Lee Masters, a handsome young cowboy, is fired from his cattle drive when his sexual orientation is discovered. Frustrated and angry, he rides to a mountain lake where he meets a Dakota native named Tatanka, who is also exiled from his tribe for refusing to adhere to tribal custom for braves who prefer men to women. They strike up a friendship, which readily turns to love. Their family is completed when a young Indian, Sleeps With Dogs, insists they take him with them on their search for a home.<br><br>Their quest to find acceptance in either the white man's world or the native population is a difficult journey. Can two men who love each other find a place in the harsh reality of the western wilderness, or will they always be walking in two worlds?

Walking in Two Worlds

“But today,” Tatanka was continuing, “when Ted come out from house I know that I was to do this, that it was not to be that his son go to the above. I knew then that I had the spirit of the Winkte.”


“Fascinating, fascinating,” said the doctor who was listening intently. “Maybe you could stop by the office so that I could learn more about this. Fascinating.”


The men stayed for a while, had a drink and took their leave with more expressions of gratitude and good will. Soon after, everyone in the livery headed for bed. 


Lee lay next to Tatanka, facing him. He wasn’t sure how to approach him now his power as Winktehad manifested itself. He was a little in awe, if truth be told. 


“I am still Tatanka i?ya?ke, Running Buffalo. I have not changed.” He spoke as if he sensed Lee’s hesitancy.


“Yeah but…being able to…to do what you did…to be a Winkte.”


Tatanka pulled Lee to him. “Don’t forget, Lee Masters, what we share is part of the power of the Winkte.” He kissed him. 


Chapter 35