‘What do you think Akuma’s planning?’ asked Miyuki, finding the silence more disturbing than any noise.

‘Maybe he’s decided to lay siege,’ said Saburo, stifling a yawn.

‘But without supplies, the bandits must be starving by now,’ said Yori.

‘That makes them more dangerous,’ said Jack, stamping his feet for warmth. ‘Like a pack of wild dogs.’

Jack glanced round at the farmers, who shivered with both cold and dread. None ventured far from the firelight, terrified they too might be taken hostage by the bandits. Worn out and grieving for the loss of their friends, the strain in their haggard faces was evident – the farmers had reached their limit.

‘Whatever happens,’ said Jack, ‘the next battle will be decisive.’

‘I should have gone back to assassinate Akuma,’ said Miyuki. ‘This could’ve been all over by now.’

Jack shook his head. ‘After Yori’s rescue, Akuma will have doubled his guard. It’s too much of a risk … even for a ninja.’

Sora’s daughter Miya appeared with some rice.

‘From my mother, to keep your strength up,’ she said, bowing and handing out the steaming straw containers. She glanced across the moat to the paddy fields. ‘Do you think Akuma’s finally given up?’

Sitting by the fire to eat, Jack shook his head.

‘I’m afraid that would be too much to hope for.’

‘Wake up, Jack!’ urged Sora, roughly shaking him.

Blinking against the early light of dawn, Jack cursed for allowing himself to fall asleep. In an instant, he was back on his feet, sword in hand.

‘Where’s Akuma?’ he demanded.

‘He’s gone!’ Sora exclaimed, excitedly pointing to the abandoned paddy fields.

Jack rubbed his eyes, but it was true. Akuma was nowhere in sight. The glistening snow-covered plain was deserted as far as the eye could see. A blackened hole in the middle of one paddy field was the sole reminder that the bandits had been there at all.

Hayato strode over. ‘I’ve walked the length of the moat. There’s no sign of him.’

‘He’s moved on to another village,’ said Toge, shielding his face from the rising sun as he too scanned the horizon.

Jack couldn’t believe it. But the farmers clearly did. They were already rejoicing.

‘We’ve beaten Black Moon!’ cried Kunio, grinning ear to ear.

The farmers raised their spears and cheered their victory.

‘Akuma can’t be gone. He must be hiding somewhere,’ insisted Jack, unwilling to celebrate so quickly.

Running into the square, he clambered up to the top of the watchtower. Miyuki was already on the platform with Yori, looking in all directions.

‘I can’t see him or any bandits,’ said Miyuki.