The Lamanites were in a dilemma and, therefore, were full of promises. They were willing to grant the people of Helam their lives and liberty if they would show them the way to the City of Lehi-Nephi. Alma then showed them the way they should take to return to their homes. He, however was deceived by them. "The counsels of the wicked are deceit." (Prov. 12:5)
Having obtained the information they sought, and having reached their homes in safety, the Lamanites broke their promises to Alma, and made Amulon the king over the entire Land of Helam. Amulon, nevertheless, was a vassal monarch. He vowed homage and fealty to King Laman was was the ruler of all the Lamanites. Also, the historian wrote, Amulon should have no power, of himself, to do "anything contrary to the will of the king of the Lamanites."