The three kings leading the siege were taking counsel, and coming to a bold and highly controversial decision. Abruptly, and to many perplexingly, it was decided to abandon the offensive on the western side of the city and to move instead to a new position in the southeast, where intelligence suggested that the orchards were thinner, the walls weaker and victory would be faster. Rumors of several large relieving forces seem to have spooked the Frankish leadership to the point of being willing to gamble heavily on a switch in strategy to force a rapid victory.
