We begin with Ammon’s story. He departs into the land of Ishmael. Little is known about the land of Ishmael. Verse 19 tells us that it was named after the sons of Ishmael, although, unless one of them was named Ishmael, it was named in honor of their father.
As Ammon enters the land, he is noticed and taken and bound. There was good reason for the sons of Mosiah to be concerned for their safety in Lamanite lands. Ammon enters as a prisoner, one completely at the mercy of the king.