And here in this one chapter we have all the proof we need to demonstrate that Paolini has learned absolutely nothing. Another subplot that goes nowhere, another super powerful villain/monster who is introduced to no purpose and then disappears forever, an action scene rendered boring by bad pacing, excessive wordiness, and misplaced exposition. The levels of sheer amateurish incompetence are so unbelievably high that it boggles my MIND to think this book ever saw the light of day. Or at least that it was published without this whole section being cut! What the absolute fuck, Tor? What is WRONG with you people? Aren't you supposed to be professionals? And yet you allow this to happen? You should be ashamed of yourselves.