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

“Captain, to what do we owe the courtesy of this call?” James’s voice was cordial, holding no note of irony.


“Been another raid. Wagon was ambushed on the road twixt Teacher’s Mead and Yanube City.” As he spoke, the group behind him broke apart and headed in different directions.


James paid no attention to them. “Casualties?” He sounded like a superior officer taking a report from a subordinate.


“No, but a horse was shot down, stranding the party in the middle of a storm.” His eyes slid to me. “It was Injuns, of course. You know anything about it, boy?”


James spoke before I could respond. “My man knows nothing about it. How big was the raiding party?”


“Dunno. It was raining like the Flood, so they ain’t sure.”


“Raining? So, it occurred two days back. I’d like to question the immigrants. Where are they?”


“Bought a horse to replace the one that was down and headed for Oregon this morning.”


“This is a little off the Oregon Trail.”


“Ain’t my business what trail they take.”


Chapter 95