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

My answer seemed to satisfy the boy. He gave a jaw-cracking yawn.


“Ee-yuen-kahn. I told him to go to bed in Lakota. “You’ve had a long journey. Did you tell anyone before you left?”


“Just John. You know, so Cuthan wouldn’t worry.”


“I should send you back tomorrow to tell him of your intent to his face. You have told it to his back in a sneaky way.” At Matthew’s stricken look, I added, “You can tell him when you return home after helping me break a new field.”


Matthew gave a tired smile. “I’ll do that. Where’s my bed?”


“You can throw down your blankets by the stove or join me in the bed.”


“Bed’s softer,” Matthew rose and slipped his suspenders over his shoulders. He stumbled across the room. “Where does the major sleep when he’s here?”


I did not answer, but it didn’t matter. The boy’s head had barely hit the pillow before sleep rendered him unconscious.   18


Chapter 57