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

Satisfied I’d reached an understanding with my feelings, I spent another few minutes working up the motivation to stand up. After I’d done just that, I grabbed my sarong, but didn’t put it on. I draped it over my shoulder and let it billow out behind me. Naked, I returned through the trees and bushes to the property. I happened to look up and noticed how high the sun was in the sky. Had I really been gone so long?


I entered the house. Silence. There was no evidence of breakfast.


As I approached the doorway I could see he was no longer in bed. I could also see flickering candles despite the fact it was mid-morning. The bed had been festooned with petals and buds from the flowers we grew in the front yard. Naked and erect Hastings stepped into view with an open bottle of Spencer’s wine.


Chapter 16