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

The men had arrived in Independence at dusk the day before and after bedding down the horses at the livery went straight to the hotel where they spent the night. Todd and Sam shared a room with Wolf; Garrett and Gus were in another.


Sam and Todd had made love. Sam was certain Garrett and Gus had done the same. Somewhere inside him, Sam wished Garrett had made other arrangements so they could have been together once more.


As they made their way through the crowds of people—shopping, haggling over the prices—Sam got his first look at the settlers they would be taking across country: men and women, children, and several dogs. There were young couples and older families. Some looked to be too old to be thinking of resettling, let alone traveling two thousand miles to do so.


As they rounded a corner, they had to step aside as a small herd of yoked oxen—led by the drovers—went by. It surprised Sam to see oxen being led by the rings in their noses, not like horses in harness.


Chapter 58