"Making Plans" by Jenny Olivera

"Not much longer now," Borenen remarked without looking up from the parchment in front of him. "With all we've just acquired, both in men and weapons, I'd say this could happen within the next month or so."

"Good." Khelac stood with his back to the table and the two other men, his arms crossed over his narrow chest.

Klevi regarded the small, dark-haired man for a moment before turning to Borenen. "And what of the . . . other work?" he asked slowly.

"That's going smoothly, too." Borenen glanced at Klevi from the corner of his eye. "Byton's nearly cleared out -"

"All you are doing is moving them," Khelac interrupted. He turned and regarded the two mercenaries, his lip twitching almost into a sneer. Borenen flinched under the gaze of the cold, double-hued eyes. "It's not solving anything. So now instead of being near at hand, the jusrium-lin are spread further out. Not to mention warned. You have lost what advantage surprise could have gained you."

"Perhaps you have," Klevi said evenly, meeting his gaze. "What you speak of was never my intent."

Khelac didn't bother to hide his sneer. "I must have underestimated you, Klevi. I would not have thought you the kind to shrink from an . . . unpleasant task."

Klevi's eyes narrowed slightly but he remained calm. "If I saw that the task was necessary, I would not."

"Um . . ." Borenen started.

"So you do not think ridding your land of pests is necessary?" Khelac interrupted without seeming to notice. His accent, usually light, had been steadily thickening as the conversation went on.

"I certainly do consider the removal of pests necessary."

"You lie," Khelac snapped. "The opportunity was there before you and you say you have no intention of -"

"My dear Khelac," Klevi cut in smoothly, "I shall do my job. I am not paid to do yours." He gave a shallow bow and then turned for the door. Borenen turned from him to the scowling Khelac.