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

The following morning two columns moved on Crazy Horse’s village, but the wily chief had dispersed his people and fled with his sick wife to the Spotted Tail Agency. The army brought him back and put him in the guardhouse at Red Cloud. He was bayonetted by one of his guards when he tried to escape on September 5 of this year—1877. Crazy Horse died that night of his wound. Little Big Man was there and bore witness to these facts.


James cleared his throat once the Major had finished his tale. “Were there other casualties? We’ve heard rumors ranging from ten to twenty to wholesale slaughter.”


“I can tell you with reasonable certainty that Crazy Horse was the sole casualty.”


James stood and expressed his appreciation for the Major’s time and courtesy. It was all I could do to remain civil to the officer.


“I don’t believe it.” The words spilled out of my mouth as soon as we were mounted and headed for the sentry box.


Chapter 18