Jack’s expression remained serious. ‘True, but we don’t have long before Akuma attacks again. We need to remain vigilant. Miyuki, you’d best return to the forest. Hayato, we need every spare man on the southern defence. We must convince Akuma there’s an army waiting to greet him.’

The farmers assembled along the edge of the moat, their forest of spears pointed to the sky. Every eye was turned towards the horizon, nervously awaiting the arrival of Akuma. Beyond the thorn-filled ditch, the patchwork of snow and ice that covered the paddy fields seemed scant defence against such a ruthless enemy. However, having successfully repelled Akuma twice, the farmers now had faith in Jack’s strategy.

Jack too was more confident in his role as samurai leader. Tactical planning seemed more instinctive and he positioned the Sword unit to engage any bandits who broke through the line of farmers. He then walked the length of the southern defences with Hayato and Saburo, offering words of encouragement and advice to the most anxious villagers. They listened attentively, assured by the proven capability of their young protectors.

One boy, not much older than Jack, was quivering with fear at the prospect of the coming battle.

‘A wise man once told me, In order to be walked on, you have to be lying down,’ said Jack, recalling Sensei Yamada’s very first life lesson to him. ‘Are you lying down?’

The young farmer shook his head, somewhat confused at the question.

‘Then Akuma can’t walk over you, can he?’

‘No!’ replied the boy, standing a little taller and grasping his spear tighter as he understood the lesson.

Then for the third time that day, the alarm rang out.

‘Bandits to the south!’ cried Yori.

Like an approaching storm, Akuma and his men came into view, galloping up the southern track. When they reached the first of the paddy fields, he raised a fist and the bandits came to a halt. Akuma wasn’t taking any chances this time. Noticing the land had been flooded, he ordered one of his men to dismount and test the way ahead. The bandit hesitantly stepped on to the frozen paddy field.

Jack watched with bated breath as the man made his way across the ice. The surface held his weight and continued to do so. When he reached the middle, Akuma ordered the man to jump up and down.

The ice held.

‘I was afraid of that,’ said Jack, sharing an uneasy look with Hayato and Saburo.

‘Akuma’s got a clear run at us,’ Hayato replied gravely. ‘That means we’ve only the farmers’ fighting spirit to rely upon to win this battle.’

Then the bandit slipped and landed hard on his rear. The spectacular fall caused riotous amusement among the farmers, as well as Akuma’s bandits who laughed at their floundering comrade.

‘Well, that’s raised everyone’s spirits!’ grinned Saburo.