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 Colonel’s voice echoed around the room like icy thunder. “Now, has anyone intimidated you or threatened you to influence your identification?”


Long Lip just stared with his mouth gaping. The other one shook his head. “No, sir.”


“Then, for the last time, tell me which one is the man called Red Star? You there, Thomas Long Lip, which one is he?”


The drunken man glanced back and forth between Matthew and me, looking more confused by the second. Finally, he turned to Sgt. Hanlihan. “Which one was it you wanted me to say was him?”


Hanlihan was a man of heightened color, and his quick anger rose out of his collar. The Colonel turned on his NCO, muttonchops standing out straight.


“Why don’t we ask Thomas Long Lip?” the captain said. “Thomas, did—”


“Just a minute, sir!” Hanlihan’s eyes danced dangerously. “You can’t believe nothing this drunk says.”


Chapter 97