Son of an Indian brave and a white captive, Soaring Hawk is raised in the native customs. As he grows into manhood, he discovers his desire for the love of men. Knowing the fate of those of ‘two spirits’ within his tribe, he leaves the Indian village, disguises his heritage, and enters the white man’s world as Samuel Hawkins. He soon discovers life is difficult for a man who prefers men. While he finds companionship, and forms bonds with many of the men he meets, he is unable to find a relationship which satisfies his deepest need. He also discovers much of what is in the world outside his village conflicts with the values of his native upbringing. He embarks on an odyssey which takes him across the continent and into the arms and beds of many lovers. As he travels, he comes to realize love has many forms. But the one he seeks most continually eludes him. Where will his odyssey lead him? Will he ever come to the end of his search for Soaring Hawk?

The Search for Soaring Hawk

Inside, he found only Dexter and Tanner going through the pelts that Sam had brought in the day before. They looked up as he entered. Dexter smiled and came around the long table and clapped him on his shoulder.


“‘Mornin’ Sam. How are you today?”


“Good,” Sam returned, with a nod to Tanner, who had greeted him with a wave.


“How about a cup a Tanner’s coffee? If you kin call it that,” Dexter said with a laugh.


Sam was not sure what coffee was, but he accepted the offer.


Tanner walked over to the fire, where a large black pot sat on the grate. “Ain’t all that bad,” he muttered, as he poured a steaming black liquid into a tin cup. “It’s purty hot, so be careful,” he said handing Sam the cup.


“Hot’s about all that’s good about it,” said Dexter, keeping up the good-natured teasing.


“Don’t like ma cookin’, then you can just do fer yerself,” Tanner retorted as he went back to his work on the skins.


Chapter 24