Dreams can certainly become a reality. For some individuals, it may involve landing a coveted position or encountering their true love. For me, it revolves around experiencing a passage from a fictional romantasy novel featured in a television series.
That series is Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi creation on Apple TV, *Pluribus*, and the book is *Bloodsong of Wycaro* by Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn.
In the debut episode of *Pluribus*, audiences learn that *Bloodsong of Wycaro* is “the fourth installment in [Carol’s] *Winds of Wycaro* trilogy.” The series has become a bestselling phenomenon, attracting ardent fans keen to witness the passionate relationship between Captain Lucasia and corsair Raban unfold. Despite Carol’s disdain for her admirers and her own writings, I found myself wishing the *Wycaro* volumes were authentic.
And now they are! Kind of.
Apple Books has made available a complimentary chapter from *Bloodsong of Wycaro*, reuniting Lucasia with Raban in a cave on an island. The passage serves as a brilliant parody of historical fantasy, brimming with whimsical terminology and excessively detailed imagery. One can easily imagine Carol rolling her eyes while penning descriptions of sandy cyclocanes and excruciating moonsburn. Nonetheless, it’s hard to resist being captivated by Lucasia and Raban’s story, even in the absence of the previous three volumes.
The most fascinating aspect of the *Bloodsong of Wycaro* excerpt is Carol’s letter at the start. In this letter, Carol articulates that she is sharing the excerpt to appease the “Rabasia” fans dismayed that Raban, believed dead after being thrown overboard, does not appear on the cover.
“You know I have publicly stated my dislike for ‘spoilers’ in any format, that my preference would be for events to reveal themselves in their own time through Lucasia’s tormented perspective. However, I also comprehend that not everyone shares this preference,” Carol notes. “Different tastes for different individuals. How dreadful would life be if we all had the same thoughts?!”
Ironically, the notion of the entire world sharing the same thoughts is exactly the hell that awaits Carol in *Pluribus*, where she stands as one of the rare humans untouched by the joyful collective mindset. This statement subtly hints at the darkly comedic future that lies ahead for her. The letter further indicates that Carol is completing the final stretch of the *Bloodsong of Wycaro* promotional tour. In *Pluribus*, the global hive mind unification takes place immediately after the tour, suggesting Carol has little time left before her world irrevocably transforms.
For additional foreshadowing and clever fantasy parody, be sure to explore the complete excerpt from *Bloodsong of Wycaro*.
*Bloodsong of Wycaro* is available for free download on Apple Books. *Pluribus* is currently streaming on Apple TV, with fresh episodes released every Friday.