Pahoran explains the real conditions. The situation is almost exactly as Moroni has feared, with the significant difference that Pahoran is still on the side of the freemen. As Moroni feared, the freeman/kingmen conflict has arisen again, and is the ultimate cause of the delay in sending reinforcements. Pahoran clarifies the issue by pointing out that while the kingmen are “exceedingly numerous,” he himself is not to be included among them. Pahoran declares himself to be one of the freemen, which places him firmly on Moroni’s side, and as one who upholds the Nephite political tradition.