A love between two very different men is put to the test. John Strobaw, a young mixed-blood, grows up in the relative security of a family farm after the Civil War. His mother raises her family as Americans, but his foster brother, Matthew Brandt feels his red blood more keenly and leaves to ride with Crazy Horse. John doesn’t understand the longing he feels for his absent companion until he has his first sexual experience with a man and he only thinks of Matthew. After the murder of Crazy Horse, Matthew makes his way back home. John fights hard against a growing lust for Matthew, but when he ultimately succumbs, he is lost to this handsome, dusky warrior. Just when the future looks bright, another suitor appears -- a handsome Cheyenne army scout, and trouble looms on the horizon.

Echoes of the Flute

“That is not a good example because the nature of the thing we’re talking about would have been wrong because you are blood brothers, which would be incest. But let’s take Matthew for example.”


Should I hide my head or run away? This was getting too close to where I lived.


“You’ve grown up together, so it is likely you’ve been curious with him, as well. That is natural. But if you’ve wanted to take it further, then you must seriously consider your nature.”


My mind stood still. A minute passed before I heard him again.


“Huh? Uh, sure. I’m all right. Why?”


“You looked like you’d gone off someplace there for a minute.”


“Just trying to wrap my head around what you said. So Cut Hand accepted Billy’s touch because he was the man in their relationship?”


“I believe so. My father was happy with his life with Billy. It gave him everything he needed except for one.”


Chapter 12