A
nkerita had no idea how she got home. One moment it seemed she was driving away from the ancient village, and the next she was being shaken awake in the garage by a concerned looking George.
“Wee daughter, what has been happening to ye?”
“I got the treasures, George,” she muttered groggily. “Look.” She tried to get out of the car, but couldn’t find the strength. “I’m stuck,” she murmured.
“Never mind that, ma poor lamb,” he said, undoing her seatbelt. “You’re a complete mess. Have you been out in the rain without a coat?”
“Haven’t found the Coat,” she muttered, and then sneezed.
George dragged her out of the car and heaved her into the house. “You’ll be needing a hot bath,” he said. “Can you manage by yourself, because I’m no’ the man to scrub your back?”
“I think so.” Ankerita sneezed again.
George carried her upstairs and propped her on a chair in the bathroom while he ran warm water and bubbles. “I’ll bring you a hot chocolate,” he said, and left her to it.