Quote Originally Posted by Thinker View Post
They didn't. Your archer force was too weak to conquer the city (essentially, too weak to overcome the walls) so they hung around outside till they "starved to death" (end of battle).
Unfortunately it is unintuitive and doesn't quite make sense. Imagine this conversation -

Bob : Hey John, that wall looks really high and there are only a few of us. We can't get through. Attack?
John : You bet. Charge!
Bob : Hey John, its been 50 rounds and we aren't doing much to this wall. Keep attacking?
John : You bet. Charge!
Bob : Hey John, its been 90 rounds and we are starting to run out of food. Retreat?
John : No way. Charge!