Witch of Lurago Chapter 53: Don’t Need Fixing

Rootstock Saga weaves a great, big, sprawling tapestry of cultures. Patriarchal and matriarchal. Monogamous and polygamous. Colonialists and isolationists. Monarchies and confederacies. One god, the Father. One god, the Mother. And old gods aplenty.

But not one of the cultures depicted can lay claim to being the Utopia of the Rootstock world. Each has its shades of grey.

Being human is never about being perfect.

Rhynns are noble, loyal, and dutiful. They take care of their own. They’re soldiers with the hearts of poets. They live and love as if every day were their last. Herding and farming. Making music and making love. Cherishing the bonds between clan and family above all else.

But Rhynn culture has its share of flaws, too. Compared to the Este of Tallu, the Ari of Wodi, or even the Firstborn of Twelvestones… Rhynns are the most narrow-minded of folk when it comes to matters of sexuality.

When Edgar and Cade’s friendship becomes something more, it’s no surprise. Many readers saw it coming, and it seemed like the natural progression of their mindgifted bond. But Edgar is right to be cautious. Being outed as gay in Rhynn can bring swift repercussions.

Out there, if it happened, you’d be booted out of Ellard a week before graduation. Disgraced and stripped of every credit you worked so hard to earn. If it happened, you’d be locked up and prayed over until you were made right again. And you’d never be allowed anywhere near me again.

It seemed unrealistic to write a Rootstock world full of enlightenment and tolerance. Even in our own cycle, many societies have been slow to recognize sexuality as just another facet nature’s complex prism. Fear, prejudice, and ignorance still overshadow reason in many places. For many, the choices are risk, deny, or hide.

Cade and Edgar’s relationship plays a key role in the saga’s ending. Readers will follow several chalyns as they come together, bond, and meld to battle the Watchers.

The Joining is greater than the sum of its parts.