In a deep layer of her mind, where she had to fight to keep it from rising to the level of a thought that Balthazar might sense, Aurora's response was one of surprise.<em>He didn't know!  He didn't know I could, didn't know I was until I had done it.</em><br/><br/>"Good," she said, and Mallory again gave her a look as she spoke aloud.  She smiled at the heavyset soldier.  "It's good the way you're taking care of the horse.  She's a gentle mare, and we ask much of her."<br/><br/><em>Mine?</em>she asked, once more using only her thoughts to communicate to the old lich.<em>He is. . .mine?</em>