomed into view, their horses broke from their gallop, straining every sinew to stop. The bandits were thrown head first off their mounts to crash into the wooden barricade. Some were knocked unconscious on impact. One victim landed upon a spike, its tip driving straight through his chest.

Confounded by the fortification, the bandits were bottlenecked in the valley and chaos reigned. With their normal strategy foiled, most were at a loss as to what to do next. Akuma, quickest to adapt to the unexpected resistance, barked out orders and marshalled his forces at a safe distance. Then he mobilized a contingent of men to launch a fresh attack. Dismounting, these bandits stormed the barricade on foot.

‘First row, get ready,’ hissed Yuudai to the farmers.

Although they were terrified out of their wits, their confidence had been boosted at seeing the bandits in such disarray. Yuudai picked up one of the samurai spears in preparation for their defence. Jack squatted beside him, his katana drawn.

‘We only need to go hand to hand if the barricade is breached,’ explained Yuudai, indicating for Jack to stay where he was. ‘I’ll need you to lead the second division, if required.’

Jack nodded his understanding.

The bandits had started to scale the outer defences. It was hard going and their weapons hampered them as they climbed. This gave the farmers a vital advantage. When the bandits were halfway, Yuudai gave the signal.

‘KIAI!’ he cried, leading the charge across the wooden gangway.

The farmers rose from their hiding place and rushed the barricade, their spear tips aiming between the gaps for the invaders. The attack was so sudden and swift that the bandits could do little about it. Cries of pain pierced the night as they dropped to the ground, one by one. Most met their fate where they fell, but one survived. Clutching his bleeding stomach, he crawled desperately back towards Akuma.

‘SAMURAI!’ he warned, pointing to the row of armoured figures behind the barricade.