After having killed Amalickiah, Teancum alerts his soldiers. The Lamanite army may respond in two ways to the loss of their leader: (1) give up and leave—which is what usually happens when a commander is killed during a battle, or (2) counterattack, if they are feeling vengeful and can be mobilized by a secondary leader who promptly assumes command and focuses their wrath on the Nephites. Teancum was counting on the former but was prepared for the latter.