Fortunately, during the sessions, he’d gained more of the Pirate Queen’s trust and was given greater freedom to roam her citadel, unaccompanied. But Tatsumaki still didn’t take any chances, having instructed the guards to search him thoroughly before allowing him back in the room. This made it impossible to smuggle anything to his friends. So Jack spent his free time pacing out various escape routes and memorizing where sentries were posted. He even succeeded in gaining access to the balcony and began looking for safe ways down the cliff face to the lagoon. But apart from the bamboo winch lifts, operated by a four-man crew below, the only other option appeared to be through the vertical pirate town itself.

‘Enjoying the view?’ enquired Tatsumaki.

Jack looked up guiltily, feeling as if he’d been caught in the act of escape. ‘I was admiring the town’s remarkable construction,’ he replied.

Tatsumaki placed both hands upon the rail and gazed over her domain. ‘It’s taken ten years of my life to build this. All under the nose of daimyo Mori. That’s why he’ll never defeat the Wind Demons – he has no idea where we are and never will. Would you like to take a closer look at the town?’

‘You’d let me explore it … alone?’ asked Jack, surprised at her suggestion.

Tatsumaki laughed. ‘Not if you value your life. Pirate Town can be a bit unruly at times. You’ll need a guide. And I’m confident you won’t try to escape – I know how loyal you are to your friends. Besides there being nowhere for you to go.’

The next day Li Ling was waiting for him by the citadel gate.

‘Tatsumaki’s appointed me to be your guide,’ she announced.

Jack was pleased to see her, but wondered whether he could fully trust Li Ling now that she was an initiated Wind Demon. It would be just Tatsumaki’s style to make their pirate friend a spy.

‘How’s life as a pirate?’ asked Jack.

‘It’s hard work,’ she replied, showing him the blisters on her hands. ‘But as one of her crew, I get a share of the treasure.’

Li Ling fished out a silver coin from the pouch on her belt. She polished it proudly and held it up to the sunlight.

If that single coin is her reward, thought Jack, glancing back at the resplendent rooms in the citadel, it’s obvious who’s taken the lion’s share.

‘Shall we go?’ suggested Li Ling, leading him towards a narrow rope walkway sloping down the cliff face.

‘We’re not taking the lift?’ asked Jack.

Li Ling shook her head. ‘Only captains ride for free,’ she replied.

‘You have to pay?’

Li Ling nodded. ‘Everything has its price in Pirate Town.’