ABOUT THE AUTHOR: When not writing onward into his tetralogy, Kurt Paul Hotelling is a playwright, professional musician, educator, and Bandmaster teaching Native American students on the Qualla Boundary. A double alumnus from the North Carolina School of the Arts, he has been writing classical fantasy and science-fiction for well over 30 years. Kurt is listed in Who's Who In America and Who's Who Among American Educators. He lives in a stone eyrie atop a mountain in Western North Carolina along with his gypsy wife (who creates intricate beaded jewelry), one indulging and mischievous Calico cat, a goofy but loyal chocolate Labrador, an industrious and charming terrier, an opinioned and classically-trained cockatiel who enjoys French opera, and uncounted mischievous faeries. His musical occasional daughters have moved out into the world: one is, among other talents, a Physical Therapist, the other a very busy Mom.