The Black Arrow focuses on betrayal and warfare, and though Stevenson presents many exciting adventures, he laments the "deplorable necessities of war" and makes it clear that war is a disaster. Dick may win his sweetheart and regain his small estate, but for the country at large war brings only death and devastation. Thus on one level Dick's adventures are good fun, while on a deeper level they expose the horror of warfare. In battle, many on both sides die pointlessly. To the peasants and common people, it makes no difference whether Lancaster or York rules; their lives remain equally grim. Neither side is wholly right or wrong. After Dick helps win the battle of Shoreby, the victorious Yorkists sack the town, victimizing the innocent civilians. The Yorkists triumph, but readers familiar with English history know that they will ultimately suffer a tragic end.