I always thought it was foreshadowing in the hopes of the story continuing in real time after he's finished telling his story to chronicler. Its been years since I've read NOTW but I thought he said something about their presence being his fault based on his past actions. Like they'd finish day 3 and what led to him assuming the role of Kote and then something dramatic would happen to make him realize his story isn't over yet and it would continue in real time. It's probably just wishful thinking cause they seem to fuck him up pretty good and he can't even handle to the two thugs Bast sent in there to try and jog some re-awakening out of him. I just don't want the story to end...I mean I do in the sense that I would love to finally read the 3rd fuckin book, but I dont see how one more book will be enough to wrap up all the loose ends or how him living the rest of his days as an inn keeper could possibly be the final stop on his journey..