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

“I am Yanube. You mother is Yanube. You are Yanube. More importantly, we are who we are. How does it harm her to be known as Helen Brandt to those strangers over there in the white man’s town? If it makes dealing with them easier, why should you care?”


Little Bear spoke up. “I don’t care. I’ll be Matthew Brandt. I like that name.”


Rock rounded on his little brother. “What’s the matter with you? Don’t you have any pride?”


“I have pride. I’m a real Teton. My father was a Dakota warrior. Those people can call me anything they want, but I know who I am. Calling me Matthew won’t change anything.”   7


The lumber arrived, and I went to work teaching Standing Rock how to use planes and hammers and saws. The lad was bright and caught on quickly, even if he pretended to be reluctant about his work. It was a false face. It was obvious he had taken a liking to carpentry.


Chapter 22