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

“Gunshot. Not big like a rifle. One of those little army rifles, maybe.”


“Went clear through. Good. Bled a lot. Good.” He got up and spread more blankets on the opposite side of the fire from Bear. “Lie down.”


As he worked over me, I studied his features. Pretty…like a girl. Smooth…like a girl. Yet, there was a subtle masculinity there, as well. A blood-red birthmark rose from his neck to curl up over his right cheek. Somehow, it enhanced his looks. Altogether, a seductive face. Jealousy added to my discomfort as I imagined him writhing beneath Bear.


His hands touched my belly and chest. “You took a beating. Who did this thing?”


So I told him the entire tale, grunting and gasping now and then as he did something particularly painful. He worked without comment until I finished.


“Hanlihan done this? And you killed him? Good.”


Chapter 105