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 Indian agent spoke up. “I told you to get rid of the Indians hanging around the fort.”


The senior officer shot daggers at the civilian. “They serve a useful purpose now and then.” He turned back to me. “How did you manage to get my witnesses to identify you as Red Star instead of Brandt?”


“I didn’t manage anything, sir. I’d never set eyes on those two men before they nearly stopped my heart by saying I was someone I wasn’t.” I cleared my throat. “But it seems like the important thing is they misidentified me as this Red Star fellow.”


The Captain stirred in his chair. “He’s hit it right on the head, sir. Bothwitnesses identified a man we know couldn’t possibly be the fugitive. You’ve confirmed that by wire with Fort Yanube. I believe it’s time to release—”


Chapter 96