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

“Morning, Otter.” He moved forward and offered a handshake, Indian style, his eager smile belying his reserved manner.


“The horses look in fine condition. You care for them well.”


“Crow does most of it. Well, the heavy stuff, anyway. You know, keeping them shod. But I guess I do the rest. Mucking out the stable—”


“I have to help with that sometimes,” John interrupted him.


“Keeping a man’s horses fit and ready for action is warrior’s work,” I said.


“Even if they belong to someone else?” Matthew asked.


“Even if they belong to someone else.”


During my three days at the Mead, I noticed the growing divide between the youngsters of the family. Alexander was quiet and reserved and obsessed with earning his father’s approval at every turn. Although only two years older than John, he almost seemed an only child. I saw little of the playful exchanges that passed between John and Matthew and Rachel Ann. I put it down to a difference in Alexander’s solemn nature.


Chapter 93