The interludes are necessary pieces in the overall scope of the story. Not only that, I personally believe that some of the best writing in the story happens in the interludes... I will never forget the image of the old farmer beating the great bell in Taldor Valoren and announcing the advent of The Lord Protector, nor will I ever forget the fight to free the children on the way to rescuing/waking the duets. It would be a poorer story without the interludes.