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

We knew our intent was right when Andre showed up with his daughter shortly after we arrived. Libby was delighted to see the paint and scolded us for not feeding him right. Sadness replaced the joy on her face when we explained the situation. She was obviously thinking of James and Otter.


She and Matthew went to check the pigeons, leaving Andre and me to inspect the fields while I told him of today’s events. Andre was handsome in a totally different way from the other men surrounding me. His features remained stubbornly fair. His hair was sandy brown, and he had a spray of freckles across his nose. Libby mirrored him except for her mother’s chestnut tint to her locks.


Chapter 66