In the years after the Final War, the Council of Women decide to secede from men. They create a world of their own away from men, where they can raise their children without fear. Once a year men may visit briefly to procreate. Boys are sent to the Land of Men when they reach puberty. At eleven, Bergman was sent across the sea and placed with his fathers, Spencer and Harris. Years later, he meets Hastings at the Beach Festival, an annual event for young men. It’s love at first sight for Bergman. But the course of true love never runs smoothly. In time Hastings desires a son, a subject Bergman paid little thought to. Yet their son Taylor brings great joy to their lives. Life is further complicated when Hastings is chosen to travel to the Land of Women to father children. He wants to accept, but Bergman can’t understand why he would consider going. Isn’t he happy with what he already has? If he goes, what will that do to their relationship? To their future? Is this a betrayal, or is it something else?

In the Land of Men

Spencer secured the reins around a verandah post.


“Shall we go inside? I think Harris has a surprise for you.”


I entered the cottage which was dark and cool, although there was a warm smell, of something delicious cooking.


I confessed I didn’t know what bread was.


“Then you really are in for a surprise.”


Harris removed something from a metal box. A wave of heat washed over me. The smell of the freshly baked bread made my stomach rumble, and while Harris began cutting slices of the cooling bread, Spencer went to another metal box and took out a plate with a pale yellow substance on it.


“Can’t have bread without butter,” said Spencer.


Harris brought the slices of bread to the table.


“And honey, honey,” he added. “Oh, and fresh milk to wash it down with.”


Chapter 4