Helaman had no intention of attempting to meet the Lamanite army or trying to encircle it. No doubt the Lamanite army had sufficient numbers to withstand a two-front engagement with the small Nephite forces. Helaman marched directly toward Zarahemla, a place of refuge and presumably more reinforcements. The Lamanites deduced that Zarahemlaite troops would meet them in the field and retreated.