But what of the central conflict? What of the battle between the Dragon and the Dark One? Here, I cared less about the actual mechanics, and more about the thematic significance. And at the thematic level, it fits. At the plot level too, though there is what seems to be misdirection. As someone I discussed this with said, it is both surprising and logical. Logical, because there is no last minute talisman that saves the day. Surprising because there were enough threads surrounding this that the final weave couldn't be exactly guessed at. The Wheel has no beginning or ending. But this is an ending, and it is fitting.