The surprise succeeded perfectly. Unobserved they entered the wood at the foot of the rock upon which the castle was situated.
Hildebrand divided his men into two parties, one of which he ordered to surround the wood on all sides; the other to dismount and follow him silently up to the castle.
The sentinels at the gate were taken by surprise, and the Byzantines, finding that they were attacked by superior numbers, fled on all sides into the wood, where the greater part of those on horseback were taken prisoners.
The flames from the burning castle illuminated the scene.
But a small group retreated, fighting, over the little river at the foot of the rock, which was crossed by a narrow bridge.
Here Hildebrand's pursuing horsemen were checked by a single man--a leader, as it seemed from the splendour of his armour.
This tall, slender, and seemingly young man--his visor was down--fought as if in desperation, covered the retreat of his men, and had already overthrown four Goths.
Then up came the old master-at-arms, and looked on for a while at the unequal combat.
"Yield, brave man!" he cried to the lonely combatant. "I will guarantee thy life."
At this call the Byzantine started; for an instant he lowered his sword, and looked at the old man.