The arrival of Ammon and his sixteen brethren from Zarahemla, together with the report of King Mosiah's just reign there, only whetted the desire of the people of Lehi-Nephi to escape from their Lamanite bondage.
Both Ammon and King Limhi sought among the people for a way to free themselves which might be successful. So that everyone might be heard, they called a meeting to which every man and woman was bidden so they could "have a voice...concerning the matter."
No plan was devised, no way was seen that might lead to the freedom of the downtrodden people. It was suggested that a bold withdrawal of "their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds," together with their tents, be made, and all then would depart into the wilderness. This idea was not favorably received; the memory of recent clashes with their more numerous adversaries was fresh in their minds. Such a plan would mean war, and any attempt to deliver themselves "by the sword" was doomed to failure because of the greater number of the Lamanites who would rush to prevent the strategem.