One knows, when all one's life one has walked in dangerous places, when the silence is that of ambush and when the silence is that of emptiness.
In the quote from Dorothy Dunnett's "Checkmate," it is suggested that a person becomes truly aware of their environment through their experiences. When someone has consistently navigated hazardous situations, they learn to distinguish between different types of silence—whether it signifies an imminent threat or just emptiness.
The statement emphasizes the heightened awareness that comes from living in danger, where silence is not merely the absence of sound but a sign of potential danger or solitude. It highlights how such experiences shape one's perception and understanding of their surroundings.
