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 have Dull Lance’s pledge that Teacher’s Mead won’t be attacked, but the fact he came to Crow for aid bothers me. If Crow knows about the hollow hill, then he knows of the food and ammunition stored there.”


Cuthan shook his head. “Apparently, he didn’t betray that knowledge. It sounds to me as if he’s estranged from Dull Lance because of the man’s bloodlust. Stealing horses is one thing, but killing is another matter.”


“That is true, but you’d best keep a close eye on him.”


“He seems trustworthy, but I’ll do as you suggest.”


We strolled the fields and viewed the ripening crops. It looked as if the Mead’s yield would be heavy this year, certainly more bountiful than our reap. The soil was better along the Yanube. Still, our farm on Turtle Crick would take care of our needs with a little surplus to share or sell.


Chapter 92