I ascended to Room 627 and for a few minutes I was free of mutability warnings, inadequate doctorates, irritated hosts or mysterious keys. The room had an opulent feeling of luxury, cleanliness, privacy and comfort. There were flowers in a vase, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a notice that the minibar was fully stocked. A handwritten note from someone called Norie told me that she was my room maid, and that any requests I might have could be written on the notepad provided. The room, large and luxurious though it was, could not be described as a ‘suite’, as promised by the invitation letter, nor had I any idea if this really was the best hotel in Dearth City, also promised, but it was abundantly better than anywhere I had stayed before.

Warm air circulated gently. I stripped off my outer clothing with a sense of relief, tossing everything aside and making an untidy heap in the centre of the carpet. There was a radiant electric fire, programmed to pour out heat with fierce purpose for one minute at a time. I squatted on the stool that was provided, driving away the last vestiges of the sub-zero chill from my hands and face. I then used a second minute for my ankles and feet.

I ran a tub of hot water in the bathroom. I removed the rest of my clothes then stood in the warm and steamy bathroom while I shaved. Finally, I plunged into the tub and lay there for several minutes, glorying in the hot water. For the first time since leaving home I felt happy and comfortable.

I was dressing when my cellphone vibrated. I did not recognize the number.

A male voice said, but hesitantly: ‘Is that Dr Fremde?’

‘Yes, this is Todd Fremde.’

‘We have come to collect you, citizen sir, and will be honoured to accompany you to the conference centre. We are waiting in the lobby.’

‘I’m still getting ready. Can you wait another five or ten minutes?’

‘We are already late, sir.’

‘I’ll be down in two,’ I said.

I experienced a faint frisson of irritation. I had been through this before, the sudden requirement expressed by other people that I needed to hurry up. I had been travelling for nearly two days. What was I now late for? I was after all the main, the sole attraction that evening. What else is the role of a keynote speaker? I did not delude myself with self importance, but in every practical way the event could neither start, continue nor end if I was not there. For what other event that evening would I make them late?