The Nephites react with rage against this violation of the “moral” rules of warfare. Their anger increased their strength. Perhaps the Lamanite/Gadianton army had been counting on defections in Desolation as they had in the south, but the potential Nephite defectors may have also been shocked by the sacrifice of women and children. In any case, the Nephites drive the Lamanite/Gadianton army back “out of their lands.”
Although Mormon does not give any geographical information on this point, there is no textual evidence that the Nephites recaptured Bountiful and certainly not Zarahemla. Indeed, when the Lamanite/Gadiantons come again, their first named target is Desolation (v. 19). Apparently, the Nephites now regarded “their” lands as those north of the narrow pass. Anything farther south was irretrievably lost.