Helaman had not intention of attempting to meet this army. The strategy here was not one of encirclement, for the Lamanite army was sufficiently superior that it could have likely withstood a two-front engagement with the small Nephite forces. Helaman marches directly on to Zarahemla, a place of refuge and presumably more reinforcements. The Lamanites note this path, and assume that there are Zarahemlaite troops preparing to meet them. Rather than face an unknown force, they retreat.