Shadowsinger by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Page B

and ideas to why she felt as she did.
    Alcaren did not press her, and shortly they rode under the archway into the Matriarch’s grounds and reined up under the covered portico, where a pair of guards in pale blue stood by the archway.
    â€œYou are expected, Lady Secca,” offered the taller, even before Secca had finished reining up beside the mounting block.
    â€œThank you,” she replied, dismounting easily, then handing the gray’s reins to Gorkon, who also took the reins to Alcaren’s gelding.
    Secca and her consort entered the foyer, then climbed the stairs to the upper level, where Alcaren stopped at the upper landing, well short of the Matriarch’s guard.
    Secca stepped forward, and the guard turned to the door, opening it just a trace.
    â€œThe lady Secca to see you, Matriarch.” Almost before completing the announcement, and before the Matriarch’s words to admit Secca were completed, the guard opened the door.
    Secca walked toward the dais, stopped, and bowed before Alya, who was again seated on the blue crystalline throne-chair.
    â€œYou had asked to see me, Lady Secca?” asked the Matriarch.
    Secca bowed. “I would like to inquire as to how might our transportation to Dumar be coming?”
    â€œAs quickly as we can finish fitting out the vessels. After all, after freeing our ports and providing us with six more vessels,” replied the Matriarch with a smile, “how could I refuse?”
    â€œEspecially since it would remove two sorceresses and a sorcerer from Encora,” countered Secca.
    â€œBut I would be losing my favorite cousin.” Alya laughed warmly, before a more serious expression reappeared. “I cannot tell you how happy I am for both of you. I have not seen Alcaren so joyous in all his life. He does not tell others, but I can sense and see that.”
    â€œI fear I am carrying him into great danger,” Secca said.
    â€œThat may be, but it is a danger that you may be able to overcome together. The dangers he faced here could never have been conquered.”
    Secca nodded. From what she had seen of the Ladies of the Shadows, she understood.
    â€œDo you know where our ships would carry you? When we spoke before, you had not decided, and Narial remains in Sturinnese hands…” ventured the Matriarch.
    â€œI had thought the small port of Stygia, south of Envaryl. We are still using the glasses to study Dumar, but, before we went farther, I wished to ask if that destination would be one where you could assist us.”
    Alya laughed gently. “I think everyone in Ranuak would like to help you on your way, wherever it be in Dumar, if not for the same reasons. The SouthWomen want to follow you into battle. The Exchange wants you to defeat the Sturinnese as soon as possible. The Ladies of the Shadows would like you and Alcaren out of Encora before you corrupt the land to a greater extent, and I will feel great relief, if sadness, once you are safely departed.” Alya’s expression returned to a somber cast. “You know the SouthWomen have requested to accompany you? All five companies?”
    â€œI had heard rumors of such.”
    â€œWould you have them?”
    â€œGladly,” Secca replied. “Five companies would help greatly.”
    â€œI had thought as much. They have asked if you would accept Delcetta as their overcaptain. She would take orders still from Alcaren, or from you, as you see fit.”
    â€œI have no problem with her being an overcaptain. With the demands of sorcery, I would leave direct command to Alcaren.”
    The Matriarch nodded. “I will convey both my approval and yours to the Council of SouthWomen…not that they need mine, nor have they always heeded the Matriarch, but it is better when we do agree.” Alya’s last words were delivered with a dryly sardonic tone.
    â€œHow soon can we leave?” pressed Secca.
    â€œBefore your consorting I had asked the