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

“Looks delicious,” said Sawyer, smiling and pushing his papers to one side.


“I only wish I had some wine,” said Bergman as he took his seat at the table. “My father, Spencer, that is, did give me the recipe before he passed on, but I just don’t have the desire to go to all that trouble.” He put a forkful of food into his mouth and chewed. After swallowing, he continued. “I know they sell it in town, but it comes at a high price and I don’t have that much excess produce to trade for it.”


“I’m not one for drinking. The taste doesn’t really appeal to me.”


There was a minute of silence as the men enjoyed their evening meal. It was Sawyer who broke the silence.


“What would you say has been the biggest change in your hundred years?”


Bergman appeared not to have heard the question and so Sawyer decided to leave the question be. Bergman had given him more than enough to work with. But he was mistaken.


Chapter 17