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

That second year, I arrived and quickly found some friends.


“I’ve been waiting all year,” said Baker, who lived on the property on the far side of mine.


“I missed last year,” said Murray, who worked in the open air markets and traded much of my excess produce. “I was ill. I could’ve have kicked myself. I’m usually as healthy as a horse and then bang!right before the Beach Festival I come down with the flu.”


“Well, you’re looking healthier than ever,” I said.


It was a slightly overcast day and a light breeze was blowing in from the water. Our sarongs were being blown open so we had to conduct our conversation with one hand holding the fabric in place.


By chance, I happened to notice a large muscular man I’d never seen before.


“Who’s that?” I asked, nodding in the general direction of the muscled vision standing by himself.


Chapter 7