Severian, a torturer is exiled for falling in love with one of his victims and allowing her to take her own life rather than be subjected to the highly refined methods of torture Severian has been so carefully trained in.

Big Bird enjoys spending the day doing whatever he sees anyone else doing, whether wagging his tail like a dog or being Grouchy like Oscar.

When the poor shoemaker and his wife discover the two naked little elves who have helped them become successful, they sew fine outfits for them.

The Pelican-Dives feud highlighted the complications that developed once eastern finance entered a western economy, resulting in the displacement of the original discoverers of lodes and organizers of companies.

A dozen dogs frolicking on the beach introduce the numbers one through twelve.

Otto and his Uncle Tooth track down the pirate ghost terrorizing Boogle Bay.

"Happily betrothed to Dr. Lee Westfield, Houston is every bit the good girl she was raised to be. So when faced with Kane Taggert's brash marriage proposal, Houston is outwardly shocked. But beneath her gracious demeanor lies a woman of hidden longings, and her defenses begin to melt the second this rugged stranger touches his hungry lips to hers."--Publisher website: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Twin-of-Ice/Jude-Deveraux/9780671739713.