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

Ma loaded a pack with jerky and pemmican and tins of food while Pa saw to it I had ammunition in excess—which confirmed his fear I would try to break Matthew free of his jailors—and a little gold and silver hidden throughout my goods and on my person. We stowed Matthew’s rifle and six-shooter—both recovered from his jailors—aboard Wind. My own pistol was snugged around my waist and my fully loaded Henry was tucked in Arrow’s saddle scabbard. After that was done and we had said our prayers together, we headed for town.


We arrived in time to see Matthew, laden with shackles on both hands and feet, loaded aboard the jail wagon. Ma and Pa didn’t even have time to say goodbye before the driver popped his whip and the team of four horses started moving. Matthew saw us and raised his hand in farewell. Hope shone in his eyes when I kicked Arrow into a trot. Leading Wind Rider by the reins, I rode to catch up with the detail.


Chapter 85