"Terminus Est" is eventually destroyed while Severian wields it in battle. This occurs during his fight against Baldanders, his former traveling companion. When "Terminus Est" strikes the massive and bizarre mace Baldanders wields, which seems to be tuned to the resonant frequency at which Terminus Est would shatter, both weapons are destroyed. Upon the destruction of "Terminus Est", Severian recovers the hilt of the shattered blade, later returning it to Master Palaemon upon his return to the Citadel at the close of the series.