Anton followed the gesture. "I was inaccurate earlier," he admitted. "I said I was a soldier. In truth I have never really stopped. I simply decided, after the war, to give my skills a different focus. The rules here in the Hotel are simpler than among bickering governments."

Creating a sanctuary. Perpetuating a sanctuary. Too many nations were willing to live and let live, allow evil men to escape justice, for the sake of ending the war. Too many nations set aside their allies in favour of 'peace'.

... Which brought him back to another, quite legitimate concern, this time on Amberdrake's behalf. Anton brought his gaze back to the other man. "How does your Empathic Gift work?" he asked evenly. "If you do not wish to give me details I understand; but I ask for the sake of your comfort, as my presence may give you some discomfort when your Gift is at its usual strength."