Book excerpt: TED SABINE is a retired English and creative writing teacher who taught for twelve years at Cairo American College in Egypt and has traveled the world extensively with his wife, Margaret (Mogie). The author has prospected for diamonds in Guyana, collected numerous species of insects from Africa, South America, New Guinea, and Borneo, and became known as the Bug Man by students during his time in Cairo for his ardent storytelling abilities. Still, his initial excursions were along the Pan American Highway in Ecuador, ending up in the province of El Oriente where he received his inspiration for Tsantsa. Mr. Sabines science fiction novel, The Soulsucker, was published in 1976. Today, his hobbies include fly fishing, travel photography, weight training, and insect collecting. Cover art by Bill Chapman