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

Timo had fashioned two iron hoes and was fitting them into stout handles. He talked a blue streak to John as the lad assisted in the labor. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the adoration in the smith’s eyes. It was the same fondness Timo had lavished upon Cut Hand now transferred to the boy, a smaller replica of his grandfather.


Despite their youth, both John and Little Bear were accustomed to hard work and did not need my supervision. A small spring feeding Turtle Crick lay close by, so I dug trenches and developed a series of channels I could dam or open as needed to water the fields. After a good soaking, the plants took on new life.


A week or so into their visit, I eased off on the hard labor and devoted more time to the boys’ studies. This suited John perfectly, but Bear clearly preferred to be outside. I moved the classroom to the porch, hoping to strike a balance.


Chapter 99