Born into a society tolerant of homosexuals, River Otter is confused by the white culture’s persecution of such men. As the war begins to wind down, Otter leaves the only home he has ever known to help Major James Morrow, commandant of Ft. Yanube, build a farm north of the fort. He begins a new life with the handsome major while coming to grips with growing hostility toward natives and rising danger from a local militia bent on eliminating all bloods from the territory.<br><br>As his physical attraction for the blond soldier slowly grows into a love perilous to both of them, Otter is distracted by personal challenges. As he struggles to survive the social and political upheaval sweeping the plains, can remain true to his own set of values?

River Otter

“He’s alerting the major there’s troops approaching,” a corporal named Nelson explained


I pointed to the tree line on this side of the river. “Then he ought to also tell him the Cherokee Irregulars are already here.” I turned and called down to Cuthan, who was tilling the near field with Alexander leading the plow horse. John and Rachel Ann followed along behind to break up excessively large clots.


“Get everyone inside. The Cherokee are back, and they have soldiers with them.”


“I’m going to stay with the signalmen. An extra rifle might come in handy. You protect the family.”


Chapter 5