Temporal Locum

by Wendie Nordgren

  Braziers burned around the settlement. It was the smallest town which Bym had ever seen. There were no glass and metal buildings, sidewalks, paved streets, or traffic lights. The place was positively medieval. The structures had been built of wood and plaster. The familiar and comforting scent of fresh hay wafted to Bym’s nose. They had arrived at the stable.

  Eurig asked, “Can you feed and board our mounts?”

  The man to whom he spoke had a wrinkled face, white scratchy-looking whiskers, and wild grey hair to his shoulders. “Are you planning to stay at the inn or up in the loft?”

  “How much is the inn?” Bym asked before Eurig could respond. She longed to stretch out on a soft bed.

  “Ten coppers a week will get you a room, three meals, and stabling for your horse.”

  Eurig nodded and shook the man’s hand in agreement.

  Once they had left their mounts in the man’s capable hands, they walked toward the inn’s yard. Bym asked, “How many coppers are in a gold piece?”

  “A hundred.”

  “Really? Wow! That’s great!” Thinking some more, she asked, “How do we get change?”

  Smiling for the first time since their encounter with the Umbra, he said, “I’ll help you, Bym. Don’t worry.” He opened the door of the inn, and Bym followed.

  Passing over the threshold, she stepped onto the wooden plank flooring. A large fire blazed in a stone fireplace along the right wall, square wooden tables with benches were spread around the room, and an old woman waited behind a small counter in the far-left corner.

  “May I help you?”

  Eurig approached her. “Yes, ma’am. We’d like room and board.”

  “Two rooms,” Bym said. She didn’t want to have to share.

  “Do you boys have ten coppers each?” Eurig took out a gold coin, and her eyes lit up. Taking it, she held it up to the light. Suspiciously, she asked, “How’d you come by this?”

  Eurig made himself stand straighter. “I earned it for a goblin head.”

  Her expression turned serious. “They’ve gotten worse and worse. We’ve started locking the gates at sunset. Aurora protect us.” While she talked, she counted out eighty coppers which she gave to Eurig. “I’ll show you to your rooms. Give me an hour, and I’ll have supper ready.” Bym’s stomach growled loudly which made the innkeeper chuckle. They followed her up a wide set of stairs. “Well, take your pick. You’re our only customers. The soldiers came last week for young women to be tested. It sure would be an honor if the Goddess was one of our girls.” She closed her eyes and lifted her face. Once her prayer ended, she opened her eyes and gestured for them to look inside of the rooms. “Most of our young men went to join the soldiers.”

  Eurig’s disappointment was blatantly obvious. “We’ve missed them? Will they return?”

  The woman shrugged.

  Determined, Eurig said, “Once we’re rested, we’ll continue on to Cingeto Ridge to join the army.”

  His words had her shaking her head. “The Captain told us to stay put. The goblins are worse than they’ve been in centuries, attacking with the randomness of night. The sun blinds them, but we can’t depend on it now.”

  Frustrated by the news she’d shared, Eurig took the first room she showed them. Bym looked inside of the room next to it and saw it had a wood barrel and a square box beside it.

  “What’s this?” she asked while walking over to inspect it.

  “You’ve never seen these before?” the woman asked.

  Bym shook her head.

  From the doorway, Eurig said, “This is Bym’s first time visiting a city.”

  Staring straight ahead, Bym kept her mouth shut. The innkeeper showed Bym how to fill the barrel tub with water along with how to stopper and unplug it. “This,” she explained while holding up a bar, “is soap. Use all you want, and don’t forget to wash behind your ears.” She pointed at the wooden bench and lifted its lid. “This is your toilet. It’s like an outhouse but inside. Go here. Then, pour a bucket of water down it.” She pointed out the bucket. Both of them laughed at Bym’s aghast expression. “I know big city life must seem surreal to you, but you’ll get used to it. Supper’s in an hour, boys.”

  Eurig asked, “Is there a store still open where we can buy some supplies?” She gave them directions and then left them alone. “Come on. Let’s get some new gear.”

  “Wait. Take this.” She gave him one of her gold coins. “That’s fair, right? To pay you back?”

  “No, now I owe you.”

  “Oh, no you don’t. All you’ve done is help me. I’d never have gotten here without you.”

  Eurig turned red at the praise. “Come on,” he said gruffly. Turning his back, he stepped out into the hall and walked down the stairs.

  They left the inn and made their way to the store in town which sold most of the practical items people might need. There were bolts of fabric, threads, yarn, pots, dishes, soaps, candles, blankets, clothes, and shoes.

  “Can I help you, boys?” a man asked.

  “Yes, sir. We ran into some goblin trouble on the road and need some help.” Eurig gestured at their bloodstained shirts.

  Approaching them, he appraised them with a glance, went to a shelf, and started making stacks. “Can you pay or are you working it off?”

  “Depends on how much it is, but I can help with work if you need it, until the soldiers come back at least.”

  While Eurig haggled with the shopkeeper, Bym looked longingly at the naturally woven fabrics and thought of the fun she could have if she didn’t have to hide her identity. Unfortunately, for now at least, she needed to remain a boy.

  Eurig pulled her from her musings when he handed her a stack of clothing with a pair of boots on top. All of it was tied together with twine. “Here. These are for you.”

  He had his own bundle. “How much did all of this cost?” she asked while following him back to the inn.

  “Don’t worry about it. Go take a bath and put them on. Do you need help with the tub?”

  “No, I can do it by myself.”

  Finally, she was in her room alone. She barred the door and wasted no time filling the tub. The water was cold, but not as cold as the river. Stripping, she stepped into the round tub and sat naked in water up to her neck for several minutes before dipping her head under. Then, she scrubbed with the soap all over until she felt practically raw.

  “Nasty fucking goblin blood.”

  She tried not to think about any of her encounters with them. However, her mind wouldn’t rest. Where was she? How had she gotten here? Wherever here was, magic and goblins were real. If it was true that some time stabilizing goddess was responsible for this world’s day and night, how could it adhere to the same laws of the world from which she’d come? The longer she remained, the more real it became, and the more her former life continued to fade. As it faded, so did the pain and confusion of having been unceremoniously ripped from it.

  Hunger drove Bym from the tub. She drained the dirty water and partially filled it again with clean soapy water, enough to soak her soiled clothing. The stack of clothing on the bed would have confused her had she not studied medieval fashion. She put on a pair of boys’ linen underwear which tied at the waist and above each knee. The loose brown pants also tied at the waist. The undyed linen shirt reached her knees. She had to roll up the sleeves to be able to use her hands, but it was clean and soft against her skin. A padded brown vest covered her chest and hid her breasts. Hastily, she buttoned it when she heard a soft knock.

  “Are you still awake?” Eurig asked. Bym lifted the piece of wood from across the door and opened it. He smiled at her. He was clean and dressed as she was. “Well, I can see there was a boy hidden under all of that dirt. Feel better?”

  “Yes, much. Thank you. How much do I owe you for the clothes?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I took more heads than you did. Get your boots on. Supper is ready.”

  Sitting on the edge of her bed, she pulled on the
woolen socks, rolling and tucking the too long for her pants into them as she did. The leather boots reached her knees.

  “Those look like they fit you better.”

  She nodded. “The other ones felt like they’d fall off. Do you want them?”

  He gave her a noncommittal shrug. “I’ll see if they fit later. Right now, I want to eat.”

  Bym fastened her sword around her waist and put her coins into a small pouch she’d found on it. Then, she raced Eurig down the stairs. In the main room, a table before the fire held a feast. The center platter held a whole roasted chicken surrounded by carrots and potatoes. There was a loaf of freshly baked bread. Two large tankards full of something sat near their plates. Eurig sat, took a gulp from his tankard, and ripped a drumstick from the chicken. Bym stared at him for a moment, chagrined that he hadn’t pulled out her chair. Then, she pushed the thought aside. Bym was a boy. Taking her seat, she picked up the heavy tankard with both hands and drank. It was warm, spiced apple cider.

  “Oh, that’s good,” she said in appreciation.

  Hearing her, the innkeeper bustled over to give them refills. Knife and fork in hand, Bym carved herself a breast and added healthy servings of the vegetables before tearing off part of the loaf. Eurig watched her with a raised eyebrow while gnawing the meat from his drumstick. Not noticing him, she cut her bites and chewed them in blissful appreciation of a hot meal.

  The innkeeper said, “You have good table manners.”

  “Thank you. Such a fancy meal deserves my best behavior. Am I doing it right?” she asked to cover for her break in character. She should have attacked the meal like a starving boy. A blush heated her cheeks out of fear she’d outed herself.

  “Yes, exactly right. That reminds me. I’ve got a special apple pie you might like.” She returned to the kitchen.

  Clearing his throat, Eurig picked up his knife and fork. He demonstrated the manners his mother had tried to teach him. Bym ate until she was miserably full. Then, Eurig ate everything that was left. She’d enjoyed a hefty piece of the apple pie, but he’d sucked it up like a high-powered machine vacuum. The two of them helped to clear the table while the stableman barred the inn door for the night. They’d learned that he and the lady were married and ran the inn together. Sleepily, the two weary travelers went up to their rooms. Stripping out of everything but her shirt and underwear, Bym snuggled under the clean covers and fell into a deep sleep.

  It was darkest night when she woke, but she felt as though she’d slept more than enough. She had no way of knowing the time. Leaving the bed, she walked over to look out of the window. The braziers burned, and the dark forms of townspeople moved about. Draining the soapy water from the tub, she rinsed her clothes, wrung them out, and laid them over the tub’s sides to dry. After getting dressed and finding Eurig’s room empty, she ventured downstairs.

  Smiling when she saw her, the old woman said, “You’re up. Well, it’s fine. The sleep must have done you good.”

  “What time is it?” Bym felt disoriented.

  The woman nodded toward the mantle and a large hourglass of which Bym hadn’t previously taken any notice. It was flanked by a set of thick candles. Their light and that of the fire did little to illuminate the room. “It’s an hour or so after lunch and has been like midnight the entire time. I set aside some bread and meat for you. Have a seat.”

  Bym sat at the table near the fire. The innkeeper brought her a plate filled with slices of meat, a loaf of bread, and a tankard of milk. “Thank you. Do you know where Eurig is?”

  She nodded. “He went to work at Olaf’s store. If you’re looking for work, it shouldn’t be hard for you to find.”

  “Do you need help here?”

  Kindly, she said, “No, child. My husband and I can handle things.” She patted Bym’s back and left the room.

  Eating as though the dinner last night had meant nothing, she finished it off by downing her tankard of milk, took her dishes to the kitchen, and went out to the stables. Donkey’s ears perked up when she saw Bym. She was munching on hay. “Hi, girl. Are you okay?” Entering the stall, she hugged her four-legged friend. Donkey had been brushed, her hooves were shiny, and fresh ointment had been applied to her injuries.

  The stableman watched the two of them together. “Are you looking to trade the donkey for a horse?”

  Bym glanced up at him. “No, sir. I don’t need a big fancy horse. Donkey saved my life. I’m keeping her.”

  “The other young men who have gone off to join the army will make fun of you.”

  “I don’t mind. Eurig is going to be a soldier. He thinks I should find work and wait a few years until I’m bigger.” She wasn’t lying. That was exactly what he thought.

  “Well then, you might want to buy a saddle.” Laughing, he shook his head and led a horse out into the paddock.

  While scratching Donkey’s ears, she whispered, “I love you. Eat and rest. You’ve earned it. You’re a good girl.” The words and tone seemed to hurt Donkey’s feelings. “For fuck’s sake,” Bym grumbled. “I love you, you stupid fucking pain in the ass.”

  Donkey swung her tail from side to side and happily snuffled at Bym’s clean hair.

  Leaving her in her stall, she went in search of Eurig. He was exactly where she’d been told, in front of Olaf’s store unloading a wagon. He paused long enough to smile at her before getting back to work. Leaving him to his labor, she decided to wander the town’s streets. The sun started its ascent and gave her a better view. Along the fortification’s perimeter, were various small storefronts above which were residences. Of these, a butcher and tanner were those closest to Olaf’s store. Venturing over to the next street, she saw a few rows of neat houses, vegetable gardens, and an enclosure of goats. On another street, she saw an herb shop.

  The old woman who was sweeping its front steps waved her over. “Who are you?”

  “Bym,” she answered politely out of a wariness that the old woman might be a witch. After what she’d seen the sorcerer do, she thought she’d air on the side of caution when dealing with new people.

  “Are you lost?”

  Wondering if she’d committed some sort of social faux pas, she said, “I don’t think so. I’m just out looking for temporary work.”

  Looking Bym over from head to toe, the old woman said, “You’re hired. Well, come on.” She motioned Bym forward while leaning her broom against the doorframe of her shop.

  She wondered if the old woman suffered from some sort of undiagnosed psychosis as she followed her inside.

  “Take this to Abner.” She held a stoppered jar out to her.

  “Who is Abner?”

  “He’s one of our blacksmiths.” Surmising from Bym’s expression that she had no idea as to whom he might be or where any blacksmith might be located, the old woman pointed. “Tell him it’s from Helga. Hurry, and I’ll treat your eyes when you return.”

  “Treat my eyes to what?”

  Helga cackled and held a small mirror in front of Bym’s face. She gasped at the sight of herself. Two black eyes had her looking like a raccoon, and although it was clean, her hair was hideous, short and poking out in a jagged mess. Unfortunately, the knitted cap Eurig had loaned her was still damp, but since his mother had made it, he’d be wanting it back. “You should have ducked.”

  “I couldn’t. A goblin had me pinned to the ground. This must have happened when the butt of my knife hit me in the face.”

  “Out battling goblins, huh? Well, it’s done now. Go. Off with you.” She shooed Bym out of the shop and pointed out the direction in which she should go. “Abner might have something for me, so wait until he dismisses you, boy.”

  Jar in hand, Bym walked along the street until the sound of metal striking metal assured her that she was going in the right direction. The blacksmith had a street corner to himself, and his furnace was so hot that he worked shirtless. A young man close to Eurig’s age worked beside him. He wore thick gloves and turned a length of metal each time th
e blacksmith hit it. She watched patiently while they worked. Her ears were ringing by the time the gloved assistant took the metal and immersed it in a barrel of water that boiled and hissed as it cooled it.

  “Need something, boy?” the young man asked.

  Bym wondered why he hadn’t gone with the soldiers like every other guy in the town but didn’t ask. “Helga told me to bring this to Abner.” She held out the jar.

  “Aw, good. Be a friend. Would you?”

  “Um, okay?”

  He removed his gloves, tossed them onto a work table, and lifted his sleeve, showing off a burn on the back of his arm.

  “What happened?”

  Wetting a rag, he handed it to her, so she gently patted at the injury to clean it. His muscles glistened with a sheen of sweat. “Bumped into the furnace. Typical.”

  His arms were huge. She had a thing for heavily-muscled ripped guys, and this one put the sexy farm boy to shame. “You’re so strong,” she said before she could stop herself. Her cheeks flamed.

  Taking it good-naturedly, the apprentice grinned and squeezed Bym’s bicep. He had no trouble wrapping his hand around her upper arm. “Go on. Feel mine.”

  Hoping she came off as a jealous boy and not as some stalker with wet panties, she tried to wrap both hands around his huge, hard bicep and failed.

  “When Helga has nothing for you to do, I’ll teach you how to swing a hammer. Now, be a good lad and put some of Helga’s famous burn medicine on this for me.” After complying, she took a roll of clean cloth from him, bandaged it, and tied it off. “What’s your name?”

  “I’m called Bym.”

  “Good to know you. That’s my Da. His name is Lyle.”

  Something caught her attention down the street and made her jump. Several Umbra with a wagon were near a vegetable market. They’d lowered their hoods revealing shaved heads, but they had kept on their terrifying masks.

  “Scared?” Abner asked.

  Bym nodded without taking her eyes from them, but a small, neurotic part of her hoped the sorcerer was with them.

  “Well, they aren’t as bad as you’ve probably been told.”