They descended the walkway, a slim bamboo rail the only barrier between safety and a fatal plummet to the lagoon basin. Looking over the rail at the precipitous drop, Jack saw countless roofs projecting from the rock face. Smoke curled up from cooking fires and pirates thronged the gangways and ladders. Jack had a clear view of the ships docked at the jetty, but he was still too high up to spot the skiff.

‘This top level is for captains only,’ explained Li Ling as they passed by grand bamboo houses with balconies overlooking the lagoon. ‘This one belongs to Captain Kurogumo.’

Jack glanced in. There appeared to be four rooms, each matted out with the finest tatami and separated by silk shoji decorated with painted battle scenes. A large treasure chest sat in one corner, surrounded by an impressive hoard of samurai armour, exquisite swords and other prize weapons. Jack’s eyes widened – among the armoury were his red-handled Shizu swords.

‘The captain’s not there,’ said Li Ling, thinking Jack was looking for him. ‘Now he’s well enough, he’s inspecting the repairs to the Black Spider.’

Jack spotted movement on the balcony. A woman with long black hair, a white face and black teeth appeared. Dressed in a shimmering purple kimono, the geisha looked harmless enough until he spotted the tantō knife in her obi. Her dark eyes regarded him with suspicion. Reluctantly moving on and leaving his swords behind, Jack followed Li Ling down a rickety ladder to the next level.

More houses perched on the cliff face. These were smaller two-room abodes, but no less sumptuous.

‘The quartermaster, pilots and ships’ carpenters live here,’ explained Li Ling. ‘The lower levels are for the rest of the crews.’

‘Based on rank order?’ asked Jack.

Li Ling shook her head. ‘Length of service, strength of arm and riches determine your position.’

‘So where are your quarters?’

Li Ling forced a smile. ‘At the very bottom …’ Her eyes then hardened with resolve. ‘… For the time being.’

As they descended, Jack noticed the buildings became less elaborate. They still relied upon bamboo frames for strength, but the solid bamboo walls were replaced with pieces of spare decking, canvas sheets and even driftwood. It gave the vertical town a ramshackle look and the appearance that it could collapse at any moment. Only the sturdy storehouses maintained any sense of solid structure.

‘This is the main street,’ announced Li Ling.