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

I was beginning to get over grieving for Harris when Hastings had some news of his own.


We’d just made love. We were lying on our sides. He was still inside me and his arms were wrapped around me. His warm breath tickled my ear.


I closed my eyes and inhaled. Something about the way he said my name. I didn’t want to hear it. Whatever it was. I’d had enough bad news. First Taylor leaving home and then Harris passing away.


“What is it?” I said, my voice flat.


I could feel a curious expression materialise on my face. What was so bad about that?


“I got a message from the Council of Brothers. I’ve been chosen to…I’m going to the Land of Women.”


My eyes grew wide. I turned over to face him.


“What? How? They never choose partnered men, especially men our…”


“I don’t know,” he said. “Even men our age have to obey the call of duty.”


“But that’s just it. You don’t have to. You have a choice.”


Chapter 15