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

I lunged up to meet his thrusts. Moaning, crying aloud, glorying in the act. It was urgent, questing movement. It was noise and smells and dancing nerve endings. I wanted to shout my love for the world to hear. As soon as he froze in the throes of ejaculation, I filled my lungs and roared, “I love you Matthew Brandt. Shambling Bear.” My eyes focused on his strong, handsome face, and I murmured more easily, “I love you.”


Be careful what you promise, War Eagle.”   13


We lay side by side with our clothing spread over us to protect against the spring air. For a long while, we were silent. Then I spoke of my hemblechaand told of seeing him—as a shambling bear—on his way home. I confessed my disappointment when he didn’t show up last year. I related the rest of my Spirit Dream and how Otter and I had puzzled over the meaning of it. The mention of Otter robbed him of his ease.


Chapter 39