Simon succeeds in finding Thorn, but the victory comes at a severe cost. The sword appears to choose him or at least permit him to carry it, suggesting that his importance goes beyond his accidental involvement in Josua's rebellion. Igjarjuk's blood permanently scars him and produces a physical transformation that reflects the change already caused by grief, exile and violence.
Naglimund's destruction proves that conventional armies and castle walls cannot stop the Storm King. Elias's bargain gives Ineluki's servants direct access to the human war, while Jarnauga's death further weakens the League of the Scroll. Josua survives, but he loses his stronghold and openly commits himself to removing Elias from the throne.
The ending is therefore both a success and a defeat. The heroes obtain the first sword available to them, but they are scattered across Osten Ard. Simon is injured, Binabik faces execution, Miriamele is travelling with an untrustworthy companion, and Josua has become a fugitive. The conflict has expanded from a royal rebellion into a war against the living power of the past.